Oxalis Holidays : Kumano kodo Self guided walk

Kumano Kodo Self Guided

The Kii Peninsula points south away from the great cities of Kyoto and Osaka, and is one of the most remote and mystical areas of Japan, despite its proximity. Long a place of pilgrimage, it is the site of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano (Kumano Sanzan). From the 11th century successive emperors and their families made the long and difficult pilgrimage to Kumano from Kyoto. Several pilgrimage trails were established, and amongst them the Nakahechi-do, Kohechi-do and Ohechi-do, collectively known as the Kumano kodo (Old road of Kumano). Our walk focuses on part of the Nakahechi-do, which weaves its way through the forested mountains and small villages to the Grand Shrine of Hongu, before finishing at the Pacific Ocean at Nachi Grand Shrine.

The walking is mostly paved village paths and unpaved mountains trails, with considerable ascent and descent on certain days. Though not 'technical', you will be need to be fit and well-prepared with adequate gear and clothing. This walk is highly customisable; there are 4 days of walking ranging from 6 to 8 hours, and we can advise on which days to leave out if you want a shorter or more gentle walk.

Type and level of walking Mixed village paths (paved) and unpaved forested trails. A strenuous walk, with days of up to 8 hours walking and 3000 feet of ascent. A highly rewarding hike through the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, but you need to have good stamina.	What's Included Accommodation booked & prepaid - train tickets - detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking instructions - waterproof topographical map - local phone support - guiding on one day
Season Late April until November	Tour length: 9 days Walking days: 4
2010 Price: Budget £1,650 / $2,620 / €1,990 Standard £1,825 / $2,900 / €2,200 Premium £2,130 / $3,385 / €2,565 Above hotel grades apply to Kyoto, Osaka. Prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement £350.	Departures: Any day (recommended from April until November) Accommodations are busy and may charge extra during the following Japanese holiday periods: New Year (29 December to 04 January), Golden Week (29 April - 05 May), and O-bon (09 - 17 August). Please enquire for availability and pricing if your trip falls within those dates.

Slideshow (click on any picture)

HIGHLIGHTS

Imperial Kyoto – Kumano kodo UNESCO World Heritage area – Natural hot spring baths – Accommodation in traditional ryokan & minshuku – Nachi shrine and waterfalls – Osaka

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Day 1 Kyoto

Check-in to your hotelin central Kyoto,

Day 2 Sightseeing in Kyoto

A local guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning, and you will have a full-day tour using a mixture of public transport and walking. We suggest visiting Kiyomizu Temple, Sanjusangendo- Temple, and a walk along the Philosopher's path., the elegant Ginza shopping area and Shinjuku, however the tour can be adapted upon request.

Day 3 Free day in Kyoto

A free day to explore Kyoto. There are so many options, from experiencing the tea ceremony, to trying on a kimono, to visiting the Golden Pavilion.

Day 4 Kumano Kodo Day 1

Travelling by train, you will travel to the mystical Kii Peninsula via Osaka. Your train will hug the coastline and we will reach the small town of Tanabe. From there you will board a bus and then start the walk on the Kumano Pilgrimage route from Takijiri. From the start at Takijiri Oji, the path climbs steeply up to the ridge-top village of Takahara . The Nakaheji has been established as one of Japan 's National Historic Roads. The paths are clearly defined, and flagstones have been laid in some places to make the climbs easier. The first day’s walk will be 5-6 hours, arriving in the small village of Chikatsuyu in time for dinner at a family-run minshuku (guesthouse).

Day 5 Kumano Kodo Day 2

The path continues through the mountains to Yunomine, one of the oldest natural hot spring onsen villages in Japan . Todays's hike is about 8 hours, and 13 miles; a mixture of small villages and forest trails, as you cross the Kii mountains to visit Kumano shrine. At the heart of these sacred mountains, Kumano was said to be the entrance to the land of Yomi , the ‘other world' which spirits travelled to in Japanese mythology. From Kumano shrine, a short bus ride brings you to Yunomine hot spring, and your ryokan, with its wonderful outdoor bath.

