Hike the Kumano Kodo 65 Challenge Self-Guided, 8 days

The Kii Mountain Range that occupies most of the Kii Peninsula of Japan, has mountain with altitudes of 1,000 to 2,000 metres. It is one of Japan’s rainiest regions with abundant rainwater that nurtures deep forests. It is considered a special region where gods reside since mythological times and nurtured diverse forms of faith such as Shintoism, which is rooted in nature worship, Buddhism.

A self-guided hiking trip covering The Kumano Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route brings hikers to experience walking trails and see the UNESCO Heritage Site listed 3 Grand Shrines, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha. This itinerary is planned to cover almost the entire nakahechi route on foot, minimizing the use of public transportation.

The Kumano Nakahechi pilgrimage route was used by emperors and nobles from the 10^th century, hence it is also named ‘the Imperial Route’. It is an excellent way to experience Japan’s quiet countryside and ancient religious traditions.

This itinerary is designed to suit experienced hikers with very good fitness to complete 65 KM approx. and gaining accumulated elevations (estimated) + 4,140 M, – 3,930 M; over 4 days of walking/hiking.

This is a self-guided trip.

Duration: 8 days

Departure Date: All Year Round, starts every Saturdays

You need to have a spirit for adventure, independence and self-management on this self-guided trip.

Activity	Hiking, Self-Guided
Hiking Grade	Grade 3 – Intermediate, Grade 3+ – Intermediate Plus
Season	01 – January, 02 – February, 03 – March, 04 – April, 05 – May, 06 – June, 07 – July, 08 – August, 09 – September, 10 – October, 11 – November, 12 – December
Country	Japan

Itinerary

Highlights

~ hike the pilgrimage routes listed by UNESCO Heritage Site as ‘Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range’.

~ see the three grand shrines in the Kumano region.

~ experience stays in a local guesthouse.

~ experience stays in ryokans.

~ Travel Wander hiking t-shirt.

Day 01 Arrive Osaka Kansai – Kii Tanabe

Upon arrival at Osaka Kansai Airport, transfer to Kii Tanabe (approx. 2 – 2.5 hours) via train. If you are travelling from Osaka City, the train journey is around 2 – 3 hours. After arrival, the rest of day is free at leisure. Official check in time is 3 PM.

Meal: nil

Stay: Hotel

NOTE: train journey is at hiker’s own expense.

Day 02 Kii Tanabe – Takijiri-Oji – Chikatsuyu

Drop off your luggage at the hotel front desk. Ensure you have packed your necessities needed for this evening’s check-in at the guesthouse as you will not have access to your luggage tonight.

Take the public bus from Kii-Tanabe to Takijiri (approx. 40 minutes).

Start hiking from Takijiri-Oji to Chikatsuyu.

From Takijiri-Oji, ascend continuous steep slope to the Takahara area, which offers a great view. Take a break here as there is a rest area, toilets, and a great view too. Take the beautiful old mountain path along the ridge to the village of Chikatsuyu. where a combination of steep climbs and flat paths makes for a comfortable walk. The remaining route combines with gentler steep ascent and regular flat paths makes for a comfortable hike.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Guesthouse

Tatami Japanese Room, futon mattress, sleep on the floor.

(shared bathroom for shower and separate shared toilet)

Onsen available, you may take shower there too, Japanese style open-concept (no cubicles), gender separated.

Hiking Duration: est. 6 – 8 hours Hiking Distance: approx. 13.3 KM

Accumulated Elevation: est. +1,000 M, -840 M

NOTE: public bus journey(s) are at hiker’s own expense.

Day 03 Chikatsuyu – Kumano Hongu Taisha – Kawayu Onsen

Today is a demanding hike from Chikatsuyu to Kumano Hongu Taisha. You are encouraged to start early, no later than 8 AM or start earlier.

There are massive Nonaka-no-Ipposugi cedar trees in the shrine grove of Tsugizakura-oji area. The shrine grove and its old-growth trees were saved from destruction during the early 20th century. Located just below the shrine is the Nonaka-no-Shimizu spring, one of the 100 famous waters of Japan.

After Tsugizakura-oji, the hike continues on pavement to Kobiro-toge Pass and then on mountain trail until Hosshinmon-oji.

From Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha, this ancient road is the highlight of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi, which is said to be the entrance to the sacred grounds of Kumano Hongu Taisha. The trail switches between forest trail and paved road through settled areas.

Kumano Hongu Taisha is the centre of the three shrines in the sacred Kumano region and is the head shrine of the more than 4,700 Kumano shrines across Japan.

If time permits, take a walk to see Japan’s largest torii gate, The Great Torii of Oyuwara, standing at 34 metres high and 42 metres wide, as if protecting the forest behind it. An up-close sight not to be missed.

