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Overview
Immerse yourself in Japanese heritage and culture across 14 extraordinary days, walking three of the country's most celebrated routes back to back.
In Kyoto, the Isshu Trail winds through the forested hills surrounding Japan's ancient imperial capital, connecting its greatest temples and shrines while leaving the crowds behind. Walk away from the tourist flow at Fushimi Inari, trek to the sacred complex at Kurama and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, with extra time to visit the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace.
Three days on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo follow, threading through the sacred mountains and forests of the Kii Peninsula on one of the world's most storied pilgrimage routes. This journey has been purifying mind, body and spirit since 794 AD.
The walk concludes with four days of the Nakasendo, the historic mountain highway through the Kiso Valley. Wedged between the sacred peaks of Mount Ontake and Mount Komagatake, the route passes feudal post towns, waterfalls and shrines on one of Japan's most breathtaking long-distance trails.
Highlights
- Discover the magic of Kyoto and its magnificent temples, beautiful mountains and waterways
- Chion-in Temple, with its massive Tori Gate and gorgeous Japanese gardens
- Traverse ancient paved paths, through well-preserved Japanese towns
- Soak up the cypress and cedar forest, alongside peaceful rural Japanese scenery
- The jaw-dropping orange Seiganto-ji Temple and the sacred Nachi waterfall
- The picturesque Kiso Valley and traditional post towns
- Walks that weave up forested hillside and grand mountain views
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Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Kyoto from Osaka or Tokyo. We provide all transport information in a summary document in your comprehensive walk notes. If you arrive early, we have mapped out a walk from Nijo Castle, the Imperial Palace ending at Shimogamo Shrine. There's so much to pack into your visit to Kyoto, including the Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, the Rengeo-in Temple (1000 statues of Buddha) and Chishaku-in Temple, near the Kyoto train station. Your accommodation is central, so enjoy wandering around the vibrant Pontocho restaurant area or the Teramachi and Shinkyogoku-covered shopping strip in the evening, a maze of shops and authentic eateries.
Hotel
What's Included
Accommodation
6 Hotel, 5 Minshuku, 1 Ryokan
Meals
13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 8 dinners
Transfers
- Luggage Transfers
- Public Bus
- Train
Guidance & Support
- Printed itinerary & walk notes
- Stroll walking app
- 24/7 on-trip support
How We Rate This Walk
Stroll Walking Level
Moderate to Challenging
Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.
Regular hills and varied terrain. These walks involve more challenging sections. Regular walking beforehand is recommended.
View Fitness Guide9
Days on the trail
7-17 km
Average per walking day
388-818 m
Gain per day
9/10
Trail difficulty
Where You'll Stay
Nights on the Kumano Kodo are spent in ryokans and minshukus — traditional Japanese guesthouses that are an experience in their own right, and one of the real highlights of this walk.
Ryokans are Japanese guesthouses ranging from beautifully preserved historic wooden buildings to more contemporary hybrid styles. Rooms feature tatami mat floors, shoji sliding doors and futon sleeping, creating an atmosphere of quiet, understated elegance. Few rooms have Western-style beds, and ensuites are not always standard — but the heated toilet seats are a welcome touch of luxury. The pride of most ryokans is the bathing area, and many along the Kumano Kodo are fed by natural onsen hot springs. After a day traversing the sacred mountain trails, soaking in steaming communal pools is the perfect way to end the day.
Minshukus are smaller, family-run guesthouses most commonly found in rural Japan, and the Kumano Kodo has some wonderful examples. Think of them as a Japanese bed and breakfast — intimate, unpretentious and deeply local. Rooms are traditional Japanese style, meals are home-cooked and shared, and the atmosphere is warm and familial. Bathrooms and toilets are typically shared, but what a minshuku offers in return: genuine hospitality, local connection and a closeness to Japanese culture.
What You'll Eat
Meals reflect the character of the accommodations themselves. Most nights, dinner is a home-cooked affair using local ingredients. At larger ryokans, this may be a multi-course kaiseki spread or buffet, while more remote stays are accompanied by a carefully prepared bento box. Traditional Japanese breakfasts are served each morning.
How You'll Get Around
This itinerary moves between three destinations, with train transfers connecting Kyoto, the Kumano Kodo and the Nakasendo.
Within each destination, short bus rides and local trains are used to navigate between sections — all clearly outlined day by day in your walk notes.
All transport fares are at your own cost and cannot be pre-booked, though Japan's train and bus network is straightforward to navigate once you are on the ground.
More About This Trip
Departure Dates
Choose Your Start Date
Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule
May 2026
June 2026
Season & Pricing Guide
Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.
Kumano Kodo reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
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