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 walking 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 walking 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 walking 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 walking 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 walking 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 you should consider Big Heart Adventures
Flexibility (2 guides)
we have 2 experienced and knowledgeable guides on every tour. Meaning if someone in the group has an incident or is struggling with fitness we can better manage the situation and your Kumano Kodo experience isn’t effected by others. Other tours generally only use 1 guide.
Nature Connection
we’re pioneers of combining trail walking and facilitated nature connection. It’s the invitations to connect deeper with your natural surrounds that make our tours unique and holistic. Not offered by other tour operators.
Group Fitness
to help ensure each member of the tour group is ready and walking fit is something we value. We want you to feel comfortable walking the full itinerary so you can maximise your enjoyment and experience. That’s why we include a training program and guided training walks that are designed to be as close as possible to the terrain you will experience in Japan. We also provide pre-departure group chats online, to answer any questions about the trail, what to expect, travel advice, and any questions you have before departure. Not offered by other tour operators.
Safety
our guide from Australia is fully qualified in wilderness first-aid, and supports our local Japanese guides. Our guides will be carrying comprehensive first-aid kits, safety gear, emergency documentation, and a satellite device. Procedures are in place, and constant communication is undertaken with local support services. Most tours generally have guides with limited first-aid training and just a mobile phone.
Meaningful moments
our guides will bring the Kumano Kodo alive through story telling and traditional experiences
Small groups
our tours have a maximum of 10 only for each departure
Value for Money
we provide more than just a trek. We pack a lot in to the itineraries so you get the full experience, but still have time to relax and enjoy your surrounds
Private/Personalised trips
if you want to customise your tour or go privately then please speak to us about the many options available
Further travel in Japan
our in-house travel specialists can assist you with any pre and post tour arrangements including rail passes, accommodation, flights, and insurance. We can also package your holiday with any other tours in Japan you have your eye on
(Additional reading about routes of the Kumano Kodo)
Different Routes of the Kumano Kodo
You may assume that the Kumano Kodo is just 1 trail from Takijiri-oji to Hongu. Generally, most people do because this is the section that is heavily promoted and offered. But, there are actually 5 recognised trails that link to a grand shrine of the Kumano Kodo. The trails are named Iseji, Kohechi, Nakahechi, Ohechi, and Omine Okugake Michi. Some have UNESCO world heritage status for all of their length and others for parts.
The Iseji trail is known as the ‘Eastern Route’. It follows the coastline from Ise Jingu down to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, then heads inland towards Kumano Hongu Taisha. The Kohechi trail is known as the ‘Mountainous Route’. It starts in Koyasan and traverse’s 4 mountain passes that reach around 1200mm altitude, before reaching Kumano Hongu Taisha. The Nakahechi trail is known as the ‘Imperial Route’. It starts on the western side of the Kii Peninsula in Tanabe and leads to Kumano Hayatama Taisha on the east coast. The Ohechi trail is known as the ‘Coastal Route’. From Tanabe this route follows the southern coastline to Fudarakusan-ji Temple. Finally, the Omine Okugakemichi trail is known as the ‘Shugendo Practitioners Route’. Starting from Yoshino this trail traverses mountain passes reaching 1900m altitude and finishes at Kumano Hongu Taisha. All of the Kumano Kodo trail routes can be walked in either direction, but most people like to finish at a Grand Shrine.
Walking Distances
Iseji: approximately 170km / 105 miles
Kohechi: approximately 75km / 46 miles
Nakahechi: approximately 130km / 80 miles
Ohechi: approximately 120km / 75 miles
Omine Okugakemichi: 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.