Take the free shuttle bus to the ryokan located in Kawayu Onsen Village.

Kawayu Onsen is a geological thermal wonder located on the Oto River. ‘Kawa’ means river and ‘yu’ means hot water. Here, hot spring water bubbles to the surface of the crystal-clear river.

One of the best ways to enjoy Kawayu Onsen is to soak in the soft evening light while watching the warm mist from the river rise slowly into the clean mountain air.

Your luggage is expected to be delivered by 6 PM today.

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Ryokan

Hiking Duration: est. 9 – 12 hours approx. Hiking Distance: approx. 25 KM

Accumulated Elevation: est. +1,210 M, -1,470 M

NOTE: public bus journey(s) are at hiker’s own expense.

Alternative: if you wish to walk less and reduce the challenge of the day’s hike, take the public bus (own expense) from Chikatsuyu to Kobiro-toge OR Doyukawa-bashi (approx. 20 minutes). Then hike from Kumasegawa-Oji OR Log Bridge to Kumano Hongu Taisha (approx. 17.6 KM or approx. 16.8 KM; +954 M).

Day 04 Kawayu Onsen (rest day)

It’s a rest and relax day to recuperate. You may wish to take the public bus to visit Yunomine Onsen – it is thought to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The waters here are said to change color seven times over the course of a day.

Or take the traditional boat tour (own expense) to visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha – located at the mouth of the Kumano-gawa River where the continuous flow of waters from the sacred Kii Mountains empty into the Pacific Ocean. Alternatively, you may take the free shuttle bus to Hongu Town. Then take the public bus from Hongu to Hayatama Taisha Mae bus-stop (approx. 55 minutes). A short 5-minute walk from the bus-stop takes you to Kumano Hayatama Taisha.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Ryokan

NOTE: public bus journey(s) are at hiker’s own expense.

Day 05 Kawayu Onsen – Hongu – Koguchi

Drop off your luggage at the hotel front desk. Ensure you have packed your necessities needed for this evening’s check-in at the guesthouse as you will not have access to your luggage tonight.

Take the free shuttle bus to Hongu.

It will be a climb and descend over a pass and is mostly hiking in the forested mountains.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Guesthouse

Tatami Japanese Room, futon mattress, sleep on the floor.

(shared bathroom for shower and separate shared toilet)

Hiking Duration: est. 5 – 7 hours approx. Hiking Distance: approx. 13 KM

Accumulated Elevation: est. +670 M, -690 M

Day 06 Koguchi – Kumano Nachi Taisha – Kii-Katsuura

Another demanding hike of the Nakahechi Route of the Kumano Kodo. It is a climb and descent over three passes and is mostly in the forested mountains. You are encouraged to start early, no later than 8 AM or start earlier.

The hike starts with a continuous steep ascent over 5 KM. Then there is a series of shorter climbs and descents. The Kii coastline, a brilliant view of the Pacific Ocean and the fishing village of Katsuura became visible on a clear day. The final 4-KM descent on stone staircases to Nachi Kogen Park and further down to the Nachisan sanctuary.

Kumano Nachi Taisha is located halfway up Nachi Mountain, about 350 metres above sea level. It has its religious origin in the ancient nature worship of Nachi-no-Otaki. The striking 3-storey pagoda is a must-stop location for some pictures with the waterfall. The Nachi Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Japan. After seeing the shrine, take a descent to the waterfall which is the original religious site in the area.

If time permits, a walk down Daimon-zaka (part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route) is a good option to immerse yourself along the route with impressive cobblestone staircase (600 metres long with 267 stairs) lined with massive centuries old trees.

Catch the public bus to Kii-Katsuura town (19 minutes). Then a free shuttle bus will take you to the ryokan.

Your luggage is expected to be delivered by 6 PM today.

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Ryokan

Tatami Japanese Room, futon mattress, sleep on the floor.

Hiking Duration: est. 7 – 9 hours approx. Hiking Distance: approx. 14 KM

Accumulated Elevation: est. +1,260 M, -930 M

NOTE: public bus journey(s) are at hiker’s own expense.

Alternative: you may take the public bus from Nachi Waterfall to Kii-Katsuura (25 minutes) if you do not wish to walk Daimon-zaka.

Day 07 Kii-Katsuura – Osaka

After checking out at 10 AM, take the free shuttle bus to Kii-Katsuura Station to take the train to Osaka (approx. 4 hours). Remember to take your luggage with you.

The train journey goes along the coast of Kii Peninsula which the view is beautiful. Upon arrival at Osaka Station, the hotel is just a short walk away.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: Hotel

NOTE: train journey is at hiker’s own expense.

