Japan's Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail
Kyoto, Japan
Hiking and Culture
Make It Your Adventure
Turn any trip into a private experience for your group, or let us design a custom itinerary just for you! Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, we’ll make your journey unforgettable.
While Japan has long been known for its dynamic cities, only recently has the beauty and culture of the Japanese countryside begun to gain attention. On this trip we get to experience both the beauty and culture along with some of the history, all while walking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. The Kumano Kodo refers to a network of pilgrimage trails through the southern Kansai region of Japan. The Kodo (old ways) are an important part of the region's Unesco designation and have been in use for over 1000 years. The Kodo are the only pilgrimage paths besides the Camino de Santiago to be designated a world heritage site and we get to experience these amazing and ancient trails.
Maximum group size: 14
Highlights
- Traveling the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Trail, one of 2 pilgrimage Unesco designated trails in the world!
- Experiencing both modern and rural traditional Japan
- Staying in traditional inns with their reputation for hospitality
- Learning about Japanese history and culture with our local guide
- Visiting Kyoto, one of the most dynamic modern cities in the world
Inclusions
- An English speaking female Japanese tour leader and an AGC guide
- 9 nights double occupancy at western style hotels in the cities and traditional Japanese inns in the countryside
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary, including sightseeing tours
- 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 7 dinners (see itinerary)
- All transportation during the trip including group airport transfer on Day 1 and 10 of the trip
- Baggage transfer on 2 occasions
What's not included: Travel to and from Japan, airport transfer outside referenced group transfers, beverages at meals, snacks, 1 dinner, guide gratuities, travel insurance.
Trip Info
This trip is designed for women who want to combine hiking off the beaten track in the Japanese countryside, learning about Japanese history and culture and walk one of the 2 pilgrimage Unesco designated trails in the world. Note: Although our focus will be more on the history and culture, the walks are moderate to strenuous. Women should be in good physical condition and able to hike for three to six hours a day with elevation gains between 550 - 1000 feet. Rating: 1 2[3] 4 5
This is a hiking and sightseeing trip, where our emphasis is more on experiencing Japan's history and culture than on covering miles.
We will be staying in three different types of accommodation. In Kyoto, we will stay in modern Western-style hotels (3 nights). While rooms are generally smaller than in the US and Canada, all have en-suite facilities. In Tanabe, Yunomine Onsen, and Kii-Katsuura we will stay at a hot springs ryokan. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese-style inn, usually older wooden buildings with rooms in the Japanese style with tatami (straw) matting and futons laid out in the evening by the ryokan staff. Evening meals are served communally in the dining room, and are exquisitely prepared multi- course meals. Many ryokan have both en suite bathrooms (with the exception of some older buildings) and communal hot spring style baths (segregated by sex). In one town we stay in Minshuku, which are smaller family-run inns. At these smaller family-run inns the bathrooms will be downstairs or down the hallway from the sleeping rooms. Both Ryokan and Minkushu are classic Japanese experiences. Please note: Vegetarian options are available, but limited. Strict vegetarian diets, vegan diets, or gluten free diets will be not be possible to accommodate due to the pervasiveness of the fish-based stock dashi and the use of soy sauce and miso in Japanese cuisine. There will not be much if any fresh fruits and/or vegetables. Most of the vegetables will be pickled, fried or cooked in soup.
Trip Resources
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
Arrive at either Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka International Airport (ITM) in time for our first group meeting, scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the hotel on Day 1. A shared taxi transfer will be arranged from the airport to our Kyoto hotel. Once we arrive, we’ll gather in the hotel lobby to meet our local guide and fellow travelers.
After introductions and a warm welcome, we’ll take a short walk to a nearby restaurant for our first shared meal together. During dinner, our guide will provide an overview of the trip and an orientation for the days ahead. By the end of the evening, we’ll all be ready for an early bedtime, ready to rest up for the adventure ahead.
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Hearton Hotel or similar (Western-style hotel)
Travel: Taxi to Kyoto hotel, walking
Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in the beauty and history of Kyoto, beginning with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine in southeastern Kyoto. Fushimi Inari is famous for its rows of vermilion torii gates that wind their way up the mountain, leading from the street-level shrine to the upper sanctuary. These gates are left by devotees in gratitude or to seek the favor of Inari, the deity of this Shinto shrine. After ascending the shrine, we’ll descend to the nearby Tofukuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temple that offers a deeper look into Japan’s spiritual traditions.
