Camping on the Kumano Kodo! 7 Recommended Campsites Near Hongu Taisha
The Kumano Kodo, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is rich in nature and offers trails that retain the charm and atmosphere of ancient times. In addition to its mountains, the area is blessed with rivers, ocean views, and numerous hot springs scattered throughout — making it an irresistible destination for camping enthusiasts.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of campsites along the Kumano Kodo, organized by area. Each site has its own unique character, sure to captivate the hearts of campers.
Kumano Hongu Taisha area
The first campsite is near the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, one of the three Kumano mountains.How about spending a night camping while touring the Kumano Sanzan…?
田辺川湯キャンプ場
The Tanabe Kawayu Campsite, which requires no reservations and offers free-site camping, is a great place to enjoy a stay either on a grassy area or by the riverside. Pets, such as dogs and cats, are welcome, making it perfect for families visiting the Kumano Kodo. The Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine is just a 10-minute drive or about a 1-hour walk away.
You can purchase firewood and fatwood handmade by the campsite staff, and next to the reception area, there’s a farm stand selling fresh local vegetables. Why not enjoy a BBQ with fresh local produce during your stay?
From late May, it’s firefly season. Even before the site became a campsite, this area was a famous spot for watching fireflies, and today campers still gather here to enjoy the magical scene of glowing fireflies.
Just a 10-minute walk from the campsite is the Sennin-buro at Kawayu Onsen, a unique hot spring bubbling up from the riverbed of the Oto River. The water at the source is over 70°C (158°F), so river water is mixed in to cool it to a comfortable 40°C (104°F). This natural open-air bath is available only from December through the end of February each year. Many visitors even come to the campsite just to enjoy this hot spring, which is beautifully lit by lanterns at night, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
Address
〒647-1717 1288 Kawayu, Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture
Contacts
073-542-1168
Facility overview
Grass sites (approx. 30 tents)
Riverside sites (approx. 150 tents)
Usage fee
Overnight stay (per night)
Adults (junior high school students and over) … 700 yen, children (0 years to primary schools students) … 400 yen.
Cars … 700 yen, motorbikes … 200 yen.
Day camp (4 hours)
Adults (junior high school students and over) … 500 yen, children (0 years to primary schools students) … 300 yen.
Cars … 500 yen, motorbikes … 200 yen.
Access by car
70 minutes by car from Kamitonda IC.
80 minutes by car from Odomari IC.
Access by public transport
112 minutes by bus from JR Kii-Tanabe Station, 7 minutes walk from Fujiya-mae bus stop.
60 mins by bus from JR Shingu Station, 7 mins walk from Fujiya-mae bus stop.
Official website
https://tanabe-kawayu-camp.com/
Official Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/kawayucamp/
Official YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoKPWB2LIwKLo6uuG2MYJqw
Watase Onsen Centre ‘Otonashi no Sato’ Cottages and campsites
The next stop is Otonashi no Sato, an eight-minute drive or one-hour walk from the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine.
If you’re looking for comfort and convenience during your stay, Otonashi no Sato is the perfect choice. The entire campsite is equipped with Wi-Fi, a co-working space, and a tent sauna, as well as onsite hot springs. All restrooms feature washlet toilets, and there are hot water taps throughout the site for extra convenience.
There are about 30 unreserved free sites, including motorcycle-accessible spots, and 3 reservable auto sites equipped with AC power and vehicle access. In addition, there are 10 cozy cottages, each fully equipped with air conditioning, a kitchen, and a private restroom.
The tent sauna, which opened in January 2022, operates on a reservation priority system. For ¥2,200 per person, you can enjoy a 100-minute session. Sauna ponchos and swimsuits are available for rent, and the cold plunge pool is none other than the Shimura River flowing right in front of you — an incredible natural luxury!
Enjoy the soothing sounds of the river while camping, then relax and refresh with the hot springs and sauna. This combination of luxury and affordability makes Otonashi no Sato an outstanding choice for a premium camping experience.
Address.
〒647-173345-3 Watase, Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture
Contacts.
0735-42-1777（10:00〜20:00）
Facility overview
Auto sites…3 sites
Plotted sites … 9 sites
Free sites … 15 sites
Motorbike sites … approx. 20 sites
Usage fee
Auto site
Charges: 3,500-5,000 yen + accommodation: 2,450 yen (2nd person – 1,550 yen, children 900 yen, 1,750 yen for bikes).
