OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Kumano’s sacred mountains were a major pilgrimage destination for the imperial and aristocratic families since 794AD. The Kumano Kodo traverses the sacred Kii mountains, via the forest, through villages and to fabulous ancient temples and waterfalls. We add an extra day’s walk to this trip with a walk on the Kohechi route – challenge yourself with this, the toughest of all the routes! The Kohechi connects the spiritual hubs of Koyasan and Hongu and was used by pilgrims and merchants alike.
The Kumano Kodo is one of just two world heritage listed walks the other being the Camino de Santiago. After each day’s epic walk soak in an onsen while staying in traditional Japanese accommodation, savouring excellent traditional Japanese multi-course dinners and breakfasts.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- An ancient walk through Buddhist and Shinto history and an immersive backcountry Japanese cultural experience
- Local Japanese meals are served in elegant tatami mat settings staying in traditional Japanese Ryokans or Minshukus
- Walk toward becoming a dual pilgrim by walking the Kumano Kodo at your own pace
- Enjoy excellent graded trails, wondrous views, old forests and bathing in onsens. We can vary the lengths of walks on the Kumano Kodo most days, and/or remove the rest day if you wish
- See the Grand Shrines at Hongu and Nachi-san, along with the Nachi-taki waterfall
AT A GLANCE
TRIP LENGTH
9 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate
to Challenging PRICE FROM
£ 1845
per person twin/double shareSINGLE OCCUPANCY
£ 370
per personITINERARY
DAY one
Kii-Tanabe
Travel by train to the small coastal village of Kii-Tanabe, the gateway to the Kumano Kodo via the picturesque coastline from Osaka or Kyoto. Please ask us for our transport information summary document if you need it.
Kii Tanabe is a small Japanese town that is not populated by tourists. The town is on the ocean and serves the local area. There is an opportunity to explore the town, its many small shrines, the beach and ample time to ready yourself for the upcoming walk, including a briefing session with our local Kumano Kodo expert.
Accommodation: Small family run Ryokan or Minshuku in Tanabe
Meals: None
DAY two
Takijiri-oji to Takahara
Today’s walk starts with a small transfer up the road to the trailhead at Takijiri-oji (Oji is a small shrine).
The walk on the Nakahechi route begins with a significant climb to Takahara, a small village perched on the side of a mountain. The Nakahechi is the imperial route once used by Japanese royalty, walked for generations back to the 8th century.
There are lovely views out to the left over the valley and our first encounter with the Kumano’s Kodo walks beauty.
Accommodation: Small family run Ryokan or Minshuku in Takahara
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner
Walking: Moderate /3.9 km / 2 to 3 hrs
Elevation: +300 / -120
DAY three
Takahara to Chikatsuyu
From Takahara, there are wonderful views as you skirt across the face of the mountain before the trail winds its way back into the forest. This is the first real sense of walking through the distinctive Japanese forest canopy on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage. You make your way back down into the valley walking past oji (shrines) over the river to your accommodation.
Accommodation: Small family run Ryokan or Minshuku in Chikatsuyu
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner
Walking: Easy to Moderate / 10.2 kms / 4-5 hrs
Elevation: +630 / -650
DAY four
Chikatsuyu to Hongu Taisha
It’s an early start today for this is the biggest day of the pilgrimage. We hike ancient mountain trails to Hongu Taisha, one of the three main shrines of the Kumano Kodo. This is a 24km hike, but it can be modified to 16km or 8km depending on how you’re feeling. You’ll hike the sacred Kii Mountains, said to be the entrance to the land of Yomi, in mythological terms the Shinto underworld. Pass through small villages, thick green forest and aside cascading streams. Pass shrine after shrine, eventually arriving at Hongu Taisha where you can explore the massive temple. Before dinner take a dip in either your accommodation’s onsen or one of the many ancient public onsens that dot the area. Dress in your Yakata (best described as a formal Japanese bathrobe ) that’s provided at each of the accommodations and enjoy a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner.
