A Pilgrimage Journey Into the Ancient Heart of Japan: Kumano Kodō

Day 2 — Friday, 21 August 2026 | TAKIJIRI OJI TO TAKAHARA VILLAGE
After breakfast, take the local morning bus from Kii Tanabe Station to Takijiri oji, the traditional entrance to the sacred Kumano Kodo Nakahechi pilgrimage route.
Bus schedule:
• 08:30 Depart Kii Tanabe Station
• 09:10 Arrive at Takijiri oji
Before beginning the pilgrimage walk, visit the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Center to learn about the spiritual history of the route, receive trail information, and make final preparations for the trek.
The first walking stage begins from Takijiri oji and ascends gradually through cedar forests and mountain paths toward the peaceful settlement of Takahara, often known as the “Village in the Mist.” Along the trail, pilgrims pass stone markers, forest shrines, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Kii Peninsula countryside.
Hiking details:
• Route: Takijiri oji → Takahara
• Distance: approximately 4 km
• Hiking duration: 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly with uphill sections
Tentative walking timeline:
• 09:45 Begin hiking from Takijiri
• 11:30 Reach Takahara viewpoint
• 12:30-15:00 Arrive at Takahara village, then walk toward Kainogawa-guchi stop
Take a bus from Kainogawa-guchi to Chikatsuyu. After arriving, continue toward the accommodation in Chikatsuyu for an overnight stay and rest.

Day 3 — Saturday, 22 August 2026 | YUNOMINE ONSEN & KUMANO HONGU TAISHA
After breakfast, depart from the Chikatsuyu area by local bus toward the sacred hot spring village of Yunomine Onsen.
Bus schedule:
• 08:00–08:30 Depart Chikatsuyu
• 09:00 Arrive at Yunomine Onsen
Upon arrival, enjoy time to experience Yunomine Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring settlements and an important purification site for Kumano Kodo pilgrims for more than a thousand years. Enjoy a short onsen bath or relaxing footbath before continuing the pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage walk continues along the historic Dainichigoe Route from Yunomine Onsen to Kumano Hongu Taisha. The trail passes through peaceful forest paths and gentle mountain terrain before descending toward the sacred shrine complex.
Hiking details:
• Route: Yunomine Onsen → Kumano Hongu Taisha
• Distance: approximately 2–4 km
• Hiking duration: 1.5–2.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Tentative walking timeline:
• 10:30 Begin hiking from Yunomine Onsen
• 12:30–13:00 Arrive at Kumano Hongu Taisha
After arrival, visit the revered Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three grand shrines of Kumano and an important destination for pilgrims across Japan for centuries.
Optional visit:
• Oyunohara, the original shrine site marked by Japan’s largest torii gate
There are two options to get back to Yunomine
1. Take the bus from Hongu to Yunomine Onsen stop (19-20 mins)
2. Walk back the same route (1.1 hr)
The evening will be spent relaxing in the tranquil Yunomine area with an optional onsen experience. Overnight stay in a guesthouse in the Yunomine area.

Day 4 — Sunday, 23 August 2026 | KUMANO HAYATAMA TAISHA & TRANSFER TO KII KATSUURA

After breakfast, depart from the Yunomine area by local bus toward the historic town of Shingu.
Bus schedule:
• 08:00 Depart Yunomine
• 09:30–10:00 Arrive Shingu
Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of the three sacred grand shrines of Kumano and an important spiritual destination connected to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage tradition. The shrine is easily accessible from the town center and offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by ancient cedar trees and sacred grounds.
There will also be free time to explore the Shingu riverfront area, enjoy lunch in town, or visit nearby local shops and cafés.
In the afternoon, continue the journey toward the coastal town of Kii Katsuura by JR local train or local bus.
Transfer:
• 13:00 Depart Shingu
• 13:30–14:00 Arrive Kii Katsuura
The remainder of the day is free at leisure to explore the harbor town of Kii Katsuura, known for its fresh tuna markets, seaside atmosphere, and relaxing coastal scenery.
Overnight stay in a local guesthouse in Kii Katsuura near the station area.

Day 5 — Monday, 24 August 2026 | KUMANO NACHI TAISHA & RETURN TO OSAKA
After breakfast, depart from Kii Katsuura by local bus toward the sacred Nachisan area and begin the final pilgrimage walk from Daimonzaka, one of the most beautiful preserved stone pathways along the Kumano Kodo.
Transportation:
• Kii Katsuura → Daimonzaka / Nachisan by local bus
The trail ascends gently through ancient cedar forests and traditional stone stairways leading toward the grand shrine complex of Nachisan.
Hiking details:
• Route: Daimonzaka → Kumano Nachi Taisha
• Distance: approximately 2–3 km
• Hiking duration: 1–1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly with stone steps and uphill sections
Visit the sacred sites of Nachisan:
• Kumano Nachi Taisha
• Seiganto ji Temple
• Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest single drop waterfall, and an important spiritual symbol of the Kumano region
After completing the final pilgrimage stage, return by bus to Kii Katsuura Station and board the JR Limited Express Kuroshio bound for Osaka.
Return schedule:
• 15:00 Depart Kii Katsuura station
• 19:00 Arrive at Kainan station, got picked up from the station to the accommodation
Upon arrival in Kainan, got picked up to a small village Nishino, check in at a guesthouse, meet and greet Chisa Yamashita, a co-founder of AMRITA ZEN LIFE and a female Pure Land (Jodo-Shu) priest.

Day 6 — Tuesday, 25 August 2026 | DEPARTURE FROM OSAKA
Visit AMRITA ZEN LIFE and talk to Chisa about her social enterprise cafe.
Depart by train from Kainan to Kansai International Airport for afternoon or evening departure flights.
Transportation:
• Kainan → Kansai International Airport by JR train or airport express service