Walking the Kumano Kodo in Winter: Nakahechi Route

Walking the Kumano Kodo in Winter: Nakahechi Route

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6 Days From

$2133

Walking the Kumano Kodo in Winter: Nakahechi Route

6 Days Starting in Kyoto, Japan and ending in Kii-Katsuura, Japan

Visiting: Kii Peninsula, Kumano Kodo, Kumano, Kawayu Onsen, Nachikatsuura, Kii-Katsuura

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

981

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2133 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 11-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a winter adventure along Japan's historic Kumano Kodo, following the Nakahechi Route. Begin your journey with a scenic train ride from Kyoto or Osaka to the quaint town of Kii-Tanabe, and immerse yourself in the serene landscapes of the Kii Peninsula. Traverse ancient trails, visiting sacred sites like the Hongu Grand Shrine and the majestic Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, while enjoying the tranquility of traditional accommodations, including minshuku and ryokan. Experience the warmth of Japanese hospitality and the soothing waters of Kawayu Onsen. With flexible hiking options, this tour caters to both leisurely explorers and avid trekkers. Conclude your journey in the vibrant fishing port of Kii-Katsuura, where you can savor the local culture before returning to the bustling cities of Osaka or Kyoto. This tour offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and spiritual discovery, perfect for solo travelers seeking a transformative experience.

Highlights

  • Travel through the scenic Kii Peninsula, starting from Kyoto or Osaka.

  • Hike the historic Kumano Kodo trail, beginning at Takijiri and passing through the ridge-top village of Takahara.

  • Visit the Hongu Grand Shrine, a significant spiritual site in Japanese mythology.

  • Relax in the soothing hot springs of Kawayu Onsen.

  • Explore the majestic Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and the stunning Nachi-taki waterfall.

  • Experience the vibrant early-morning fish market in the fishing port of Kii-Katsuura.

  • Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean from the Ogumotorigoe Pass.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Travel to the Kii Peninsula

Location: Kii Peninsula

Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kamiakizu

Meals Included: Dinner

Take a train from Kyoto (3h) or Osaka (2.5h) to the small town of Kii-Tanabe on the Kii Peninsula (included). A 15mins bus ride from Kii-Tanabe station takes you to the farming community of Kamiakizu. Tonight’s lodging is a renovated school, constructed from cedar and cypress and a community project focusing on sustainable tourism.

Day 2 : Takijiri – Chikatsuyu 7.8/14.5km

Location: Kumano Kodo

Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Chikatsuyu or Nonaka

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, a short transfer (30mins) takes you to Takijiri, starting point of the Kumano Kodo. From Takijiri, there is a steady climb to the ridge-top village of Takahara. From there, walk to the nearby bus stop and catch a local bus to Chikatsuyu for tonight’s accommodation. If you have time, explore the local art gallery and shops before dinner at a family-run guesthouse. For a longer hike, there is an option to skip the bus ride and continue along the Kumano Kodo, with a further 4h hike to Chikatsuyu.

Day 3 : Chikatsuyu to Hongu Grand Shrine 7/15km

Location: Kumano

Accommodation Name: Accommodation a ryokan in Kawayu Onsen

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

From Chikatsuyu and Nonaka, the trail continues through the mountains. Today there are shorter and longer hiking options to choose from, both including the walk between Hosshinmon-oji and Hongu Grand Shrine, and both manageable in shorter winter days. Kumano was said to be the entrance to the land of Yomi, the other world which spirits travelled to in Japanese mythology. From Kumano Hongu, a short bus ride brings you to Kawayu Onsen. Take the time to soak in a Japanese bath before or after dinner.

Day 4 : Leisure day or hike along the Nakahechi Trail 12.4km

Location: Kawayu Onsen

Accommodation Name: Accommodation a ryokan in Kawayu Onsen

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a second night at Kawayu Onsen, taking time to explore the village before undertaking one of two possible hiking options: ascend the Kogumotorigoe path towards Koguchi or undertake another section close to Hongu. The first option begins with a short bus ride to Ukegawa on the banks of the Kumano River. From Ukegawa, start on the Kogumotorigoe path, which heads up to the Kogumotorigoe Pass before descending to the village of Koguchi.

Day 5 : Nachi Grand Shrine and Waterfall 15km

Location: Nachikatsuura

Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Nachi-san or in Kii-Katsuura. Optional upgrade to an onsen hotel, located on its own secluded island in Kii-Katsuura Bay. This extension also enables you to join the tuna auction at the port on your final morning.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The final section of the trail travels from Koguchi up to the Ogumotorigoe Pass with a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. It then descends to Nachi-san, the location of Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano, and Nachi-taki waterfall. Stay overnight either in the small village of Nachi-san close to the shrine, or take a local bus to the port town of Kii-Katsuura with views over the island-studded bay.