Accommodation: Small family run Ryokan or Minshuku in either Kawayu, Wataze or Yunomine Onsens
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner
Walking: Challenging / 24 km (or 16 km or 8 km )/ 8.5-9.5 hrs
Elevation: +1130 / -980
DAY five
Rest day and time to relax and explore or undertake additional walks
We have recommended a rest day in Hongu because of the locations’ natural beauty and its significance, but also because there’s so much to do. We can remove the rest day if you wish.
There’s the option to spend extra time at Hongu Taisha and the cultural centre or simply just relax and take a dip in a 1200-year-old onsen in the river. Explore the area on a bike, sit in a cafe and savour a good coffee or immerse yourself in one of the many unique Japanese activities that are available.
We’ve also walked and constructed notes for the tracks around Hongu. Namely the Dainichi-goe path that connects Hongu to Yunomine Onsen or the last day of the Kumano Kodo Kohechi route that connects Totsukawa Onsen via Yakio to Hongu.
Accommodation: Family-run Ryokan, Hotel or Minshuka in either Kawayu, Wataze or Yunomine Onsens
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: Optional
DAY six
Walk on the Kohechi route to Totsukawa
Today’s walk can start from Hongu, however, we prefer to walk from Yakio to avoid the track that’s now a busy bitumen road. To avoid this, you travel a short distance beside the brilliant aquamarine coloured Kumano-gawa river to Yakio. The Kohechi route is just one of 5 other Kumano Kodo routes in the Wakayama region. The Kohechi was a major route as it connects two of the main Buddhist sacred temple complexes, Koyasan and Hongu, through the central Kii peninsula, with this route being one of the toughest. Prepare for some epic views as you walk up the mountain to Hatenashi-toge pass at 1015m. The path is marked with 33 Kannon Statues honouring Kannon Bodhhivistas (the monks that compassionately choose to stay behind and help the rest of us forgoing enlightenment in the process). Totsukawa is well known for its superb onsens, and if you feel inclined, there’s an excellent onsen at Hotel Subaru to enjoy.
Accommodation: Family-run Ryokan, Hotel or Minshuku in either Kawayu, Wataze or Yunomine Onsens
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: Challenging / 11 km / 4.5 -5.5 hrs
Elevation: +880 / -950
DAY seven
Ukegawa to Koguchi
The Nakahechi continues on the Kogumotori-goe path, one of the best walks the region has to offer. Starting alongside the Kumano river the walk ventures up the mountain through the forest and back down again to the small village of Koguchi. Highlights include views from Nyatten-gura over the 3600 peaks of Kumano.
Accommodation: Small family run Ryokan or Minshuku in Koguchi
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: Easy to moderate / 12.8 km / 4.5-5.5 hrs
Elevation: +670 / -690
DAY eight
Koguchi to Nachi-san
The start of today’s walk is as challenging as you can get, but it’s our favourite on the Nakahechi, so you’re in for a real treat. There’s a fair bit of elevation and walking up, but the views out over the Pacific and the glimpses of mountains as you traverse through the forest makes it all worth the effort. Today’s highlight is walking into Nachi-San Taisha over the ancient Ogumotori-goe path travelled by thousands of pilgrims and then walking into the magnificent shrine. The panoramic scene of the superb orange Seiganto-ji Temple against the backdrop of the sacred Nachi waterfall, the tallest in Japan is certainly one of the most beautiful spectacles in all of Japan.
Accommodation: Small family run Ryokan or Minshuku in Nachi-san or Nachi-Katsuura
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: Moderate to challenging / 15.5 kms / 5.5-7 hrs
Elevation: +1260 / -930
DAY nine
Onward to your next destination
After your last traditional Japanese breakfast, farewell the walk by exploring the temple complex further and/or make your way onwards to Osaka, Kyoto or a destination of your choice. There are many options to further explore in Wakayama. Stay in a beautiful seaside village like Shirahama along the Shihara coast. The Doro-kyo Gorge boat trip from Shingu is much heralded as is visiting the third major shrine the Kumano Hayatama Taisha, or visit Koyasan the spiritual capital of Japan. If you want even more of a laid back experience, then the Yuasa or Hidaka areas haven’t changed much for 100’s of years and are a good place to head.
