Highlights

  • Enjoy the thermal hot spring waters at inns on several nights

  • Visit the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano at Hongu, Shingu, and Nachi

  • See two different sides of Kumano through coastal views and quiet mountain paths

  • Learn the deep history of the Kiiji coastal route through exclusive access to the inner shrine of Fujishiro Shrine

  • With varied cultural options, all walking can be reduced or removed for less confident walkers

The original access point of the Kumano Kodo, the Kiiji route features gentler hikes and a rich history to explore as a trail frequently utilised by abdicated emperors on their way to the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. Our 5-day self-guided tour starts on this ancient route and heads south along the coast as you visit Fujishiro Shrine, believed by many pilgrims to be the true entry point of the Kumano Kodo, before heading on to the atmospheric town of Yuasa, the birthplace of Japanese soy sauce. Yuasa is also home to a beautifully preserved district, the only one in Wakayama Prefecture to be classified as a Historic Preservation District of Traditional Buildings, creating the feeling of being teleported back to the Edo Period.

You continue on to Tanabe, which is where the Kumano Kodo branches off into the coastal Ohechi and inland Nakahechi trails. Head inland onto the classic Nakahechi, and with no more than 4 hours of hiking a day, you will have more time to discover the local communities along this pilgrimage route and the shrines that have drawn pilgrims for centuries. Along your pilgrimage, you will visit the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano before heading onwards by train.

You’re supported by our team in Kyoto, our local Chikatsuyu office, and by our bespoke turn-by-turn walking instructions and bespoke topographical maps to guide you on your way, created by our team of hikers for you.

What is included

  • 4 nights at Japanese inns along the Kumano Kodo Trail
  • 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners
  • Round-trip train tickets from Kyoto or Osaka
  • Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions
  • Topographical maps
  • Our Preparing for Your Trip and Travelling in Japan guidebooks
  • Local support by telephone and at our Kumano Kodo branch

What is not included

  • Flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Drinks and meals not included in itinerary
  • Local bus journeys which must be paid directly to the bus driver
  • Single room supplement(s) for solo occupancy
  • Daily Luggage Transfer

Kumano Kodo Kiiji self-guided walking 5 days

(subject to change until the booking has been finalized)

Day 1 Hike from Shimizu-Ura to Kainan

Your journey along the Kiiji route of the Kumano Kodo begins with a train ride from either Kyoto or Osaka, heading south into the Kii Peninsula. You arrive in the town of Shimizu-Ura and head towards Fujishiro Shrine, considered by many pilgrims to be the true entry point of the Kumano Kodo. Walk along a wonderfully preserved section of the Kiiji trail, with an optional side trip to Kitsumoto Shrine, an important spiritual site and one of the oldest along the walk, before heading on.

Walking distance: 5.3 km / 3.3 mi
Elevation gain: 300 m / 980 ft of ascent and 270 m / 885 ft of descent
Time required: About 2 hours

Including the optional side trip to the shrine, the full hike is around 3-4 hours (8.9km / 5.5 miles) on foot.

Accommodation: Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) or minshuku (family-run guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 2 Hike from Takijiri to Takahara

Today you depart from the coast and head inland towards the Nakahechi portion of the Kumano Kodo. After boarding a local bus, travel 40 minutes into the mountains to the small settlement of Takijiri.

From here there is a steady path climb to the quiet ridge-top village of Takahara, taking roughly 2 hours. After enjoying the great views here, we take a short 30-minute stroll to the nearby bus stop and head on by local bus to reach our inn in Chikatsuyu for the evening, where there will be time to explore the local art gallery and shops.

Walking distance: 5.8 km / 3.6 mi
Elevation gain: 390 m / 1,280 ft of ascent and 160 m / 520 ft of descent
Time required: About 2.5 hours

Accommodation: Minshuku (family-run guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 3 Hike from Chikatsuyu and Nonaka to Hongu

From Chikatsuyu and Nonaka the trail continues through the mountains. Board a bus today and then walk a gentle section of the trail from Hosshinmon-oji to Hongu Grand Shrine, one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano. At the heart of these sacred mountains, Kumano was said to be the entrance to the land of Yomi, the ‘other world’ that spirits travelled to in Japanese mythology. From Hongu, a short bus ride brings you to Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest natural hot spring villages in Japan, or to Kawayu Onsen, famous for the thermal water bubbling to the surface of the crystal-clear river.

Enjoy a relaxing soak in a Japanese bath before or after your delicious, multi-course dinner.

Walking distance: 7 km / 4 mi
Elevation gain: 170 m / 560 ft of ascent and 440 m / 1,440 ft of descent
Time required: 2 hours

We offer two longer alternatives of 7 hours (15 km / 9 mi) or 8-9 hours (24 km / 14.9 mi). You can choose which option you prefer on the day—no need to decide in advance!

Accommodation: Onsen ryokan (hot spring inn)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 4 Visit Hayatama Grand Shrine and Nachi Grand Shrine

Departing from your ryokan, it is possible to visit both Hayatama Grand Shrine and Nachi Grand Shrine today, rounding out visits to all of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano after your visit to Hongu Grand Shrine yesterday. Overnight in Kii-Katsuura, an engaging port town on the eastern coast.

Accommodation: Onsen hotel (hot spring hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 5 Explore Kii-Katsuura and then travel onwards by train to Osaka or Kyoto

Kii-Katsuura is an active fishing port and has a lively early-morning fish market. Enjoy the views out over the island-studded bay. There are intriguing backstreets and a traditional, covered shopping arcade to explore, too. We provide train tickets for you to board a train at lunchtime, travelling back around the Kii Peninsula and arriving in Osaka or Kyoto mid to late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Scenic forest path along the Kiiji Trail in Wakayama, Japan – the ancient coastal route of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, offering ocean views, sacred shrines, and rich cultural heritage
Scenic view of Takahara village on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail in Wakayama, Japan, with traditional countryside homes, terraced rice fields, and lush green mountains.
Nachi Grand Shrine in Wakayama, Japan, surrounded by lush forest and overlooking Nachi Falls — a sacred site on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, blending Shinto tradition and natural beauty.























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