The Kumano Way (Hiking Japan)
Comparable to Europe’s Camino Way, the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” that make up Kumano Kodo are a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site, and undoubtedly one of Japan’s most spectacular walking routes. Walk the same route that pilgrims have followed for over a thousand years and experience traditional and rural Japan at it’s best. At the end of your trek, enjoy a relaxing soak in an isolated onsen, sample delicious local dishes and sleep in traditional guest houses.
Route: Kyoto - Koyasan - Kii Tanabe - Kawayu Onsen - Kii Tatsura - Nagoya
Details
Dates: Available all year round
Duration: 7 Nights/8 Days Walking Tour with local guides
Starts: Kyoto
Ends: Nagoya
Route: Kyoto - Koyasan - Kii Tanabe - Kawayu Onsen - Kii Tatsura - Nagoya
Tour Type: Self Guided with local guides in places and detailed Travel Pack
Prices from: Price on request
Accommodation Category:
Experiences
Koyasan, the Holy Mountain
Founded by the Great Kukai, who established an ashram (place of spiritual retreat) at the top of this sacred mountain 1,200 years ago, Koyasan has been home to a great number of ascetic monks who have been educated here for many centuries. Immerse yourself in the spiritual home of many Japanese by staying overnight in a temple. Dinner tonight will be typical vegetarian so for all you non-meat eaters, enjoy!! Did you know eating meat from four legged animals was banned up until the Meiji Restoration in 1868? Our local Koyasan guide will meet you on arrival and teach you all there is to know about Japan’s two religions, Shinto & Buddhism, guiding you around all the significant sights. Choose to meditate with the monks at sunrise or practice calligraphy, another form of meditation before bed.
Calligraphy and Morning Chant at your Temple Lodge
Whilst staying in a temple lodge at Koyasan, you will have the option to take a calligraphy class with the monks, or rise early to join in the morning chant and be part of this spiritual community for a day.
Mountain Guides on 4 Days
Following two nights on Mt Koya, you will move further south to the Kii Peninsula. You will be met by our local guides, the mountain experts on whom we rely to show our guests the best of the Kumano Kodo walks. The pilgrimage route along this area links the three major hallowed grounds of Kumano Hongu, Kumano Hayatama, and Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Waterfall. In between visiting these sacred sites, expect plenty of nature walks, the tasting of local cuisine, chatting with friendly locals, soaking in hot springs, and a growing sense of wonderment at the incredible nature of this special place. The level of walking can be tailored to your own preference so inform us in advance of how long you can walk for one day.
Kawayu River and Onsen
Spend two nights soaking in the natural hot springs at Kawayu Onsen during the winter months, or swim in the river during the summer months to relax after your walk that day.
Magnificent Nachi Waterfalls
Discover 3 of the most significant shrines in Japan as well as Nachi Waterfalls, hidden in the mountains. Samurai of old as well as the Japanese Imperial family used to come and pay homage here and you may still see pilgrims in traditional garb paying their respects.
Accommodation
Koyasan (One Night)
All Accommodation Standards: Temple Stay
Kii Tanabe (Two Nights)
All Accommodation Standards: Minshuku Tsugizakura
[Different rooms per Accommodation Standard]
Kawayu Onsen (Two Nights)
Standard: Kawayu Midoriya
Superior and Deluxe: Kawayu Onsen Fujiya Ryokan
[Different rooms per Accommodation Standard]
Kii Katsura (Two Nights)
All Accommodation Standards: Minshuku Wakatake
[Different rooms per Accommodation Standard]
Whats included
| Service | Standard | Superior | Deluxe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Ryokans x 2 nights Minshiku (local Inns) x 4 nights Temple Lodge x 1 night | Superior Ryokans x 2 nights Minshiku (local Inns) x 4 nights Temple Lodge x 1 night | Deluxe Ryokans x 2 nights Minshiku (local Inns) x 4 nights Temple Lodge x 1 night |
| Meals | 7 Breakfasts, 7 dinners + 4 Packed Lunches | 7 Breakfasts, 7 dinners + 4 Packed Lunches | 7 Breakfasts, 7 dinners + 4 Packed Lunches |
| Experiences |
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|
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| UJT’s Essential Travel Pack | Included – 2 weeks prior to departure | Included – 2 weeks prior to departure | Included – 2 weeks prior to departure |
To get an accurate quote, send us your request with dates, number of people, and fitness ability here.
This tour will not suit people who do not wish to walk a minimum of 5km per day in Kumano Kodo region. Average fitness level a minimum requirement. You can choose the level of walking once we understand your ability.
How to Book
Step 1: Booking Deposit
By paying your deposit today, you:
- Fix the price
- Allow UJT team book all services
- Can relax a little ……your job is almost done!
BOOK NOW
Step 2: Book Your Flight
If you need help, ask our team for a quote.
Step 3: Final Payment Due 8 Weeks Prior
Your Essential UJT Travel pack will be couriered to your home address 2 weeks prior.
Step 4: See you in Japan!
Got a Question?
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Total price of this tour
per person