Compartment sites
Usage fees: 1,500-3,500 yen + if using a power supply: 500 yen + accommodation fees: 2,450 yen (1,150 yen for a passenger, 900 yen for a child, 1,750 yen for a motorbike, 1,400 yen for a motorbike passenger, 1,750 yen for a bicycle, 1,400 yen for a walk)
Free sites (including motorbike sites)
Motorbike 1 person … 1,750 yen
Motorbike passenger 1 person … 1,400 yen
Car 1 person … 2,450 yen
1 passenger in a car: ¥1,150
Children (3-12 years): 900 yen
Bicycle: ¥1,750
On foot: ¥1,400
Day camp
Entrance fee: adults 1,000 yen (children 800 yen) + parking fee: cars 1,000 yen (motorbikes 400 yen).
Closed on
Thursdays (open on public holidays and national holidays, closed the following day).
Access by car
From the Kansai region
Hanshin Expressway → Hanwa Expressway ‘Kamitonda IC’, approx. 70 mins via National Routes 42 and 311.
From the Tokai region
Nagoya Expressway → Higashi-Meihan Expressway → Ise Expressway ‘Owase Kita IC’, approx. 150 mins via National Routes 42 and 168.
Access by public transport
From Kansai area
Take a bus bound for Hongu Taisha from JR Kii-Tanabe Station (120 mins).
From Tokai area
Take a bus bound for Hongu Taisha from JR Shingu Station (approx. 60 mins).
By plane from Tokyo
From Haneda Airport to Nanki-Shirahama Airport, take the Meiko Bus ‘Kaisoku Kumano Kodo’ (140 mins) (Note that only one bus a day departs at 9:28).
From JR Kii-Tanabe Station, take the Ryujin Bus or Meiko Bus bound for Hongu Taisha (120 mins).
Official website
Nakabeji area
The next section introduces campsites along Nakahechi, the most visited route of the Kumano Kodo!
Iris Park Auto Campsite
Located in Chikatsuyu, the halfway point of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route, the Iris Park Auto Campsite offers a great base for exploring the trail.
With the Hikigawa River flowing nearby, you can enjoy river activities, or simply relax and unwind in the soothing waters of the Oku-Kumano Onsen “Megami no Yu” (Goddess Hot Spring). This hot spring is known for its silky, slightly viscous water. While there is normally a fee for day-use visitors, campers can soak at no extra charge, as the bathing fee is included in the campsite fee.
The site also accommodates day-use camping and features 40 auto-campsites along with 14 bungalows, making it well-equipped for a variety of camping styles. Plus, there are convenient rental services for dishes, portable stoves, sleeping bags, and firewood, making it easy to travel light while still enjoying a comfortable stay.
Address.
〒646-1402 128-1 Chikanuro, Nakaheji-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture
Contacts.
0739-65-0410 (9:00 – 21:00)
Facility overview
40 auto-camping sites (15 sites with AC power supply)
14 bungalows (only bungalows with 12-mat lofts have toilets)
Usage fee
Day camp
Adults (junior high school students and over) 700 yen Children (5 years and over) 350 yen (*not including bath fees)
Admission fee
Adults (junior high school students and over): 1 day … 1,300 yen, 2 or more days … 1,200 yen
Children (5 years and over): 1 day … 800 yen, 2 days onwards … 700 yen.
Facility charges
Bungalow: 16,000 – 30,000 yen
Camping: 1,000 – 3,500 yen
Access by car
45 minutes from Kamitonda IC on Kisei Expressway via Route 311.
Access by public transport or on foot
From JR Tanabe Station, take the Ryujin Bus for Hongu Taisha or Hatsushinmon Oji, approximately 60 minutes → alight at Kannonji-mae bus stop and walk 10 minutes.
Official website
Private campsite hidden in the forest, limited to 4 groups per day.｜Grandma’s Garden Kamitonda
With the recent camping boom, many campsites are crowded and lively. If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing camping experience, look no further than Grandma’s Garden Kamitonda, which is limited to just four groups per day. It’s highly rated for offering an immersive experience in harmony with nature. Each of the four campsites is well-separated, so you can enjoy your stay without worrying about the gaze of others.
There are no shower facilities on-site, but the Shirahama Onsen hot spring is just a 10-minute walk away, and most guests choose to bathe there. A Western-style toilet is available, and you can rent tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, and BBQ grills, making it easy to camp without bringing much gear.
