Kumano Kodo FAQ
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Kumano Kodo is the general name for pilgrimage routes to the ‘Kumano Sanzan’ (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha) on the Kii Peninsula. The path has been walked by emperors and commoners since the Heian period (794-1185) and is one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in Japan, deeply linked to faith and nature. In 2004, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a ‘Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range’.
The Kumano Kodo are a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that span the Kii Peninsula, primarily in southern Wakayama Prefecture. The most well-known route, the Nakahechi, is a mountain trail that leads from Tanabe City to the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, and has been walked by countless pilgrims throughout history.
In addition to the Nakahechi, other pilgrimage paths extend across Wakayama, Mie, and Nara Prefectures, all leading to the sacred Kumano Sanzan—the three grand shrines of Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha.
The Kumano Kodo is open to walkers year-round, but there are some seasonal considerations to keep in mind.
| Season | Month | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Autumn | March–May October–November | These are the best seasons for walking, with mild weather and stable conditions. Fresh greenery in spring and colourful autumn leaves add to the enjoyment. |
| Summer | June–September | Be cautious of heatstroke, especially in August, when temperatures and humidity are high. Make sure to carry plenty of water and take frequent rest breaks. |
| Winter | December–February | Snowfall is rare, but early mornings and mountain areas can drop below freezing. Warm clothing is essential. |
Note: Some parts of the trail may be temporarily closed due to heavy rain or typhoons. Always check the latest updates from the Tanabe City Tourism Bureau or other official sources before setting off.
‘Dual Pilgrim’ is a title awarded to those who have completed both the Camino de Santiago in Spain and the Kumano Kodo in Japan.
This initiative was created to celebrate the cultural and spiritual connection between the two ancient pilgrimage traditions. Pilgrims can have a shared stamp book stamped at Kumano Hongu Taisha in Japan and at the pilgrim’s office near the cathedral in Santiago.
Those who complete both pilgrimages receive a limited-edition ‘Pilgrims of the Two Roads’ pin badge as a symbol of their achievement.
This special scheme honours those who continue their spiritual journey across borders.
The Kumano Kodo is a “road to the sacred land” that leads to the Kumano Sanzan. In contrast, the Shikoku pilgrimage is a circular route that connects 88 temples across the island of Shikoku.
The Kumano Kodo is known for its long walks through mountain paths and forests, offering a profound sense of connection with nature. Both routes provide a spiritual journey and insight into Japanese religious culture, but they differ in terms of walking experience and atmosphere.
There are many tourist attractions along the Kumano Kodo, but the following are particularly recommended:
Kumano Hongu Taisha — One of the three Kumano Grand Shrines (Kumano Sanzan). The main deity is Ietsumiko-no-Mikoto (Susanoo-no-Mikoto). Originally located in Oyunohara, it was moved to its present location after a major flood. The shrine’s buildings, made of unpainted wood, are known for their simple, serene atmosphere.
Nachi Falls — One of Japan’s three most famous waterfalls, with a drop of 133 meters. Also called “San-suji-no-taki” due to its three separate streams, the waterfall’s breathtaking sight — with water flowing at about one ton per second — is truly spectacular.
There are six main routes on the Kumano Kodo
| Route name | Description |
|---|---|
| Nakahechi | The most popular route from Tanabe to Hongu Taisha, recommended for beginners. |
| Kohechi | mountain route connecting Koyasan to Hongu Taisha. This is a highly difficult route. |
| Ohechi | A route along the coast, popular with those who value not only the temples and shrines, but also the scenery that only a seaside route can offer. |
| Ise-ji | The Tokai route leads from Ise Jingu Shrine to Kumano Sanzan. Recommended for history buffs. |
| Kii-ji | An ancient road from the Kyoto/Osaka area through Wakayama Prefecture. Good access from urban areas. |
| Omine Okugakemichi | This is a mountain traverse route from Yoshinoyama to Kumano, used by ascetic practitioners since the Heian period. |
Each route differs in terms of scenery, difficulty and accessibility, so it is important to choose the route that best suits the purpose of your trip.
| Route name | Approximate distance |
|---|---|
| Nakahechi | Takijiri Oji – Hongu Taisha. 38 km(a part of the route) |
| Kohechi | Koyasan – Hongu Taisha shrine. 70 km |
| Ohechi | Tanabe – Nachi-Katsuura. 92 km |
| Ise-ji | Ise Jingu – Kumano Hongu. 170 km |
| Kii-ji | Yamanaka kei station – Kii Tanabe station. 120 km(a part of the route) |
| Omine Okugakemichi | Yoshinoyama – Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine. 170 km |
Some routes can take several days to complete, so many walkers divide their walk into sections.
Free PDF maps can be downloaded from the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau website. It is divided into sections for each of the main routes, with detailed information on distance, altitude and even the location of rest stops and toilets. An English version is also available for overseas visitors.
Free PDF maps can be downloaded from the official Wakayama Prefecture tourism website. It is divided into sections for each of the main routes, such as Nakaheji, Oheji, Kobeji and Iseji, with detailed information on distance, elevation and even the location of rest areas and toilets.
Official route maps of the Kumano Kodo are available free of charge at tourist information centres such as the Tanabe City Tourist Centre and the Kumano Hongu Tourist Association. While it is safer to get a paper map locally, saving the data on your smartphone in advance can be useful in case of emergency.
The Kumano Kodo varies in distance and the number of days required, depending on the route. For the typical Nakahechi route, the entire journey from Takijiri Oji in Tanabe City to the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine generally takes three to four days and two nights. On the other hand, there are plenty of shorter sections that can be walked in a single day, making day hikes possible. It is recommended that you organise your itinerary according to your schedule and physical fitness.
A popular choice for first-timers is a three-day walk along the main part of the Nakabeji route. Examples:
Day 1: Prince Takijiri → Takahara (Takahara)
Day 2: Takahara → Chikatsuyu
Day 3: Chikatsuyu → Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine
This itinerary gives you a good taste of the historical ruins of the Prince, the beautiful mountain village scenery and the goal of Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine. Accommodation is scattered throughout the area, so the schedule is easy to follow.
Take the JR Kuroshio Limited Express train from Osaka (Tennoji/Shin-Osaka) to Kii-Tanabe Station (approx. 2h 30min). From there, you can take a local bus to the main starting points of the Nakahechi route, such as Takijiri Oji and Chikatsuyu.
To reach the Kumano Kodo from Tokyo, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Shin-Osaka Station, from where you can transfer to the JR Kuroshio Limited Express train to Kii-Tanabe Station. From there, you can take a local bus to the main starting points of the Nakahechi route, such as Takijiri Oji and Chikatsuyu.
Alternatively, if you fly from Haneda Airport to Nanki-Shirahama Airport, you can take a local bus from the airport to the Kumano Kodo area.
The journey from Nagoya to Shingu Station takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes by the JR Limited Express Wide View Nanki. From Shingu Station, you can take a bus to Hongu Taisha-mae in about 60 minutes.
Another option is to take the Shinkansen bullet train from Nagoya Station to Shin-Osaka, then transfer to the JR Kuroshio Limited Express to Kii-Tanabe Station, and from there take a local bus to the main starting points of the Nakahechi route, such as Takijiri Oji and Chikatsuyu.
The Kumano Kodo is accessible by bus from Kii-Tanabe Station.
Bus timetables and fares can be found on the official website of the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau and at local tourist information centers.
Please board the bus according to the timetable and head to your chosen destination on the Kumano Kodo.
Reference: Bus timetable (Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau).
Nanki-Shirahama Airport is the closest airport to the Kumano Kodo.
From Nanki-Shirahama Airport, the Kumano Kodo can be reached by bus or taxi.
From Itami Airport or Kansai International Airport, you can also reach the Kumano Kodo via Kii-Tanabe or Shingu Stations by taking JR trains or limited express trains, and then transferring to a local bus.
Reference: Bus timetable for the Kumano Kodo (Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau).
Yes, there are many well-maintained paths along parts of the Nakaheji route, for example, where even beginners can walk without difficulty. For example, the Hatsushinmon Oji – Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine is a popular section with few ups and downs, making it an easy walk. If you have good shoes, a map and a drink, you can walk the Kumano Kodo for the first time without worry.
Yes, the Kumano Kodo is very suitable for solo travellers. You can walk at your own pace along quiet mountain paths and may encounter friendly locals along the way. Many accommodation facilities are used to hosting solo travellers and offer a warm, welcoming atmosphere. However, since some parts of the trail have no mobile signal, it’s safer to prepare offline maps and emergency contact information in advance.
Yes, it is possible to walk the Kumano Kodo even if you do not speak Japanese.
Multilingual signposts – including English, Spanish, and Chinese – are installed along the main Kumano Kodo routes, allowing international visitors to walk with confidence. In addition, a growing number of accommodation providers and tourist information centres in and around Tanabe City offer English-speaking support.
However, as mobile phone reception can be limited in the mountains and English is not widely spoken in some rural areas, we recommend preparing offline maps and translation apps in advance. Alternatively, joining an English-guided tour can provide additional peace of mind.
Yes, the walk can be done without a guide as the maps and route markings are well maintained. The Nakaheji route in particular has many signposts and information boards, and is designed to be easy for beginners to understand. However, as mobile phone reception is poor in some mountainous areas, be sure to bring a paper map and a mobile battery. It is also important to plan reasonably well, as changes to the route may be necessary due to weather or physical conditions.
Yes. For example, the section from Hosshinmon Oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha is a safe distance to walk with children, as it has many gentle downhill slopes and takes about three hours to complete. Be sure to plan your walk so that you can finish it comfortably without overexertion.
It is possible to walk the Kumano Kodo Trail with your dog, but it’s important to choose a route with your dog’s safety in mind.
In particular, watch your dog’s footing on routes with steep slopes or rocky terrain, and don’t push them too hard.
Be sure to bring water and waste bags for your dog as well.
The section from Hosshinmon Oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha is an easier walk and is recommended for walking with a dog.
If you use public transportation, make sure to bring a pet cage or carrier bag.
There is a wide range of accommodation along the Kumano Kodo, and the options vary by route. On the Nakahechi route, the Takahara, Chikatsuyu, and Hongu areas offer the greatest concentration of places to stay. Travelers can choose from traditional ryokan, hot-spring inns, minshuku, and guesthouses, selecting the one that best matches the section they plan to walk and their comfort level.
When deciding where to stay, focus on how close the lodging is to the next day’s trailhead and whether meals are provided. Because there are few restaurants in the mountains, it’s safest to book accommodation that serves dinner.
Yes, there are many privately run guesthouses and inns along the Kumano Kodo. On the Nakahechi route in particular, areas such as Takahara, Chikatsuyu and Hongu are dotted with historical inns and guesthouses that regularly host walkers and pilgrims.
Guesthouses are reasonably priced and offer a friendly, social atmosphere. Ryokan, on the other hand, provide a distinctly Japanese experience, with tatami-mat rooms, futon bedding, and meals prepared with local ingredients. Many inns are ideal for walking travellers, and often include facilities such as laundry machines, drying areas, and support for early morning departures.
Yes, we strongly recommend booking your accommodation in advance. There are only a limited number of rooms available at inns along the Kumano Kodo, and they tend to fill up quickly – particularly during the peak seasons in spring and autumn. It’s best to make your reservations as soon as your walking plans are confirmed.
In the mountainous areas, same-day bookings are difficult, and there may not be alternative accommodation nearby. You can book through the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau website, directly on the inns’ booking pages, or by telephone.
The three pillars of preparation for a safe walk along the Kumano Kodo are planning, equipment, and physical condition.
First, choose your route. Several trails are available, including the Nakahechi, Ohechi, and Kohechi routes. Be sure to check the distance, elevation gain, and availability of accommodation, and select a route that matches your fitness level and schedule.
In terms of equipment, it’s essential to bring well-worn walking shoes, waterproof rainwear, a map or GPS app, and sufficient drinking water. Don’t forget sun and insect protection as well.
Most importantly, keep an eye on the weather and your physical condition. Take regular breaks and avoid overexertion to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
The following are essential items to bring when walking the Kumano Kodo:
Well-worn trekking shoes
Waterproof rainwear (jacket and trousers)
At least 1 litre of drinking water and some snacks
A map or offline hiking app
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Mobile phone and a portable battery
Any necessary medications (e.g. plasters, painkillers)
Rubbish bags (to carry your waste home)
Take precautions against insects and heatstroke in summer, and against the cold in winter.
Many sections of the trail pass through remote mountain areas without shops, so be sure to carry everything you need before setting out.
A guide is not essential for walking the Kumano Kodo, but for first-time walkers or those interested in learning more about the region’s history and culture, we recommend being accompanied by a guide.
Although many sections of the trail are well maintained, the Kumano Kodo includes numerous forks and mountain paths where it’s easy to lose your way. Walking with a certified local guide can not only ease concerns about navigation, but also enrich your experience with insights into the area’s cultural and natural heritage.
Several organisations offer English-speaking guides and private tours, allowing you to choose an option that suits your travel style. If you decide to walk independently, be sure to do some research beforehand and carry a map or offline navigation tool.