We’ll break for lunch before continuing our afternoon exploration of the Gion district, known for its teahouses and schools that serve the vibrant community of geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha). If we’re fortunate, we might spot a maiko in her colorful attire, making her way to a class or evening appointment.
For the evening, dinner is on your own. Our guide will be happy to offer suggestions, helping you choose the perfect spot to enjoy a meal of your liking.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hearton Hotel or similar (Western-style hotel)
Daily Activities: City Walking Tour (5 - 7 miles on dirt paths, steep steps, and city streets)
Travel: Walking
This morning, we’ll send our luggage ahead to be reunited with us tomorrow afternoon. For today, tonight, and tomorrow, we’ll carry what we need in our daypacks. We’ll travel by train to the Kii Peninsula, where we’ll visit the charming coastal town of Tanabe. The surrounding mountains are dotted with orchards, growing Mikan (mandarin oranges) and Ume (Japanese plums), and we’ll enjoy some peaceful time picking and sampling the fresh fruit.
Next, we’ll explore the local farmers market, where the vibrant produce showcases the region’s commitment to sustainable farming.
For the night, we’ll stay at Akizuno Garten, a beautifully renovated schoolhouse that serves as a model for sustainable tourism. The project is a collaboration of local farmers who are dedicated to preserving their community and promoting its growth. The lodge embraces the slow food movement, and local farmers’ wives cook delicious, home-cooked meals for guests, giving us a taste of the region’s authentic flavors.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Akizuno Garten, Renovated schoolhouse organic farm stay
Daily Activities: Orchard visit, farmers market
Travel: Train, walking
Today, we begin with an early morning zazen meditation session at a local temple, where we’ll enjoy the calm and reflect on the day ahead. Afterward, we’ll return to the lodge for a hands-on cooking experience, where we’ll prepare our own bento box to take with us.
With lunch packed, we’ll start our first hike along the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Trail. Our walk begins in Takijiri, where we’ll steadily climb an ancient mountain path. Though today’s hike is short, it is steep, and we’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the valley. We’ll finish our hike in the small village of Takahara, where we’ll rest and enjoy the tranquility of this picturesque setting.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Kiri-no-Sata or similar
Daily Activities: Hiking (2 hours, 3 miles; ascent 1,200 feet)
Travel: Walking
Today, we’ll send our luggage ahead once more to be reunited with us tomorrow evening. After breakfast, we’ll head to Takahara and continue along the Kumano Kodo Trail, making our way toward the small village of Chikatsuyu. As we walk through forested paths, we’ll pass small Oji shrines, placed along the route to protect and guide pilgrims on their journey.
Upon our arrival in Chikatsuyu, we’ll be transferred to Yunomine Onsen, where we’ll enjoy a traditional ryokan experience for the night. Our main luggage will be sent ahead to the ryokan where we’ll stay tomorrow, so today we’ll only carry what we need for the night.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Yunominesou, Ryokan
Daily Activities: Hiking (4-5 hours, 6.5 miles; ascent 1,575 feet/descent 1,700 feet)
Travel: Walking
Today, we’ll hike two scenic sections of the Kumano Kodo Trail, passing ridge-top villages and Oji shrines as we make our way to the Hongu Shrine. The first section of our walk takes us from Chikatsuyu to Kobiro, where we’ll take a local bus to Hoshinmon-Oji. From there, we’ll begin our descent toward the Hongu Grand Shrine.
Originally located just over 1km away, the shrine is part of the Kumano Sanzan, or the three grand shrines of Kumano. The shrine’s symbol is the mythological three-legged raven, which represents the three grand shrines: Hongu, Nachi, and Hayatama. If the symbol looks familiar, it’s the same one used by the Japanese national football team.
