Family Travel: Moms relax at the inn while dads hike with the kids—a 1-night, 2-day plan to enjoy the Kumano

When visiting the Kumano Kodo as a family, the kids and one parent may want to hike while the other prefers to relax. Here are the best suggested itineraries for that travel style. Whether you’d like to unwind and recharge in nature or head out for an active hike, we’ve got options that let everyone enjoy the trip.

14:30 – Father and child start hiking from Takijiri-oji; the mother drives to the inn.

After leaving home by car, head for Takijiri-oji (859 Kurisugawa, Nakahechi-cho, Tanabe City), regarded as the gateway to the sacred realm of the Kumano Sanzan. The father and child get out here to start hiking the Kumano Kodo, while the mother continues by car to SEN.RETREAT TAKAHARA.

Takijiri-oji is one of the five highest-ranking Oji among the Kumano “Kujūku Oji”—subsidiary shrines dedicated to the deities of Kumano that are dotted along the pilgrimage routes.

At the Kumano Kodo-kan, known for its distinctive twelve-sided (dodecagonal) roof, you’ll find exhibits on the Kumano Kodo and up-to-date visitor information. Takijiri Chaya serves hamburgers made with local pickles—perfect for fueling up before your hike.

15:00 – Mother arrives at SEN.RETREAT TAKAHARA.

A little ahead of schedule, the mother arrives at the inn. With local soft drinks, coffee, and snacks included as part of the all-inclusive offering, she can take a relaxing break—coffee tastes even better in the fresh mountain air.
The in-room TV offers Netflix and YouTube, perfect for unwinding with that film she’s been meaning to watch.

16:00 – Take in panoramic views of Kumano’s majestic mountains.

It’s a five-minute walk from the inn to the Takahara Kiri-no-Sato Rest Area, a scenic viewpoint. From here you can take in panoramic views of Kumano’s mountain ridges and terraced rice fields. Settle in with a book or some music and relax amid the scenery.

16:30 – Father and son arrive at SEN.RETREAT TAKAHARA.

Father and son arrive at the inn after a 4 km hike from Takijiri-oji (around 2 hours). Now’s the perfect time to rest and recover.

18:00 – Soak in the onsen at Kiri-no-Sato Takahara and unwind.

Kiri-no-Sato Takahara is just a 10-minute walk from SEN.RETREAT TAKAHARA—perfect for a relaxing day-use onsen soak. Enjoy superb views over the Takahara plateau from the baths and unwind after your hike.

The hot spring water here is sourced from Watarase Onsen in the Hongu Hot Spring Village. It’s heated with firewood from locally thinned timber, giving the water a soft, silky feel on the skin.

Availability depends on crowding, so calling ahead to confirm day-use access is recommended.

▷Kiri-no-Sato Takahara

Telephone number: 0739-64-1900

Address: 826 Takahara, Nakaheji-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, 646-1416

Please call in advance to check availability when using the day spa.

19:00 – Barbecue on the terrace.

In the evening, enjoy a barbecue on the terrace with local vegetables, meats, and seafood as much as you like. Ingredients, tableware, and the grill are all provided by the inn—just pitch in together as a family and get set to cook.

20:00 – Gather around the campfire for family time.

Gather around the campfire and warm both body and soul. Look up to a sky full of stars.

We also recommend indoor stone stacking. Compete to see who can build the tallest stack—it’s sure to be a hit!

Day 2.　

If you get up early, you might catch a sea of clouds. Your best chance is on clear mornings after a rainy day and during seasons with a large day–night temperature difference.

8:00 – Breakfast in the open air.

A lovely day begins with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For breakfast, we serve bread, cheese, and jams made with locally grown mandarins and other fruits.

10:00 – After check-out, visit Takahara Kumano Shrine.

It’s a five-minute walk to Takahara Kumano Shrine, a historic site believed to be one of the oldest shrines along the Kumano Kodo. The huge camphor tree on the grounds is so majestic you can’t help but look up.