Kumano Kodo self-guided walking 6 days
In the footsteps of Emperors along the wonderful Nakahechi route.
Highlights
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Village to village walking on enchanting sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail
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Bathe in the thermal waters at a hot-spring Ryokan
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Enjoy wonderful views over the valleys and mountains
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See the Grand Shrines at Hongu and Nachi, along with Nachi-taki waterfall
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Glimpse the Pacific Ocean from Ogumotorigoe Pass
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Explore Kii-Katsuura's lively fishing port
The Kii Peninsula points south away from the great cities of Kyoto and Osaka, and is one of the most remote and mystical areas of Japan, despite its proximity. Long a place of pilgrimage, it 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, amongst them the Nakahechi-do, Kohechido and Ohechi-do, collectively known as the Kumano Kodo (Old Road of Kumano). Our walk focuses on part of the Nakahechido, 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.
The Kii Peninsula points south away from the great cities of Kyoto and Osaka, and is one of the most remote and mystical areas of Japan, despite its proximity. Long a place of pilgrimage, it 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, amongst them the Nakahechi-do, Kohechido and Ohechi-do, collectively known as the Kumano Kodo (Old Road of Kumano). Our walk focuses on part of the Nakahechido, 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.
5 nights at Japanese inns along the Kumano Kodo trail
5 breakfasts and 5 dinners
Round-trip train tickets from Kyoto or Osaka
Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions
Topographical maps
Local support by telephone and at our Kumano Kodo branch
Our Preparing for your trip and Travelling in Japan Guidebooks
Flights
Airport transfers
Pay locally for drinks with meals and for lunches
Pay locally for bus journeys on Days 1, 3, 4 and 6
Single room supplement(s) if required
Yoshinoya
