Hiking Guide to Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route

When planning a hiking trip to Japan, the Kumano Kodo is definitely a mecca for all visitors, consisting of several trails and passing through the beautiful beaches, forests, waterfalls, and hot springs towns of the Kii Peninsula. In this ultimate hiking guide to Kumano Kodo, you will find the best time to hike this ancient trail, a map of popular Kumano Kodo routes, luggage delivery service, and more to experience the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.

Why Hike Kumano Kodo

Simply speaking, the Kumano Kodo is Japan's rich pilgrimage heritage. Blending the lush natural beauty, cultural and historic sights, it is also a tranquil escape with fresh air, towering ceders, and peace, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Make your hike in this sacred place where the gods dwell, pass the mini shrines and jizo statues, and greet Buddhist monks walking on their pilgrimage route. From magnificent shrines to pine-scented tea houses, during your Kumano Kodo trail hike, the path never hesitates to reward those who tread it.

Kumano Kodo FAQs

What's the Length of Kumano Kodo

The network of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route is about 370km (230mi), running through the Kumano mountains and connecting the three Kumano Taisha (Hongu, Hayatama, and Nachi Shrines) on the Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka.

Is the Kumano Kodo Difficult

Generally, the Kumano Kodo hike is moderate. You will encounter some uneven paths, but switchbacks are not usual. Trails of Kumano Kodo are also not technically difficult. Most are cobblestone trails; however, their diverse and unpaved mountain route does require a full physical to support the several climbs and ascents.

What Level of Fitness is Needed for Kumano Kodo

• For hours of short strolls and leisurely walks, anyone can join the Kumano Kodo hike.
• For a multi-day hike or a full trail trek, the advanced and expert levels of fitness would be more helpful during your hike. Getting in shape in advance!

How Long Does it Take to Walk Kumano Kodo

It usually takes 7 to 15 days to finish the whole round. Take the most popular Nakahechi Route (from Takijiri-oji to Kumano Nachi Taisha, about 70km long) as an example, a week-long itinerary would be necessary.

The full route is truly rewarding, but there's no denying that one-day or multi-day sections are just as popular. Go with whatever suits your pace, or leave it to us. We'll shape a Japan hiking trip that fits exactly what you want and need.

Takijiri-oji, the Starting Point of the Nakahechi Route

Best Time to Hike Kumano Kodo

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the best hiking in Kumano Kodo, and usually the peak hiking seasons to enjoy the blooming blossoms as well as those red and gold autumn leaves.

The Kii Peninsula has more pleasant climates in the spring and fall, with more sunny days and milder temperatures from 13 to 18℃ (55 to 64℉) for relaxing outdoors and fewer barriers to clothing.

The humid summer in the Kumano region can be sweaty, better for the morning visit before the heat, or the early June hike ahead of the rainy season. Freezing temperatures can be seen in winter, yet also an ideal time to enjoy those hot springs along.

What is the Best Month for Kumano Kodo

• For cherry blossom viewing: Late March to early April
• For fall foliage watching: Late October to November
• For budget prices and fewer crowds: Early to mid-March, May, early June, September, and early to mid-October

Kumano Kodo Trail Map

	Length	Difficulty	Finish Time	Features
Nakahechi	about 70km (43mi)	★★★☆☆	5 to 7 days	best facilitated
Kohechi	about 66km (41mi)	★★★★☆	4 to 5 days	more challenging
Ohechi	about 120km (75mi)	★★☆☆☆	4 to 5 days	simple coast trail
Iseji	about 170km (106mi)	★★★☆☆	1 to 2 weeks	Longest, culture

Popular Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes

Nakahechi Route

• Length: about 70km (43mi), usually takes 5 to 7 days to finish
• Route: Takijiri-oji→Tsugizakura-oji→Kumano Hongu Taisha→Koguchi→Kumano Nachi Taisha
• Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
• Best for: first-time visitors for short or multi-day walks, families with kids
• How to get there: a 2.5-hour train ride from Osaka to Kii-Tanabe Station, followed by a 40-minute bus ride

Nakahechi Route is the core trail of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network, connecting the three Kumano Taishas. It is a well-developed trail that is suitable for most visitors, with clear English signs and a luggage shuttle service you can benefit from, not to mention the local bus line alongside the trail to save your stamina.

From Takijiri-oji to Kumano Nachi Taisha

Starts at Takijiri-oji, from where you will walk all the way east through virgin forests, wispy mists, ancient villages, and reach the first Kumano Shrine of Hongu Taisha, home to Japan's largest torii. Then make your way southward to Koguchi as your stay, finally to walk through towering centuries-old cedar trees to Kumano Nachi Taisha, where the Nachi Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Japan, is located.

An Extra Day to Kumano Hayatama Taisha

To make you three Kumano Taisha collections, it is a good idea to make an extra day from Nachi Shrine to Hayatama Shrine, with another 4-hour hike. Or start from Hongu Taisha, where you can take a boat ride down the Kumano-gawa River to make your trip refreshing and cozy, with crystal clear water and endless forests and mountains on the bank.

Hotel on Nakahechi Route

Kohechi Route

• Length: about 66km (41mi), usually takes 4 to 5 days for the entire trip
• Route: Koyasan→Omata→Miura-guchi→Totsukawa Onsen→Kumano Hongu Taisha
• Difficulty:★★★★☆
• Suitable for: experienced hikers, adventurers, and experts looking for primeval mountain trails, raw, wild, and spiritual
• How to get there: Koyasan is a 2 to 2.5-hour train ride from Osaka

Kohechi is the shortest among the 5 main Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, and also the steepest, with relatively limited facilities and transport, making it more challenging to conquer the Kohechi Route. This north-to-south route has more mountainous sections and four passes over 1,000 meters above sea level, making it suitable for experienced hikers with good stamina.