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Walk the entire Kumano Kodo Nakahechi from end to end via magnificent shrines ending at the glorious Nachi waterfall and temple complex plus a day of the Kohechi
- 8 nights stay in an intimate family-run or smallish traditional Japanese lodgings with in-house onsens
- Walk pack free with luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation
- Superb traditional multi-course meals for breakfast and dinner each day on the walk. Plus 6 walkers lunches
- Itineraries can be flexible to shorten the walking or slow the trip down by adding more rest days
- Enjoy worry-free navigation with Stroll’s comprehensive track notes and maps
- On the ground support from local representatives
ACCOMMODATION & DINING
Each night you will be staying in a lovely Ryokan or Minshuku.
Ryokans are Japanese guesthouses that come in a variety of styles, from traditional wooden structures to more of a modern hybrid hotel.
Ryokans have Japanese style rooms with tatami mats, shoji sliding doors, and futons for sleeping. Few Ryokan hotels have rooms with actual beds. The rooms may or may not have ensuites, but be prepared for a little luxury when it comes to the heated toilet seats. The bathing area is often the pride of the Ryokan, especially when they are located in an onsen area. These are usually communal and separated by gender.
Meals are elaborate affairs from a western point of view served in a traditional dining area. A traditional Kaiseki set meal is usually offered. Sometimes there is the option of a buffet at the larger Ryokans.
Minshukas are family-run accommodations that are often found in rural Japan. There is a fine line between a Minshuku and some smaller Ryokans, making it hard to distinguish between the two. Most Minshukus are very small with only a few Japanese style rooms a bit like a Bed and Breakfast Japanese style. Staying at a Minshuku has its advantages as it enables you to meet the local people and get right up close to the Japanese culture. The atmosphere is often like that of a home with traditional meals served much like at a Ryokan but with even more intimacy. Be prepared as baths and toilets are often shared.
GENERAL INFO
AVAILABILITY
This walk is available all year round, but you may encounter some snow from December to February. Many people prefer to walk in spring to see the cherry blossoms and in autumn because of the change of seasons and the good weather.
HIGH SEASON
In Japan, there are some periods when locals travel en masse as they are on holiday. These times are best avoided as the accommodation costs escalate considerably (more than double). It would make a lot of sense if you could avoid these times. Otherwise, see below for high-season periods. This could lead to the cost of the trip increasing by 30% or more.
NEW YEAR PERIOD – 30TH DECEMBER TO 4TH OF JANUARY
GOLDEN WEEK – GENERALLY BETWEEN 29TH APRIL TO 5TH MAY
OBON PERIOD – MID-AUGUST ( BETWEEN THE 10TH TO 20TH OF AUGUST)
Please speak to the office to get a quote for the above times
HOW TO GET START AND FROM END OF WALK
Travelling to the Start of the walk
This walk starts in Tanabe and ends in Nachi-san or Nachi-Katsuura. You will need to get yourself to and from the start and end of your walk (i.e. you will need to organise your travel to the start of the walk in Tanabe and then onwards from your last accommodation). To make it easy we have collated some useful information that will assist you in making arrangements for your travel.
By Air: By far, the best option is to fly into Osaka and take the train from there. You can take the train direct from Osaka Kansai Airport to Kii-Tanabe (train station). Take a local train for a few stops and then hop on the Kii Peninsula JR West train. The train station is at the airport, and there are English speaking staff at the ticket office. You might consider spending some time in Osaka. Osaka is a very interesting city and has many beautiful temples and of course Osaka Castle. In spring it is particularly beautiful. It also has a sophisticated restaurant culture and markets that seem to go on for kilometres, literally.
By rail: Japan has one of the best train systems in the world, so it’s very easy to catch a train to any destination in the country. An express train is the fastest way to travel to the area. Travelling in Japan on trains is a seamless experience, and it is not necessary to always pre-purchase tickets. There’s plenty of Rail staff that speak English well enough to direct you the right way and to converse with you about how to buy your ticket. We can provide more information if you wish, so please ask one of our destination consultants.
Hyperdia is a great website resource to figure out when and where your train departs. It might be best to buy your train ticket on the JR train network when you first arrive in Japan so you can relax. However, the trains run often and are so efficient that you shouldn’t have any trouble just arriving 20 minutes beforehand and buying a ticket. JR passes can be a convenient and reasonable way to get around the area. There are two regional JR passes that cover the Kii Peninsula: Kansai WIDE Area Pass, and Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass.
