Included: Experienced, local hiking & biking guides with extensive knowledge of the area 7-day hike & bike tour along the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Accommodation for 6 nights at Japanese-style inns & modern resort hotels (double occupancy) Most meals (6 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 5 dinners, as listed in the itinerary) Van support Mechanical support Luggage transfer by van Bike transfer by van during hiking Train on day 6 Snacks and water during ride Accident insurance (limited) Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Single occupancy room Bike rental: High-quality e-hybrid bikes (YAMAHA / TREK / MIYATA) High-performance carbon road bikes (Cannondale Synapse Carbon Disc 105 etc.) Comfortable adventure bikes (Cannondale SLATE) Not included: Transportation to Japan Meals and beverages not under the “what’s included” Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join the hike and bike tour along Kumano Kodo, good fitness is required . The most you’ll cycle within a day is up to 50 km (31 mi), and you’ll also be hiking for 3 days, up to 9.5 km (5.9 mi) per day. Your guides recommend renting an e-bike —at checkout, you’ll be able to select an e-hybrid bike, making the mileage and ascents less challenging. Due to some steep up-hills in this tour, using an e-bike is highly recommended. Still, you can rent a road bike if you have enough experience and confidence.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Duffle bag or suitcase for all your personal belongings (try to pack light) Day pack large enough to carry items you’ll need throughout the day (around a 20-30L bag) Bike helmet and bike — option to rent Cycling and hiking clothing Leisure clothing Appropriate shoes for cycling and hiking Sun hat Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

What about the bikes and equipment?

If you’d like to, you can bring your own bikes, but don’t sweat if it’s too much hassle bringing it—your guides provide bike rentals at an additional cost (pricing shown at checkout). Choose between: High-quality e-hybrid bikes (YAMAHA / TREK / MIYATA) High-performance carbon road bikes (Cannondale Synapse Carbon Disc 105 etc.) Comfortable adventure bikes (Cannondale SLATE) Once you’re on tour, a support vehicle will be available. No need to carry your bags on your bike, they will safely be transported to your accommodation. You will also be provided with GPS devices, maps, and a GPS tracking smartphone app for checking each rider’s real-time position.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this hike and bike tour along Kumano Kodo, the maximum group size is 8 people with hiking and biking guides. Solo travelers are welcome to join, but securing a single occupancy room for themselves is mandatory —you’ll be able to add it to your booking at checkout. Hiking and biking the Kumano Kodo can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

The price for this Kumano Kodo adventure is based on twin-share rooms , but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee . You can add it to your booking at checkout. Solo travelers are welcome to join, but securing a single occupancy room for themselves is mandatory.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Shirahama, the starting point of your hike & bike Kumano Kodo tour, it’s best to fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM) . Depending on where you land, it will take you 1.5-2.5 hours by car or up to 4 hours by public transport. You’ll meet your guide at a hotel in Shirahama on Day 1 of the tour around 1- 2pm before a short test ride. More details are to come once you book.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

KUMANO KODO | JAPAN

Bike and Hike the Kumano Kodo, Japan’s Iconic Pilgrimage

7 days | Moderate | 5.00

From $3,987 ()

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Deep within the sacred Kii Mountains hides Kumano Kodo—one of the world’s great spiritual routes, winding through quiet cedar forests and along the wild Pacific coast. This millennium-old pilgrimage connects river valleys, moss-covered stone walls, and ancient pathways leading to the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. Where most visitors take a bus or train, we keep things human-powered—cycling and hiking our way through this remarkable place to truly absorb its spirituality and traditions. We take care of luggage transfers, hand-picked accommodation, and most meals, so at day’s end you can simply settle into a warm ryokan, enjoy authentic local food, and soak in an onsen.

