The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail in Japan with Kiera

On day 2, after checking out of the hotel, we’ll begin with a 15-minute walk to Namba train station. From there, we’ll take the subway to Shin-Osaka and catch the 9:01 train from Tennoji, heading to Kii-Tanabe.

Upon arriving at Kii-Tanabe, we’ll visit the Tanabe Tourism Office to check for any updates on trail closures or detours. Here, we’ll purchase bus tickets and collect pilgrim passports for Kumano stamps. At 12:50, we’ll board a bus from Kii-Tanabe to Takajiri Oji, arriving at 13:15, where our hiking journey begins. The day’s hike is a short but challenging 4km uphill trek to the ridge-top village of Takahara, where our accommodation awaits, offering western-style rooms with a Japanese touch.

The trail today features rocky, root-covered terrain, so we’ll take it slow and steady, enjoying stunning valley views to the left and our first true experience of the pilgrimage trail.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

On day 3, we’ll embark on a scenic 13 km walk through the forest from Takahara to Chikatsuyu. The day will begin with an optional warm-up session, featuring stretching, breathwork, and a mini yoga flow led by Kiera.

The trail meanders through the lush, forested mountains east of Takahara, guiding us over picturesque ridges and into a new valley before descending into the quaint village of Chikatsuyu. Along the way, we’ll experience the tranquility of the Japanese forest canopy that defines the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, passing small shrines and crossing a river as we approach the village.

Take time to relax and soak in the serene surroundings before settling into our traditional Japanese-style accommodation.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

The day will begin with an optional warm-up session led by Kiera, featuring stretches, breathwork, and a mini yoga flow, followed by a delicious homemade breakfast. We’ll then embark on a challenging 24 km full-day trek from Chikatsuyu to Minshuku Takiyoshi, a cozy, family-run Japanese guest house. The trail takes us through numerous climbs and descents, eventually leading to the sacred Kumano Hongu Taisha, a stunning temple along the pilgrimage route.

We’ll arrive with time to explore the temple’s beautiful grounds before catching a bus from the temple steps to the onsen village of Yunomine Onsen. Kumano Hongu Taisha is one of the three main shrines on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage.

The middle section of the trail includes a permanent detour over the pass, offering a mix of forested trails and scenic settlements from Hosshinmon-oji to Hongu. After checking into our welcoming guesthouse with traditional Japanese-style rooms, you can explore the quaint village, boil eggs in the public hot spring, or visit the public onsen in the village center. The guesthouse will also have its own onsen for you to enjoy.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The morning begins with an optional warm-up stretch, breathwork, and a mini yoga flow led by Kiera. On Day 6, we’ll embark on a 14 km trek from Koguchi to Nachi-Shingu, known as one of the most challenging yet rewarding sections of the pilgrimage. While there is a fair amount of elevation, the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the mountain glimpses as you journey through the forest make it all worthwhile.

The Ogumotori-goe trail links Koguchi to Kumano Nachi Taisha, home to the sacred Nachi-no-Otaki, Japan’s tallest waterfall, and a site visited by thousands of pilgrims. The sight of the striking orange Seiganto-ji Temple set against the backdrop of the majestic Nachi Falls is often considered one of the most beautiful views in Japan.

If the difficulty of the trail becomes too much, there’s an option to take public transport to Shingu and join the group later at the shrine grounds.

For tonight’s accommodation, we’ll stay at a cozy Japanese-style retreat and enjoy a celebratory dinner together, marking the culmination of our pilgrimage journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Today begins with a delicious breakfast at our guesthouse before we set off on our journey from Nachi to Koyasan. After breakfast, we’ll take a bus to Kii Katsuura Station and then catch a train to Wakayama Station. From there, we’ll hop on a private line to Gokurakubashi Station, followed by a scenic cable car ride to Koyasan. The private line and return cable car are included in the Koyasan Heritage Pass.

We’ll be traveling by public transport for 5-6 hours today, so sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful landscapes while reflecting on the past five days of walking.

Upon arrival in Koyasan, depending on how the group feels, we can either enjoy free time to explore the village of Koyasan, a popular tourist destination, or venture out to explore the surrounding trails.

Our accommodations will be simple, traditional Japanese-style rooms, and for dinner, we’ll savor “shojin ryori” – a traditional vegan Buddhist meal, similar to what the monks eat. It typically features rice, miso soup, tempura, hot pot, vegetables, tofu, and fruit.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is a sightseeing day at Koyasan Temple. We will explore the serene and mystical Okunoin Cemetery, a sacred site where towering cedar trees and moss-covered gravestones create an otherworldly atmosphere. Walking through the peaceful paths, you’ll pass thousands of ancient tombstones and memorials, all leading to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. A cemetery tour offers a deeper understanding of this spiritual site’s significance, allowing you to connect with centuries of Japanese religious history in a truly tranquil setting.

One of the more ritualistic experiences, the Goma fire ceremony is a mesmerizing experience, held within the temples of Koyasan. Monks chant sacred prayers as flames rise, symbolizing the purification of negative energies. In contrast, the Women’s Pilgrimage Route offers a peaceful nature walk through the surrounding forest. This historic path, once used by women who could not enter the temple grounds, winds through lush landscapes, offering both spiritual reflection and stunning glimpses of the temples hidden within the trees.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After enjoying your final traditional Japanese breakfast, we’ll gather for a group meeting to reflect on our journey before saying our goodbyes and concluding this incredible trip. If you’re continuing your adventure through Japan, there are plenty of fantastic places to visit, like Nara or Kyoto. For something more off the beaten path, consider exploring Yuasa or Hidaka, towns that have preserved their charm for hundreds of years.

Your Koyasan World Heritage Pass includes the return trip on the cable car back to Gokurakubashi Station, where you can catch a train to Osaka airport or continue your journey to other destinations.

Meals Included: Breakfast