Option: The walk can be shortened by taking a local bus for part of the way.

Day 6 Kumano Kodo Day 3

A shorter hike today, over to the small village of Koguchi (About 6 hours, 9 miles). A warm welcome and good food await at our small inn, and there will be time for lazing by the river or another soak in the bath.

Day 7 Kumano Kodo Day 4

Your final hike (10 miles, 6 hours) takes you from Koguchi over a O-kumotori pass to Nachi, where Japan's highest waterfall, and the second of the three grand shrines of Kumano is located. Your stay is at a local minshuku guesthouse.

Day 8 Transfer to Osaka

There is a final walk today, from Nachi shrine to the coast. You board the train to Osaka, for a night in Japan's food capital.

Day 9 Trip ends

Your trip ends this morning. Fly out from nearby Kansai Airport, or extend your trip with one of suggestions below.

Trip extensions

We can arrange extra days at the end of the trip in the following destinations:

Asuka-mura

A lovely town south of Nara with some of Japan's earliest Buddhist temples, as well as kofun burial mounds from the 5th century. Asuka is a lovely town to explore on foot or why not rent a bicycle from the train station and explore at a relaxed pace? We will arrange a night at one of the small minshuku in the town.

Mount Koya

This atmospheric temple complex south of Kyoto is home to around 100 temples and shukubo (pilgrim's lodging). Founded by the monk Kobo Daishi in the 10th century, Mount Koya is the spiritual centre of Shongon (True word) Buddhism, and he is enshrined at Oku-no-in. Located at 800 metres altitude in the Wakayama mountains, you reach Mount Koya via the scenic Nankai railway. There are many optional local walks.

Tokyo

Travel from Osaka to end your trip with a few days in Tokyo.

Kanazawa

Three hours by train is famous city of Kanazawa, with its famous Kenrokuen gardens, Omicho market, and preserved old town.

Many others possible - please ask

Buses run within easy reach of the Kumano kodo, and can be used to skip sections or in case of inclement weather

ACCOMMODATION ON THIS TOUR


		Yoshimizu A comfortable and quiet ryokan located near to the Gion district in the eastern hills of Kyoto.
Minshuku Chikatsuyu In the small town of Chikatsuyu, this minshuku (guesthouse) has its own hot spring baths next door, and some of the freshest and tastiest food you will enjoy in Japan! Other accommodation on this trip
	Yoshinoya (Yunomine) - in the hot spring village of Yunomine, Yoshinoya has its own hot spring baths with a 'rotenburo' outside bath to enjoy after a day's hiking.
	Momofuku (Koguchi) -a small (3 rooms) minshuku in the village of Koguchi

TOUR COMMENTS

"The trip was just marvelous, and I'm just so, so impressed and thankful for all the planning and preparations you did for me!"
T Roseth, Norway

ACCOMMODATION GRADES

We offer three levels of accommodation to suit your budget. This applies to the hotel in Kyoto & Osaka. Budget (3 star hotel), Standard (4 star hotel) and Premium (5 star hotel). We use local family-run accommodations on the walking section, are generally simply-furnished and less formal, but have excellent food and a wonderful personal service.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

All accommodation, breakfasts & 4 evening meals are included. One day of private guiding, as well as the guide's expenses are included in Kyoto.

Not Included are international flights, drinks with meals, lunches and evening meals in Kyoto and Osaka. A local bus is used on day 4, and should be paid locally (around 2100 Yen, £13 or $22).

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT

There is a single room supplement of £350 per person (please note that single rooms are not always available in Japanese-style accommodations)..

CONTACT US

1. Send us your phone number and we will call you

2. Fil in our contact form

3. Call us on SKYPE

4. Call +44 20 7099 6147 (ET + 5 hours)