The journey from Osaka to Tanabe takes about 1 – 2 hours. You can take the train direct from Osaka Kansai Airport to Kii-Tanabe (train station). Take a local train to Hineno station then hop on the Kii Peninsula JR West train. The train station is at the airport, and there are English speaking staff at the ticket office.
If you stay in Osaka then you’ll need to catch the Subway (Osaka Metro Midosuji) to Tennoji station. The tickets can be purchased locally. From Tennoji it’s a JR train service to Kii-Tanabe bound for Shirahama.
Travelling from the end of the walk
By rail: The train from Katsuura (Kii- Katsuura train station is a short distance from Nachisan) back to Osaka takes about 4 hours. You can also choose to go to Tokyo or anywhere else for that matter in Japan. However, you most likely will need to travel through a major city to get there.
By Air: See above
WALKING
This walk is moderate to challenging with some long days if you wish. Full-day walks average about 17 km with 5 –9. hours walking each day however they can be as long as 24kms (you can shorten most days). The walking is over well-maintained paths but expect each day to start with some reasonable elevation gains. All good though as the tracks do flatten out.
This is a historic route with stacks of small temples (Oji) and statues to admire along the way. For much of the time, you are walking under forest canopy which makes for mild conditions other than the height of summer.
For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.
WEATHER
From the end of March, the temperature begins to increase. In summer the conditions are excellent particularly if you enjoy warmer temperatures and taking a dip in a stream. It can, however, get a little humid.
The walk is offered in winter but bring some warm clothes and good rain gear. The area is just as beautiful if not more and is not busy at all. Soaking in outside onsen in the cool of the night is one of those real authentic Japanese experiences that you can look forward to after a big day on the track.
We believe spring and autumn to be the best time to walk as the weather is perfect for walking.
See the weather information about Osaka’s average weather at different times of the year.
INSURANCE
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
INFORMATION PACK
For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@stroll.com
MAP
AT A GLANCE
9 DAYS
Moderate
to Challenging
£ 1845
per person twin/double share
£ 370
per person
TRIP LENGTH
9 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate
to Challenging PRICE FROM
£ 1845
per person twin/double shareSINGLE OCCUPANCY
£ 370
per person
Overview
Kumano’s sacred mountains were a major pilgrimage destination for the imperial and aristocratic families since 794AD. The Kumano Kodo traverses the sacred Kii mountains, via the forest, through villages and to fabulous ancient temples and waterfalls. We add an extra day’s walk to this trip with a walk on the Kohechi route – challenge yourself with this, the toughest of all the routes! The Kohechi connects the spiritual hubs of Koyasan and Hongu and was used by pilgrims and merchants alike.
The Kumano Kodo is one of just two world heritage listed walks the other being the Camino de Santiago. After each day’s epic walk soak in an onsen while staying in traditional Japanese accommodation, savouring excellent traditional Japanese multi-course dinners and breakfasts.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- An ancient walk through Buddhist and Shinto history and an immersive backcountry Japanese cultural experience
- Local Japanese meals are served in elegant tatami mat settings staying in traditional Japanese Ryokans or Minshukus
- Walk toward becoming a dual pilgrim by walking the Kumano Kodo at your own pace
- Enjoy excellent graded trails, wondrous views, old forests and bathing in onsens. We can vary the lengths of walks on the Kumano Kodo most days, and/or remove the rest day if you wish
- See the Grand Shrines at Hongu and Nachi-san, along with the Nachi-taki waterfall
Itinerary
DAY one
Kii-Tanabe
Travel by train to the small coastal village of Kii-Tanabe, the gateway to the Kumano Kodo via the picturesque coastline from Osaka or Kyoto. Please ask us for our transport information summary document if you need it.
Kii Tanabe is a small Japanese town that is not populated by tourists. The town is on the ocean and serves the local area. There is an opportunity to explore the town, its many small shrines, the beach and ample time to ready yourself for the upcoming walk, including a briefing session with our local Kumano Kodo expert.
