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: 2–3 hours
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly with uphill sections
Tentative walking timeline:
• 09:45 Begin hiking from Takijiri
• 11:30 Reach Takahara viewpoint
• 12:30 Arrive at Takahara village
After arriving, continue toward the accommodation area around Takahara,
Kurisugawa, or Chikatsuyu for an overnight stay and rest.
Dinner can be at the guesthouse with an onsen in Hongu, Yunomine, or Kawayu
area.

Day 3 — Saturday, 22 August 2026 | YUNOMINE ONSEN & KUMANO HONGU
TAISHA
After breakfast, depart from the Kurisugawa or Chikatsuyu area by local bus
toward the sacred hot spring village of Yunomine Onsen.
Bus schedule:
• 08:00–08:30 Depart Kurisugawa / 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 journey.
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
The evening will be spent relaxing in the tranquil Hongu or Yunomine area with an
optional onsen experience. Overnight stay in Hongu, Yunomine, or Kawayu Onsen
area.

Day 4 — Sunday, 23 August 2026 | KUMANO HAYATAMA TAISHA & TRANSFER
TO KII KATSUURA
After breakfast, depart from the Hongu area by local bus toward the historic town
of Shingu.
Bus schedule:
• 08:00 Depart Hongu
• 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 hotel or 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
• 19:00 Arrive Osaka
Upon arrival in Osaka, check in to accommodation and enjoy a free evening to rest,
explore the city, or enjoy local dining in the Umeda or Namba area.

Day 6 — Tuesday, 25 August 2026 | DEPARTURE FROM OSAKA
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Osaka with free time for shopping, café visits, or
personal exploration around the Umeda or Namba area before departure.
Depending on flight schedules, transfer independently by train from Osaka to
Kansai International Airport for afternoon or evening departure flights.
Transportation:
• Osaka → Kansai International Airport by JR train or airport express service