Kumano Kodo
Fully Guided Hiking Tours
Kumano Kodo Fully Guided 6 Day Hiking Tour
Overview of the tour
For over 1,000 years people from all levels of society, including retired emperors and aristocrats, have made the pilgrimage to Kumano. These pilgrims used a network of routes, now called the Kumano Kodo, which stretch across the mountainous Kii Peninsula. The Nakahechi route is the most popular guided route with foreign and local hikers, featuring the three grand shrines, ojis, temples, onsens, traditional accommodation and meals, beautiful rivers and forests and great local English speaking guides.
The Nakahechi pilgrimage route starts from Kii-Tanabe on the western coast of the Kii-Peninsula and works its way east across the mountains towards the Kumano grand shrines at Hongu, and then further onwards to Nachisan and Hayatama Grand Shrines. This trail has traditional minshuku lodgings in small, isolated villages along the route. Our guided tours stay at Kii Tanabe, Chikatsuyu, Kawayu Onsen, Takada and Kii Katsuura.
The starting point for this hiking tour is at Kii-Tanabe, where we have a welcome briefing and dinner. On day 2 we take a 40-minute bus ride to Takijiri-oji, the start point for the Nakahechi route, that sits on the Tonda-gawa river at the base of the mountains. From Takijiri the path winds its way through mountains, Takahara village and forests to Chikatsuyu. On day 3 we take a private bus to Hosshinmon Oji and walk to Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine in the village of Hongu. After lunch we visit Yunomine Onsen, a hot spring village with 1800 years of history. Our accommodation is at Kawayu Onsen with it’s delightful river onsen.
After a stay in the Kumano Hongu Taisha area, we continue walking to Koguchi on day 4. After staying the night at Takada we travel by traditional riverboat down the Kumano-gawa river to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, at Shingu, on day 5 and explore the shrines and castle ruins at Shingu. The evening is spent at Kii Katsuura, a seaside village with the largest tuna market in Japan. After visiting the market early on day 6, we travel to Nachisan to visit the third grand shrine and the largest waterfall in Japan. You’ll be back in Kii Katsuura at about lunch time, for further travel by train to your next destination.
Trip dates
| Departure Date | Tour | Duration | Price | Spots remaining | Lead Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 22nd Mar 2025 | Kumano Kodo | 6 days 5 nights | $AU2,630 | Fully Booked | Marcus Ludriks |
| Sun, 30th Mar 2025 | Kumano Kodo | 6 days, 5 nights | $AU2,630 | Fully Booked | Marcus Ludriks |
| Sat 1st Nov 2025 | Kumano Kodo | 6 days 5 nights | $AU2,630 | 4 | Marcus Ludriks |
| Sun, 16th Nov 2025 | Kumano Kodo small group (Max 8 people) | 6 days, 5 nights | $AU2,630 | 6 | Yoko Murakami |
| Mon, 24th Nov 2025 | Kumano Kodo small group (Max 8 people) | 6 days, 5 nights | $AU2,630 | Fully booked | Yoko Murakami |
| Sun, 29th Mar 2026 | Kumano Kodo | 6 days, 5 nights | $AU2,790 | 12 | Marcus Ludriks |
| Sun, 5th Apr 2026 | Kumano Kodo small group (Max 8 people) | 6 days, 5 nights | $AU2,790 | 8 | Yoko Murakami |
| Sun, 25th Oct 2026 | Kumano Kodo | 6 days, 5 nights | $AU2,790 | 12 | Marcus Ludriks |
| Sun, 1st Nov 2026 | Kumano Kodo | 6 days, 5 nights | $AU2,790 | 12 | Marcus Ludriks |
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
The standard tour is 6 days and 5 nights and the cost is $AU2,630 per person, twin share.
In 2026 the standard tour is 6 days and 5 nights and the cost is $AU2,790 per person, twin share.
Single supplement is $450
Included on all 2024 tours
- All accommodations
- 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners
- luggage transfers while hiking
- Private Taxi or bus on Day 3
- Public bus fares while on tour
- A guide for the six days
- Interpretive guided tours 2-3 days (for groups of 12-14 people)
- Traditional Riverboat Tour
Not included
- Airfares
- Train fares to Kii Tanabe and from Kii Katsuura
- 2 lunches
- Drinks, snacks and incidentals
- Passport, visa (if applicable) and travel insurance
Some tours going forward will be led by a local English speaking Japanese guide, Yoko Murakami. She has more than 10 years experience guiding on the Kumano Kodo trails. The maximum group size for tours led by Yoko is 8 guests. If there are less than 8 guests booked for the tour, then either the tour will be cancelled or a surcharge will be applied to the guests attending to cover the guide’s costs. We’ll make the call 3 months out from the tour start date to give you enough time to get your flights booked.
