Three-story pagoda with Nachi Falls in the background
@Pen Ash
Kumano Kodo sign
@Dino Johannes
Kawayu Onsen
Pilgrims walking down the Kumano Kodo
@Kieran Taylor
Dotonbori, Osaka
Kumano Kodo: expert's trail
- Duration : 5 days
- Locations : Kii Peninsula, Wakayama Prefecture
This tour gives you access to one of the most sacred areas of ancient Japan. It was here, in these deep and misty mountains that the syncretic religious practices that make this country so distinctive from the rest of Asia, were founded.
You will climb the mountains by ancient staircases with stone or wooden steps on which the emperors of old times used to perform their devotions. You'll cross torrents and pass through impressive forests of cryptomeria, cypress and majestic camphor trees.
After your exertions, you will be able to relax in the thermal springs along the way, and sleep in the inimitable comfort of charming little Japanese inns. Finally, you will admire two of the most famous shrines of the Shinto religion listed as World Heritage Sites, in their natural settings.
Japan Experience's plus point : An adapted itinerary that harmoniously combines effort, beauty and comfort.
5 days / 4 nights itinerary through Wakayama Prefecture
- Departure city : Osaka
- Tanabe
- Nakahechi
- Hongû
- Koguchi
- Katsuura
- Return city : Osaka
Please find detailed itinerary information below.
Why choose this excursion to Japan ?
- A real mid-mountain hike, steeped in mysticism.
- An intimate discovery of the Japanese forest and hot springs.
- Meeting other pilgrims along the way and at the stopover.
- Visiting two well-known World Heritage temples.
- The recommendations available in your digital travel guidebook.
Your excursion in detail
Itinerary
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Day 1 : To the South of Kii Peninsula
The train departs from Osaka Central Station, which is easily reached from Kyoto or Shin-Osaka (TGV).
The train departs at around midday for the South of Kii peninsula and the province of Wakayama, where the track runs alongside the Inland Sea.
You will arrive at a small station by the sea, which you will leave by bus to reach the starting point of the walk 40 minutes later.
On this first day, a short walk of around 2 hours will allow your body to adapt to the very special terrain of the Japanese mountains and arrive early at your first stop, a small village on a plateau with an unobstructed view.
The hot baths, healthy local food and tranquil views will prepare you ideally for the first day's walking the following day.
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Day 2 : Camphor trees and cryptomerias
You'll have a hearty breakfast before taking up the pilgrim's staff again.
You'll make your way along the trail under the canopy of the great cryptomerias, which will occasionally part to give you a glimpse of a line of wooded mountains, a plateau with its rice paddies or the charming little villages you pass through.
This stage does not present any particular difficulties, and after around 6 hours of effort will bring you to a hamlet of small scattered houses, where you will spend the night and be served a delicious meal.
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Day 3 : The great sanctuary
The route resumes, alternating between walks under a forest canopy of mossy rocks and unobstructed views of the lush mountains.
After around 6 hours of walking, you'll reach the great sanctuary of Kumano Hongû Taisha, with its sumptuous wooden buildings embellished with gold.
You can then enjoy the beauty of the entire site at your leisure before continuing on to Kawayu, a venerable spa where pilgrims used to purify themselves. This magical place is where you will stay where you will once again experience the delights of traditional Japanese hospitality.
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Day 4 : Inside the mountains
After breakfast, the trail continues through the forest.
Today's stage, lasting around 5 hours, has a gentler gradient through a now-familiar cedar landscape. Small stone statues and beautiful views will enhance this short hike, during which you will see very few people.
Then, in the afternoon, you'll return to the wider valleys, with their languid rivers and a few hamlets on their banks. Here, in the heart of the mountains, you can recharge your batteries in a charming country inn.
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Day 5 : The sublime waterfall
This is the last stage, and our muscles are now ready to climb the highest point of the route, the Echizen pass, in the morning.
There is no road that will take us closer to our goal on this section. We have to cross the mountain for 6 sublime hours of steep, mysterious landscapes.
The rewards are well worth the day's efforts, with the sight of the great red pagoda of Nachi Taisha in the green setting of a mountain cirque !
Nearby is the great waterfall, the highest in Japan, cascading uninterrupted from the lush vegetation to a pool 130 metres below ! An unforgettable sight.
The jagged coastline is not far away now, and you'll reach it by a short bus ride before taking the train back to civilisation.
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Accommodation
- 4 nights in 2 or 3-star traditional accommodations.
The base rate includes a twin room.
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Transportation
- Round trip journey to and from Osaka.
- Pre-paid local bus journeys with your travel card.
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Visit & meals
- All breakfasts and dinners are included.
- Packed lunches can be provided at your accommodation.
Included in your self-guided excursion
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Other services
- 7/7 telephone assistance in English and Japanese bilingual
- Complete digital travel diary before your departure
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Not included in the price of your excursion
- Optional insurance
- Personal expenses including lunches (you will find addresses selected by us in your travel pack)
- Entrance fees to museums, gardens or temples
- Pocket wifi
- Everything not included in the "included in your excursion" section
Other services
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