Vehicles are not allowed to drive up to the sites, a thoughtful policy from the owner who hopes guests will enjoy the natural approach to each site. You can choose from four unique site types:
- “Sky View Site” – a wide-open area with a clear view of the sky
- “Forest Retreat Site” – surrounded by trees for a cozy atmosphere
- “Hammock-Friendly Site” – ideal for sleeping under the stars in a hammock
- “Private Site” – for those seeking a secluded, intimate stay
On the same property, there’s also a small eatery called “Mori no Tacos” (Forest Tacos). On Fridays, it operates as a dine-in restaurant, while on other weekdays (except Saturdays), it offers takeout service. You can order tacos, hand-drip coffee, and unique drinks such as organic plum basil soda, and even have them delivered to your campsite when you order via LINE — perfect for when you want a quick bite while relaxing outdoors.
Within a 10–15 minute drive, you’ll also find local shops where you can buy fresh seafood and mountain produce from Wakayama, perfect for grilling or cooking at your site.
Both day camping and night camping are available (except on Saturdays). For frequent visitors, a half-year pass is also offered for those planning to camp 10 or more times in six months.
The campsite’s name, “Grandma’s Garden,” comes from the Osaka-born owner’s childhood memories of visiting his grandmother’s house, where this very garden is now used as a serene camping space.
Address.
〒649-2105 3491 Asago, Kamitonda-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama
Contacts.
Telephone.
090-9113-7565
Mail.
ggkamitonda@gmail.com
Facilities
Camping sites 4 sites
Fees.
Adults 2,800 yen, elementary and junior high school students 1,000 yen (normal season)
Access by car
5 mins drive from Kamitonda IC on Kisei Expressway.
15 mins drive from JR Shirahama Station.
Access by public transport or on foot
From JR Shirahama Station, 20-minute bus ride ⇒ 10-minute walk from the bus stop.
20-minute taxi ride from Nanki Shirahama Airport.
Official website
Official Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/ggkamitonda/
Hioki River area (Oheji area)
There are several routes on the Kumano Kodo, of which the Ohechi is a 120 km route along the sea from Tanabe City to Nachi-Katsuura Town.In the past, people with time to spare used this route to reach the Kumano Sanzan (three mountains of Kumano) while enjoying the scenery.The Hioki River is the river that runs through the Oheji.
Mukoudaira Camping Village
Located along the Hikigawa River, Mukaihira Camp Village is a versatile campsite, perfect for both solo campers and families. Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of activities, from river play and hot springs to traditional camping. The site also offers canoeing and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) experiences, making it a popular destination for families with children and groups of friends.
The Ebina Onsen hot spring is just a 7-minute walk away, where you can enjoy a relaxing soak for ¥600 for adults and ¥400 for children.
For a more upscale hot spring experience, the Rivage Spa Hikigawa “Nagisa no Yu” is about a 20-minute drive. This resort features day-use bathing, private family baths, open-air baths, and a sauna.
Even during the peak season, the campsite is very affordable, making it a great choice for travelers who want to keep costs down. Each campsite plot measures about 7 m × 7.5 m, so for family camping, reserving two plots is recommended.
From the campsite, it’s about a 2-hour drive to Kumano Nachi Taisha and 1.5 hours to Kumano Hongu Taisha, placing it roughly at the midpoint of the Kumano Sanzan — an ideal base for exploring these sacred sites.
Address.
〒649-2535 27 Kuki, Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
Contacts.
0739-53-0055 (Weekdays 9:00 – 17:00)
Facility overview
Usage fee
Normal season
Entrance fee: ¥660 for 16 years and older, ¥440 for elementary and junior high school students.
Compartment rental fee (per compartment): ¥1,650.
High season (every year around GW, July-September)
Entry fees: ¥880 for 16 years and older, ¥660 for elementary and junior high school students.
Compartment rental fee (per compartment): 2,200 yen.
Closed.
End-April to end-October: open all days, November to end-April: open only on weekends and public holidays.
Access by car
15 minutes by car from Kii-Hiki Station on the JR Kisei Main Line.
15 minutes by car from the Hiokigawa IC on the Kisei Expressway.
Access by public transport or on foot
Approx. 2-hour walk from Kii Hioki Station.
Official website
Nemunemu Forest campsite
Located near the Mukaihira Camp Village introduced earlier, the Nemunemu no Mori Campsite is another great spot for enjoying the natural beauty of the Hikigawa River, which flows right in front of the site. You can enjoy river activities and camping while surrounded by nature.
All the essentials — tents, sleeping bags, and cooking gear — are available for rent, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy a hassle-free, hands-free camping experience.
