Self-Guided Kumono Kodo Hiking Tour in Japan: Enjoy a rewarding hike through the Kii Peninsula Mountains on an ancient pilgrimage trail, with city and small village stays in Japanese-style hotels and traditional Onsen Ryokan and Minshuku accommodations. Explore the famous village of Kyoto for 3 nights, where you have both ample free time and a private guided day tour. Spend 5 nights on the Kumano Kodo trail and finish with a night in Osaka. The Kii Peninsula is one of the most remote and mystical areas of Japan, despite its proximity to Kyoto and Osaka. Long a place of pilgrimage, the Kii Peninsula is the site of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano (Kumano Sanzan). From the 11th century, successive emperors and their families made the long and difficult pilgrimage to Kumano from Kyoto. Several pilgrimage trails were established, among them the Nakahechi-do, Kohechi-do, and Ohechi-do, collectively known as the Kumano Kodo (‘Old Road of Kumano’). Our walk focuses on the Nakahechi-do, which weaves its way through the forested mountains and small villages to the Grand Shrine of Hongu, before finishing near the Pacific Ocean at Nachi Grand Shrine. For those wishing to experience Japan in the most authentic way, this tour is for you!
This tour starts in Kyoto and finishes in Osaka. We recommend flying in and out of Osaka or Tokyo. Kyoto and both airports can be accessed by train.
Not Included:
Included Accommodations:
Hotel (Kyoto & Osaka) Western/Japanese-style hotels are used in larger cities. Rooms include ensuite bathrooms and AC. They are generally smaller than equivalent hotels in the West.
Ryokan (Hongu Onsen) Ryokan are traditional Japanese-style inns. They always include the Japanese-style tatami (straw) matting and futons laid out in the evening by the ryokan staff. Evening meals are usually family-style and are exquisitely prepared multi-course meals. Many ryokan have both en suite bathrooms (with the exception of some older buildings) and communal hot spring-style baths (segregated by sex). This is the traditional Japanese experience.
Minshuku (Takahara, Chikatsuyu, Koguchi, Nachi-san) Minshuku are family-run Japanese-style inns. They have tatami-mat rooms, with futons laid out in the evening for sleeping. Most minshuku do not have en suite bathrooms, as they are in older traditional buildings. Compared with a ryokan, they are often slightly less formal, but the service and food is just as good.
Local Expert: One of our friendly local Thai guides will accompany you on your tour. All of our guides are English speaking and have a real passion for sharing their country with you. Learn about the history of the famous sites, as well as the local culture, and get the inside scoop on some of the country’s best kept secrets!
Need to Know:
Dates: Plan your trip at a time that best fits your schedule! Pure Adventures tours have flexible start dates.
2023 Tour Rates:
