[Kumano Kodo] Nakahechi 2-Day, 1-Night Hiking Model Course
The Kumano Kodo, a network of ancient pilgrimage routes in Wakayama Prefecture, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pilgrims once walked these trails on their way to the Kumano Sanzan — Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. One of the most famous routes is the Nakahechi (pronounced “Nakahechi”), which forms part of the Kumano Kodo.
The Kumano Kodo is divided into five main routes: Nakahechi, Iseji, Kohechi, Kiiji, and Ohechi. Among them, the Nakahechi has been the most frequently traveled throughout history.
In this article, we introduce recommended routes for experiencing the Nakahechi on a 2-day, 1-night itinerary — a great way to make the most of a short stay.
You can also find highlights and sightseeing spots along the Nakahechi in the article below.
3 Model Courses to Match Your Travel Style
The Nakahechi is a 105 km route that starts in the Tanabe area near JR Kii-Tanabe Station, passes by Kumano Hongu Taisha, and continues on to Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. During the imperial pilgrimages to Kumano (Kumano Gokō) from the Heian to Kamakura periods, the Nakahechi was the official route. Even today, many travelers continue to walk these historic trails.
- “I want to see the major highlights!”
- “I want to walk as much as possible!”
- “I want to stay at a hot spring inn!”
In this article, we introduce three model routes designed to match these different travel styles. Choose the one that fits your purpose best, and enjoy a memorable journey along this UNESCO World Heritage trail.
2-Day, 1-Night Trip for Those Who Want to See the Major Highlights
Course: JR Kii-Tanabe Station → Overnight in Takahara → Kumano Hongu Taisha
Must-See Highlights Along the Nakahechi
- The Great Torii Gate at Kumano Hongu Taisha and Oyunohara
- The Kumano “Kujūku-oji” (99 sub-shrines), including Takijiri-oji and Chikatsuyu-oji
Here’s a suggested 2-day, 1-night itinerary that lets you enjoy these highlights efficiently by using local buses.
Day 1
JR Kii-Tanabe Station → (Bus: 40 min) → Takijiri-oji → Walking distance: 6.0 km (approx. 2.5 hours) → Takahara (overnight stay)
Day 2
Takahara → (Bus: 15 min) → Hosshinmon-oji → Walking distance: 7.0 km (approx. 3.5 hours) → Kumano Hongu Taisha
Using the bus allows you to spend more time exploring Kumano Hongu Taisha, the spiritual heart of the Kumano Kodo.
Once you arrive in Takahara on Day 1, take time to explore the surrounding area. Don’t miss the Kiri-no-Sato Takahara Observatory, famous for its views of a “sea of clouds,” or the Takahara Kumano Shrine, one of the oldest shrines on the Kumano Kodo.
👉 Check below for more sightseeing spots around Takahara!
SEN.RETREAT TAKAHARA, a newly opened lodge in Takahara, offers BBQ facilities and the chance to enjoy a cozy campfire at night. There are also other unique places to stay, such as Kiri-no-Sato Takahara, which features hot spring baths, and Hoshizora-no-Yado, where guests can marvel at the star-filled night sky.
The second day’s walk from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha is mostly a gentle downhill trail, making it one of the easiest and most pleasant sections of the Nakahechi. Along the way, you’ll pass several of the Kumano Kujuuku-oji sub-shrines, including Mizunomi-oji, Fushiogami-oji, and Haridono-oji.
You can take your time at Kumano Hongu Taisha, making this route perfect for soaking in the slow rhythm of nature. While you’re there, don’t miss the Great Torii Gate at Oyunohara, just a 10-minute walk away. This was the original site of the shrine before it was relocated after a devastating flood. Today, the enormous torii gate — the largest in Japan — still stands proudly as a symbol of Kumano’s spiritual heritage.
2 days 1 night for those with healthy legs!
