Kumano Kodo - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Kumano Kodo Tour Highlights
- Hike to the Kumano Sanzan and visit three of the most sacred shrines in Japan. Nachi Taisha is found half way up Nachi mountain, Hayatama Taisha sits at the mouth of the Kumano-gawa river, and the Hongu Taisha is found close to the town of
- Marvel at one of Japan’s tallest waterfall as you explore the Wakayama Prefecture on foot. With a drop of 133 meters, Nachi Falls is quite spectacular.
- Enhance your spiritual trip to Japan by visiting Kumano’s subsidiary oji shrines found dotted along the Kumano Kodo trails. Make sure you visit Takijiri-oji, one of the most important pilgrimage stops on the trail.
- Rejuvenate your body after a long day hiking by taking a dip in a Japanese onsen. There’s plenty of hot springs to choose from in the town of Yunomine.
- Head deep into Akan Mashu National Park to visit a hot spring town after a day of walking. Not only will the hot water relieve any aching joints, legend has it that the hot spring water has deeper healing powers.
Kumano Kodo Travel Tips
- Although accessing the Kumano Kodo trails is easy from multiple major cities, make sure you purchase a Japan Rail Pass to get your money’s worth on long-distance train rides. The pass must be purchased before you enter the country and offers unlimited use of the Japan train system for a one-off fee.
- If you join hike Kumano Kodo along the Ochechi trail along the coast from Tanabe to Nachi Taisha, make sure you walk in the summer months to enjoy incredible scenic views of the Pacific Ocean with the sun shining down. Don’t forget to stop at the ramen shack on the beach along the way.
- If you’ve opted for the Kumano Kodo hike along the Nakahechi trail, make sure you pass through the village of Hongu and join the Dainichi-goe route to visit the Yunomine onsen. This hot spring village is the perfect place for a soothing dip in hot waters.
- Make sure you book your accommodation in advance during the summer and spring months as the routes can quickly get busy and you’ll be left without a place to sleep!