Along the way, you can enjoy Totsukawa Onsen and Yunomine Onsen, and one of Japan's most beautiful villages, Hatenashi Settlement, which sits on a ridge top with a panoramic view of the mountains through which the route passes. Be fit and make full preparation before this challenging hike.

Note:

• The northern section is closed from December to March each year due to the thick snow blocking.
• During your entire Kohechi hiking trip, there is an official confirmation of the itinerary and accommodation to ensure safety, and it is necessary to make all the village reservations along the trail.
• Please bring warm and rainproof clothing; you may encounter cooling temperatures and brief rain during this high altitude hike.

From Koyasan to Kumano Hongu Taisha

The Kohechi Route can be completed in four days. Spend your first night in Omata after the 7-hour walk from Koyasan through forests and river valleys. On the second day, with another 7-hour trek to Miura-guchi, then continue the 8-hour walk to Totsukawa Onsen, where you will enjoy the hot springs on your third day.

As for the final day, if you like, there are also buses you can take to Kumano Hongu Taisha at the Totsukawa Onsen bus stop. Or just keep your pace, walk through the picturesque Hatenashi Settlement to your final destination of Kumano Hongu Taisha.

Note: if possible, also experience the popular Koyasan temple stay before your Kohechi hike.

Vapour from Yunomine Onsen

Ohechi Route

• Length: about 120km (75mi), usually takes 4 to 5 days
• Route: Tanabe→Tonda-zaka→Susami→Nagai-zaka→Kushimoto→Kumano Hongu Taisha
• Difficulty:★★☆☆☆
• Best for: family visitors, seniors, photographers, Japanese sea views with fishing villages
• How to get there: about a 2-hour train ride to Tanabe from Osaka

Running along the southwest coastline, the peaceful ocean views and well-paved modern roads are what make Ohechi special and popular. It is an easy hike jumping out of the forest, where you can enjoy the wide and brighter coastal landscape through the local villages, as well as some remaining ancient paths.

However, it should be noted that the signs along Ohechi may not be as full as the Nakahechi, and the western sections (from Tanabe to Nagai-zaka), with more available rooms and transport, are more suitable for your first hike.

Iseji Route

• Length: about 170km (106mi), usually takes 1 to 2 weeks to complete
• Route: From Ise Shrine to Kumano Hayatama Taisha or Hongu Taisha
• Difficulty:★★★☆☆
• Best for: culture lovers, photographers, slow travelers
• How to get there: about a 2.5 to 3-hour train ride from Osaka

Iseji is the longest trail of Kumano Kodo, crossing through both the lush forest and the tranquil coastline with river plains, valleys, beaches, and rice paddies. Compared to other Kumano Kodo trails, Iseji is less visited, which means it is a more unspoiled pilgrimage route with less accommodation competition (also fewer hot springs facilities, however).

It is the top recommendation if you are looking for something about deep Japanese culture beyond the ancient path: from orchards and tea fields for your rest, to terraced fields and fishing villages to take a glimpse of local families.

Iseji is also the home to the longest cobblestone path, but the good news is, train stations are easier to find along this long path of prayer, making a great convenience of the Saigoku Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage journey.

Autumn Leaves in Kumano Kodo

Luggage Delivery Services on Kumano Kodo

The convenient Takkyubin, Japanese luggage delivery service, is another point to simplify your Kumano Kodo hiking: leave your large luggage or suitcase to the "black cat" to deliver them to your next accommodation, so you just need to bring enough food and drink before arriving at the restaurants on the way.

Struggling with the early booking process, several checks, and headache-inducing Japanese words? Plan your trip with Odynovo and let our Japanese travel expert figure out all the details. Just feel free to contact us.

Kumono Kodo Luggage Shuttle Service

Tips for Hiking Kumano Kodo

• The hotels along Kumano Kodo are limited in number, and the hotels with hot springs are highly sought after. It is recommended to make your reservations 9 months in advance. During the peak fall foliage season, 12 months is more ideal.
• Make your hiking essentials include comfortable non-slip hiking shoes, breathable hiking socks, hiking poles, knee pads, quick-drying towels, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, waterproof backpacks, etc. As well as first aid supplies common to outdoor sports, such as sterilized cotton, band-aids, gauze, heat stroke medication, etc.
• It is best to wear multiple layers of clothing to cope with changes in temperature, for example, breathable and quick-drying short-sleeved or shirts for the innermost layer, warm clothes for the middle layer, and waterproof and windproof clothes for the outermost layer.
• Though not commonly seen but bears do exist in the Kumano region. Always follow the signature and make your way on the main trail, and keep your bear ring during the hike.
• Protect the natural environment. Don't litter; don't use fire or smoke in the forest; and follow the rules on signs along the trail.
• Eat and drink promptly to prevent hypoglycemia and dehydration, and take breaks on the hike.

Plan Your Japan Hiking Trip With Odynovo

Lush forests, magnificent mountains, graceful waterfalls, towering torii, and sacred shrines on the Kumano Kodo are waiting for you to explore. Let Odynovo create travel plans and handle possible hassles for you, so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.