Private groups and other tours may be larger, up to 14, and an additional guide will join us when we visit the shrine areas.
If there are less than 8 bookings for a guided tour, we reserve the right to cancel the tour. If this decision is made you will receive at least 2 months warning. In this case the guided tour can be replaced with a self guided tour, or a refund of your deposit will be made.
NOTE:
We do not walk the entire Nakahechi Trail with guided groups. Total walking is about 50km. Guided groups experience the highlights of the Nakahechi including the 3 Kumano Taishas (main shrine areas), as well as receiving information about the history and culture of the area. If you prefer to do more walking, or the entire Nakahechi route, then the self guided option would be better for you. See our Self guided Kumano Kodo page.
Day 1
- Arrive at Osaka KIX airport, or by other means.
- Train from Osaka KIX to Kii Tanabe departs hourly
- Accommodation at Kii Tanabe. Arrive before 4.45pm. Briefing will be held at 5.30pm. Hotel check-in from 4.00pm
- Dinner at one of the fabulous restaurants in Kii Tanabe.
Day 2
- Breakfast at Hotel, lunch pack provided.
- Bus (40mins) to Takajiri trail head
- Walk 14km to Chikatsuyu. Total ascent is 930m. Rated Hard. Note: The start of this walk is quite steep with 300m ascent over 1.1km. It is difficult for inexperienced hikers but we take it nice and slow.
- Thereafter there are 4 further ascents of varying difficulty, totalling 630m over 11km.
- Traditional Japanese accommodation, including onsen, dinner and breakfast, at Chikatsuyu
Day 3
- Bus or taxi to Hosshinmon Oji
- Our English speaking Japanese guide joins us for the day. (Groups of 12 or more)
- Walk 7.5km to Kumano Hongu Taisha. rated Easy to Moderate. Explore the shrines and architecture of the surrounding area
- Lunch at Hongu
- Walk 3km to Yunomine Onsen. The 3km section to Yunomine Onsen is hard. One km flat, one km ascent 300m, one km descent 200m. (alternatively you can take the bus for this section)
- Accommodation including onsen, dinner and breakfast at Kawayu Onsen
Day 4
- Breakfast and lunchbox provided by our Minshuku
- Walk 14km from Kawayu Onsen to Koguchi. Great scenic views today! Rated Moderate
- Accommodation, including onsen, dinner and breakfast, at Takada.
Day 5
- Riverboat tour to Shingu. (If Riverboat tour is not available, we will take the bus to Shingu)
- Spend time exploring the beautiful Hayatama and Kamikura shrines, with our local English speaking Japanese guide. Total walking 4-5km.
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Visit the Castle Ruins and /or Asuka-Jinja Shrine or free time
- Purchase train tickets for your onward journey tomorrow
- Local train to Kii Katsuura
- Accommodation at Kii Katsuura. Dinner & breakfast provided.
Day 6
- Visit the early morning Tuna market (Monday to Friday only)
- Bus to Nachisan
- Walk the stunning Diamonzaka Slope
- Spend time exploring the beautiful Kumano Nachi Taisha area. It has the tallest waterfall in Japan, glorious paths and gardens and amazing architecture.
- Total walking 4-5km
- Bus back to Kii Katsuura in time to get lunch and take the train to Osaka KIX Airport or to your ongoing destination. The train journey takes 3.5 hours to KIX Airport, and follows the coast of the Kii Peninsula
- Arrive at Osaka KIX airport at 5.30pm for your flights (7.30pm onwards), or continue your holiday in Japan.
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions and group requests. If a change is made, it will be discussed at the daily briefings.
Bookings can be made online or by contacting us. Click the ‘Book online’ button for online bookings. A deposit of $AU300 per person will secure your booking.