Tetsuya

Adventure Highlights

Tradition and culture: Pedal and learn about the millennium-old pilgrimage, and honor the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano
Ease of mind: Leave all the worries and burdens behind—luggage is transferred, accommodation booked, food taken care of
Indulge in onsen: Loosen up your weary leg muscles with daily baths in onsen, Japanese hot springs

Duration

7 days

Season

Year-round, but spring and fall are best

Group size

Up to 8 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

Kumano Kodo, Japan’s sacred pilgrimage, lures people from all corners of the world. It’s a thousand-year-old network of trails cutting through the mountains of Kii, connecting the Three Grand Shrines of Komodo and a myriad of tinier shrines along the way. Your local, experienced, English-speaking guide will lead you through the trails, making sure you feel and eat like a local along the way! A support vehicle will be available, your luggage will be transferred to the next accommodation, and most meals are included—it’s up to you just to kick back and enjoy!

Day 1: Arrival in Shirahama

We meet at the hotel in Shirahama—a beautiful seaside resort on the southern coast of Wakayama prefecture. After getting set up with rental bikes, we gather for a briefing and ice-breaker before heading out on a short warm-up ride through town to get our bearings.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Japanese-style inn, Shirahama

Day 2: Shirahama — Chikatsuyu

We leave Shirahama and ride toward the sacred mountains of Kumano along the Nakahechi route—one of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage paths—passing through historic sites and gradually climbing into the revered Kumano Sanzan, the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. After lunch with a mountain view, we swap bikes for boots and set off on foot deep into the forest. Ancient cedar trees line the way as we walk stone-paved paths, moss-covered steps, and old bridges, stopping at small roadside shrines called “oji” to hear stories of the pilgrims who walked this same route 1,000 years ago. We finish in the small town of Chikatsuyu Oji, a historic lodging stop for retired emperors and aristocrats on their way to Kumano.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cycling: 30 km (19 mi)
Hiking: 9.5 km (5.9 mi)
Accommodation: Japanese-style inn, Chikatsuyu

Day 3: Chikatsuyu to Kawayu—via Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine

We set off by bike along the paved Kumano Kodo path, riding between moss-covered stone walls and cedar groves before arriving at Hosshinmon Oji for a lunch break. From here we continue on foot toward Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine—one of the most atmospheric stretches of the entire pilgrimage route—where we stop to pay our respects before getting back on the bikes. We finish the day in Kawayu Onsen, a remarkable hot spring area where thermal water seeps up from the riverbank itself. We spend the night at a traditional ryokan to unwind after a full day on the trail.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cycling: 30 km (19 mi)
Hiking: 7.5 km (4.7 mi)
Accommodation: Japanese-style inn, Kawayu Onsen

Day 4: Kawayu — Shingu

We start with a ride to Yunomine Onsen, where we visit Tsuboyu—a World Heritage site and one of Japan’s oldest hot springs. We then follow the Kumano River downstream along a narrow, moss-covered path into Shingu City, where we pay our respects at Kumano Hayatama Grand Shrine. A visit to Kamikura Shrine rewards us with a dramatic climb up steep stone steps to a massive summit rock overlooking the Kumano Sea—said to be the spot where the Kumano deity first descended to earth. The evening is free to explore Shingu’s nightlife.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 50 km (31 mi)
Accommodation: Japanese-style inn, Shingu

Day 5: Shingu to Katsuura—via Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine

We ride along the coast on the paved Kumano Kodo path to the last of the Three Grand Shrines, Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine. At the entrance, we leave our bikes and climb Daimon Zaka—a beautifully preserved stone-paved path flanked by centuries-old cedar trees that captures the ancient spirit of the pilgrimage perhaps more vividly than anywhere else on the route. At the top, we visit the shrine and stand before Nachi Waterfalls—at 133 m, the highest in Japan and the sacred inspiration for the Kumano faith. We then ride down toward the coast to Kii-Katsuura, famous for having the highest tuna yield in Japan, where we soak in an onsen and enjoy a fresh tuna dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Cycling: 30 km (19 mi)
Hiking: 3 km (1.9 mi)
Accommodation: Japanese-style inn, Kii-Katsuura

Day 6: Katsuura to Kushimoto—along the Koza River

We take a morning train to Kushimoto before setting off on our final ride, following the crystal-clear Koza River—one of the clearest in the Kansai region—through a landscape of dramatically large and strangely shaped rocks. The highlight of the afternoon is Hashigui Iwa, a surreal row of rocks stretching 850 m out into the Pacific Ocean. We spend our last night at a resort hotel perched on the hill directly above them—we recommend catching the sunrise from the outdoor bath as morning light falls across the rocks.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Cycling: 40 km (25 mi)
Accommodation: Japanese-style resort hotel, Kushimoto

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast and check-out, the tour comes to a close. A shuttle bus runs from the hotel to Kushimoto Station, where direct express trains connect toward Shin-Osaka and Kyoto.

Meals: Breakfast

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Photo gallery

Guided hike and bike tour along Kumano Kodo in Japan

Lodging & food

Ryokans & resort hotels

Across six nights between Shirahama and Kushimoto, we stay in a carefully chosen mix of traditional Japanese-style hot spring inns (onsen ryokans) and modern resort hotels—all bike-friendly and selected for their comfort and character.

Almost every property has its own onsen, and after a day of riding and hiking the ancient pilgrimage paths, there are few better ways to wind down than soaking in thermal waters that have been soothing pilgrims for centuries. The final night is spent at a hilltop resort hotel overlooking the surreal rock formations of Hashigui Iwa—worth waking up early for the sunrise view from the outdoor bath.

Authentic food

The food on this tour is a highlight in its own right. The Kumano region sits at the meeting point of mountains, sea, and streams, and the local cuisine reflects that richness at every meal.

Expect fresh tuna straight from the fishing port of Katsuura, mehari-zushi—a beloved local specialty—and celebrated Wakayama plums, produced here in greater quantities than anywhere else in Japan. Wakayama is also the birthplace of soy sauce, the cornerstone of Japanese cooking, adding a fitting sense of culinary heritage to every dish. From mountain flavors to ocean catches, the variety and quality of the food here is something to look forward to as much as the riding.

Adventure, packed to go

Bike and Hike the Kumano Kodo, Japan’s Iconic Pilgrimage

Adventure Brochure

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Tetsuya

Tetsuya, a Tokyo native, embarked on a global journey to over 40 countries while working in foreign-affiliated IT and import businesses. Captivated by the bicycle tourism experiences worldwide, he settled in Nasu, Tochigi, where he founded Ride Experience Inc. alongside passionate local friends. With over two decades of cycling under his belt, Tetsuya's expertise in exploring attractive routes, from narrow mountain roads to gravel paths, is unparalleled in the region. Beyond cycling, he finds joy in music, cooking, and savoring craft beer and local sake.

5.00

Yoshi

Hailing from the Kansai region, Yoshi's cycling journey began with his university cycling club, leading him to explore Japan on two wheels. His passion extends to road races, and he actively participates a few times a year. With a solid foundation as a mechanic at a bike shop, Yoshi holds qualifications as a Bicycle Maintenance Engineer, Bicycle Technician, and Sports Bike Mechanic. As a reliable tour guide and mechanic, he swiftly addresses mechanical issues during tours, all while showcasing his super-friendly demeanor.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (9 reviews)

michael h.

|April 2024

As indicated above- the adventure was on another level. Even when the weather proved unsafe for cycling- we had 2 days of substantial rain to contend with which for the month we went- latter half of March, was statistically a low percentage chance, we reasonably pivoted to an alternative plan- which our guides derived, and we managed to have the experience of a lifetime thanks to our resourceful guides. The cycling out of Shirahama was a beautiful route through the coastal town and up a winding river valley, diverting off the main route at times along super skinny tarmac roads, revealing quaint rural dwellings, small Kumano Kodo shrines, Jizos, old bridges, cedar and bamboo forests, and large, ancient old growth deciduous trees. After a final steep ascent up into the higher mountains, we replenished with a delicious bento lunch, and hiked the Kumano Kodo trail, up and down for many miles, arriving at a small village nestled in the mountains along a rushing river. Each day unfolded with cultural site exploration, immersion in nature, experiencing Japanese villages and towns. Each day offered a unique and comfortable place to stay, and many featured relaxing hotspring onsen baths, each one unique to its surrounding natural environment- be it oceanside, or on a high mountain river. The tour was fantastic!

