Since the Kumano Kodo was registered as a World Heritage site, people from all over the world have come.
You will feel like you have time-traveled back in time and enjoy beautiful mountain paths in Japan.
The walking guide includes;
- Explanation of historical highlights
- Q&A about Japanese culture and society that you want to know
- Walk time management and crisis management (where possible)
- First aid and ambulance arrangements in case of emergency
- Having fun with me !
Takijiri
Kii Tanabe City is the entrance to the Kumano Kodo. Buses depart from in front of the station to Takijiri Oji, the trail head.
At takijiri, you can learn about the history of the Kumano Kodo at the museum, visit shrines like ancient pilgrims, and begin walking the Kumano Kodo.
The venerable Kumano Takahara Shrine is located at the entrance of the village. The village is a series of traditional Japanese houses. Visitors can take a break while enjoying the magnificent view of the Kii Mountains. For those who want to relax, it is possible to stay overnight at Takahara!
Down the mountain is Chikatsuyu, where the Emperor's pilgrims stayed in the past. Have a cup of coffee and relax. Lodging is also available here.
Surrounded by large cedar trees, there is a spring in Nonaka that moistens travelers who are tired from walking.
Tsugisakura area
Tsugisakura
The Nakahechi pilgrimage route starts from the western coast of the Kii Peninsula and traverses east into the mountains towards the Kumano grand shrines. It is the most popular route for pilgrims from western Japan. Starting in the 10th century, the Nakahechi route was extensively used by the imperial family on pilgrimage from Kyoto. This trail has traditional lodgings in isolated villages along the way and is excellent for multi-day walks.
guide fee
transportation fee (you and the guide), lunch, dinner, entrance fee
Guides will provide safety advice, but cannot guarantee your safety. Please protect yourself from accidents and take out insurance.
The price does not include transportation cost for both clients and guides or lunch/dinner are.
This is a middle-level walking tour, then, if you are not confident about your physical strength, Ⅰ recommend you to shorten the course. or to choose easier courses
I would be happy to walk with you at locations and time other than those listed for your convenience.
The Nakahechi pilgrimage route starts from the western coast of the Kii Peninsula and traverses east into the mountains towards the Kumano grand shrines. It is the most popular route for pilgrims from western Japan. Starting in the 10th century, the Nakahechi route was extensively used by the imperial family on pilgrimage from Kyoto. This trail has traditional lodgings in isolated villages along the way and is excellent for multi-day walks.
We have a great time with Keiji-san in Kumano Kodo who guided us over 2 days in this spectacular environment. He took care of all logistic, was alway on spot with timing and managed to get us to see and enjoy all major sites. Keiji-san is fundamentally a kind person and took great care of us. He highly recommend Keiji-san as a guide and will look forward to seeing again in few years for a repeat.
Thank you for giving me a great opportunity to enjoy 2 days in Kumano Kodo. Even though it was extremely hot and humid, every one finished all itineraries and listened to my explanation carefully. The parents of this group did a great job leading their children kindly, and the children understood Japanese costumes and behaved in good manners at temples and shrines. While eating and resting, we talked about not only Kumano Kodo things but also French/Japanse culture things, which made me more interested in France. Alban, leader of the group, and I contacted me February of 2024 and started planning this Kumano Kodo trip(the trip was held August of 2024). Our communication via Internets was smooth and comfortable, therefore, I could suggest him walking courses and sightseeing spots, which were suitable for the group. I look forward to seeing them again, preferably, in spring/autumn, when we can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn mountain leaves.