The bank details for the deposit are:
Home Comforts Hiking
BSB 923100
Account 36237075
Bookings can be made online or by contacting us. Click the ‘Book online’ button for online bookings. The cost of the trip will be in $AU. A deposit of $AU300 will secure your booking. If less than 1 months before the start date of the trip, then payment in full will be required.
We will send a PayPal invoice for all bookings from overseas customers. You do not need a PayPal account to make the payment. You just need a Visa or Mastercard to make the payment. Alternatively, you can pay in $AU through a money transfer company such as Wise or your bank, if that suits you better. Bank account details are:
Home Comforts Hiking
BSB 932000
Account 500196069
Please see our full cancellation and refunds policy on the “Bookings” Page
The balance is due one month prior to the trip start date.
Book your flights once you have paid for the trip in full, or make sure the trip has sufficient numbers before booking your flights.
We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance that covers cancellation, other unforeseen circumstances, medical costs, and your valuables.
For some people, yes it is! If you do very little physical activity or carry an injury or have health issues that affect your ability to hike, then maybe this is not the trip for you. A good test is to find a bush track in your area that climbs about 500m over 5km. If you can do that in under 3 hours, then you can do the Kumano Kodo.
Overall the hike is rated moderate. There are some steep and hilly difficult sections to navigate. For inexperienced and less fit hikers the hikes are rated hard. The total distance walked over 5 days of hiking is 50km.
We walk at a slow to moderate pace (Average pace is 2.5km/hour) with plenty of breaks and opportunities to enjoy the sights, culture, villages, views and flora.
As we stay in small villages during the hike, and we only require one night’s accommodation at each village, the options available are limited. The pricing is based on 2 people sharing a room. If you are single, you will be paired with someone of the same sex.
Single hikers prepared to share with another hiker of the same gender will still be charged the single supplement and have their own room if there is no-one suitable to share with. (For example when there is an odd number in the group, or 2 singles are different genders).
Bedding linen and towels are provided at every accommodation we stay at. Also, the pillows provided are sometimes quite hard, so you may want to bring your own pillow.
Most accommodations have onsite onsens and some also have fantastic public onsens nearby, which are worth visiting for the experience. If you need help with how to use the onsens, ask the guide.
Most minshuku accommodations do not have separate private showers or toilets. Showering and bathing is done in gender segregated onsen areas. Ask the guide when the quietest times are for more privacy. Most of these onsen areas are only open in the evening, and morning bathing is not possible. Wash basins are provided, though.
Most meals are included in the cost of the trip
- Breakfast is included each morning. Usually it is Japanese, but sometimes a western option is available.
- Lunch packs are included on 3 days. Lunch is also included at Shingu.
- Dinner is included at the minshukus each night. A welcome dinner is included at Kii Tanabe on the first night.
- Snacks and drinks are not included. There are shops or cafes each day where you can purchase your own snacks.
The tap water in the Kumano area is of very high quality. We recommend you bring your own bottles or bladder and refill each morning.
Luggage transfer is included for all Kumano Kodo Hikes. Each guest is allowed one bag up to 20kg. Bags are left at reception each morning by about 8.30am, then picked up and taken to our next accommodation. You only need to carry a day pack while hiking.
NOTE: Only 1 bag per person is allowed for the luggage transfer! All items including pillows must be contained in one bag.
NOTE 2: Even though there is luggage transfer, you will still need to carry your own bag up and down stairs, and from our accommodation to the train station etc. Packing light makes the trip much more enjoyable. There are washing machines and dryers at all overnight stays.
Here’s a great website to help you pack light
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/traveling-light.html
Another tip is to do your souvenir shopping on the last day of the tour!
- Small backpack with waterproof cover
- One bag for luggage transfer
- Shirts, pants, shorts, underwear, socks, hat
- Hiking shoes (If you have not worn them for a while, take them for a walk!! We have had guests arrive with boots that are falling apart!)
- Slippers are available at accommodation
- Hiking Pole(s) are a must!
- Rainproof jacket
- Swimsuit
- Your own pillow if you don’t like hard pillows
- Money and/or Debit/Credit Card
- Passport, Visa (if applicable), Travel Insurance docs
- Phone and/or tablet, camera and chargers
- Toiletries, masks and medication
At each minshuku there is the provision of yukata (cotton dressing gown) that can be worn to dinner, reducing the need for dinner wear and extra luggage. Shampoo, conditioner and body wash are provided too.
