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KUMANO KODO PILGRIMAGE WALK
Osaka/Kyoto . Kawayu Onsen . Yunomine Onsen . Katsuura Onsen. Osaka/Kyoto
The Kumano Kodō is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes on the Kii Peninsula in Japan, connecting the three main shrines: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. These shrines are known as the Kumano Sanzan and are central to the Kumano religion.
The trails wind through mountains and forests, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. There are many trails and accommodation options to choose from. Pilgrims can do a few minutes walk to a week-long trek through the mountains. Walking times vary depending on walking pace and rest times.
This highlight itinerary visits all three Grand Shrines (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha & Kumano Nachi Taisha), one each day, with short and scenic highlight walks around each shrine. A traditional boat tour on the Kumano-gawa river leads to Shingu, offering an alternative perspective of the environment.
Overnight at three different hot spring villages in the mountains - Yunomine Onsen, Kawayu Onsen and Katsuura Onsen while dining on delicious local cuisine. Breakfast and dinner will be at your accommodation, who will also provide box lunches.
This is considered an easy itinerary suitable for even beginner hikers. More physically challenging, and longer duration pilgrimages, are available.
Details
Duration:
4 days / 3 nights
Price:
On request
Itinerary is customizable to fit all budgets
Includes:
Trail map
1 night Yunomine Onsen inn
1 night Kawayu Onsen inn
1 night Katsuura Onsen inn
Travel by local transportation
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Sustainable/Responsible notes:
This independent journey includes walking tours and public transportation.
Accommodation is in Japanese inns.
Departures:
Daily, year round
Day by day itinerary
Day 1 Kawaya Onsen hot springs
Today you will travel by public transportation - train and bus - from Kyoto or Osaka about 5 hours to Kawayu Onsen, a small settlement located along the Oto-gawa River. On the north side of the river is a collection of accommodation ranging from ryokan (more upscale) to minshuku (modest, family-run inns). On the south side of the river is a green forested mountainside. As you transfer from train to bus, a stop at the visitors center is recommended.
Stay: Kawayu Onsen village (D)
Day 2 Yunomine Onsen hot springs
Today's walk is a highlight of this section of the Kumano Kodo as you will visit Kumano Hongu Taisha (grand shrine). The trail from Hosshinmon-oji to Hongu is popular with a diversity of forested trail and settlement scenery.
Take a local bus from Kawayu Onsen to Hosshinmon-oji - about a 30 minute journey
Walk from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha - about a 3 hour walk.
Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three grand shrines, which stands on a small ridge line in the north of the Hongu village. The austere pavilions are made of wood with impressive cypress bark roofs; it's architecture style dating back over 800 years. Visit Oyunohara, a sacred site marked by largest Torii shrine gate in the world, which all Kumano Kodo pilgrimages pass.
Walk or take a bus from Hongu Taisha to Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest developed hot springs in Japan.
Stay: Yunomine Onsen village, (B, D)
Day 3 Katsuura hot springs
Today, take a traditional flat-bottom boat ride on the Kumano-gawa river retracing the historic Kumano Kodo water pilgrimage route. Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha enroute Katsuura Onsen, a coastal hot spring fishing village famous for its hot springs.
Stay: Katsuura Onsen village (B, D)
Day 4 Depart
This morning, visit Nachi Shrine-temple complex, and take a short walk up steps to scenic Nachi waterfall, the tallest falls in Japan. Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha located halfway up Nachi Mountain, about 1000' above sea level.
The grand shrine has its religious origin in the ancient nature worship of Nachi-no-Otaki falls.
Return by bus and train to Osaka or Kyoto.