Day 08 Depart Osaka or extension

Take the train (approx. 45 minutes) to Osaka Kansai Airport for your flight home or extension in Japan. Official check out time is 12 PM.

Meal: Breakfast

NOTE: train journey is at hiker’s own expense.

Inclusions

~ 2 nights stay in hotel with ensuite bathroom;

~ 3 nights stay in ryokan with ensuite bathroom;

~ 2 night stay in guesthouse, shared bathroom;

~ 7 breakfasts, 2 (packed) Lunch and 5 dinners;

~ 2 x luggage transfers as illustrated within the itinerary, maximum 20 KG, maximum size 28 inches, 1 piece per person;

~ Travel Wander hiking t-shirt;

~ service hotline (via WhatsApp).

Exclusions

~ air travel to Osaka, Japan;

~ meals not specified in the itinerary;

~ visa arrangement, if required;

~ personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure on personal effects;

~ all bus rides and train journeys;

~ anything not specified in the itinerary and trip inclusion.

Price

Twin/Double Occupancy: from SGD 2,038 to SGD 2,696 per person

Single Occupancy: from SGD 2,898 to SGD 3,476 per person (solo hiker)

The actual trip price may change based on the trip start date.

Important Notes

~ A non-refundable deposit, 30% of the trip price, is required at the time of booking. If the actual trip price increases by more than 10% than the featured price, hikers may withdraw, and the deposit will be fully refunded.

~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ Only book your air ticket to Osaka, Japan when you have been informed to do so.

~ Group size: minimum 2 hikers to go. Premium supplement for solo hikers.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Japan, it is your responsibility to obtain such a document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require it.

This self-guided trip involves multi-day hiking on constant undulation terrain with some days with continuous (steep) ascent on certain sections. Good health and good fitness are required. You need to carry an overnight backpack of around 8 – 15 KG and should be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Hiking hours are estimated, therefore actual hiking/walking times vary greatly depending on weather, seasonality, personal experience and fitness. The Kumano Kodo is a mountain trail, do not underestimate the difficulty of the terrain.

~ All hikers are strongly encouraged to be appropriately dressed in the right footwear (covered hiking high-cut shoes recommended) and attire suitable for hiking through variations of temperatures.

~ Official Check In Time for all accommodations starts from 1500/1600 hours. Official Check Out time for Minsuku/Ryokan at 1000 hours and for hotels at 1100 hours or 1200 hours.

~ The maximum weight allowed for each piece of luggage is 20 KG per piece, capped at maximum luggage size 28 inches. Each hiker is allowed 1 piece per person. No tying of additional bag(s) or item(s) except luggage tag, to your main luggage for transfer. Such bag(s) or item(s) will be charged as extra piece of luggage at SGD 60 per bag/item. Should there be any piece(s) of luggage found to be exceeding the maximum weight allowed, the affected weight-exceeded luggage may not be transported. Travel Wander and its Transport Partner will not be held responsible when such occurrence arises. Additional cost to transport the affected weight-exceeded luggage will be on hiker(s)’ own expense. Travel Wander will levied a service fee of SGD 100 per arrangement for co-ordinating the luggage transfer required.

~ There is no luggage insurance coverage for the included luggage transfers and luggage handling by coach drivers/accommodation personnels/transport companies. When you have made the booking with Travel Wander, you acknowledge that Travel Wander and/or its overseas Partners/Suppliers is not liable and will not assume responsibility for any claims, losses, damages to your luggage.

~ Hikers who have a tattoo(s) are not allowed to use the onsen facilities regardless of the included accommodations or self-expense public onsen. This is Japan’s customs, and visitors are required to respect the culture. If you have a small tattoo that can be fully covered by a band-aid or plaster, you may still enjoy the onsen.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences occur during the ideal time or period of the year. However, certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and an active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore, the inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due (not limited) to bad weather, local conditions, accommodation bookout, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary, and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue the trip.

~ Because hiking requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for participants with chronic and/or acute diseases. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike/walk.

~ If the hiker presents difficulty in completing any sections of the trek, you are strongly encouraged to further attempt with the top priority on the safety of the hiker. There is no refund on this portion of the trip. Additional arrangements, such as not limited to transportation, accommodation, and meals, will be at the hiker(s)’ expense.

~ Hiker may choose to terminate the hike early (where possible) or make it a rest day and fast track to the next accommodation by making use of public transportation (where available) or booking a private transfer at the hiker’s own expense. Should the hiker wish to partake in other activities or sightseeing on the rest day, it will be at the hiker’s own expense. Hikers can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Maps, etc., to source for fast-track options.

~ There is no refund for uncompleted hiking distances or missed inclusions.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of your travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Hike the Kumano Kodo 65 Challenge Self-Guided, 8 days