Kumano Kodo Tour: Pilgrimage Hike in Japan

You’ll need to arrange your flight to Osaka. You can fly directly to Osaka or arrive in Tokyo and take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka the day before the adventure.
Make your way to your accommodation for tonight at the Aloft Hotel Dojima, Osaka, part of the Marriott Group. You can explore Osaka for the rest of your day at your leisure. The hotel is centrally located near local trains. At 6pm, you’ll meet the guides in the hotel foyer for a welcome meeting, followed by a 2.5-hour Yatai night tour, where we’ll indulge in Fukuoka’s local cuisine by visiting different night stalls.

Accommodation: Aloft Hotel Dojima, Osaka

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer by vehicle to the temple town of Koyasan for a short sightseeing tour. Koyasan is a mountain town known for its ancient temples and deep spiritual significance.
Today’s walk retraces the steps of generations of pilgrims, winding through towering cedar forests and ascending rugged mountains. The trail concludes at the Daimon Gate, a grand two-story crimson gate marking the entrance to Koyasan. This afternoon, we’ll have the opportunity to join a guided meditation session with a resident monk in a serene temple setting. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy an authentic Japanese-style dinner at our temple lodging.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 11 km (6.8 miles), 3 hours
Elevation: +350 m (+1,150 ft)
Accommodation: Rengejoin Lodge or Soijin Temple Lodge, Koyasan

Before breakfast, we’ll have another opportunity to join a morning meditation session. After a traditional Japanese vegetarian breakfast, we transfer by private vehicle to Takijiri-Oji, one of the five major Oji shrines on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage route. The initial ascent to Takahara Village is steep, passing through forests and past unique rock formations, including the Tainai-kuguri cave. Takahara offers stunning views of the Hatenashi mountain range. After a sit-down lunch, we can relax at our hotel or choose from two optional walks:

Option 1: An out-and-back moderate walk to Jujo-Oji.
Option 2: A longer, challenging hike to Michi-no-Eki, which includes a steep descent.

After the walk, we transfer back to our accommodation for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 3.9-12.6 km (2.4-7.8 miles), 3-7.5 hours (depending on the chosen route)
Elevation: up to +357 m (+1,170 ft), up to -400 m (-1,310 ft)
Accommodation: Takahara Organic Hotel

After breakfast, we transfer to Michi-no-Eki and begin our walk with an ascent to the Hashiori-Toge pass. At the top, we find a statue of Emperor Kazan astride a noble horse and a sturdy cow, symbolizing his spiritual journey.
Descending along a cobblestone staircase, we reach Chikatsuyu Village with views of the Hiki-gawa River and Chikatsuyu-Oji shrine. From here, the trail climbs to Tsugizakura-Oji, known for its giant cedar trees and a natural spring. Afterwards, we transfer to Watarase Onsen, where we stay for three nights at Hotel Sasayuri. The hotel offers traditional and Western-style rooms and private hot onsen (thermal baths). Tonight, we dress in Yukata (traditional japanese kimono dress) and enjoy a dinner featuring local cuisine, accompanied by sake or beer.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 5 km (3.1 miles), flexible walking options available
Elevation: +150 m (+490 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Sasayuri, Watarase Onsen

After breakfast, we transfer to Hosshinmon-Oji and begin our walk towards Kumano Hongu Taisha, passing through forests and remote villages with breathtaking views.
At Fushiogami, we get our first glimpse of the towering 33.9-meter (111-foot) torii gate of Hongu Taisha. As we descend, we arrive at the shrine complex, a beautiful blend of simplicity and elegance. We then continue to Yunomine Onsen before returning to our accommodation at Watarase Onsen. Tonight, we’ll enjoy another traditional meal served with sake or beer.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Elevation: +100 m (+330 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Sasayuri, Watarase Onsen

After breakfast, we begin our walk from Ukegawa with an ascent towards Hyakken-gura, passing the Matsuhata-jaya Teahouse remains. At the top of Hyakken-gura, we enjoy panoramic views before continuing along a winding forest trail. The walk gradually descends into the remote village of Koguchi, nestled among mountains and rivers. Afterward, we transfer back to our accommodation for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 13 km (8.1 miles)
Elevation: +420 m (+1,380 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Sasayuri, Watarase Onsen

Today’s challenging walk takes us from Koguchi to the grand Nachi Taisha Shrine. The first section is a steep ascent, gaining 800 m (2,624 ft) in just 5 km (3.1 mi).
The trail winds through forests and past ancient stone walls before reaching a breathtaking summit with ocean views. Descending, we arrive at the sacred Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, and the 133-meter (436-foot) Nachi-no-Otaki waterfall, Japan’s tallest. After our walk, we transfer to the coastal village of Kii-Katsuura, where we stay at a resort overlooking the bay. Dinner tonight is a spectacular buffet featuring a variety of fresh seafood and local specialties.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 14.5 km (9 miles), 8 hours
Elevation: +1,260 m (+4,130 ft), -930 m (-3,050 ft)
Accommodation: Yukai Resort Koshinoyu, Kii-Katsuura

On our final day, we travel to the Kumano River for a traditional boat cruise, just as pilgrims did over a century ago. Enjoy stunning views of the river and waterfalls as we glide through the picturesque gorge.
Our boat arrives in Shingu, where we visit the Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has stood on the Kumano Riverbank since at least the 12th century. Afterward, we transfer by private vehicle back to Osaka, arriving at approximately 5:30pm. This marks the end of our incredible journey.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch