Tour style Moderate walking - 4 days of walking and hiking from 2 to 7 hours per day on flat paths and mountain trails with some strenuous climbs. Accommodation in family-run minshuku, traditional ryokan, hotels. Maximum 12 people in the group |
Places visited: Kyoto • Takahara • Chikatsuyu • Doro-kyo Gorge• Hongu shrine• Yunomine Hot Spring • Nachi waterfalls • Katsuura Meet/Depart Kyoto/Kyoto |
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Slideshow (click on any picture)
HIGHLIGHTS
Exploring the Kii mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and walking part of the old pilgrimage route to the great Kumano shrines - Accommodation in old hot spring villages - Boat ride through the Doro-kyo Gorge - a spectacular hot spring hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean
INTRODUCTION
The Kumano Kodo, or Kumano Ancient Trail, is a pilgrimage route to Kumano, part of the mountainous Kii Peninsula which stretches south from the Kansai cities of Osaka, Nara and Kyoto.
The well-maintained trail threads its way through deep valleys, mountains and small villages to offer a wonderfully-varied hike over four days. Stay at comfortable family-run inns with excellent food, soak in natural hot springs, and visit the shrines along the way.
The pilgrimage routes to the three great Kumano Shrines – Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Hayatama Taisha were popularized during and after the Heian Period (794-1185), when the imperial family and nobility began to seek salvation in sangaku shinko (a belief in the supernatural power of mountains), rather than through common religious practices. Emperor Gotoba (1180-1239) made no less than thirty pilgrimages to Kumano, recording his thoughts and feelings in the Kumano poems.
Our journey begins in the modern city of Kyoto, and we travel south by train along the coast, and spend four days hiking the Nakahechi, one of the Kumano Kodo trails, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is a day mid-way to relax on a thrilling boat ride up the spectacular Doro Gorge. We cross the Kii Peninsula on foot to its eastern coast, and the fishing town of Katsuura, with two nights at a hot spring hotel, and finish by travelling on to Kyoto by train.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day 1 Meet in Kyoto
Meet at the hotel in the center of Kyoto in the evening.
Day 2 Kyoto and transfer to the Kii Peninsula
Transfer by train along the coast to the Kii Peninsula, hike 2 hours to Takahara. Overnight in ryokan.
Day 3 Hike Takahara to Chikatsuyu
Our second day on the Kumano Kodo, past Oji shrines and finishing in the village of Chikatsuyu. Stay in a family-run inn.
Day 4 Hike Chikatsuyu to the Grand Shrine at Hongu
A spectacular hike to Hongu Shrine and Yunomine Hot Spring, passing small villages along the way.
Day 5 Boat ride on the Kumano River
A boat ride along the Kumano river to see Doro-kyo Gorge. Stay at hot spring ryokan.
Day 6 Hike to Nachi Grand Shrine and waterfall
Hike the final trail over the Ogumotorigoe Pass, to glimpse the Pacific Ocean and then descend to Nachi Taisha (Grand Shrine) and Nachi-taki (waterfalls), one of the three ‘Grand Shrines of Kumano’. Transfer to our hot spring hotel built into the cliffs over the Pacific Ocean.
Day 7 Hiking to Maruyama Senmaida or relax at hot spring
Choose between a hike along another part of the Kumano Kodo to Maruyama Senmaida, a spectacular area of terraced rice fields, or have a day to relax
Day 8 Transfer to Kyoto
Transfer to Kyoto by train, for a farewell meal with the guide.
Day 9 Tour ends
Our tour finishes today after breakfast.
OPTIONAL KYOTO EXTENSION
We offer the following 3-day extension for those wishing to stay on in Kyoto after the tour.
Day 1 Kyoto sightseeing : Higashiyama
Visit the Philosopher's Path in eastern Kyoto, Nanzen-ji temple and its garden, and Sanjusangen-do temple.
Day 2 Kyoto cultural experience : Nijo Castle & tea ceremony
Visit Nijo-jo castle, the former seat of the Tokugawa Shoguns and Kyoto, and in the afternoon experience a tea ceremony.
There is an optional cooking class in the evening!
Day 3 Tour ends
WALKING LEVEL
Moderate walking - 4 days of walking and hiking from 2 to 7 hours per day on flat paths and mountain trails with some strenuous climbs. This tour is suitable for those who are in good shape and can walk over rough ground for up to 7 hours with ascent and descent. Whilst on the trail you will need to carry a small to medium daypack.
 Download detailed itinerary |
ACCOMMODATION ON THIS TOUR
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Other accommodation on this trip
Hotel Urashima, Katsuura - a hot spring resort hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa (Kyoto) - a modern and comfortable 4-star hotel in the heart of Kyoto
ACCOMMODATION NOTESWe have chosen each accommodation carefully for their comfort, service and personal service. On several nights we use Japanese-style accommodation with shared bathrooms and toilets. These generally have seperate male and female bathing areas. Couples or those travelling together will have their own room, while single travellers may be asked to share with another member of the group (same sex only). |
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Organic Hotel Kiri-no-sato Takahara
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.
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
"This trip was very seriously everything I could have hoped for. I filled out the survey, but it's pretty much straight excellent ratings, so I don't think it will provide much constructive feedback. So I just wanted to to drop one last personal note and say thanks a lot. You really went the extra mile dealing with earth quakes and date changes and requests to set me up in tiny towns like Iwade (which meant I got to see some friends from 16 years ago and had a great reunion with some people who are really important to me). Seriously, great job. I did not deserve a trip that was that fun and went that smoothly. I keep expecting Karma to smack me around a little bit just to get the universe back into alignment." (Kumano Kodo self-guided)
Andy E, USA
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All domestic transport, accommodation, entrance fees, breakfasts & 8 evening meals are included.
Not Included are international Flights, drinks with meals, lunches.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
There is a single room supplement of £425 per person for the main tour, and £125 for the Kyoto extension
GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12 Clients Minimum: 5 Clients
SIMILAR TRIPS
The following tours might also be of interest:
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)
2012-3 Tour Itinerary |
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Day 1 Meet in Kyoto
Meet at the hotel in the center of Kyoto in the evening. There will be a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 Kyoto and transfer to the Kii Peninsula
There will be free time in the morning to explore Kyoto, with an optional walk through some local food markets. We will then travel south along the coast by train to Tanabe (2 hours), then transfer by local bus (40 mins) to Takijiri, at the beginning of the Nakahechi, part of the network of ancient pilgrimage trails known as the Kumano Kodo, or Kumano Ancient Trail. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Kumano Kodo became popular from the 11the century as a place of pilgrimage from Kyoto by Emperors. The Kii Peninsula, which extends south from Nara and Osaka, has long been considered sacred in Japan, the entrance to the land of Yomi, the mythical afterworld. It is also the site of the three sacred shrines of Kumano, the Kumano Sanzan. We continue with a 2-hour hike to the small mountain-top village of Takahara, where we stop for the night. Our accommodation is a delightful Japanese-style ryokan built by local craftsmen in wood with rooms affording a spectacular view over the surrounding mountains. There are hot spring baths made of hinoki (cypress wood) and the sumptuous evening meal is made with organic locally-sourced ingredients.
Hiking: 3 miles, 2 hours (820 feet/250 metres ascent, negligible descent)
Those who do not want to walk can be picked up by car
Accommodation: Ryokan
Day 3 Hike Takahara to Chikatsuyu
Starting from Takahara, we continue eastwards along the Nakahechi pilgrimage trail. Along the path you pass small jizo bodhisattva statues, placed there by locals to protect travelers. There are also the sites of old cha-ya (tea houses), which provided rest to pilgrims right up until the early 20th century. We descend to the village of Chikatsuyu, and our accommodation for tonight. We stay in the friendly guest house run by local couple Mr and Mrs Kinoshita. A former company-worker in the coastal town of Tanabe, Kinoshita-san moved to his home village to set up the popular guesthouse. Next door they have their own natural hot spring baths, and in the evening you will try their delicious ‘takikomi-gohan’ (rice steamed with vegetables), freshly-caught fish, and tempura.
Hiking: 7 miles, 4 hours (1,150 feet ascent/350 metres, 1,180 feet/360 metres descent)
Those who do not want to walk can transfer by local bus (30 mins)
Accommodation:Minshuku (guesthouse)
Day 4 Hike Chikatsuyu to the Grand Shrine at Hongu
From Chikatsuyu we take a local bus to Nonaka and Tsugizakura-ōji, one of the many small shrines along the route. Nobles would rest at these sub-shrines, called ōji, to refresh themselves and compose poems. We then hike one of the most scenic sections to Hongu Grand Shrine, passing on the way through ridge-top villages. The symbol of the shrine is the mythological three-legged raven, representing the Hongu, Nachi, and Hayatama shrines – the same motif as the one used by the Japan Football Association. The three-legged crow was in mythology sent to guide Emperor Jimmu, on his journey from Kumano to the Yamato Plain.
After visiting the shrine, we transfer by local bus (15 mins) to Yunomine Hot Spring, one of the oldest in Japan. We stay overnight in a comfortable ryokan with its own outdoor stone hot spring bath.
Hiking: 13 miles, 7 hours (2,500 feet ascent/762 metres, 3,740 feet/1,140 metres descent)
There are also 2 hour and 9 hour options, and those who do not want to walk can transfer by local bus (1.5 hours)
Accommodation: Hot Spring Ryokan
Day 5 Boat ride on the Kumano River
We transfer by local bus to the Kumano River, and board a boat to take us on an exciting ride (2 hours) through the spectacular Dorokyo Gorge.
Afterwards, we will transfer back to Yunomine Onsen for another night at our hot spring ryokan. There will be time to soak in one of the natural hot spring baths before dinner.
Accommodation: Hot Spring Ryokan
Day 6 Hike to Nachi Grand Shrine and waterfall
We transfer by local bus to the Koguchi, and hike the final trail over the Ogumotorigoe Pass, to glimpse the Pacific Ocean and then descend to Nachi Taisha (Grand Shrine) and Nachi-taki (waterfalls), one of the three ‘Grand Shrines of Kumano’.
From there we transfer by a short bus ride (30 mins) to the fishing port of Katsuura, and to our modern hotel. This amazing hotel is built into a rock formation in the bay opposite Katsuura, and features its own hot spring bath in a cave facing the sea! Soak in the hot spring water whilst feet away from the lapping waves of the Pacific.
Hiking: 9 miles, 6 hours (3,215 feet/980 metresascent, 3,020 feet/920 metres of descent)
Those who do not want to walk can transfer by local bus (2 hours)
Accommodation: Hot Spring Hotel
Day 7 Hiking to Maruyama Senmaida or relax at hot spring
Choose between a hike along another part of the Kumano Kodo to Maruyama Senmaida, a spectacular area of terraced rice fields, or have a day to relax. You can try the various hot spring baths in the hotel. You can also choose to explore the local fishing town of Katsuura, with its excellent seafood.
Optional hiking: 4.5 miles, 3 hours (790 feet/240 metres of ascent, 980 feet/300 metres of descent)
Accommodation: Hot Spring Hotel
Day 8 Transfer to Kyoto
We leave the Kii Peninsula this morning, travelling on the coastal rail line to Kyoto (3.5 hours), where we enjoy a farewell dinner with our guide.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 9 Tour ends
Our tour finishes today after breakfast. Your guide will be on hand to give help and advice about getting to the airport, or onward travel in Japan. You may choose to stay on in Kyoto, on one of trip extensions.
OPTIONAL KYOTO EXTENSION
We offer the following 3-day extension for those wishing to stay on in Kyoto after the tour.
Day 1 Kyoto sightseeing : Higashiyama
The main tour will end in Kyoto in the morning after breakfast. You will then join the guide to visit the Higashiyama area of Kyoto, east of the Kamo River. You will start with a gentle walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a lovely tree-lined canal walk (2 hours) so-called as it was a favorite place of meditation for the influential Kyoto University philosopher Nishida Kitaro. We then visit the Zen Buddhist Nanzen-ji Temple from the 13th century, and see its rock garden.
After lunch, we move to Sanjusangen-do Temple, part of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, with its one thousand statues of the Thousand-armed Kannon, a Buddhist deity.
If time allows, we’ll continue to the Gion area, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, to explore the backstreets, and perhaps spot a geisha or apprentive maiko, if we are lucky!
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 Kyoto cultural experience : Nijo Castle & tea ceremony
This morning we will visit Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns. The castle is regarded as a good example of the Momoyama style of architecture, and is decorated with wall paintings by artists of the Kano school. The palace also features ‘nightingale floors’, designed to warn occupants of intruders by squeaking like birds.
In the afternoon, we will experience the art of Sado – the Japanese tea ceremony. You will learn something of the elegant and sophisticated ceremony which has developed since the Heian Period (794 to 1185).
In the evening there will be an optional cooking class with a local cooking instructor at her home. Together you will prepare some Japanese ingredients to make simple local dishes, and then enjoy them together.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 3 Tour ends
WALKING LEVEL
Moderate walking - 4 days of walking and hiking from 2 to 7 hours per day on flat paths and mountain trails with some strenuous climbs. This tour is suitable for those who are in good shape and can walk over rough ground for up to 7 hours with ascent and descent. Whilst on the trail you will need to carry a small to medium daypack.
| Download detailed itinerary |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All domestic transport, accommodation, entrance fees, breakfasts & 8 evening meals are included.
Not Included are international Flights, drinks with meals, lunches.
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)
Dates & Prices |
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| Tour dates | Availability | Price | |
| 2012 | |||
| 29 October - 06 November 2012 | Spaces | £2,145 / $3,515 / AUD3,510 / €2,735 | BOOK |
| 2013 | |||
| 06 - 14 May 2013 | Spaces | £2,145 / $3,515 / AUD3,510 / €2,735 | BOOK |
| 04 - 12 November 2013 | Spaces | £2,145 / $3,515 / AUD3,510 / €2,735 | BOOK |
| Kyoto extension | |||
| 06 - 08 November 2012 | Spaces | £495 / $815 / AUD815 / €630 | |
| 14 - 16 May 2013 | Spaces | £495 / $815 / AUD815 / €630 | |
| 12 - 14 November 2013 | Spaces | £495 / $815 / AUD815 / €630 | |
To book, please select 'Book' from the link above. |
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Tour starts and ends in Kyoto. The first day of the tour is the arrival day, and you will depart one day earlier from most international destinations.
| Download detailed itinerary |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All domestic transport, accommodation, entrance fees, breakfasts & 8 evening meals are included.
Not Included are international Flights, drinks with meals, lunches.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
There is a single room supplement of £425 per person for the main tour, and £125 for the Kyoto extension
GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12 Clients Minimum: 5 Clients
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 (GMT)
Accommodation on this tour |
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Other accommodation on this trip
Hotel Urashima, Katsuura - a hot spring resort hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa (Kyoto) - a modern and comfortable 4-star hotel in the heart of Kyoto |
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| Download detailed itinerary |
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)
Tour Reviews |
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"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
"This trip was very seriously everything I could have hoped for. I filled out the survey, but it's pretty much straight excellent ratings, so I don't think it will provide much constructive feedback. So I just wanted to to drop one last personal note and say thanks a lot. You really went the extra mile dealing with earth quakes and date changes and requests to set me up in tiny towns like Iwade (which meant I got to see some friends from 16 years ago and had a great reunion with some people who are really important to me). Seriously, great job. I did not deserve a trip that was that fun and went that smoothly. I keep expecting Karma to smack me around a little bit just to get the universe back into alignment." (Kumano Kodo self-guided)
Andy E, USA
| Download detailed itinerary |
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)
Trip level |
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Our Kumano Ancient Trail tour includes four days of walking and hiking from two to seven hours per day on flat paths and mountain trails with some strenuous climbs, along a mixture of paved village paths, and dirt trails. The trails are well-maintained however there are some steady climbs which require some stamina. Although the mountains are not high (below 1,500m, 5,000 feet), the trail undulates with many short climbs and descents, and a few longer ones.
You will need a day pack on the trail to carry overnight items such as rain gear, water bottle, etc. Your main suitcase will be sent ahead by overnight courier on four occasions to avoid the need for you to carry it when travelling. Whilst on the trail your luggage will be forwarded by taxi. Traditional Japanese ryokan and minshuku provide yukata (cotton robes) for wearing after checking-in, slippers, towels, soap, shampoo, etc. so it is possible (and much more pleasant) to travel lightly in Japan. You won't need a second pair of shoes or evening wear, except possibly in the cities. It's worth noting that Japanese trains and buses rarely have a dedicated place to put large pieces of luggage.
You will need sturdy boots which are water-repellant and have a firm sole and good ankle support. Break-in any new footwear before you come to avoid blisters. We recommend trekking poles, which will be useful in Oze, Mount Gassan and Nyuto Onsen. We provide a full packing list which will be sent to you after booking.
Those travelling for an extended period in Japan can have their luggage stored at the hotel or sent ahead by an efficient and economical courier system. This systems allows you to send suitcases and bags to almost any address in Japan for about 1,500 Yen (about £12, $19, AUD19, €13) and specify the exact date and time of delivery.
Who is this walk for?
- We recommend this walk for anyone who does regular walking or hiking, and is comfortable to walk for a full day with climbing and descending.
- If you do not excercise regularly, then you should undertake a program of walking to prepare and get the most out of your trip. We will be happy to give you tips, but it is best to prepare by doing walks of three to five hours starting about three to six months before your trip.
- We advise you to check with your doctor if you are unsure and especially if you have any medical conditions.
Walking or hiking?
This trip has a mixture of what might be be called hiking, trekking, rambling, tramping, randonee (French), wandern (German), senderismo (Spanish) or escursione (Italian); depending on what country you live in. For some, walking is what you do on level paths, whereas hiking is in the hills. Our trips involve a mixture of the two.
| Download detailed itinerary |
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)
