Author: Ian Murphy
Chances are you’re reading this after searching the web for ‘Walking tours on the Kumano Kodo’ or something similar. If so, you’ve landed in the right place. The information provided here will help guide your research in a simple straight forward way.
Just a quick note to start with, I own an Australian based walking tour company but don’t worry I’m not going to hard sell our tours to you. I wrote this because we hear all the time that it can be hard to plan a Kumano Kodo trip because there is so much information on the web and it can be overwhelming. So from someone that works in the industry, here are some hints to help you choose a Kumano Kodo walking tour that is best for you.
If this blog is the starting point of your research then the google juices must be working. And, if you’ve had to scroll through endless paid sponsorship advertising then you can see that Japan and the Kumano Kodo trail is a hugely popular destination at the moment. This popularity has seen many tour operators especially from Japan, Australia and China recently join the quest for your tourism dollar. Now, there’s so much choice which is great, but also so much information which can easily overwhelm any researcher.
Ok, let’s start the process. Take a deep breath and ask yourself “how do i want to walk the Kumano Kodo?”
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Do i want to walk with a guide or walk without a guide?
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Do i want to walk with a group or walk independently?
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Do i want to see and experience specific things?
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Do i want to camp or stay in accommodation each night?
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Do i want to book everything directly and separately or use a booking agent to create a package?
To help you answer, i will now delve a little deeper into each of the 5 questions. But beforehand, there is one thing that must be clarified. When people speak about the Kumano Kodo they generally mean the Nakahechi route and 99% of the information out there is based on the Nakahechi route. However, the Kumano Kodo consists of many different routes much like the Camino in Europe. And like the Camino you can choose to walk a different route or link multiple routes for a bigger and more diverse Kumano Kodo walking experience. I have included some additional information about each route towards the bottom of this blog.
Kumano Kodo tour Question 1
(Guided or not)
Even if you’re an experienced hiker, if you want to deepen your Kumano Kodo trip, then a guide for some or for all of your walk is recommended. This is because the Kumano Kodo is bursting with Japanese culture and history, and greater you’re understanding the more meaningful it will be. A guidebook or map will never bring the trail to life as well as an experienced guide, especially a guide living in Japan. This is especially true if you have a limited grasp of the Japanese language.
If you’re leaning towards not using a guide, then a quick search and you’ll see that there are hundreds of un-guided or self-guided walking tour packages available. Many of these packages have very similar or the same itinerary. This is because walking tour companies are selling the same tours managed by the same Japanese booking agents…just rebranding them.
Hint
When choosing a guided walking tour, look for tour operators that use guides which have outdoor leadership qualifications, and ‘remote area first aid’ qualifications as a minimum. That way you can be confident that the guides will have the skills to deal with incidents when they occur, and your safety isn’t compromised. In addition, a guide living in Japan with experience walking the Kumano Kodo trail will have a depth of knowledge that only locals have.
For self-guided/un-guided tours you’re likely to have the same experience and back-up support once you start walking the trail, no matter who you book with. The difference will be in the pre-departure stage where you should look for tour operators that provide hardcopy maps and information booklets and have staff that have walked the trail so they can answer any questions reliably. Also, you should never just rely on electrical devices such as smartphone Apps for navigation.
Kumano Kodo tour Question 2
(Group or independent)
Walking with a group is usually great because you share the experience, and you meet like-minded individuals with interesting stories and lives. Group members will have a bearing on your level of enjoyment of the Kumano Kodo, so choose a tour operator who’s branding, and company values best matches your own, because they’ll most likely attract your type of people to the group.
If the group dynamic isn’t for you, then consider a walking tour that includes local support systems in case you require assistance. If you have pre-booked accommodation, then your accommodation will most likely raise an alarm if you don’t arrive by a certain time.
Hint
For group guided Kumano Kodo walking tours, consider a tour that includes 2 or more guides. Tours with multiple guides have greater flexibility to manage situations when incidents occur, or a group member is walking under duress due to sickness or lacks fitness. If there is only 1 guide for the tour, then the group will need to stay together, and this will impact the itinerary. If you’re thinking of walking as a group unguided then choose a walking tour that includes accommodation large enough for group stays. Accommodation in some of the villages along the Kumano Kodo is small and spread out from each other so it might be best staying in a central location and using buses each day.
If you prefer to walk alone or be independent from a group, then be sure to choose a tour itinerary which matches your level of fitness, navigation nouse and wish-list for sightseeing. Search thoroughly, and if the hiking tours available aren’t right for you, some Japanese booking agents will customise an itinerary for you or your booking tour operator, but this will take more time to arrange.
