Walk Japan - Kumano Kodo Trail
Overview
Highlights
- Hike along forested pilgrim trails between ancient shrines
- Explore the temples and gardens of historic Kyoto and Nara on foot
- Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine and accommodation
What's this trip about?
Itinerary
The trip starts today in Tokyo, the ultra-modern capital of Japan. Your Leader plans to meet everyone in the hotel reception at 6.30pm for the welcome meeting. If some of the group are arriving on later flights then the main introductory briefing will be conducted ...
In the morning we head out to explore this thriving metropolis on a walking tour that will take in some of the residential and more traditional neighbourhoods of the city - Nippori, Yanesen and Nezu, for a glimpse of life in Tokyo far away from the neon lights of the ...
We depart from Shinjuku train station (reputedly the world's busiest) on a scenic journey through the Japanese Alps to Matsumoto. Flanked on each side by mountains, Matsumoto is best known for its 500 year-old castle which is Japan's oldest, and one of its most elegan...
We make an early start today and catch a train to Nakatsugawa. From here it's a journey of around 30 minutes by public bus to Magome in the tranquil Kiso Valley, running alongside the Central Alps. We hike from here along a section of the Nakasendo Way, an historical ...
At the heart of Japanese culture and influence for over 1,000 years, Kyoto lay at the centre of events that helped to shape the destiny and history of this most fascinating of cultures. One of the only major cities to survive the extensive bombing of WWII, Kyoto can b...
We spend today in Japan's first capital Nara, travelling there by train (in around 50 minutes) and exploring on foot. Perhaps one of Japan's friendliest and greenest cities, Nara sits on the edge of a sprawling park that provides a picture-perfect backdrop for the cit...
Today we head into rural Japan and the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, much of which is covered in dense rainforest. Travelling first by train and then bus, we arrive at the small village of Takijiri-Oji, the starting point for our hike on the Kumano Kodo. Kumano Kodo...
We return this morning by minibus to Takahara. It's a longer hike today to Chikatsuyu, a route that takes us past the ruins of the Uwada-jaya Teahouse and across the Hashiori-toge Pass, with its iconic Gyubadoji statue of one of the first pilgrim emperors. We'll be tr...
Today's hike takes us over the mountains from Hosshinmon to the Hongu Taisha, at the very heart of the Kumano Kodo and the region's most important shrine, serving as the head shrine for over 3,000 Kumano shrines across Japan. It's also known for its huge torii gate, t...
We take a break from walking today and start the day with a leisurely boat trip along the Kumano River to Hatayama Taisha, the second of the 3 great Kumano shrines. This is how pilgrims traditionally approached the shrine, which is located near the river mouth. The n...
This morning we take a bus to Daimonzaka Chushajo, from where it's around a 1 hour walk to the Kumano Nachi Taisha, the last of the Kumano Kodo's 3 great shrines. This walk takes you part of the way along the Daimonzaka, an impressive 600 metre/1969 feet cobbled stair...
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Osaka. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel, so you can head out for some last mi...
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Trusted Customer
Nov 2024
Walk Japan - Kumano Kodo Trail
It was good but not great. There could have been more walking particularly on Nara day. It would have been great to have had a Japanese guide rather that a local to ...
Philip
Nov 2024
Walk Japan - Kumano Kodo Trail
The leader was good but was from the USA and not a Japanese guide. For me that is just not right. One expects the leader to be from country and act as the conduit in...
Brian and Diana Kelly.
Nov 2024
Walk Japan - Kumano Kodo Trail
Started our dream knowing we wanted to do some walking in Japan not quite realising that the whole experience would be so much better than our dreams. The combinatio...
Trusted Customer
Nov 2024
Walk Japan - Kumano Kodo Trail
Our Explore Japan walking trip was amazing, made even better by our fantastic guide, David Lam. We enjoyed tours of common sights and lesser known areas, experience...
Jane
Oct 2024
Walk Japan - Kumano Kodo Trail
A packed itinerary that ran like clockwork due to David's organisational skills. David also included optional highlights and booked meals for anyone in the grouo to ...
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