Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek
Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek
8 Days Starting in Kyoto and ending in Osaka
Visiting: Kyoto, Kyoto (Hiking), Koya-san (Hiking), Yunomine, Kumano Kodo to Koguchi (Hiking), Kumano Kodo to Kii Katsuura (Hiking), Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CJXK
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Stray off the tourist trail with an eight-day hiking adventure on some of the great ancient pilgrim routes in Japan. The Koya-san and Kumano Kodo treks take you deep through the wilderness and into the mountainous landscapes of Honshu, as you gain insight into the strong connection with past and present pilgrims. Along the way, stop by peaceful temples and monasteries, soak in traditional onsen and discover the cultural hubs of Kyoto and Osaka. This small-group adventure will give you both a physical and cultural workout around the best of enchanting Japan.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Kyoto, Japan. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, step out onto the streets for your first taste of this beautiful city. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (translating to the ‘tranquillity and peace capital’) in AD 794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years before the emperor and government relocated to Tokyo. Because of this, Kyoto is home to over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens. After the meeting tonight, maybe head out for your first taste of local Japanese food. As the millennium-long home of the imperial kitchen, Kyoto is known as the centre of Japanese culinary tradition, so you’re sure to have a delicious meal wherever you go.
Day 2: Kyoto (Hiking)
Location: Kyoto (Hiking)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Get active this morning with a walk to the eighth century Shimogamo Shrine – located at the intersection of the Kamo-gamo and Takano rivers. The shrine is dedicated to the god of harvest and holds many rites around purification and agricultural produce, and this visit will introduce Shintoism – an Indigenous belief system connecting ancient past and present Japanese culture together. Continue to the renowned Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, to see Japanese garden design at its best and learn about the key principles of Japanese Zen. After, take a short but steep hike up behind Ginkaku-ji for some scenic views over Kyoto. On your way back to the hotel, walk along Philosopher’s Path, lined with cherry blossom trees, and if there’s time, stop by two other Zen temples. Today’s introduction to the importance of Buddhism and Shintoism in Japanese culture will inform some aspects of your hiking trails in the days to come, so listen up!
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Koya-San (Hiking)
Location: Koya-san (Hiking)
Accommodation: Temple Stay
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Take a train to Kii-hosokawa Station in the Koya-san district, ready for your forest trek. Koya-san is the name given to a monastic complex in the Koya-Ryujin Quasi-National Park and is one of Japan’s most sacred sites. Begin your trek on the Koya-san Choishi Michi trail, passing by stone signposts (choishi), which stand every few hundred metres to help the original pilgrims find their way. You’ll reach Daimon Gate – a two-storey crimson gate that marks the entrance to Koya-san. Being the centre of Shingon Buddhism, Koya-san is steeped in centuries of history, and you’ll be able to learn about its role as an active spiritual centre this afternoon. Tonight, you’ll stay in traditional shukubo (temple stay) accommodation and tuck into a shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) meal provided by your hosts.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Yunomine
Location: Yunomine
Accommodation: Ryokan
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
This morning, you’ll have the chance to participate in the monastery’s morning prayers, before making tracks to Yunomine Onsen by private vechicle. This journey weaves through the Koya-san and Kumano Kodo mountains. Yunomine is an ancient onsen town that forms part of the Kumano Kodo trail, which you’ll be trekking in the coming days. Yunomine Onsen has such a long history that one of its onsen baths, Tsuboyu, is a UNESCO a World Heritage-listed site. Historically, pilgrims would perform purification rituals in the hot spring water as part of the religious process of their pilgrimage. You’ll also get to visit Kumano Hongu Taisha – one of the three grand Shinto shrines on the Kumano Kodo.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Kumano Kodo To Koguchi (Hiking)
Location: Kumano Kodo to Koguchi (Hiking)
Accommodation: Guesthouse/Ryokan
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Embrace an early start as you set out this morning to hike part of the historic Kumano Kodo – one of only two UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage routes in the world (the other being the Camino de Santiago in Spain)! This morning, transfer to Ukegawa by bus, then begin hiking to Koguchi. The first 5 km are a gradual uphill to Hyakken-gura, then it’s an undulating trail to the Sakura-toge Pass for around 3.5 km. After this, it will mostly be downhill until you reach Koguchi. Today’s trails are surrounded by natural forest, full of cedar and cypress trees, and upon reaching the Hyakken-gura peak, you’ll be greeted with sweeping views of the mountainous terrain of Wakayama.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Kumano Kodo To Kii Katsuura (Hiking)
Location: Kumano Kodo to Kii Katsuura (Hiking)
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Get ready for another full-day hike on the sacred Kumano Kodo. For around the first 3 hours, it’s a steep uphill climb, rising to over 800 m. After reaching the Echizen-toge Pass, follow the ridge of the forest for another couple of kilometres until you reach the highest point at Funami-jaya teahouse (868 m). Continue mostly downhill to Nachi Taisha – another of the three Kumano shrines and probably the most photographed because of the waterfalls that cascade in the background. Enjoy the peaceful scenery and sense of accomplishment before heading by local bus to Kii Katsuura this afternoon. Your accommodation this evening is a Japanese-style guesthouse.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Osaka
Location: Osaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
In the morning, visit the local tuna market at Kii Katsuura, where tuna from the cool waters of the Pacific is traded daily. Then, hop on a train and rest your legs for the long journey to Osaka. You’ll arrive around lunchtime, then you’ll head out on a walking tour with your leader to the famous Dotombori neighbourhood – the city’s most popular shopping, food and entertainment district. At night, this district is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanised signs, including the famous Glico Running Man and Kani Doraku crab. Tonight, maybe get together for a night of food, drinks and karaoke!
