Walking the Kumano Kodo: Nakahechi Trail (Guided)
Walking the Kumano Kodo: Nakahechi Trail (Guided)
$3525
Walking the Kumano Kodo: Nakahechi Trail (Guided)
9 Days Starting and ending in Kyoto, Japan
Visiting: Kyoto, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Hongu Grand Shrine, Kumano River, Nachi-san, Katsuura
Tour operator:
Tour code:
990
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 13
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Japan’s ultimate spiritual trail, the Kumano Kodo, has carried pilgrims for centuries across the peaks and valleys of the Kii Peninsula, to worship at three magnificent Grand Shrines en route: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha and Hayatama Taisha. This 258km walking route has various subsections, and this nine day, guided walking adventure covers the inland, mountainous Nakahechi route. As well as seeing the Grand Shrines, you experience other traditional treks and while staying at ryokan or minshuku accommodation
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Meet In Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: western-style hotel in Kyoto
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet at the hotel in central Kyoto. If you arrive early we recommend a visit to the following sights: Gnkakuji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, Gion District, or take a short train ride to Fushimi Inari and the bamboo forest. End the day with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 : Kyoto – Takahara 4.5Km
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: ryokan in Takahara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take the train from Kyoto (3h) to Tanabe on the Kii Peninsula, then travel by local bus from Kii-Tanabe station to Takijiri (40mins), where the Nakahechi Route of the Kumano Kodo begins. From Takijiri, the path climbs steadily to the ridge-top village of Takahara, your last stop for today. Spend the night in a traditional Japanese ryokan with views over the mountains and hot spring baths.
Day 3 : Takahara – Chikatsuyu 11.3Km
Location: Kumano Hongu Taisha
Accommodation Name: minshuku in Chikatsuyu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From Chikatsuyu, the trail continues through small villages and forest trails over the Kii Mountains to Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano. At the heart of these sacred mountains, Kumano was said to be the entrance to the land of Yomi, the other world which spirits travelled to in Japanese mythology. From Kumano Hongu, a short bus ride brings you to Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest natural hot spring villages in Japan, or Kawayu Onsen famous for the thermal water bubbling to the surface of the crystal clear river. Take the chance to have a relaxing soak in a Japanese bath before or after your delicious, multi-course dinner. After dinner, a local shamisen music group will perform for the group.
Day 4 : Chikatsuyu – Hongu Grand Shrine 12.9Km
Location: Hongu Grand Shrine
Accommodation Name: ryokan in Yunomine Onsen or Kawayu Onsen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s hike includes two scenic sections of the Kumano Kodo trail, passing through ridge-top villages and taking in ōji shrines, where nobles once stopped to refresh and compose poems. From Chikatsuyu walk to Kobiro, then take a local bus to Hoshinmon-ōji before descending on foot to Hongū Grand Shrine. The symbol of the shrine, is a three-legged crow, representing Hongū, Nachi, and Hayatama shrines. In mythology, the three-legged crow was sent to guide Emperor Jimmu on his journey from Kumano to the Yamato Plain, now named Nara prefecture. After visiting the shrine, transfer by local bus to Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, or to Kawayu Onsen, famous for its thermal water bubbling to the surface of the crystal-clear river.
Day 5 : Kumano River Boat Ride
Location: Kumano River
Accommodation Name: ryokan in Yunomine Onsen or Kawayu Onsen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer by local bus to the Kumano River to take trip on a traditional wooden boat along the river to Hayatama Grand Shrine, as Imperial pilgrims once did. Finally, take the bus back to Yunomine Onsen for another night at the hot spring inn.
Day 6 : Nachi Grand Shrine And Waterfall
Location: Nachi-san
Accommodation Name: onsen hotel in Katsuura
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take a local bus to Koguchi and hike the final section of the trail which takes you from Koguchi up to Ogumotorigoe Pass with a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. It then descends to Nachi-san, the location of Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano. You also get a chance to visit Nachi-taki waterfall. From there take a short bus to the port town of Kii-Katsuura with wonderful views over the island-studded bay.
Day 7 : Coastal Hike Or Rest Day
Location: Katsuura
Accommodation Name: onsen hotel in Katsuura
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s itinerary has an optional hike along a different section of the Kumano Kodo, the coastal part of the Iseji route, with views over the Pacific Ocean. This is the oldest paved section on the Kumano Kodo network, with stone blocks dating back eight hundred years. Alternatively, choose to relax in hot spring baths or explore the town, famous for its seafood dishes, old-fashioned Japanese shopping arcade, and whale skeleton.
Day 8 : Transfer To Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: western-style hotel in Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave the Kii Peninsula behind by travelling on the coastal rail line to Kyoto and end your evening with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9 : Departure
Location: Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in western-style hotels, ryokans, and minshukus throughout the tour.
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Meals
Meals included: welcome dinner on Day 1, breakfast and dinner from Day 2 to Day 8, and farewell dinner on Day 8.
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Guided Tour
Guided walking tour along the Kumano Kodo: Nakahechi Trail.
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Local Transportation
Local bus and train transfers as specified in the itinerary.
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Cultural Experiences
Cultural experiences such as a local shamisen music performance and a traditional wooden boat ride on the Kumano River.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Japan are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities on the rest day (Day 7) are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel by train from Kyoto to Tanabe, local buses to various trailheads, and a traditional wooden boat along the Kumano River, with additional local bus transfers to hot spring inns.
Accommodation
Stay in a mix of western-style hotels in Kyoto and traditional Japanese ryokans and minshukus along the Kumano Kodo trail, featuring hot spring baths and scenic mountain views.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a variety of accommodations including western-style hotels in Kyoto, traditional Japanese ryokans in Takahara and Yunomine Onsen or Kawayu Onsen, and a minshuku in Chikatsuyu.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, meals are included throughout the tour. You will have breakfast and dinner provided each day, with a welcome dinner on the first day and a farewell dinner on the last day.
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What kind of physical activity is involved in this tour?
The tour involves daily hikes ranging from 4.5km to 14.5km, with varying levels of elevation gain and loss. There is also an optional coastal hike on the seventh day.
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Is there any cultural or historical significance to the places we will visit?
Yes, the tour includes visits to significant cultural and historical sites such as the Kumano Hongu Taisha, Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, and the Nachi-taki waterfall. These sites are part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, which are steeped in Japanese mythology and history.
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Will there be any opportunities to experience traditional Japanese culture?
Yes, you will have multiple opportunities to experience traditional Japanese culture, including staying in ryokans, soaking in hot spring baths, and enjoying a performance by a local shamisen music group.
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What is the significance of the Kumano Kodo trail?
The Kumano Kodo trail is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that have been used for over a thousand years. It is considered sacred and is associated with the Kumano Sanzan, the three Grand Shrines of Kumano.
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Is there any flexibility in the itinerary?
Yes, on the seventh day, you have the option to either go on a coastal hike along the Iseji route or take a rest day to relax in hot spring baths or explore the town of Katsuura.
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour includes various modes of transportation such as trains, local buses, and a traditional wooden boat ride along the Kumano River.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.