Accommodation: Small family run Ryokan or Minshuku in Tanabe
Meals: None
DAY two
Takijiri-oji to Takahara
Today’s walk starts with a small transfer up the road to the trailhead at Takijiri-oji (Oji is a small shrine).
The walk on the Nakahechi route begins with a significant climb to Takahara, a small village perched on the side of a mountain. The Nakahechi is the imperial route once used by Japanese royalty, walked for generations back to the 8th century.
There are lovely views out to the left over the valley and our first encounter with the Kumano’s Kodo walks beauty.
Accommodation: Small family run Ryokan or Minshuku in Takahara
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner
Walking: Moderate /3.9 km / 2 to 3 hrs
Elevation: +300 / -120
DAY three
Takahara to Chikatsuyu
From Takahara, there are wonderful views as you skirt across the face of the mountain before the trail winds its way back into the forest. This is the first real sense of walking through the distinctive Japanese forest canopy on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage. You make your way back down into the valley walking past oji (shrines) over the river to your accommodation.
Accommodation: Small family run Ryokan or Minshuku in Chikatsuyu
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner
Walking: Easy to Moderate / 10.2 kms / 4-5 hrs
Elevation: +630 / -650
DAY four
Chikatsuyu to Hongu Taisha
It’s an early start today for this is the biggest day of the pilgrimage. We hike ancient mountain trails to Hongu Taisha, one of the three main shrines of the Kumano Kodo. This is a 24km hike, but it can be modified to 16km or 8km depending on how you’re feeling. You’ll hike the sacred Kii Mountains, said to be the entrance to the land of Yomi, in mythological terms the Shinto underworld. Pass through small villages, thick green forest and aside cascading streams. Pass shrine after shrine, eventually arriving at Hongu Taisha where you can explore the massive temple. Before dinner take a dip in either your accommodation’s onsen or one of the many ancient public onsens that dot the area. Dress in your Yakata (best described as a formal Japanese bathrobe ) that’s provided at each of the accommodations and enjoy a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner.
Accommodation: Small family run Ryokan or Minshuku in either Kawayu, Wataze or Yunomine Onsens
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner
Walking: Challenging / 24 km (or 16 km or 8 km )/ 8.5-9.5 hrs
Elevation: +1130 / -980
DAY five
Rest day and time to relax and explore or undertake additional walks
We have recommended a rest day in Hongu because of the locations’ natural beauty and its significance, but also because there’s so much to do. We can remove the rest day if you wish.
There’s the option to spend extra time at Hongu Taisha and the cultural centre or simply just relax and take a dip in a 1200-year-old onsen in the river. Explore the area on a bike, sit in a cafe and savour a good coffee or immerse yourself in one of the many unique Japanese activities that are available.
We’ve also walked and constructed notes for the tracks around Hongu. Namely the Dainichi-goe path that connects Hongu to Yunomine Onsen or the last day of the Kumano Kodo Kohechi route that connects Totsukawa Onsen via Yakio to Hongu.
Accommodation: Family-run Ryokan, Hotel or Minshuka in either Kawayu, Wataze or Yunomine Onsens
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: Optional
DAY six
Walk on the Kohechi route to Totsukawa
Today’s walk can start from Hongu, however, we prefer to walk from Yakio to avoid the track that’s now a busy bitumen road. To avoid this, you travel a short distance beside the brilliant aquamarine coloured Kumano-gawa river to Yakio. The Kohechi route is just one of 5 other Kumano Kodo routes in the Wakayama region. The Kohechi was a major route as it connects two of the main Buddhist sacred temple complexes, Koyasan and Hongu, through the central Kii peninsula, with this route being one of the toughest. Prepare for some epic views as you walk up the mountain to Hatenashi-toge pass at 1015m. The path is marked with 33 Kannon Statues honouring Kannon Bodhhivistas (the monks that compassionately choose to stay behind and help the rest of us forgoing enlightenment in the process). Totsukawa is well known for its superb onsens, and if you feel inclined, there’s an excellent onsen at Hotel Subaru to enjoy.
Accommodation: Family-run Ryokan, Hotel or Minshuku in either Kawayu, Wataze or Yunomine Onsens
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: Challenging / 11 km / 4.5 -5.5 hrs
Elevation: +880 / -950
DAY seven
Ukegawa to Koguchi
The Nakahechi continues on the Kogumotori-goe path, one of the best walks the region has to offer. Starting alongside the Kumano river the walk ventures up the mountain through the forest and back down again to the small village of Koguchi. Highlights include views from Nyatten-gura over the 3600 peaks of Kumano.
Accommodation: Small family run Ryokan or Minshuku in Koguchi
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: Easy to moderate / 12.8 km / 4.5-5.5 hrs
Elevation: +670 / -690
DAY eight
Koguchi to Nachi-san
The start of today’s walk is as challenging as you can get, but it’s our favourite on the Nakahechi, so you’re in for a real treat. There’s a fair bit of elevation and walking up, but the views out over the Pacific and the glimpses of mountains as you traverse through the forest makes it all worth the effort. Today’s highlight is walking into Nachi-San Taisha over the ancient Ogumotori-goe path travelled by thousands of pilgrims and then walking into the magnificent shrine. The panoramic scene of the superb orange Seiganto-ji Temple against the backdrop of the sacred Nachi waterfall, the tallest in Japan is certainly one of the most beautiful spectacles in all of Japan.
Accommodation: Small family run Ryokan or Minshuku in Nachi-san or Nachi-Katsuura
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner
Walking: Moderate to challenging / 15.5 kms / 5.5-7 hrs
Elevation: +1260 / -930
DAY nine
Onward to your next destination
After your last traditional Japanese breakfast, farewell the walk by exploring the temple complex further and/or make your way onwards to Osaka, Kyoto or a destination of your choice. There are many options to further explore in Wakayama. Stay in a beautiful seaside village like Shirahama along the Shihara coast. The Doro-kyo Gorge boat trip from Shingu is much heralded as is visiting the third major shrine the Kumano Hayatama Taisha, or visit Koyasan the spiritual capital of Japan. If you want even more of a laid back experience, then the Yuasa or Hidaka areas haven’t changed much for 100’s of years and are a good place to head.
Meals: Traditional Japanese breakfast
What’s Included
- Walk the entire Kumano Kodo Nakahechi from end to end via magnificent shrines ending at the glorious Nachi waterfall and temple complex plus a day of the Kohechi
- 8 nights stay in an intimate family-run or smallish traditional Japanese lodgings with in-house onsens
- Walk pack free with luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation
- Superb traditional multi-course meals for breakfast and dinner each day on the walk. Plus 6 walkers lunches
- Itineraries can be flexible to shorten the walking or slow the trip down by adding more rest days
- Enjoy worry-free navigation with Stroll’s comprehensive track notes and maps
- On the ground support from local representatives
Accommodation & Dining
Each night you will be staying in a lovely Ryokan or Minshuku.
Ryokans are Japanese guesthouses that come in a variety of styles, from traditional wooden structures to more of a modern hybrid hotel.
Ryokans have Japanese style rooms with tatami mats, shoji sliding doors, and futons for sleeping. Few Ryokan hotels have rooms with actual beds. The rooms may or may not have ensuites, but be prepared for a little luxury when it comes to the heated toilet seats. The bathing area is often the pride of the Ryokan, especially when they are located in an onsen area. These are usually communal and separated by gender.
Meals are elaborate affairs from a western point of view served in a traditional dining area. A traditional Kaiseki set meal is usually offered. Sometimes there is the option of a buffet at the larger Ryokans.
Minshukas are family-run accommodations that are often found in rural Japan. There is a fine line between a Minshuku and some smaller Ryokans, making it hard to distinguish between the two. Most Minshukus are very small with only a few Japanese style rooms a bit like a Bed and Breakfast Japanese style. Staying at a Minshuku has its advantages as it enables you to meet the local people and get right up close to the Japanese culture. The atmosphere is often like that of a home with traditional meals served much like at a Ryokan but with even more intimacy. Be prepared as baths and toilets are often shared.
General Info
AVAILABILITY
This walk is available all year round, but you may encounter some snow from December to February. Many people prefer to walk in spring to see the cherry blossoms and in autumn because of the change of seasons and the good weather.