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Osaka
Location: Osaka
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end and you’re free to depart at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Osaka further, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (3 nights), Ryokan (1 night), Guesthouse/Ryokan (2 night), Temple Stay (1 night) -
Kyoto - Shimogamo Shrine
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Kyoto - Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi)
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Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
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Kyoto - Mt. Daimonji-yama hike
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Koya-san - Koya-san Choishi Michi trail
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Koya-san - Okuno-in Mausoleum
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Kumano Kodo - Kumano Hongu Taisha
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Kumano Kudo - Hiking
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Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour
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Kii Katsuura - Tuna Market
Transport
- Train , Private vechicle , Taxi , Local bus
Accommodation
- RYOKANS & MINSHUKUS
- Japanese-style accommodation - ryokans or minshukus (traditional inn/guesthouse) involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors, with bedding often packed away during the day. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small and many will only have shared bathing facilities with certain hours, or times available for booking at reception. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities. As this style of accommodation will often not have furniture (ie. chairs or beds) in the rooms, please consider choosing a different trip style in Japan if you have difficulty getting up from the floor or have knee, hip or back issues. Some establishments may have a curfew when travellers need to be back in the accommodation - this is usually around midnight. Please also be aware that you would normally be required to change to slippers when entering into your room in such properties. Extra fees will be charged if dirty marks are left on their beddings or towels that require professional cleaning.
- AVAILABILITY
- The recent huge increase in tourism to Japan has put a lot of pressure on accommodation. On occasion, we may need to change accommodation from what is listed in the itinerary in order to operate your departure with minimal changes.
- ONSENS
- We like to encourage travellers to visit traditional Japanese 'onsens' while in the country as it is a quintessential local experience. In public onsens this means bathing naked with others of the same gender. While the experience can feel strange at first for some, most of our groups end up enjoying this activity. There is very specific etiquette for visiting onsens - your leader can give you some tips and instructions. Please be aware that travellers with tattoos may not be permitted to enter public onsens. Private onsens may also be available - talk to your leader for more information. See our guide to onsens here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-onsen-guide/
Included Activities
- Kyoto - Shimogamo Shrine
- Kyoto - Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi)
- Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- Kyoto - Mt. Daimonji-yama hike
- Koya-san - Koya-san Choishi Michi trail
- Koya-san - Okuno-in Mausoleum walk
- Kumano Kodo - Kumano Hongu Taisha
- Kumano Kudo - Hiking
- Kumano Kudo - Hiking
- Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour
- Kii Katsuura - Tuna Market
Important Information
- 1. This is an active hiking trip and you will need an excellent level of fitness. Please read the Itinerary carefully to ensure that you'll be able to make the most of the activities on this trip and enjoy an active adventure in Japan.
- 2. We are currently unable to offer a single supplement, airport transfers or additional accommodation in Japan due to limited availability.
- 3. It’s important to consider your packing for rail travel in Japan. On Day 3 we include the transfer of your main piece of luggage – please review the Itinerary for important details. We also recommend reviewing the Packing section of the Essential Trip Information.
Mode of Transport
- Train , Private vechicle , Taxi
Accommodation
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- RYOKANS/MINSHUKUS
- Japanese-style accommodation - ryokans or minshukus (traditional inn/guesthouse) involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors, with bedding often packed away during the day. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small and many ryokans will only have shared bathing facilities with certain hours, or times available for booking at reception. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities. As this style of accommodation will often not have furniture (ie. chairs or beds) in the rooms, please consider choosing a different trip style in Japan if you have difficulty getting up from the floor or have knee, hip or back issues. Some ryokans may have a curfew when travellers need to be back in the accommodation - this is usually around midnight. Please also be aware that you would normally be required to change to slippers when entering into your room in a ryokan. Hotels and ryokans will charge extra fees if dirty marks are left on their beddings or towels that require professional cleaning.
- Read more about ryokans here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/traditional-japanese-ryokan/
- AVAILABILITY
- The recent huge increase in tourism to Japan has put a lot of pressure on accommodation. On occasion, we may need to change accommodation from what is listed in the itinerary in order to operate your departure with minimal changes.
- ONSENS
- We like to encourage travellers to visit traditional Japanese 'onsens' while in the country as it is a quintessential local experience. In public onsens this means bathing naked with others of the same gender. While the experience can feel strange at first for some, most of our groups end up enjoying this activity. There is very specific etiquette for visiting onsens - your leader can give you some tips and instructions. Please be aware that travellers with tattoos may not be permitted to enter public onsens. Private onsens may also be available - talk to your leader for more information. See our guide to onsens here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-onsen-guide/
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
The active nature of this trip means that the fitter you are, the more you will be able to enjoy it. It is expected that travellers joining this trip will have had some experience hiking before joining this tour. On some hikes you will need to be able to carry your overnight pack on the trail because we will forward your luggage to the next destination. Hiking distances vary from 3 to 15km per day with no more elevation change than 60 to 900 m on one hike.
The hikes on the Koya-san trail and Kumano Kodo include sections rather than the whole trail, which gives you an experience of the trails without needing to commit to multiple days of strenuous trekking.
When we aren't hiking on this trip, we primarily use public transport, which is efficient and convenient in Japan. Please pack light and compact as you will be expected to transport your luggage between train stations and to hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs in crowded areas.
In some destinations, you may be staying in a ryokan, which is a Japanese-style inn. It's a great taste of tradition; however, not everyone finds futon mattresses on the tatami floor, tiny bathrooms and proximity to other guests as comfortable as more Western-style hotels. Read more about ryokans here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/traditional-japanese-ryokan/
Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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