Once the original approach emperors followed to the Kumano Kodō, the Kiiji trail can still be walked today, offering visits to Yuasa, deep cultural experiences and access to a more moderate version of the classic Nakahechi route.
Kumano Kodo Kiiji self-guided walking 6 days
Begin on the Kiiji route before segueing into the classic Kumano Kodo experience on the Nakahechi route.
Kumano Kodo Kiiji self-guided walking 6 days
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July 2024
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Tour details
Kumano Kodo Kiiji self-guided walking 6 days
x1 traveller
USD 0
Single room additional charge
USD 440
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.
- Duration: 6 days
- Trip level:Active
- Availability: All year (snow falls occasionally from December to March)
- Type:Self-guided
- Price: USD 1,770(Price per person, based on 2 travellers sharing a room)
Highlights
- Enjoy the thermal hot spring waters at inns on several nights
- Visit the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano at Hongū, Shingū, and Nachi
- See two different sides of Kumano through coastal views and quiet mountain paths
- Visit the last remaining producer of black bamboo in Japan
- Walk the longest uninterrupted cobblestone path on the Kumano Kodō
The Kumano Kodō’s Kiiji route is believed to be the original access point of the Kumano Kodō, and connects to the more well-known classic Nakahechi route. Our 6-day self-guided walking tour introduces you to the Kiiji route and features more gentle walking than our other Kumano Kodō itineraries; once you enter the Nakahechi portion of your trip, we provide you with options so you may decide to enjoy the trail on your own terms. Whether you wish to enjoy a slower pace, take in your surroundings, and explore to your heart’s content or are excited to traverse as much of the trails as you can, we welcome you to experience this rewarding combination of the Kiiji and Nakahechi trails.
You start your journey on a beautifully preserved portion of the Kiiji route and enjoy a stop at Fujishiro Shrine. The torii gate here is also called the ‘first torii gate of Kumano’ and is believed to be the entry point of the Kumano Kodō pilgrimage. You also have time to explore the origin of Japanese soy sauce, the town of Yuasa.
From here, you venture further on the Kumano Kodō, walking on a splendid cobblestone path that will take you to your next destination, Haradani in Hidaka. This town is home to the last remaining family producing black bamboo nationwide – shrines, temples, even gardens and the interiors of Japanese homes are all common places to find black bamboo. Spend some time with this welcoming family as they show you how they refine the bamboo and learn more about this unique craft. You’ll receive a small keepsake to bring home with you.
After completing the Kiiji portion of your trip, you will reach Tanabe, the point at which the Kumano Kodō branches off into some of its other trails. From here you will continue onto the classic Nakahechi route, exploring local communities, inland walks, and atmospheric shrines that continue to draw pilgrims to this day. Along your pilgrimage, you will visit the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano before heading onwards by train.
You’re supported by our team in Kyōto and our local Chikatsuyu office, as well as by our bespoke turn-by-turn walking instructions and topographical maps, created by our team of hikers for you to guide you on your way.
Have you walked the Camino de Santiago? You can obtain Dual Pilgrim status on our tour, or collect your stamps and obtain the status on your future Camino de Santiago trip.
What is included
 | 5 nights at Japanese inns along the Kumano Kodō Trail |
 | 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners |
 | Round - trip train tickets from Kyōto or Ōsaka |
 | Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions |
 | Topographical maps |
 | Our Preparing for Your Trip and Travelling in Japan guidebooks |
 | Local support by telephone and at our Kumano Kodō branch |
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.
Day 1: Hike from Shimizu-Ura to Kainan
Day 2: Hike from Yuasa to Hidaka
Day 3: Hike from Takijiri to Takahara
Day 4: Hike from Chikatsuyu and Nonaka to Hongū
Day 5: Visit Hayatama Grand Shrine and Nachi Grand Shrine
Day 6: Travel to Kii-Katsuura and onwards by train to Ōsaka or Kyōto