Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Japan Kumano Kodo Walking & Hiking
Day 1 Meet in Japan’s ‘Second Capital’ Osaka
Arrive at Osaka airport and join your transfer to the hotel. At 7pm, meet with your Mountain Travel Sobek guide and other tour participants in the hotel lobby for a short orientation, then head to a nearby restaurant for the welcome reception and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Classic Osaka
(D)
Day 2 Embark on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Trail
2.5-hours total by train (broken into shorter segments) and 40-minute bus journey
2 hours/3 miles hiking with 820’ elevation gain and 575’ elevation loss
Today enjoy the train ride along the coast of the Kii peninsula to Takijiri, the traditional starting point of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage. Embark on the Nakahechi trail, a route that links three of the most important Shinto and Buddhist shrines, along the way dotted with smaller shrines called oji. Finish this first hike at the mountainside Takahara village, whose nickname kiri-no-sato translates to 'village in the mist.' Wrap up the day unwinding in Japanese baths at the ryokan inn.
Accommodation: Yunominesou
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Explore the Mountains Between Takahara & Chikatsuyu
30- to 60-minute private transfer
4 hours/6.5 miles hiking with 1,575’ elevation gain and 1,700’ elevation loss
Continue eastward along the Nakahechi pilgrimage trail, and dive deeply into the sacred ambiance of hinoki (Japanese cypress), oak and cherry forests. Along the way, spot small bodhisattva statues that honor Jizo, the patron saint of travelers; old cha-ya (tea houses) that provided rest to pilgrims right up until the early 20th century; and find Gyuba-douji, a small stone statue depicting a man riding astride a cow and horse. Descend to the quiet village of Chikatsuyu for a transfer to the inn for dinner.
Accommodation: Yunominesou
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Marvel at Hongu Taisha & Explore the Ancient Shugendo Religion
1-hour bus transfer
3 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,300’ elevation gain and 1,180’ elevation loss
From Chikatsuyu, follow the trail up to Nonaka and Tsugizakura-oji, one of the many small shrines along the route. Nobles would rest at these sub-shrines, called oji, to refresh themselves and compose poems. Next, transfer from the Nonaka to Hosshinmon-oji and hike through scenic ridgetop villages to reach Hongu Taisha, This is one of the Three Grand Shrines of the Kumano region and enshrines several Shinto deities. En route, meet a local Shugendo monk to learn about this syncretic faith that draws on multiple spiritual traditions. From there, marvel at the stunning Oyunohara Torii gate, which is one of the largest in the world! The gate marks the spot where the Shinto shrine was originally located and is a scenic and peaceful destination. Transfer to Kawayu Onsen for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Fujiya Ryokan
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Take in Yunomine Onsen & Cruise the Kumano River
25-minute train ride or public bus
1.5 hours/2.2 miles hiking with 625’ elevation gain and 820’ elevation loss
Soak up the cool shade of the forested Danichi-goe trail that connects Hongu Taisha with Yunomine Onsen, where pilgrims used to perform purification rituals. Take a scenic boat ride on the Kumano River that connects Hongu Taisha to Hayatama Taisha, the second Grand Shrine. Explore its precincts on foot, then journey to the small port and fishing town of Kii Katsuura.
Accommodation: Hotel Urashima
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Discover Nachi Taisha & Travel to Kyoto
4.5-hours total by train (broken into shorter segments)
1 hour/1 mile hiking with 656' elevation gain plus 1 hour additional walking between modes of transportation
The third Great Shrine awaits today at the top of Daimon-zaka, a cobblestone staircase that runs through cedar forests and bamboo groves up to the majestic sacred landmarks. Admire the Buddhist Seiganto-ji pagoda, poised in front of the mighty Nachi waterfall, then marvel at the Nachi Taisha shrine, a visit that completes the pilgrimage to the Grand Shrines of Kumano. On your afternoon train journey to Kyoto, enjoy a traditional Japanese take-out bento box for lunch.
Accommodation: Noku Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Roam the Temples of Kyoto & Attend a Tea Ceremony
15-minute train ride
8 hours/5-6 miles city walking with negligible elevation gain or loss
Take a train to Fushimi Inari shrine, dedicated to the Inari spirit, protector of rice cultivation famous for thousands of Torii gates that snake up the mountainside. Next, explore the sights of Kyoto's cultural district of Higashiyama and walk up to the 8th-century Kiyomizu temple to admire city panoramas from its expansive veranda. End on a high note with a ritual tea ceremony, steeped in the ichi-go ichi-e philosophy that deems each encounter unique and inimitable. Take in the mesmerizing streetscapes of Kyoto on the walk back to the hotel, where you'll enjoy farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Noku Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Bid Farewell to Japan
On the last day of your tour, transfer to Kansai International Airport or Osaka International Airport (Itami).
(B)