The campsite was renovated and reopened in August 2022, so the toilets, hot shower rooms, and barbecue facilities are all brand-new — a welcome feature for campers looking for a clean and comfortable stay.
Address.
〒649-2533 313 Nakajima, Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
Contacts.
090-4900-7022
Usage fees
Entry fees: adults 1 day … JPY 1,000, children 1 day … JPY 500, (small and medium-sized) pets 1 day … JPY 500.
Parking fee … 1,000 yen.
Lodging.
Charges: General site … 2,800 – 3,300 yen, power supply site … 4,300 yen, cottage 1 day … 10,000 yen.
Easy camping (set-up and clean-up) … 12,500 yen.
Day camps
Fees: riverside sites … 500 yen; power sites … 4,300 yen; tents/tarp … 1,500 yen,
Regular closing days
Open all year round (please enquire).
Access by car
About 10 minutes by car from Hioki Station on the JR Kisei Main Line.
About 10 minutes by car from Hiokigawa IC on Kisei Expressway.
Access by public transport or on foot
One and a half hour walk from Hioki Station on the JR Kisei Main Line.
Official website
Formula Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/nemunemunomori_camp/
Mie area
The Kumano Kodo extends not only into Wakayama Prefecture, but also into Mie, Nara and Osaka Prefectures.The southern part of Mie Prefecture is the perfect place to visit Kumano Nachi-taisha Shrine and Kumano Hayatama-taisha Shrine. We will therefore also introduce some campsites in the southernmost part of Mie.
Hisetsu Falls Campsite.
At the Hisetsu-no-Taki Campsite, you can camp right in front of the stunning Hisetsu Waterfall, which cascades down from a height of 30 meters. Located at the southernmost point of Mie Prefecture, it’s just a 20-minute drive to Kumano Hayatama Taisha and about 50 minutes to Kumano Nachi Taisha, making it an ideal base for exploring the Kumano Sanzan.
The highlight of this campsite is undoubtedly its tent sauna. After heating up in the sauna, you can dive straight into the waterfall basin to cool off. This unique experience of relaxing in a sauna while overlooking the breathtaking waterfall has gained nationwide attention, earning a spot in “Best Scenic Saunas” rankings and even being featured on TV programs.
Here, you can immerse yourself in the essence of the Japanese countryside — surrounded by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and rice fields — while enjoying an authentic camping experience. The campsite also offers BBQ and hot pot sets featuring local specialties, such as Kiwa Wagyu beef, fresh seafood, and even Ise lobster. Simply arrive with no gear and savor the region’s finest ingredients.
For adventure seekers, there’s no shortage of activities: ride a duckie kayak into the waterfall, swim in the basin, explore the surrounding forests, try canyoning, SUP, or river rafting, and experience a summer full of excitement. Seasonal festivals and events are also held regularly.
A wide range of original goods, such as the original camping spice ‘Tobisetsu Falls Original Spice’, which is essential for camping meals, original coffee beans, enameled cups, T-shirts and sauna hats!You can also buy them in the online store.
Address.
〒519-5718 1409-1, Asazato, Kiho-cho, Minamimuro-gun, Mie Prefecture
Contacts
0735-21-1333
080-5843-6793 (Booking only)
(9:00-17:00 in both cases)
Facility overview
Tent sites (cooking building and shower rooms available)
8 cottages
Usage fees
Tent sites (day camping): Regular site 1,100 yen, Solo site 550 yen
Tent sites (overnight stay): Regular site 3,000 yen, Solo site 1,100 yen.
Camping with nothing: 17,000 yen for overnight stay with no meal, 24,000 yen per night with 2 meals.
Regular closing day
No mid-year break
Access by car.
From the Kansai region
From Kisei Expressway Susami Minami IC, drive National Road 42 towards Shingu, approx. 1hr 40min (80km).
From Nagoya
From Kumano Owase Road Kumano Omari IC, drive National Road No. 42 towards Shingu, approx. 50 mins (35 km).
Access by public transport or on foot.
30 minutes by taxi from JR Shingu Station.
From JR Shingu Station, take the Ainoya Line of the town bus → change at Funada to the Asazato Udono Line → alight at Asazato Jinja-mae.
Official website
Official Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/hisetsufalls_campsite/
Official Twitter
Camping in the nature of the Kumano Kodo!
With the recent camping boom, the number of new campsites along the Kumano Kodo has grown, and many existing sites have been renovated.
Many of these spots offer hands-free camping, so why not take this opportunity to visit the Kumano Kodo and enjoy camping while exploring the sacred Kumano Sanzan?
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