Kumano Kodo tour Question 3
(See and do)
A hike along the Kumano Kodo trail is a journey with many facets. The landscape, meals, local transport, overnight stays and Japanese culture make every Kumano Kodo walking tour memorable. These things don’t change no matter which hiking tour you choose. A big difference with walking tours is which natural features, stunning views, ancient relics, sacred sites, historical landmarks and added experiences are included.
Some of the main things to see and do include:
Kumano Sanzan (visit all 3 Grand Shrines), Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine, Oyunohara Torii Gate, Nachi-no-Otaki waterfall, Gotobiki Iwa boulder, Yunomine Onsen main street, Gyuba-doji statue, traditional boat ride.
Hint
Look at the inclusions or highlights listed on each Kumano Kodo walking tour itinerary you come across. If a tour doesn’t list any or many then be wary. Then, internet search these places and highlights and if any appeal to you then write them down. Do this for as many tours and for as many different tour operators as you can, search deep don’t just stick to the operators that are on top of the search results, these companies pay to be on top and may not have the best tours for you. Once you have a wish-list of things you want to see and do, then choose the tour that best matches that itinerary. It’s worth noting that there are things of interest right along the Kumano Kodo trail, so if you have a trail map make note of where the things are that you want to see and do, most tours exclude sections so compare walking distances listed on each itinerary and ask the tour operators.
Kumano Kodo tour Question 4
(Bed or tent)
Most Kumano Kodo hikers choose to stay in accommodation overnight because of the unique hotels, Ryokan inns, and Minshuku guesthouses to choose from. There’s also guesthouses and B&B style accommodation in some of the villages. Most Kumano Kodo walking tours include accommodation with dinner, breakfast and possibly a Bento lunch supplied. This is good because restaurants and shops along the Kumano Kodo are limited and opening hours restrictive. A bonus is nearly all accommodation includes an Onsen, and your luggage can be transported between them.
If you want to camp each night or for some nights, there are designated campsites that must be used. Camping outside of these sites is frowned upon given the UNESCO world heritage status of the Kumano Kodo trail, and the damage caused to the natural environment. If you choose to camp, then you must carry all your possessions that day because luggage transfer services do not service campgrounds.
Hint
No matter which walking tour you choose, your overnight stay will be determined by what’s available at the time it is booked. Some accommodation books out 12 months in advance during the high season, so there’s no guarantee where you’ll stay for any self-guided walking tours prior to your booking. Group guided walking tours should have the accommodation already booked so if it’s not mentioned in the itinerary, ask the tour operator.
It’s a good idea to also book you camping sites prior to travel during peak season. Also, some campsites will have no or limited food and drink for purchase so plan to bring these with you. At the time of writing, I wasn’t aware of any Kumano Kodo walking tours that included camping.
Kumano Kodo tour Question 5
(Agent or separately)
Ok, so you’ve finished your research and now you’re ready to book your Kumano Kodo walking tour. There are three options available to you. You can book a package with a local Japanese booking agent, book a package with a walking tour operator, or you can book everything separately and directly with the local suppliers. Make your choice on what you feel is best, based on your time available, budget, and confidence.
Booking a package with a tour operator or Japanese booking agent will be easier but be prepared to wait weeks for any confirmation. Booking directly with each local supplier will require more personal time investment but will be cheaper and confirmations will be quicker, but has risks if you have limited Japanese language and you don’t have all relevant information available.
Hint
For a self-guided Kumano Kodo walking tour package that includes accommodation, meals, local bus transport, luggage transfers, and some local tour experiences, you can book with Kumano Travel or other Japanese based booking agencies. Kumano Travel is based in Tanabe and is the official reservation provider of the Kumano Kodo. They have English speaking staff who are very helpful and friendly. However, their online booking system can be a little confusing for first time users.
Going through a walking tour operator (Japan or internationally based) will make the whole process a lot simpler for you, especially if you choose a predetermined itinerary, however it will be more expensive and confirmation times will still be determined by the Japanese based booking agency. Most walking tour operators will book a private tour package for you, so ask one that you feel most comfortable with.
It is also possible to book some accommodation with Booking.com
Thank you for reading and hopefully this has helped with your planning. If you like what I’ve written are you’re interested in joining me and Big Heart Adventures on the Kumano Kodo, i have provided links to our Kumano Kodo walking tour itineraries below.
