7-Nights Japan Kumano Kodo Walking — CALL

MT Sobek

OFFER ID 1494348

This immersive journey contrasts Japan's cityscapes with its spiritual countryside and ancient pilgrimage traditions on the Kii Peninsula. Start in Osaka, the bustling business hub of modern-day Japan, and end in Kyoto, Japan's former ancient capital and the repository of its cultural heritage. Hike along the spectacular Nakahechi section of the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo, an age-old web of pilgrimage routes. Soak up stunning scenery, marvel at sacred shrines, rest in ryokan inns, dine on the freshest local ingredients, and end rewarding days of hiking by relaxing in natural hot springs.

Highlights:

  • Hike the mystical Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail strewn with stunning sacred shrines
  • Experience charming traditional onsen baths and ryokan inns along the trail
  • Take in the historic landmarks and cultural highlights of Kyoto and Osaka

Important Trip Details:
Moderately paced hikes of up to seven miles a day on mostly dirt trails, plus walking during cultural touring and scenic train rides. The route includes some uneven ground and a number of steep ascents and descents.

Minimum Age: 16

7 nights | Call for pricing

Itinerary

MT Sobek: Japan Kumano Kodo Walking

Day 1 Meet in Japan’s ‘Second Capital’ Osaka
Arrive at Osaka airport and join your transfer to the hotel. At 7pm, meet with your Mountain Travel Sobek guide and other tour participants in the hotel lobby for a short orientation, then head to a nearby restaurant for the welcome reception and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Classic Osaka
(D)

Day 2 Embark on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Trail
2.5-hour train ride and 40-minute bus journey
2 hours/3 miles hiking with 820’ elevation gain and 575’ elevation loss
Today enjoy the train ride along the coast of the Kii peninsula to Takijiri, the traditional starting point of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage. Embark on the Nakahechi trail, a route that links three of the most important Shinto and Buddhist shrines, along the way dotted with smaller shrines called oji. Finish this first hike at the mountainside Takahara village, whose nickname kiri-no-sato translates to 'village in the mist.' Wrap up the day unwinding in Japanese baths at the ryokan inn.
Accommodation: Organic Hotel Kiri-no-sato Takahara
(B, L, D)

Day 3 Explore the Mountains Between Takahara & Chikatsuyu
30- to 60-minute private transfer
4 hours/6.5 miles hiking with 1,575’ elevation gain and 1,700’ elevation loss
Continue eastward along the Nakahechi pilgrimage trail, and dive deeply into the sacred ambiance of hinoki (Japanese cypress), oak and cherry forests. Along the way, spot small bodhisattva statues that honor Jizo, the patron saint of travelers; old cha-ya (tea houses) that provided rest to pilgrims right up until the early 20th century; and find Gyuba-douji, a small stone statue depicting a man riding astride a cow and horse. Descend to the quiet village of Chikatsuyu for a transfer to the inn for dinner.
Accommodation: Organic Hotel Kiri-no-sato Takahara
(B, L, D)

Day 4 Marvel at Hongu Taisha & Explore the Ancient Shugendo Religion
1-hour bus transfer
3 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,300’ elevation gain and 1,180’ elevation loss
From Chikatsuyu, follow the trail up to Nonaka and Tsugizakura-oji, one of the many small shrines along the route. Nobles would rest at these sub-shrines, called oji, to refresh themselves and compose poems. Next, transfer from the Nonaka to Hosshinmon-oji and hike through scenic ridgetop villages to reach Hongu Taisha, This is one of the Three Grand Shrines and is dedicated to Shinto's main deity, the sun goddess Amaterasu. En route, meet a local Shugendo monk to learn about this syncretic faith that draws on multiple spiritual traditions. From there, marvel at the stunning Oyunohara Torii gate, which is one of the largest in the world! The gate marks the spot where the Shinto shrine was originally located and is a scenic and peaceful destination. Transfer to Kawayu Onsen for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Fujiya Ryokan
(B, L, D)

Day 5 Take in Yunomine Onsen & Cruise the Kumano River
25-minute train ride or public bus
1.5 hours/2.2 miles hiking with 625’ elevation gain and 820’ elevation loss
Soak up the cool shade of the forested Danichi-goe trail that connects Hongu Taisha with Yunomine Onsen, where pilgrims used to perform purification rituals. Take a scenic boat ride on the Kumano River that connects Hongu Taisha to Hayatama Taisha, the second Grand Shrine. Explore its precincts on foot, then journey to the small port and fishing town of Kii Katsuura.
Accommodation: Hotel Urashima
(B, L, D)

Day 6 Discover Nachi Taisha & Travel to Kyoto
4.5-hour train ride
1 hour/1 mile hiking with 656' elevation gain
The third Great Shrine awaits today at the top of Daimon-zaka, a cobblestone staircase that runs through cedar forests and bamboo groves up to the majestic sacred landmarks. Admire the Buddhist Seiganto-ji pagoda, poised in front of the mighty Nachi waterfall, then marvel at the Nachi Taisha shrine, a visit that completes the pilgrimage to the Grand Shrines of Kumano. On your afternoon train journey to Kyoto, enjoy a traditional Japanese take-out bento box for lunch.
Accommodation: Noku Hotel
(B, L, D)

Day 7 Roam the Temples of Kyoto & Attend a Tea Ceremony
15-minute train ride
Take a train to Fushimi Inari shrine, dedicated to the Inari spirit, protector of rice cultivation famous for thousands of Torii gates that snake up the mountainside. Next, explore the sights of Kyoto's cultural district of Higashiyama and walk up to the 8th-century Kiyomizu temple to admire city panoramas from its expansive veranda. End on a high note with a ritual tea ceremony, steeped in the ichi-go ichi-e philosophy that deems each encounter unique and inimitable. Take in the mesmerizing streetscapes of Kyoto on the walk back to the hotel, where you'll enjoy farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Noku Hotel
(B, L, D)

Day 8 Bid Farewell to Japan
On the last day of your tour, transfer to Kansai International Airport or Osaka International Airport (Itami).

(B)

Featured Destinations
Katsuura
Kawayu Onsen
Wakayama
Kyoto
Osaka

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges
11/26/2024 - 12/03/2024
from $999,999,999 per person
03/12/2025 - 03/19/2025
from $999,999,999 per person
03/22/2025 - 03/29/2025
from $999,999,999 per person
04/16/2025 - 04/23/2025
from $999,999,999 per person
05/14/2025 - 05/21/2025
from $999,999,999 per person
05/23/2025 - 05/30/2025
from $999,999,999 per person
09/24/2025 - 10/01/2025
from $999,999,999 per person
10/22/2025 - 10/29/2025
from $999,999,999 per person
11/12/2025 - 11/19/2025
from $999,999,999 per person
11/26/2025 - 12/03/2025
from $999,999,999 per person


* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
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Length
7 Nights
Air City
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Vacation Rating
Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
Remarks
Prices subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID
1494348

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Cook Cruising, LLC

(848) 207-5743