Amy Pullen

The Kumano Kodo tour exceeded our expectations. It was a wonderful mix of hiking and biking, traditional and moderns hotels, natural beauty and cultural attractions, delicious food and onsens. The two tour guides, Taka-san and Yoko-san, were helpful, hardworking, and kind. The pre-tour organization was responsive and thorough. Our biking equipment worked well for the terrain. Overall we highly recommend this trip for a biking adventure in Japan.

Carla Gregor

My husband and I went on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Bike and Hike with in November of 2024. We had a terrific time. It was very well organized and felt like an authentic Japanese experience staying at Japanese Inns and supported and led by Japanese locals. The tour leader, Takeshita and tour support, Yoko were warm, friendly, and knowledgeable individuals. The tour group was small – 7 people. There was some off-road and some highway riding but the drivers were very courteous and we never felt unsafe on the main roads. The scenery was beautiful, the food was well prepared, and accommodations were lovely. I would recommend to others looking for an active authentic Japanese experience.

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Things to know

Included:
- - Experienced, local hiking & biking guides with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 7-day hike & bike tour along the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
  - Accommodation for 6 nights at Japanese-style inns & modern resort hotels (double occupancy)
  - Most meals (6 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 5 dinners, as listed in the itinerary)
  - Van support
  - Mechanical support
  - Luggage transfer by van
  - Bike transfer by van during hiking
  - Train on day 6
  - Snacks and water during ride
  - Accident insurance (limited)
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room
  - Bike rental:
    
    High-quality e-hybrid bikes (YAMAHA / TREK / MIYATA)
    
    High-performance carbon road bikes (Cannondale Synapse Carbon Disc 105 etc.)
    
    Comfortable adventure bikes (Cannondale SLATE)
Not included:
- - Transportation to Japan
  - Meals and beverages not under the “what’s included”
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
In order to join the hike and bike tour along Kumano Kodo, good fitness is required. The most you’ll cycle within a day is up to 50 km (31 mi), and you’ll also be hiking for 3 days, up to 9.5 km (5.9 mi) per day.

Your guides recommend renting an e-bike—at checkout, you’ll be able to select an e-hybrid bike, making the mileage and ascents less challenging. Due to some steep up-hills in this tour, using an e-bike is highly recommended. Still, you can rent a road bike if you have enough experience and confidence.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Duffle bag or suitcase for all your personal belongings (try to pack light)
  - Day pack large enough to carry items you’ll need throughout the day (around a 20-30L bag)
  - Bike helmet and bike — option to rent
  - Cycling and hiking clothing
  - Leisure clothing
  - Appropriate shoes for cycling and hiking
  - Sun hat
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

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If you’d like to, you can bring your own bikes, but don’t sweat if it’s too much hassle bringing it—your guides provide bike rentals at an additional cost (pricing shown at checkout). Choose between:
- - High-quality e-hybrid bikes (YAMAHA / TREK / MIYATA)
  - High-performance carbon road bikes (Cannondale Synapse Carbon Disc 105 etc.)
  - Comfortable adventure bikes (Cannondale SLATE)
Once you’re on tour, a support vehicle will be available. No need to carry your bags on your bike, they will safely be transported to your accommodation. You will also be provided with GPS devices, maps, and a GPS tracking smartphone app for checking each rider’s real-time position.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this hike and bike tour along Kumano Kodo, the maximum group size is 8 people with hiking and biking guides.
  - Solo travelers are welcome to join, but securing a single occupancy room for themselves is mandatory—you’ll be able to add it to your booking at checkout.
Hiking and biking the Kumano Kodo can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this Kumano Kodo adventure is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Solo travelers are welcome to join, but securing a single occupancy room for themselves is mandatory.
To get to Shirahama, the starting point of your hike & bike Kumano Kodo tour, it’s best to fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM). Depending on where you land, it will take you 1.5-2.5 hours by car or up to 4 hours by public transport.

You’ll meet your guide at a hotel in Shirahama on Day 1 of the tour around 1- 2pm before a short test ride. More details are to come once you book.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits

Secure your spot either by paying in full or with a 50% deposit! The remaining 50% of the trip price must be paid 120 days prior to departure, at the latest. If booking within 120 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 120 or more days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 119 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  - Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period.

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