Also, if you would like a private tour or a customised tour on the Kumano Kodo please connect with us and we will gladly help you.
Why walk the Kumano Kodo with Big Heart Adventures
Flexibility (2 guides)
each group departure has 2 experienced guides. Therefore, your holiday isn’t interrupted if someone in the group has an incident, and we can better cater for group dynamics and needs
Safety
our wilderness first-aid trained guide from Australia and our experienced bilingual local guide are on every departure. Comprehensive first-aid kits are carried by guides, procedures are in place, and constant communication is undertaken with local emergency services
Nature Connection
invitations for you to connect deeper with nature on the trail. You will experience facilitated nature connection sessions such as forest bathing throughout your walk
Timing
we go at the best time of the year to capture autumn colour and to experience local festivals and events. We can’t guarantee perfect weather everyday, but you can book with confidence
Group Fitness
a Kumano Kodo training program and guided training walks are provided leading up to your departure. These will help you prepare for your trip. Preparing yourself properly is they key to maximising your enjoyment and the groups enjoyment when away. We also provide pre-departure group chats via Zoom. These will assist you to practice on terrain that you are likely to encounter, meet other group members, ask questions on what to expect, receive advice on the trail, travel, and the destination, and gage your level of fitness compared to other group members.
Meaningful moments
learn about spiritual history and traditional Japan. Our local bilingual guide will bring your Kumano Kodo experience alive
Value for Money
all departures are more than just a trek. We help you and other group members reach a required fitness level. As you walk we teach you about the history of the trail, translate and share stories at the ancient sites, and provide opportunities for you to connect deeply with nature and your surrounds. We pack a lot in to the itineraries so you get the full experience, but still provide the time to relax
Small groups
a maximum of 10 only on each departure. Meaning, it’s better for the environment and you won’t feel like you’re just a number in the crowd
No getting lost
our experienced guides know the trail well and where your accommodation will be each night. You don’t need to worry about walking around in circles trying to ask for directions at the end of a big day
Private/Personalised trips
we can also plan and book Kumano Kodo itineraries the way you want it, either guided or self-guided
Travel in Japan
maximise your time and see more of Japan. Our in-house travel specialists can assist you with rail passes, accommodation, flights, add-ons and insurance. Package your Kumano Kodo walk with us and save stress, time and money
(Additional reading about routes of the Kumano Kodo)
Different Routes of the Kumano Kodo
There are 5 recognised trails traversing to one of the grand shrines of the Kumano Kodo, and all have UNESCO world heritage status for all or some sections. They’re named Iseji, Kohechi, Nakahechi, Ohechi, and Omine Okugake Michi.
Iseji (Eastern Route)
From the Ise Jingu, this route follows the eastern coastline to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, or branches off towards Kumano Hongu Taisha. The total distance is approximately 170km / 105 miles.
Kohechi (Mountainous Route)
This route starts in Koyasan and traverse’s mountain passes south to Kumano Hongu Taisha. These mountain passes reach to around 1200m in altitude. The total distance is approximately 75km / 46 miles.
Nakahechi (Imperial Route)
This is the most popular route and has the most infrastructure and services in place. The total distance is approximately 130km / 80 miles. Excluding the road sections between Tanabe to Takijiri-oji, and Nachisan to Kumano Hayatama Taisha shortens the distance to approximately 85km / 53 miles.
Ohechi (Coastal Route)
Starting from Tanabe this route runs parallel to the southern coast finishing at Fudarakusan-ji Temple near Nachi train station. A bus or walk along the Nakahechi trail is required to reach one of the Grand Shrines. The total distance is approximately 120km / 75 miles.
Omine Okugakemichi (Shugendo Practitioners Route)
Without doubt this is the hardest route. Starting from Yoshino and finishing at Kumano Hongu Taisha, with mountain passes up to 1900m in altitude. The total distance is approximately 95km / 60 miles.
Additional Reading
For more detailed information about the different Kumano Kodo routes read our blog which Kumano Kodo route is best to walk?.
For more detailed information about walking the Kohechi Route or the Nakahechi Route we have put together day by day reports here.
Kohechi detailed report
Nakahechi detailed report
Big Heart Adventures is a commercial tour operator (CTO) and provide Kumano Kodo walking tours in Japan.
They also offer many more walking adventures throughout South Australia, Australia and abroad. Choose between fully guided walking tours and self-guided walking adventures.
Read more about ‘Big Heart Adventures’ and their commitment to accessibility.