Day 6 : Kii-Katsuura. Departure to Osaka or Kyoto

Location: Kii-Katsuura

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kii-Katsuura is an active fishing port and has a lively early-morning fish market. Take the time to take in the views out over the island-studded bay. Take the train (included) around lunchtime to travel back around the Kii Peninsula to Osaka or Kyoto for mid to late afternoon.

What's Included

  • Train and Bus Transfers

    Travel by train from Kyoto or Osaka to Kii-Tanabe, followed by a bus ride to Kamiakizu. Local buses are used for transfers between hiking points and accommodations, with a final train journey back to Osaka or Kyoto.

  • Hiking on the Kumano Kodo

    Experience hiking on the Kumano Kodo, including options for shorter and longer hikes along the Nakahechi Route.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Any personal expenses incurred during the trip are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

Mode of Transport

Travel by train from Kyoto or Osaka to Kii-Tanabe, followed by a bus ride to Kamiakizu. Local buses are used for transfers between hiking points and accommodations, with a final train journey back to Osaka or Kyoto.

Accommodation

Stay in a variety of traditional lodgings including a renovated school in Kamiakizu, minshuku in Chikatsuyu or Nonaka, and ryokan in Kawayu Onsen. Enjoy the option of a minshuku in Nachi-san or a Japanese-style hotel in Kii-Katsuura, with an optional upgrade to an onsen hotel.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodations can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in a variety of traditional lodgings including a renovated school in Kamiakizu, minshuku in Chikatsuyu or Nonaka, and ryokan in Kawayu Onsen. There is also an option to stay in a minshuku in Nachi-san or a Japanese-style hotel in Kii-Katsuura, with an optional upgrade to an onsen hotel.

  • Are there any optional activities during the tour?

    Yes, on Day 5, there is an optional upgrade to stay at an onsen hotel located on its own secluded island in Kii-Katsuura Bay. This extension also enables you to join the tuna auction at the port on your final morning.

  • What are the transportation arrangements during the tour?

    The tour includes travel by train from Kyoto or Osaka to Kii-Tanabe, followed by a bus ride to Kamiakizu. Local buses are used for transfers between hiking points and accommodations, with a final train journey back to Osaka or Kyoto.

  • What is the significance of the Kumano Kodo trail?

    The Kumano Kodo is a historic pilgrimage route that was said to be the entrance to the land of Yomi, the other world which spirits traveled to in Japanese mythology. It includes significant sites such as the Hongu Grand Shrine and Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine.

  • What can I do on the leisure day at Kawayu Onsen?

    On the leisure day at Kawayu Onsen, you can explore the village or choose to hike along the Nakahechi Trail. There are options to ascend the Kogumotorigoe path towards Koguchi or undertake another section close to Hongu.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely  

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19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cathy O'Connor (Google Reviewer)  

I recently hiked, with a...

26-Jul-2024

I recently hiked, with a friend in the Italian Alps (the Val D'Aosta) and can highly recommend the region, and the Natural Adventure company. We were very pleased with the accommodation and the food was excellent most of the time- generous portions of excellent local dishes. The resources we were sent were excellent and very thorough. It was very easy to follow the routes as we were given so much detail- which we printed out and took each day's instructions with us, and the App helped to keep us on track. Sadly, we couldn't stay at the last location because there was a storm one night and the village we were due to stay in was flooded and cut off. The Natural Adventure did all they could to support us immediately, and help us find an alternative and we ended up staying where we were, as we were so pleased with that hotel and knew we could continue our hikes from there. We were very pleased with the holiday, the walks, the info and all our dealings with them. I would highly recommend them

Amanda Daly (Google Reviewer)  

We booked our self-guided Kumano...

15-Jul-2024

We booked our self-guided Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trip in Japan with The Natural Adventure (known locally as Oku Japan). The experience was top notch from beginning to end. The information packet was thorough and helpful, and details regarding trains and local buses (timetables, pricing, etc) were consistently accurate. Each and every accommodation was unique, charming, and welcoming. When there was an issue checking into our final hotel, the local office was quick to respond and the problem was solved within the hour (it was also a Sunday, so extra points). We weren’t expecting this to be a gourmet food tour of the region, but it was that as well! On top of it all, we found the price very reasonable for everything that is included. We had a wonderful experience thanks to The Natural Adventure, and would certainly travel with them again.

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)  

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell  

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)  

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02-Jun-2022

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Ruth Armstrong (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from an 11...

04-Mar-2025

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Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Jeanna Janssen (Google Reviewer)  

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30-Jul-2024

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.

    Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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