Description
Experience Japan by foot and river boat as we guide you along the Nakahechi route
8 DAYS | 7 NIGHTS
Find Yourself | Be Yourself | Challenge Yourself
Overview
Women’s Kumano Kodo Trail Tour
Japan
Accompany women walkers to the southern region of Japans Kii Peninsula, an ancient and mysterious land where pilgrimage and spiritual training have occurred for centuries.
You will follow the Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route from Takijiri-oji through spiritual countryside to Hongu. Walking the Main Trail and Kogumotori-goe sacred trails, a total distance of approximately 65km. From Koguchi a traditional boat then journeys you to Shingu along the Kumano-gawa River.
On this fully guided trek you will experience the challenge of this hilly pilgrim route on forest trails, visit all 3 Grand Shrines and learn about spiritual practices, culture and traditions along the way.
Enjoy walking with just a daypack and have your main luggage transferred daily to your overnight accommodation. At each mountain village you will stay in varying traditional-style accommodation, dine on lovingly prepared meals, and soak in onsens.
Dual Pilgrims and adventure seekers, come and immerse yourself in 1000 years of Japanese culture and history. Bring your boots, your day pack and an adventurous spirit for our exclusive women’s only walking tour on the Kumano Kodo.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Welcome to Tanabe
Welcome to Japan, your Kumano Kodo tour begins today.
If travelling with our Big Heart Adventures guide from Australia, you will travel from Osaka Kansai Airport by train to Tanabe. If travelling separately, we can assist you in coordinating any plane and train transport you require pre-tour.
Upon arriving in Tanabe you will be greeted by our guiding team. Our Japanese guide will provide a casual walking tour of Tanabe’s beach precinct, shrine, and historical landmarks this afternoon, so please try to arrive by lunch.
Your accommodation tonight is located only a short walk from Kii-Tanabe Station.
Tonight we all enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant nearby in the lively Ajikoji district.
Meals Included: Dinner
Walking Distance: up to 3km
Day 2 | Walk Takijiri-oji to Chikatsuyu
This morning we send our main luggage ahead and travel by bus to the Nakahechi trailhead behind Takijiri-oji. The start of the Kumano Kodo is a chance for you to experience a purification ritual, understand the Oji and collect your first pilgrim stamp.
The passage into the sacred mountains to Takahara Village is short and steep. Along the way you will enjoy a couple of side trips including a cave believed to offer women safe passage, and a lookout over the stunning Kii Mountains.
After lunch we continue along the Main Trail, up into the mountains and on to Hiki-gawa River. We climb the Hashiori-toge Pass where the small Gyuba-doji statue is located. This statue shows Kazan, one of the first abdicated emperors to pilgrimage to Kumano, sitting on a horse and cow.
Overnight accommodation tonight in Chikatsuyu.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Distance: 16km
Day 3 | Walk Chikatsuyu to Hosshinmon-oji
Today you walk to Hosshinmon-oji, importantly marking the outermost entrance to Hongu Taisha’s sacred precinct. We then catch a local bus to our nearby accommodation in Kawayu Onsen.
It’s a full days trek on paved roads and forested trails from Chikatsuyu village, and there’s stamps along the way. If you plan to be a Dual-Pilgrim and have your drum ceremony in Hongu tomorrow, then you will need to walk the full length today. Otherwise you may choose to shorten the walking distance by skipping some of the trail and catching a local bus instead.
Today, we climb and descend a series of passes and along a small stream we walk to a statue of Jagata Jizo, this statue is said to protect you from evil fatigue-inducing spirits.
Our accommodation tonight is a combination of Japanese and Western style rooms. You can enjoy long soaks in the Onsen and relax during your 2 night’s stay here at Kawayu.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Distance: 19km
Day 4 | Walk Hosshinmon-oji to Hongu
It’s a short drive back to Hosshinmon-oji, the starting point for your downhill walk to Hongu. Today’s trail traverses through forest and includes isolated mountaintop villages with panoramic views. Including a spectacular view of ancient Oyunohara and the majestic giant Torii gateway.
Upon reaching Hongu we explore and reflect at the Kumano Hongu Taisha and at Oyunohara. If you’re eligible for Dual Pilgrimage status, you have time in Hongu today to receive your certificate and drum ceremony. Please note: To take part in the drum ceremony today, you must have walked and collected all the stamps from Takijiri-oji to Hongu (calculated distance 44km).
Mid-afternoon, we catch the local bus back to our accommodation in Kawayu Onsen to rest and relax in the wonderful outside onsens here.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Distance: 9km
Day 5 | Walk Ukegawa to Koguchi
Today we follow the Kogumotori-goe section of the Nakahechi Route from Ukegawa to Koguchi.
This section takes you into forested mountains and over passes as we begin our journey to the Grand Shrines of Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha. At the highest point of the trail today you are welcomed with beautiful panoramic views of the 3600 peaks of Kumano.
Your accommodation tonight is tucked into the lush mountains on the beautiful Takata river.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Distance: 14km
Day 6 | Traditional boat to Shingu
You swap your walking-legs for boat-legs this morning with a scenic traditional boat cruise along the mighty Kumano-gawa River. This is a unique way to experience the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route by water, arriving at Shingu and the nearby Kumano Hayatama Taisha. You have time to reflect and explore this Grand Shrine before we walk to Gotobiki Iwa.
Gotobiki Iwa is said to be the site where the Kumano deities first descended. It’s a large boulder half-way up Mount Gongen and rests near Kamikura-jinja shrine. It’s an ancient stone staircase that takes you to this sacred place with panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean. From here it’s a short journey to our beautiful coastal accommodation for the next 2 nights, in Katsuura.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Distance: 4km
Day 7 | Nachisan and Katsuura
With the stunning waterfall and pagoda, Nachisan’s a place for self-reflection and respect for those who have made the pilgrimage both past and present. Here, the sacred precinct including the Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine can be visited. Also, we walk to the worshipped Nachi-no-Otaki Falls which is the tallest single drop waterfall in Japan.
An ancient cobblestone staircase known as Daimon-zaka takes us down to the lower valley. It’s at the lower valley where we board a local bus for our quick drive back to Katsuura. Upon returning to Katsuura, we will assist you with purchasing train tickets to onward destinations for the next day.
After lunch the afternoon is yours to relax by the ocean or at our beautiful coastal accommodation, with an option to visit a cave onsen.
Meals Included: – Breakfast, Dinner
Walking Distance: 4km
Day 8 | Farewells and departures
Following breakfast we say our goodbyes and best wishes for ongoing journeys. Your walking trip for women along the Kumano Kodo ends here in Katsuura.
If travelling to Australia, you can travel to Osaka Kansai Airport by train with our Big Heart Adventures guide. If you are extending your stay in Japan, ask us how to create an extended spiritual experience to Koyasan. Or a longer itinerary to the cities of Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, Tokyo and more.
Meals Included: – Breakfast
Walking Distance: –
Need To Know
Inclusions
Travel
- Luggage transfers daily to accommodation (1 bag per person)
- Traditional boat ride on Kumano River
Meals
- All meals and snacks as per the itinerary
- B x 7 | L x 5 | D x 7
Accommodation
- 1 night ‘Western Style’ room in Tanabe on first night
- 6 nights ‘Japanese Style’ twin share while on the trail
(Accommodation will change based on each days finishing location) - An onsen or bath is offered at each night’s accommodation
Activities
- Professionally guided walk along the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route
- Nature connection activities on trail
- Traditional boat journey
- Visit the Kumano Sanzan (all 3 Great Shrines)
- Gotobiki Iwa boulder
- Daimon-zaka staircase
- Nachi-no-Otaki waterfall
- Oyunohara Torii Gate
- Drum ceremony for Dual Pilgrims
Safety
- 2 female Guides – our local guide (bilingual) and a guide from Australia
- Group First Aid kit and emergency communication device
- Leaders certified in Remote Area/Wilderness First Aid
- Qualified Bushwalking Leaders
Environmental
- Small group guided experience
- Leave No Trace principles
- Invitations to connect with nature
Big Heart Extras
- Big Heart Adventures designed ioMerino hiking top
- Big Heart Adventures designed head sock
- Big Heart Adventures journal
- 4 pre-departure training walks and or training program (trip specific)
- Discounts for pre-departure purchases at Exurbia
- A charity contribution to our Give Back program
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
(speak to us about the benefits of packaging your flights with us) - Travel arrangements to the start and from the end of the tour
- Local bus tickets during the tour (budget AUD$50)
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Meals and drinks not stated on itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
Trail Notes
We grade the overall walking on this itinerary as MODERATE
(see our grading system)
This grading is provided as general advice only, and is based on our assessment and also feedback from past participants. Please consider your level of fitness and experience in regard to this rating, and if you’re unsure please contact us for more information
Takijiri-oji to Chikatsuyu
Distance: 16km
Elevation Gain: 1025m
Elevation Loss: 850m
Chikatsuyu to Hosshinmon-oji
Distance: 19km
Elevation Gain: 1025m
Elevation Loss: 975m
Hosshinmon-oji to Hongu
Distance: 9km
Elevation Gain: 200m
Elevation Loss: 475m
Ukegawa to Koguchi
Distance: 14km
Elevation Gain: 700m
Elevation Loss: 700m
Gotobiki Iwa boulder
Distance: 1km
Elevation Gain: 100m
Elevation Loss: 100m
Why choose us
10 REASONS TO WALK WITH US
Realistic Itineraries
we want you to love and be inspired by the Kumano Kodo. This tour itinerary is well-designed and realistic, allowing you to complete the full itinerary ….. we don’t over sell and under deliver
Be Fulfilled
this itinerary is designed to maximise your awe and leave you fulfilled. You will visit the 6 most-sacred sites of the Kumano (Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine, Oyunohara, Nachi-no-Otaki waterfall, and Gotobiki Iwa boulder) all unique and too magnificent to miss. We’ve planned this itinerary so you get the full experience and time to relax ….. you won’t leave feeling unfulfilled
Flexibility (2 guides)
our departures have 2 experienced female guides (a local Japanese guide and an Australian guide). Having 2 guides means we can better cater for group dynamics and individual needs. Factors such as walking pace, injuries and incidents can mean changes to the itinerary become necessary, and if there was only 1 guide then these changes will impact on your expectations and your level of enjoyment ….. avoiding this is why we always have 2 guides
Safety
our wilderness trained female guide from Australia carries a comprehensive group first-aid kit, satellite communication device, and safety equipment. In addition, safety procedures are in place, and constant communication is undertaken with local emergency services. Local Japanese guides generally only carry basic first-aid and rely on their mobile phone for emergency communications, and there isn’t mobile phone coverage along sections of this trail ….. so for your safety, we always have an Australian guide accompany our local Japanese guide
Nature Connection
we want you to feel de-stressed and re-energised. So, our guides are also nature facilitators with skills to immerse you with your surrounds. Not only do we safely guide you and share our knowledge, we also provide invitations for you to slow down and connect deeper with nature whilst walking the trail (included activities such as an introduction to Shinrin-yoku ‘Forest Bathing’ ) <learn more about Forest Bathing here> ….. we’re pioneers of hiking with deep nature immersion
Group Fitness
we want you to succeed and maximise your enjoyment, so pre-tour training walks, training programs, and group chats online are provided leading up to your walking tour (included as part of the tour price). These will assist you to practice on terrain that you are likely to encounter, meet your guides and other group members, ask questions on what to expect, receive advice on the trail, travel, and the destination, and gauge your level of fitness. Many people underestimate the difficulty of walking this trail and end up under-prepared and unfulfilled ….. so we invest in your preparation
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
Timing
we go at the best time of the year for comfortable walking conditions. We can’t guarantee perfect weather everyday, but you can book with confidence
Meaningful Moments
learn about spiritual history and traditional Japan. Our local bilingual guide will bring your Kumano Kodo experience alive ….. a guide book, phone App, or international guide just can’t do this as well as a local guide
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
Packing List
A detailed packing list is provided prior to travel
- Gear you will need:
- Rainproof jacket and pants
- Daypack (35 litre approx.)
- Water bottles/hydration kit (min 2Ltrs)
- Personal medications
- Clothing suitable for walking that is quick drying and breathable – consider merino/synthetic clothing
- Sun protection such as hat, sunglasses and suncream, insect repellent
- Sleeping attire
Accessibility
Requires following bush trails carrying a day pack with some steep sections. Accommodation and transport includes stairs. Please talk to us about your accessibility needs before booking
Details
- Type: Women’s Guided Trips
- Adventure: Women’s Kumano Kodo
- Destination: Kii Peninsula, Japan
- Group Size: Max 10 plus 2 guides
Fitness Requirement
- A good level of fitness is required to walk the trails on this trip
- You will be walking pack free (day packs only)
- You will walk on a variety of surfaces on undulating trails including some steep inclines/declines and rocky trail
- Our longest walking day is up to 19km and we walk 4 consecutive days on this adventure
- Trip rating: Moderate
Important Information
- *Eligible Past Traveller Discount applies if you’ve travelled with us on any of our guided tours which were 5 days duration or longer
- 5% Discount for Wise Women Walking Gold and Silver Members JOIN HERE
- Read terms and conditions before booking
- Itinerary and price subject to change at any time
- Travel Insurance is recommended. Get a quote from Covermore or Go Insurance
- Note weather, group member welfare and a range of circumstances outside our control can mean last minute changes to our itinerary are necessary once on tour. Detours may be in place
- A very limited number of single rooms are available on a first-come basis
- Please contact us before booking any flights. Depending on flight arrival and departure times extra nights accommodation may be required at own expense
- A minimum number of travellers are required for this trip to depart so ask someone to join you. If minimum numbers aren’t reached, we may decide to still go or we will provide a full refund
- Training walks start 6 weeks prior to departure. We recommend you attend these walks to maximise your enjoyment and for the groups welfare when away
- Rooming is twin share on the trail
- Japanese style accommodation and food is traditional on the Kumano Kodo. Sleeping upon futons placed on the floor and a variety of cuisines is offered exclusively for the region. Not all dietary requests may be catered for and must be declared at the time of booking. Please note that dietary requirements cannot be added while travelling on this tour
- If you have additional needs please connect with us, we’re committed to being inclusive and accessible
Adventure Leaders
Our experienced and knowledgeable local female guide (bilingual) and a female guide from Australia are with you for the journey (2 leaders). Our team is qualified, experienced and super friendly. We will ensure you have a fun and connecting adventure. Leaders are certified in Remote or Wilderness First-Aid. All leaders carry a group first-aid kit, emergency communications device, emergency documentation and equipment.