We meet at our hotel at Kii-Tanabe. To buy train tickets go to the JR (Japan Rail) ticket office at Osaka Kansai International Airport. Follow the signs to the trains after you clear customs. The JR ticket office is located opposite the train station entry.
Ensure your train ticket is for Kii Tanabe station. (Note: it is Kii Tanabe in Wakayama Prefecture, not to be confused with Tanabe in Osaka). Your goal should be to arrive at our accommodation by 5.00pm, as the trip briefing will be held at 5.30pm. If you arrive after the briefing, the guide will give you a separate briefing before the hiking commences.
Note that check in is from 4.00pm. Your guide will arrive by 4.30pm, at the latest.
The hike ends at Kii Katsuura at about 12.30pm. From there, you can take a train to Osaka Kansai Airport, departing at about 1.30pm. It arrives at the airport at about 5.30pm. If you prefer to continue to another station, or need help buying your train ticket, we can assist you. If you want the full experience, make sure your flight home does not leave till after 7.30pm.
Top tips!
- Use the Google Translator App for translating to and from Japanese
- Use the Japan Transit App for public transport information
- Check your hiking boots and gear before departing for Japan. Gear failures on the trails are very inconvenient! Look out for loose soles.
- There are ATMs at the airport and at every convenience store (Family Mart, 7-Eleven etc). I find this the easiest way to obtain local currency
- You can buy a mobile phone SIM data only card at the airport (or hire a wifi toggle)
- For data only plans use Skype or WhatsApp to make calls
- Download the Safety tips app and the NHK World Japan app to stay up to date with severe weather and earthquake information.
- Take snacks & water on your hike. There are shops near all the hiking trails.
- Power point in Japan is 2 straight pins, same as USA
- Washing machines and dryers are available at nearly all accommodations
- Ponchos are great when it’s raining. They go over you and your backpack. You can buy them at convenience stores.
- Bamboo hiking poles are available to buy or borrow at various locations along the trails.Pack light! Dragging heavy bags up and down stairs is no fun! Here’s a great website to help you pack light https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/traveling-light.html
- Do your souvenir shopping on the last day (less weight to carry during tour).
- At all minshukus there is the provision of yakata (cotton dressing gown) that can be worn to dinner, reducing the need for dinner wear and extra luggage. Shampoo, conditioner and body wash are provided too.
- In most accommodations on the tour, showers are only available in the communal onsens. For privacy you should use the onsen later at night just before they close. Check closing time with each accommodation.
- There are no public rubbish bins along the trail or in the villages. Take your rubbish with you each day, and dispose it at your accommodation each evening. Bins next to vending machines are for bottles and cans only!
For any additional information please contact Marcus Ludriks. Contact details are:
E: marcus@homecomfortshiking.com
M: 0490 454220
WhatsApp: +61 490 454220
Our accommodation was on the second floor and our room had a huge sliding window that opened at waist height with a drop to the cement many metres below. An OH&S disaster waiting to happen! The place was thumping, literally, as it was Saturday night with a band and lots of backpackers and locals enjoying the entertainment.
Pam and I searched out some food in town for the next day, and later, wished that we had bought/brought more. Even at 5.00 pm, there was not much open.
The bus trip and dinner provided an opportunity to glean some first impressions of our walking companions and they were all positive: a very nice bunch. As well as Pam Dawes from Manly, there was Sarah, Steve and Claudia from Port Macquarie, Tony from Byron Bay, Derek from Mosman, plus Marcus and his wife Marika, their daughter Monica with husband Dave and daughter little, 12 months old, Ashlin. Steve had camping gear and used it for some of the nights.
Home Comforts Hiking proved to be a well-organised and friendly crew.
Mara Creek Campsite is the starting point for the Yuraygir Coastal Walk and this site is historically-significance as it was a source of fresh water and fish for the local Goorie (Aboriginal) people. A natural fish trap on the rock platform below the Shelley Beach path is clearly visible.
So it is with an appreciation of the timelessness of this stunningly beautiful area that we set off, a family of sorts. A group photo is taken. Little Ashlin is strapped into her carrier and Monica steps out strongly with tales of her walk along the Pacific Crest Trail (4,270 km) that makes our 65 km effort over 4 days seem insignificant. But it is good to chat about ultra trail events and great walks and to hear Monica describe her new interest: trail running, her long legs perfectly built for that.
