Japan 6 Day Kumano Kodo Way

Durartion: 6 Days

Price: From $1,795 (excluding flights)

Convert currency: GB£ | EU€ | US$

6 DAY KUMANO KODO

TAKIJIRI – KII KATSUURA

In the footsteps of Emperors along the Nakahechi Route

The Kii Peninsula points south away from Kyoto and Osaka and is one of the most remote and mystical areas of Japan, despite its proximity to these great cities. On the Kii Peninsula are the three Grand Shrines of Kumano, pilgrimage destinations for successive emperors and their families from Kyoto since the 11th century. There were several pilgrimage trails including the Nakahechi-do, Kohechi-do and Ohechi-do, collectively known as the Kumano Kodo (‘Old Road of Kumano’).

 

Our walk focuses on parts of the Nakahechido, weaving through forested mountains and small villages to the Grand Shrine of Hongu, before finishing near the Pacific Ocean at Nachi Grand Shrine.

 

All of our self-guided Kumano Kodo tours can be extended to incorporate a second night in the picturesque hot-spring village of Yunomine Onsen part way along the trail. We offer two short optional walks for this extra day in addition to unique cultural experiences, such as walking with a Yamabushi ascetic monk, create your own traditional Japanese paper or undertaking a spiritual meditation session. As  an optional side trip, it is also possible to visit Hayatama Jinja in Shingu; the last of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano.

 

Please ask us for information about our tour extensions to the mountain-top temple town of Mount Koya with its monastery lodgings, or the peaceful, agricultural community of Asuka at a traditional Japanese inn or with a local family for a unique homestay experience. This package can extended to a 9 or 11 day trip itinerary for €1,785 and €2,175 for self-guided trips and to a 9 day guided trip for €3,185.

 

LINK WITH THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

If you have obtained the Camino de Santiago certificate (Compostela) you may consider the Kumano Kodo trail in Japan. You will also receive a pilgrim’s passport for your stamps along the way. At the end of your trip, you will receive the Kumano Kodo certificate of completion.  If you show your Compostela certificate that you received in Santiago de Compostela, you will be entitled to receive a ‘Dual Pilgrimage Certificate’ which testifies that you have completed both ancient pilgrimage trails. Very few people in the world have obtained this Dual Pilgrim Certificate to date. Are you up for the challenge? Let us know and we will help you organise this unique trip.

 

TYPE AND LEVEL OF TRIP

Mixed village paths (paved) and unpaved forest trails. A strenuous walk, with days of up to 8 or 9 hours walking and 1,000m ascent, though shorter options are available on the longest Day 3. A highly rewarding hike through the beautiful villages and mountains of the Kii Peninsula, requiring good levels of fitness and stamina.

 

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival day and hike from Takijiri to Takahara (4.5kms, 370m ascent, approx 2 hrs)

Day 2 – Hike from Takahara to Chikatsuyu (10kms, 480m ascent + 520m descent, approx 4-5hrs)

Day 3 – Hike from Chikatsuyu and Nonaka to Hongu (7kms/2hrs, 15kms/7hrs or 24kms/8-9hrs options)

Day 4 – Hiking along the Nakahechi Trail (12.4kms, 520m ascent + 500m descent, approx 4 hrs. Alternative options available)

Day 5 – Hiking from Koguchi to Nacho-san (15.1kms, 980m ascent + 920m descent, approx 6 – 7hrs)

Day 6 – Explore Kii Katsuura before departing by train to Kyoto/Osaka

 

PRICE

Price €1,490 per person, based on two people sharing a room

 

CUSTOMISE YOUR TRIP

  • Add extra days to this trip
  • Add Daily Luggage Transfer
  • Single Room Supplement if required

 

CALENDAR 

Self guided, tailor made trips are available all year (snow falls occasionally from December to March.) Choose a start date that suits you/your group. You can secure your booking with a 20% deposit.

 

CONTACT US 

For further information about this package, contact us on 01 – 442 8921 or email us at info@magichillholidays.com

At a glance:

  • 5 nights in traditional Japanese Inns
  • 5 breakfast and 5 dinners
  • Round trip train tickets from Kyoto or Osaka
  • Detailed day by day itinerary and walking notes
  • Topography maps
  • Local support by telephone and at our Kumano Kodo’s partners branch
  • Preparing for your trip and Travelling in Japan Guidebooks
  • Optional orientation at our partner’s Kyoto office

Quote of the day:

“Live your life by a compass, not a clock.”

Stephen Covey