<Course> JR Kii-Tanabe Station~ Chikatsuyu Inn~ Kumano Hongu Taisha
This course is perfect for experienced hikers or those confident in their stamina.
It follows a 38-kilometer route from Takijiri-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha. Since the last bus from Kumano Hongu Taisha back to JR stations leaves relatively early, we recommend starting your walk early on Day 2.
Day 1
JR Kii-Tanabe → (Bus: 40 min) → Takijiri-oji → Walking distance: 6.0 km (approx. 2.5 hrs) → Takahara → Walking distance: 9.0 km (approx. 4 hrs) → Chikatsuyu-oji (Overnight in Chikatsuyu)
Day 2
Chikatsuyu → Walking distance: 4.0 km → Tsugizakura-oji (Nonaka Ipposugi) → Walking distance: 14 km → Hosshinmon-oji → Walking distance: 7.0 km → Kumano Hongu Taisha (total walking time: about 9 hrs)
The course begins at Takijiri-oji, often called the gateway to Kumano’s sacred land, and finishes at Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three grand shrines of Kumano. The route includes a series of ups and downs, with an elevation gain of about 600 meters between Takijiri-oji and the highest point. This challenging trail is recommended for those confident in their stamina.
For lodging, Chikatsuyu offers several options. Since accommodations directly along the Kumano Kodo are limited and can book up quickly, Chikatsuyu is a convenient place with more availability. In any case, it’s best to secure your accommodation well in advance.
Another lodging option is SEN.RETREAT CHIKATSUYU, which opened in April 2022. This unique property is a renovated container villa, complete with its own pizza oven. Guests can enjoy meals featuring plenty of fresh ingredients from Wakayama Prefecture — the perfect way to relax and recharge after a long day of trekking.
The walk from Chikatsuyu to Kumano Hongu Taisha takes around 9 hours. We recommend setting out as early as possible on Day 2, so you’ll have plenty of time to relax and fully explore the sacred grounds of Kumano Hongu Taisha.
2 days 1 night at a relaxing hot spring inn for those who want some specialty of the inn.
<Course> JR Kii-Tanabe Station~ Yunomine Onsen ~JR Kii-Tanabe Station
For travelers who want their accommodation to be part of the experience, we recommend staying in Yunomine Onsen, a historic hot spring village along the Nakahechi route.
Yunomine Onsen is home to Tsubo-yu, a tiny hot spring bath registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a unique way to enjoy Kumano’s sacred heritage — not just by trekking, but by soaking in its healing waters.
Day 1
JR Kii-Tanabe Station → (Bus: about 2 hr 20 min) → Hosshinmon-oji → Walking distance: 7.0 km (approx. 2 hrs) → Kumano Hongu Taisha → Walking distance: 3.5 km (approx. 2 hrs) → Yunomine Onsen (overnight)
Day 2
Yunomine Onsen → (Bus: 30 min) → Chikatsuyu → Walking distance: 9.0 km (approx. 4 hrs) → Takahara → (Bus: 40 min) → JR Kii-Tanabe Station
The route from Kumano Hongu Taisha to Yunomine Onsen is known as the Dainichi-goe. Although the distance is only 3.5 km, the steep stairways mean it takes around 2 hours to complete.
On the second day, you’ll return along the same route, but take a slightly different path to enjoy a new perspective. The Nakahechi trail offers many different faces, with fresh scenery to discover each time. Near Chikatsuyu-oji, don’t miss the famous Gyuba-doji statue, a charming stone figure that has become a beloved symbol of the trail.
Bus Schedules to Know for a 2-Day, 1-Night Nakahechi Trip
Of the three courses introduced here, two end at Kumano Hongu Taisha. When returning home from there, be mindful of the bus schedules.
As of May 2022, the last bus from Kumano Hongu Taisha to JR Kii-Tanabe Station departs at 16:40, while the final bus to JR Shingu Station leaves at 18:58. Be sure to plan your Day 2 itinerary so you can finish sightseeing in time to catch your bus.
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