The walk to Lake Arragan via Shelley Headland is varied, with the beach and sand dune trails offering views of ochre-coloured rock platforms and coffee rock sand cliffs to the south. Whales and dolphins are spotted by some of the group but I'm not quick enough to focus. We follow the coastal emu footprint signs and although we come upon wallaby or kangaroo footprints in the sand, we see no emus. Heath and woodland vegetation is diverse and we enjoy a springtime flush of flowers - flannel flowers, orchids, boronias. Coastal banksias, pandanus palms and paperbarks (complete with a native beehive) shade the trails.
By midday, the air became quite smoky from the fires to the north-west of Lake Arragan and as we walk on, we speak with locals who have packed up their pets and driven to Plumbago Headland to be well away from the fires. Later we are told that the picnic area near the lake where some of the group enjoyed a bracing swim was burnt out the next day and National Parks closed the section of the walk from Angourie to Laka Arragan until further notice.
We end the day with views of Red Cliff and Grey Cliff Headlands and drop down to the beach via stairs - newly repaired. We walk briskly along the beautiful beach to Brooms Head with its stately Norfolk Island pines but as we a glance northward, we are reminded that the fire situation is worsening. Devastating for so many.
Our accommodation is adequate - spacious and clean, the only problem being that the bathroom door doesn't close but we aren't too fussed and manage. The bathroom light globe pops but is replaced promptly. The shop is run down as is the owner, the shelves barely stocked and the food is outrageously expensive eg 50g of coffee $12.95! Dinner at the Bowling Club is pleasant and we finish the day with a lively game of BOMB.
Sandon is a pretty place with an estuary separating the camping ground and the renovated beach shacks; some are pretty flash. Life is in the slow lane here as access is limited. There is a clear message in the lack of garbage bins - take care of this special place. There was time to have a swim but the wind was cold so a sit in the sun, lunch and a wander around the camping area and along the inlet filled in the time nicely. The break provided an opportunity to read the information signs and appreciate that this stretch of coast is protected by Sanctuary Zones and Commonwealth Marine Reserves. The environmental campaigns of the '80s and '90s are to be applauded.
There could not have been a greater contrast to the Brooms Head shop in the Minnie Waters shop: pleasant people run it, well-stocked shelves, pricey...yes but good quality. I eyed off the cheeses... not this time. The sign on the window said it all: Kitchen and Coffee close by 4 (or earlier if there are waves or we just wanna) and the local facilities indicate a community at work here.
And what a peaceful end to the day's walk through the Angophoras for the last kilometre to the comfortable cabins at the caravan park. The late afternoon light was magical.
We were all feeling a little worn out after the soft-sand slog in the afternoon but showers and pre-dinner drinks followed by a hearty barbeque dinner prepared by Marcus and the family is just what we needed. I need to add that when we left Brooms Head in the morning, there was a possibility that the road would be closed due to the fires and Dave and the trailer would not make it to Minnie Waters. All was well however and Dave was able to bring the gear through as well as the BBQ makings.
Unfortunately. a cool southerly wind had sprung up and battered us for 6.5 km.
We were pleased to arrive at Wooli River Lodges mid-afternoon. What a nice place. Shady, well-maintained gardens; lodges with good linen; an outdoor fully equipped kitchen; and just 5 minutes to the local store and hotel. We enjoyed dinner at the hotel and this was followed by a gathering in the outdoor kitchen to wish Dave a happy birthday with party hats and cake. It seemed like a long day and I headed back to our lodge while most stayed to play 31. I was surprised to find it was only 7.30 pm but the opportunity for an early night was too good to pass up.
After lunch, we crossed Station Creek estuary easily as it was only wading depth. Then there was another beautiful beach walk to Red Rock River and our final boat crossing to Red Rock.
Press play on the following link:
https://www.relive.cc/view/v1vjpeABDY6
Pam and I had intended to spend the night at Nambucca Heads but as it was only 2.00 pm when we arrived at Red Rock, we canceled our motel booking, thanked and fare welled our walking family and drove home to Caves Beach.
What a wonderful walk along a beautiful, pristine coastline in good company, thanks to Home Comforts Hiking – we couldn’t ask for a better few days!
[post_title] => Yuraygir Coastal Walk 7 – 11 September, 2019
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