General

This 9 day small group tour explores the Kumano Kodo, a network of pilgrimage routes through the southern Kansai region.

Only one of two UNESCO World Heritage Listed Pilgrimage Routes besides the Camino de Santiago, the kodo ‘old ways’, have been in use for over 1,000 years. Part of the mountainous Kii Peninsula stretching south from the cities of Osaka, Nara and Kyoto, the well-maintained trail meanders through deep valLeys, mountains and small villages to offer a pleasantly-varied hike. Stay at comfortable family-run inns, soak in natural hot springs and visit quaint shrines. Begin and end in the city of Kyoto, travel south by train along the coast and spend four days hiking the Nakahechi, one of the trails. Midway, enjoy a ride along the Kumano River, before crossing the peninsula on foot to its eastern coast.

Destination Japan
Cities & Locations Kyoto / Kii Peninsula / Takahara / Chikatsuyu / Yunomine Onsen / Katsuura
Duration 9 Days / 8 Nights

Tour Schedule

Departs: On Selected Dates

April 2020: 12 April
May 2020: 06 May & 18 May
October 2020: 05 October & 21 October
November 2020: 04 November & 11 November

Guaranteed Departure Applies: As soon as 2 people are booked on this tour.

NOTE: We regret we do not accept children under 15 years old on this tour.

Itinerary


Day 1: Kyoto (D)

This evening, meet your group and guide with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Kyoto – Kii Peninsula (B, D) Hike 4.5km

Today, travel south by train to Takijiri, the beginning of the Nakahechi route, part of the network of ancient pilgrimage trails. The Kii Peninsula has long been considered sacred in Japan, the entrance to the land of Yomi, the mythical after world. It is also the site of the three sacred shrines of Kumano, the Kumano Sanzan. Ease into your adventure with a two hour hike to the small mountain-top village of Takahara.

Day 3: Takahara – Chikatsuyu (B, D) Hike 11.3km

Continue eastwards along the Nakahechi pilgrimage trail. Along the path you pass small jizo bodhisattva statues along with sites of old cha-ya (tea houses). Descend to the village of Chikatsuyu where you will stay in a family run guest house.

Day 4: Chikatsuyu – Yunomine Onsen (B, D) Hike 12.9km

Take a local bus to Kobiro-oji, one of the many small shrines along the route. Continue on to hike one of the most scenic sections to Hongu Grand Shrine, passing via ridge-top villages along the way. After visiting the shrine, transfer to Yunomine Hot Spring, one of the oldest in Japan.

Day 5: Chikatsuyu – Yunomine Onsen (B, D) Hike 12.9km

Transfer by local bus to the Kumano River, where you’ll enjoy a traditional-style boat ride along the river to Hayatama Taisha Shrine. After which, travel back to Yunomine Onsen.

Day 6: Yunomine Onsen – Katsura (B, D) Hike 14.5km

Transfer to Koguchi and hike the final trail over the Ogumotorigoe Pass – glimpse at the Pacific Ocean and then descend to Nachi Taisha (Grand Shrine) and Nachi-taki (waterfalls), one of the three ‘Grand Shrines of Kumano’. From here, transfer to the fishing port of Katsuura.

Day 7: Katsuura (B, D)

Choose between a hike along a coastal part of the Kumano Kodo, or, enjoy a day to relax.

Day 8: Katsuura (B, D)

Leave the Kii Peninsula this morning, travelling on the coastal rail line to Kyoto, where you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide.

Day 9: Kyoto (B)

Upon check out of your hotel, tour arrangements end.

Terms & Conditions

Itinerary and price subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. Please refer to our full terms and conditions available on our brochure or from our website. Active Asia reserves the right to alter the hotels and/or the itinerary if needed due to availability and/or adverse weather conditions.

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