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Overview
Walk two of Japan's most sacred routes back to back on this exceptional itinerary. The journey begins on the Choishi Stupa route, climbing to Koyasan — the spiritual capital of Shingon Buddhism, perched atop Mount Koya and renowned for its extraordinary temple complex and mountain beauty. From there, the walk descends onto the full Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo, threading through forested mountains, quiet villages and ancient shrines on one of the world's most storied pilgrimage paths. Onsen baths, traditional ryokan accommodation and elaborate multi-course dinners round out each day in fitting style.
Highlights
- Walk both Koyasan and the 1200-year-old world heritage-listed Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route at a slower pace
- 2-night stay in a Koyasan Buddhist temple and participate (if you wish to!) in the temple morning rituals
- Excellent graded trails, wondrous views, old forest, and opportunities to bathe in onsens
- Passing a multitude of ancient shrines and glorious temples
- Mountain and river-side walking with spectacular views
- The beautiful spectacle of Nachi waterfall, the tallest in Japan
- Walk toward becoming a dual pilgrim by walking the Kumano Kodo (the other world heritage-listed walk is the Camino de Santiago)
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Itinerary
Day 1
Travel by train to Koyasan and cable car up to Mount Koya from Osaka or Kyoto. There’s time to explore the Shrine, the museum and the surrounding area. We have provided notes for the Women's Pilgrimage walk, which can be undertaken today or on the morning of day 3. There’s also a fascinating walk that you can undertake through the cemetery in the evening. You will travel with your luggage to Koyasan.
Temple in Koyasan
Dinner
What's Included
Accommodation
2 Temple, 1 Hotel, 6 Minshuku
Meals
9 breakfasts, 5 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 Guide7
Days on the trail
4-23 km
Average per walking day
382-1363 m
Gain per day
9/10
Trail difficulty
Where You'll Stay
The first two nights in Koyasan are spent in a Buddhist temple.
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
The Kumano Kodo requires at least three short bus rides along the way — the best and most practical way to navigate between sections in the mountains. These cannot be pre-booked, and fares are at your own cost, though the rides are short and straightforward.
More About This Trip
Departure Dates
Choose Your Start Date
Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule
March 2026
April 2026
Season & Pricing Guide
Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.
Kumano Kodo reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
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Call UsThe Kumano Kodo Experience
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