After visiting the shrine, we’ll take a local bus (about 15 minutes) to Yunomine Hot Springs, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, where we’ll relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Yunominesou, Ryokan
Daily Activities: Hiking (4 hours, 8 miles; ascent 1,055 feet/descent 1,180 feet)
Travel: Walking, local bus
Today, we have the wonderful opportunity to return to Hongu and participate in a local craft that, though fading in popularity, is now being revived as part of a campaign to preserve Japan’s ancient traditions. We’ll learn the art of washi paper making using traditional Japanese methods. Afterward, we’ll take our handcrafted paper to the priests at the neighboring shrine, who will inscribe the shrine's details on the paper, creating a meaningful and traditional souvenir of our visit.
The later afternoon is free to relax in our hot spring ryokan—perfect for soothing any muscles after the past few days of hiking.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Yunominesou, Ryokan
Daily Activities: Hiking (3.5 hours, 4 miles; ascent 1,345 feet/descent 1,065 feet)
Travel: Walking
This morning, we’ll send our bags ahead to Kyoto, where they will meet us tomorrow at our accommodation. We’ll then continue on to Nachi-san, home of the Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano, and the impressive Nachi-taki waterfall. After exploring Nachi, we’ll travel by local bus to the coastal town of Kii-Katsuura, where we’ll spend our final night in the Kumano region at a traditional Japanese-style hot spring hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Japanese-style Hotel
Daily Activities: Visit Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Nachi-taki waterfall
Travel: Walking, local bus
This morning, we leave the coast and make our way back to Kyoto. Upon arrival, you’ll have some free time to explore and perhaps pick up a last-minute souvenir or two before our farewell dinner. Today, we’ll also be reunited with our bags.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hearton Hotel or similar Western-style hotel
Daily Activities: Free time for exploration, farewell dinner
Travel: Bus or train
This morning, we bid farewell to Japan and our guide. She will assist us with a pre-arranged shared taxi transfer to Kansai International (KIX) or Osaka International Airport (ITM) for our departure flights. You can schedule your flight for any convenient time.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Travel: Shared taxi transfer to airport
4.6
(5 reviews)*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
Immersion into Japanese culture in the rural areas staying as onsens (hotels with hot springs) and Agri-tourism accomodations
To visit a country I had not been to & to receive the dual pilgrim certificate.
This trip was a wonderful introduction to the magic that is Japan. I loved the cultural experiences like visiting multiple sacred sites and shrines, cooking class, and meditation with a monk in a 400 year old temple. I equally enjoyed hiking and visiting a lesser-known and beautiful mountain and hot springs region. The food was incredible- several 12 course meals and delicious fresh fish. I was intimidated by the language and culture difference but our guides made everything easy for this first-timer. Do this trip! It’s really something special.
Everything. It was great all around. I wouldn’t change a thing.
The location!
- Where do we eat?
Your breakfasts will be buffets at the hotels where you're staying. Dinner is in restaurants with typically a choice of vegetarian or non-vegetarian entree. Lunches may either be picnics or in restaurants. - What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
Strict vegetarian diets, vegan diets, or gluten free diets will be impossible to accommodate due to the pervasiveness of the fish-based stock dashi and the use of soy sauce and miso in Japanese cuisine. If that is not a concern for you, non-meat dishes are readily available. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.
You Might Also Like
Fall in the Great Smokies
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smokies are known for spectacular fall foliage and beautiful fall weather with crisp days and cool nights! The human history is fascinating and the diversity of flora and fauna is truly exceptional. And by mixing our hiking with a day of whitewater rafting, we experience the full spectrum of the extraordinary variety of ecosystems that exist here. Everyone gets her own private room in our huge luxury cabin on this trip.
7 Days
Book Now
Autumn on the Superior Hiking Trail
North Shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota
This trail combines a true sense of remoteness with an incredible diversity of terrain and dramatic scenery. At the height of fall colors we explore various sections of the trail, as well as different accommodations on the shores of Lake Superior. With the option of two hikes of different lengths each day, this is a perfect getaway vacation for women who enjoy fall hiking and hospitable lodging.
6 Days
Book Now
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries
Dahlonega, GA
North Georgia is known for its gorgeous and rugged mountains, its towering waterfalls, and its ... wineries! Turns out the soil, climate, and elevation are not only great for hiking, they're also perfect for growing grapes for wine. So, on this four-day getaway, we combine hiking to waterfalls with opportunities to visit wineries, learn about wine, and sample some of the wonderful cuisine that can also be found here.
4 Days
Book Now
