Kumano Kodo Iseji self-guided walking 4 days

Hike the ancient coastal Iseji route. This tour does not include the classic Kumano Kodō Nakahechi trail.

The Iseji route, one of the five Kumano Kodō trails, connects the region’s most important shrines of pilgrimage, Ise Grand Shrine in Mie, and Hayatama Grand Shrine on the eastern coast of the Kii Peninsula. The route offers varied walking, from cobblestone trails to sandy beachside walks.

Kumano Kodo Iseji self-guided walking 4 days

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Start date

June 2024
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Tour details

Kumano Kodo Iseji self-guided walking 4 days
x1 traveller
USD 0
Single room additional charge
USD 330
TOTAL
USD 0

If you would like to do multiple tours in one trip or have a question about any of our tours, do not hesitate to contact us with the button below.

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  • Duration: 4 days
  • Trip level:
    Active
    Level
  • Availability: All year (snow falls occasionally from December to March)
  • Type:Self-guided
    Level
  • Price: USD 1,340(Price per person, based on 2 travellers sharing a room)
Highlights
  • Bathe in thermal hot spring waters
  • Visit Ise Grand Shrine, Japan’s most significant spiritual site
  • Take in a variety of breath-taking views, from coastal walks to cobblestoned paths
  • Visit two of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano, Hayatama Grand Shrine and Nachi Grand Shrine

Ise Grand Shrine, or 'Ise Jingū' in Japanese, is a large shrine complex in the coastal town of Ise and known as Japan’s most sacred shrine. Travellers come from around the country to visit the complex, which is comprised of over 100 shrines and is approximately the size of Paris. The two most significant of these are the Inner Shrine, called Naikū, and Outer Shrine, Gekū. 

Ise serves as a wonderful entry point to the Iseji route of the Kumano Kodō Pilgrimage, as this spiritual trail not only offers beautiful coastal views and quiet mountain paths but connects Ise Grand Shrine to Hayatama Grand Shrine in Shingū, holy ground that is part of the Kumano Sanzan (熊野三山/Three Grand Shrines of Kumano).

Our 4-day self-guided walking tour on the Iseji route begins with 2 days to take in Ise’s sacred sites, before heading to the small town of Nigishima to begin your hike. Enjoy a wonderful variety of beach walks and cobblestoned paths, and visit peaceful communities as you make your way toward Kii-Katsuura.

After arriving in the lively fishing town of Kii-Katsuura, where you spend your final night, you may wish to further explore on your final day, or perhaps complete your spiritual journey and visit 2 of Kumano’s Grand Shrines, Hayatama Grand Shrine and Nachi Grand Shrine.

You’re supported by our team in Kyōto, our local Chikatsuyu office, and by our bespoke turn-by-turn walking instructions and topographical maps to guide you on your way, created by our team of hikers for you.

The trail takes you along cobblestone paths which, after rain, can become slippery. For some additional support, you may want to bring hiking poles with you.

Please note that onsen communal bathing features on every night of this tour. For guests who prefer private bathing or have tattoos, please inquire before booking.

Please note that daily luggage transfer is not available on this tour.

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What is included
3 nights at Japanese inns along the Kumano Kodo Trail
3 breakfasts and 3 dinners
Round-trip train tickets from Kyōto or Ōsaka
Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions
Topographical maps
Local support by telephone and at our Kumano Kodō branch
Our Preparing for Your Trip and Travelling in Japan guidebooks
What is not included
Flights
Airport transfers
Drinks and meals not included in itinerary
Local bus journeys which must be paid directly to the bus driver
Single room supplement(s) for solo occupancy
Daily Luggage Transfer
Itinerary

Tour itineraries are subject to change. We will inform you of any amendments as soon as we become aware of them.

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