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Pack Free. Best Accommodation
In the footsteps of Emperors, hike inn to inn with a local professional guide on enchanting sections of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route weaving through forested mountains and small villages towards the Grand Shrine of Hongu. Spend three nights at Japanese inns in Takahara, Nonaka and Yunomine Onsen areas, and enjoy home-cooked dinners featuring local seasonal ingredients.
The Kumano Kodo is the world's only UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage route besides the Camino de Santiago. Once a sacred pilgrimage reserved for emperors and samurai for over 1200 years, the world-class Kumano Kodo hiking route is today open to all walkers and natural wanderers.
The best accommodation along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route is hand picked for this package, with three nights in Japanese style inns/boutique lodges. All rooms have ensuite ...
The best accommodation along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route is hand picked for this package, with three nights in Japanese style inns/boutique lodges. All rooms have ensuite (private toilet).
Most meals are included for the duration of the walk. You will enjoy authentic and delicious local cuisine.
Your luggage will be transported each day to the next accommodation so you only need to carry a daypack to enjoy your daily exploration.
This itinerary focuses on popular walks on the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo over 4 incredible days. Get ready for this unforgettable village-to-village trek.
Departure Dates:
Departs daily year round on request.
Orientation
The local staff will give you an orientation of the tour when you arrive at Kii-Tanabe station. The staff will supply you with maps, bus timetables and brief you on your itinerary. The staff will explain cultural elements such as how to use a bath and purchase bus tickets if need be as well as answer any last minute questions.
Dual Pilgrim
This walk is qualified for "Dual Pilgrim". We provide official Dual Pilgrim Credential - a type of passport for pilgrims. It is used to collect stamps along the trail as a record of the walk. There are two sides, one for the Kumano Kodo and one for the Way of St. James.Please read the details in the section of Dual Pilgrim at the bottom of this page.
Why Choose Us
- We provide official English map (the best map).
- We provide official Dual Pilgrim Credential.
- We offer a pre-walk briefing at our local representative’s office.
- Unlike other operators using traditional Japanese inns/guesthouses that have communal bathrooms and toilets, we offer the best accommodation along the trail. All our rooms have private toilets.
- We arrange daily luggage transfer. Your luggage will be transferred to the next accommodation. You only need to carry a daypack for the walk.
Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.
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Walking distance: 4km Elevation gain: 430m Elevation Loss: 200m
Train from Osaka/Kyoto to Kii-Tanabe (3 hrs)Bus from Kii-Tanabe to Takijiri (40 mins)
You will make your own way from Shin-Osaka or Kyoto by train to Kii-Tanabe Station (at your own expense). Kii-Tanabe is the gateway to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails. The JR train travels down the west coast of the Kii peninsula. As you head south the scenery changes dramatically from the large urban centres to agricultural and natural regions, with distinctively less populated mountains.
Suggested TrainDepart: 9:01 Shin-OsakaArrive: 11:22 Kii-Tanabe
Tips: Sit on the right hand side of the train for the best views.
Make your own way out of the Kii-Tanabe Station and a local guide will give you an orientation of the tour.
Board a local bus (at your own expense) and travel forty minutes to Takijiri. This is where your walk on the Nakahechi of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route begins. Takijiri-oji is a very important spot on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage route and one of the five major Oji shrines. It's the entrance to the abode of the gods and Buddhist paradises of rebirth.
Continue on a short but steep uphill walk from Takijiri to the ridge top settlement of Takahara, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Hatenashi mountain range. Takahara is known as "Kiri-no-Sato" (Village in the Mist) because the scenic mountain vistas are often blanketed with mist.
Enjoy a home cooked meal and an overnight stay at Kiri-no-Sato Takahara Lodge (or similar accomodation).
Walking distance: 13km Elevation gain: 830m Elevation Loss: 650m
After your Japanese breakfast you leave your inn. Follow the trail and walk into the forested mountains east of Takahara. The trail winds through small settlements and peaceful countryside. The paths are clearly defined, and flagstones have been laid in some places to make the climbs easier.
Climb over ridges, pass several Oji shrines and over ridges into the next watershed before finally descending into the village of Chikatsuyu where you could take a break at a local cafe
Continue your walk to Tsugizakura-oji, a small shrine featuring gigantic old-growth trees, with branches facing south, drawn by the power of Kannon's southern paradise.
Overnight in a charming Japanese guesthouse in the Nonaka area with ensuite toilet and bath.
Walking distance: 21.5km. (Shorter walking options can be arranged on request. You have options to walk 8 km or 17 km) Elevation gain: 960m Elevation Loss: 1440m
Enjoy your breakfast and embark on a challenging full day walk with many climbs and descents. The trail from Hosshinmon-oji to Hongu is popular with a diverse forested trail.
Visit the Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three ‘Grand Shrines of Kumano', standing on a small ridge line in the north of the Hongu village. The austere pavilions are made of wood with impressive cypress bark roofs; it's architectural style dating back over 800 years.
From the Kumano Hongu Taish, a 10-min bus ride brings you to Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest natural hot-spring villages in Japan.
Your accommodation tonight is an wonderful traditional Ryokan run for generations since the Edo era. Ryokan Adumaya features eight hot baths. The largest bath looks the same as what it used to be since Taisho era. The Samashi bath is a 100% fontal hot spring, and it has medicinal benefits at a moderate temperature. After day's walking adventure, you can relax and enjoy Japan’s oldest hot spring which has been loved by famous Japanese poet Kyoshi Takahama as well as many other literary figures.
Enjoy a relaxing soak in a Japanese bath before or after your delicious, multi-course dinner
Enjoy your breakfast and take time to explore the atmospheric village of Yunomine Onsen.
Ride a local bus & train to Nachi (at your own expense). Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three grand shrines, located halfway up Nachi Mountain, about 350 meters above sea level. It has its religious origin in the ancient nature worship of Nachi-no-Otaki falls. Nachi Falls, 133 meters high and 13 meters wide, is the tallest waterfall in Japan. Its water source is the surrounding broad-leaf evergreen primeval forest, a sanctuary that has been protected since ancient times, used for ascetic training by mountain monks who practice Shugendo, a mixed religion of foreign and indigenous beliefs.
Then rain ride to Shin-Osaka or Kyoto (at your own expense).
There are a few options after the walk (Extra Cost). Please contact us if you would like to customise your itinerary.- Visit Hayatama Grand Shrine and Shingu- Staying another night in the Katsuura area, enjoy a traditional boat ride to Shingu and visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha- Head up to the east coast and stay at Ise and Toba for a luxury coastal retreat and imbibe the region's pearl-diving heritage, sacred shrines and scenic nature. Talk to us to arrange a luxury retreat at Amanemu and Oyado The Earth- Stay in Kushimoto area to enjoy the rugged coastline
Daily departure on request. Group discount is available for 6 or people. Please contact us to book if you have a group of more than 12 people.
The departure point is Kii-Tanabe.By train from KyotoKyoto > Kii-Tanabe (2 hrs 35min)By train from OsakaShin-Osaka > Kii-Tanabe (2 hrs)
Day 1: Approximately 4 km, 2 - 3 hoursDay 2: Approximately 13 km, 6 - 8 hoursDay 3: Approximately 21.5 km, 8 - 11 hours (Shorter options are available on request. You can walk 8 km or 17 km instead)Day 4: No walk
A "Dual Pilgrim" is someone who has walked both the Kumano Kodo and the Way of St.James (Camino de Santiago).This program was developed to celebrate, honor, and share the stories of those who have completed both of these UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage routes.Dual Pilgrims receive a limited edition "DUAL PILGRIM" pin badge and are featured on the Dual Pilgrim. (Inclusion on the website is optional).To receive the Dual Pilgrim status, pilgrims must complete one of the options for the Way of St. James, and one of the options for the Kumano Kodo, then register at a designated site.Way of St James Options- at least the last 100 km on foot or by horse, or- at least the last 200 km by bicycleKumano Kodo Options- Takijiri-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha on foot (~38 km) or- Kumano Nachi Taisha to/from Kumano Hongu Taisha on foot (~30 km) or- Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha on foot (~7 km) plus a visit to Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha or- Koyasan to Kumano Hongu Taisha on foot (~70 km)Only walking is allowed on the Kumano Kodo. No bicycles or horses.You can register for "Dual Pilgrim" status after you have completed the second route in either Santiago de Compostela or Tanabe City.
The Kumano Kodo can be walked year round but the weather can change rapidly in the Kumano mountain environment.The best time to walk the Kumano Kodo really depends on what you are looking for.March - April is spring season and an extremely popular time as it is cherry blossom season in Japan. October - November is also a popular time to visit as it is autumn and the colours throughout the forest are stunning. In spring and autumn, you can expect daytime temperatures of around 10-15°C. May and September are also lovely months to visit with warmer and longer days - daytime temperatures range between 18-24°C.June - August is summer season so you can expect much more humidity and higher rainfall but on the other hand scenery is beautifully green and verdant. During summer you can expect up to 25-30°C in temperature.December - February is winter season and there is a small chance of snow on the Nakahechi route. Trails are open year round but due to the cool weather and reduced hours of daylight we recommend this time of year for experienced trekkers only.Most accommodation close during the Christmas and New Year's holiday period.Kii-Peninsula is one of the wettest areas of mainland Japan and you should be prepared with adequate rain gear.Please note that the period when you are most likely to experience Typhoons is during August - early October period. If a Typhoon makes landfall on the mainland then there is often disruption to travel plans as all transport shuts down during a Typhoon and people stay indoors. Depending on the damage caused there may also be temporary trail closures - though usually things return to normal fairly quickly.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.