HIGH SEASON
In Japan, there are some periods when locals travel en masse as they are on holiday. These times are best avoided as the accommodation costs escalate considerably (more than double). It would make a lot of sense if you could avoid these times. Otherwise, see below for high-season periods. This could lead to the cost of the trip increasing by 30% or more.
NEW YEAR PERIOD – 30TH DECEMBER TO 4TH OF JANUARY
GOLDEN WEEK – GENERALLY BETWEEN 29TH APRIL TO 5TH MAY
OBON PERIOD – MID-AUGUST ( BETWEEN THE 10TH TO 20TH OF AUGUST)
Please speak to the office to get a quote for the above times
HOW TO GET START AND FROM END OF WALK
Travelling to the Start of the walk
This walk starts in Tanabe and ends in Nachi-san or Nachi-Katsuura. You will need to get yourself to and from the start and end of your walk (i.e. you will need to organise your travel to the start of the walk in Tanabe and then onwards from your last accommodation). To make it easy we have collated some useful information that will assist you in making arrangements for your travel.
By Air: By far, the best option is to fly into Osaka and take the train from there. You can take the train direct from Osaka Kansai Airport to Kii-Tanabe (train station). Take a local train for a few stops and then hop on the Kii Peninsula JR West train. The train station is at the airport, and there are English speaking staff at the ticket office. You might consider spending some time in Osaka. Osaka is a very interesting city and has many beautiful temples and of course Osaka Castle. In spring it is particularly beautiful. It also has a sophisticated restaurant culture and markets that seem to go on for kilometres, literally.
By rail: Japan has one of the best train systems in the world, so it’s very easy to catch a train to any destination in the country. An express train is the fastest way to travel to the area. Travelling in Japan on trains is a seamless experience, and it is not necessary to always pre-purchase tickets. There’s plenty of Rail staff that speak English well enough to direct you the right way and to converse with you about how to buy your ticket. We can provide more information if you wish, so please ask one of our destination consultants.
Hyperdia is a great website resource to figure out when and where your train departs. It might be best to buy your train ticket on the JR train network when you first arrive in Japan so you can relax. However, the trains run often and are so efficient that you shouldn’t have any trouble just arriving 20 minutes beforehand and buying a ticket. JR passes can be a convenient and reasonable way to get around the area. There are two regional JR passes that cover the Kii Peninsula: Kansai WIDE Area Pass, and Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass.
The journey from Osaka to Tanabe takes about 1 – 2 hours. You can take the train direct from Osaka Kansai Airport to Kii-Tanabe (train station). Take a local train to Hineno station then hop on the Kii Peninsula JR West train. The train station is at the airport, and there are English speaking staff at the ticket office.
If you stay in Osaka then you’ll need to catch the Subway (Osaka Metro Midosuji) to Tennoji station. The tickets can be purchased locally. From Tennoji it’s a JR train service to Kii-Tanabe bound for Shirahama.
Travelling from the end of the walk
By rail: The train from Katsuura (Kii- Katsuura train station is a short distance from Nachisan) back to Osaka takes about 4 hours. You can also choose to go to Tokyo or anywhere else for that matter in Japan. However, you most likely will need to travel through a major city to get there.
By Air: See above
WALKING
This walk is moderate to challenging with some long days if you wish. Full-day walks average about 17 km with 5 –9. hours walking each day however they can be as long as 24kms (you can shorten most days). The walking is over well-maintained paths but expect each day to start with some reasonable elevation gains. All good though as the tracks do flatten out.
This is a historic route with stacks of small temples (Oji) and statues to admire along the way. For much of the time, you are walking under forest canopy which makes for mild conditions other than the height of summer.
For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.
WEATHER
From the end of March, the temperature begins to increase. In summer the conditions are excellent particularly if you enjoy warmer temperatures and taking a dip in a stream. It can, however, get a little humid.
The walk is offered in winter but bring some warm clothes and good rain gear. The area is just as beautiful if not more and is not busy at all. Soaking in outside onsen in the cool of the night is one of those real authentic Japanese experiences that you can look forward to after a big day on the track.
We believe spring and autumn to be the best time to walk as the weather is perfect for walking.
See the weather information about Osaka’s average weather at different times of the year.
INSURANCE
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
INFORMATION PACK
For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@stroll.com
ENQUIRE NOW
If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.