In the morning, you’ll meet your guide and leave Osaka by private vehicle, heading into the forested mountains of the Kii Peninsula to reach the sacred town of Koyasan. Founded over 1,200 years ago, Koyasan is a center of Shingon Buddhism and home to more than a hundred temples nestled among tranquil cedar groves. Today’s walk follows the Choishi Path (Choishi-michi), a historic pilgrimage trail once walked by countless devotees. Marked by stone stupas placed every 109 m (358 ft), the route links modern travelers with pilgrims of centuries past. As we ascend through moss-draped forests, the path evokes a deep sense of reverence and continuity. The walk ends at the crimson Daimon Gate, marking the entrance to Koyasan. We stay at Rengejoin Temple, where guests can join a meditation session and enjoy a traditional vegetarian dinner before an optional night walk through Okunoin Cemetery.

Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 8 km (5 mi), 4.5 hours
Elevation: +794 m (2,605 ft), -460 m (1,509 ft)
Terrain: Earthy paths, moss-covered stones, tree roots
Accommodation: Rengejoin Temple

Before breakfast, there’s another opportunity to join a morning meditation session. After a traditional Japanese vegetarian breakfast, we travel south by private vehicle to Takijiri-Oji (1.5 hours). The walk begins at this sacred gateway on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. From here, we ascend through forested trails lined with mossy boulders and the Tainai-kuguri cave, a symbolic passage once used by pilgrims. The path continues toward Takahara Kumano-jinja shrine, shaded by ancient camphor trees. Reaching the village of Takahara, “Kiri-no-Sato” or “Village in the Mist,” offers sweeping views over the Hatenashi range. Those taking the shorter option finish here, while others continue through cedar forests, passing Oji shrines, terraced slopes, and the remains of Uwada-jaya Teahouse before a steep descent past the Three-Fold Moon Viewing point to Michi-no-Eki Gyuba-doji. We then transfer back to Takahara Organic Hotel for dinner featuring fresh, local ingredients and wine.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 12 km (7.5 mi), 5–6 hours
Elevation: +830 m (2,723 ft), -640 m (2,100 ft)
Terrain: Steep and sustained ascents, forest trails, uneven surfaces
Accommodation: Takahara Organic Lodge

Flexible hiking option 1: 8.7 km (5.4 mi), 4.5 hours, +320 m (1,050 ft), -400 m (1,312 ft)
Flexible hiking option 2: 3.9 km (2.4 mi), 3 hours, +357 m (1,171 ft)

After breakfast, we transfer back to the trail to begin our walk from Gyuba-doji. The route climbs steadily toward Hashiori-toge Pass, where a striking statue of Emperor Kazan stands, symbolically riding both a horse and an ox—representing the spiritual duality of the pilgrimage. From this high point, we descend a beautifully preserved cobblestone staircase to a scenic viewpoint overlooking Chikatsuyu Village. Across the Hiki-gawa River lies Chikatsuyu-oji Shrine, steeped in local legend. The trail then ascends through peaceful forests toward Kobiro-oji, passing ancient waymarkers and gentle ridges before reaching Tsugizakura-oji, home to centuries-old cedars and the historic Toganoki-jaya teahouse site. In the afternoon, we transfer to Watarase Onsen, a renowned hot spring village. We check into Hotel Sasayuri for a three-night stay. Spacious rooms, open-air baths, and a beautifully prepared dinner featuring seasonal cuisine provide the perfect setting for relaxation after the day’s walk.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 8 km (5 mi), 5 hours
Elevation: +115 m (377 ft), -100 m (328 ft)
Terrain: Earthy paths, tree roots, stone steps, cobblestones, steady climbs
Accommodation: Watase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri

Flexible hiking option: 5 km (3.1 mi), 2.5 hours, +115 m (377 ft)

Following a hearty breakfast, we begin our walk at Hosshinmon-oji, making our way toward Kumano Hongu Taisha through serene forests and quiet mountain villages. The trail reveals a series of breathtaking panoramic views, offering moments of reflection amid the sacred landscape. At Fushiogami-oji, we catch our first glimpse of the massive torii gate of Hongu Taisha, standing 33.9 m (111 ft) high. From here, the path gradually descends toward the shrine complex, where simplicity and elegance blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest. After exploring this spiritual heart of the Kumano Kodo, we return to our accommodation at Watarase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri. This evening, enjoy a traditional dinner highlighting regional flavors, served with wine in a peaceful riverside setting.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 10 km (6.2 mi), shorter walk available today
Elevation: +100 m (328 ft)
Terrain: Earthy paths, tree roots, stone steps, cobblestones
Accommodation: Watase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri

After breakfast in the restaurant, we begin our walk from Ukegawa, ascending steadily toward Hyakken-gura. Along the way, we pass the remains of the Matsuhata-jaya Teahouse before reaching the top of Hyakken-gura, where a breathtaking panorama reveals the vast beauty of the surrounding landscape. From here, the path winds through tranquil forests, immersing us in a serene atmosphere of towering trees and filtered light. The trail then descends gradually toward the remote mountain village of Koguchi, a peaceful settlement nestled among rivers and peaks. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Koguchi exudes a quiet charm that reflects the timeless spirit of the Kumano Kodo. After exploring, we transfer back to Hotel Sasayuri. This evening, enjoy a traditional dinner accompanied by wine, celebrating the flavors of the region.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 13 km (8.1 mi), shorter walk available today
Elevation: +420 m (1,378 ft)
Terrain: Earthy paths, tree roots, stone steps, cobblestones
Accommodation: Watase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri

After breakfast, we make our way to Koguchi to begin our challenging walk toward the Grand Nachi Taisha Shrine. The trail climbs steeply through ancient forests and along ridgelines, passing remnants of terraced rice paddies and moss-covered stone walls. The ascent rewards walkers with sweeping mountain and ocean views from the summit, a fitting testament to the effort. The path then descends through serene woodland to the sacred grounds of Nachi Taisha, the Seiganto-ji Temple, and the awe-inspiring Nachi-no-Otaki Waterfall—Japan’s tallest, cascading 133 m (436 ft) in a single drop. Together, these sacred sites form a harmonious union of nature and spirituality. After the walk, we transfer to the coastal fishing village of Kii-Katsuura and check into Hotel Urashima, offering stunning bay views. This evening, enjoy an elaborate buffet dinner accompanied by wine.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 14.5 km (9 mi), 8 hours
Elevation: +1,260 m (4,134 ft), -930 m (3,051 ft)
Terrain: Earthy paths, tree roots, stone steps, cobblestones, steep ascents and descents
Accommodation: Hotel Urashima, Kii-Katsuura

Flexible hike option: 5.5 km (3.4 mi) return walk from Nachi Taisha to Teahouse remains and back

We travel to the Kumano River to experience a traditional boat cruise. For over a century, pilgrims have journeyed to Kumano in wooden flat-bottom boats, following the sacred waterways toward the shrines. As we glide down the picturesque gorge, enjoy spectacular river views framed by lush cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Our boat arrives in Shingu, where we visit the Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine, which has stood on this riverbank since at least the 12th century. This revered site forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” Afterwards, we travel by private vehicle back to Osaka to the Aloft Osaka, arriving at approximately 5:30 p.m., marking the end of our journey.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch