Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek
Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek
8 Days Starting in Kyoto, Japan and ending in Osaka, Japan
Visiting: Kyoto, Koya-san, Yunomine, Kumano Kodo, Kii Katsuura, Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CJXK
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Japan's spiritual heartland with the Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek. This immersive tour invites you to explore the rich tapestry of Buddhism and Shintoism as you traverse ancient pilgrimage routes. Begin in Kyoto, where you'll wander the Philosopher’s Path and visit the Shimogamo Shrine. Experience the tranquility of a temple stay in Koya-san, participating in morning prayers and savoring a traditional shojin ryori meal. Trek the sacred Kumano Kodo trail, soaking in the rejuvenating waters of Yunomine Onsen. Conclude your adventure in the vibrant city of Osaka, exploring the bustling Dotombori district. With a blend of cultural exploration and invigorating hikes, this tour offers a unique perspective on Japan's spiritual and natural wonders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 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
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Accommodation: Temple Stay
Accommodation Name: Temple Stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, 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
Accommodation Name: Ryokan
Meals Included: Breakfast, 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
Accommodation: Guesthouse/Ryokan
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse/Ryokan
Meals Included: Breakfast, 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: Kii Katsuura
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, 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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, 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) -
Meals
6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners -
Kyoto - Shimogamo Shrine
Visit the Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, a site dedicated to the god of harvest.
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Kyoto - Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi)
Walk along the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, lined with cherry blossom trees.
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Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
Explore the Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, showcasing Japanese garden design.
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Kyoto - Mt. Daimonji-yama hike
Hike up Mt. Daimonji-yama for scenic views over Kyoto.
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Koya-san - Koya-san Choishi Michi trail
Trek the Koya-san Choishi Michi trail, marked by stone signposts.
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Koya-san - Okuno-in Mausoleum
Visit the Okuno-in Mausoleum in Koya-san, a significant spiritual site.
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Kumano Kodo - Kumano Hongu Taisha
Visit the Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three grand Shinto shrines on the Kumano Kodo.
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Kumano Kudo - Hiking
Hike the historic Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage route.
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Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour
Explore the Dotombori District in Osaka, known for its vibrant shopping and entertainment.
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Kii Katsuura - Tuna Market
Visit the local tuna market at Kii Katsuura, where tuna is traded daily.
What's Not Included
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Single Supplement
A single supplement is not available for this tour.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included in this tour.
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Additional Accommodation
Additional accommodation in Japan is not available due to limited availability.
Transport
Train , Private vechicle , Taxi , Local bus
Accommodation
RYOKANS & MINSHUKUSJapanese-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.AVAILABILITYThe 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.ONSENSWe 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 ShrineKyoto - Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi)Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)Kyoto - Mt. Daimonji-yama hikeKoya-san - Koya-san Choishi Michi trailKoya-san - Okuno-in Mausoleum walkKumano Kodo - Kumano Hongu TaishaKumano Kudo - HikingKumano Kudo - HikingOsaka - Dotombori District walking tourKii 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
Travel through Japan using a combination of train, private vehicle, taxi, and local bus, providing a seamless and authentic experience as you explore the country's cultural and natural wonders.
Accommodation
Experience traditional Japanese-style accommodation in ryokans and minshukus, where you'll sleep on futons or mattresses on tatami mat floors. Enjoy shared bathing facilities and the unique experience of a temple stay with a shojin ryori meal in Koya-san.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will stay in traditional Japanese-style accommodations such as ryokans and minshukus, which involve sleeping on futons or mattresses on tatami mat floors. You will also experience a temple stay in Koya-san, where you will have a shojin ryori meal. Be aware that some accommodations may have shared bathing facilities and a curfew.
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Will I have the opportunity to experience a traditional Japanese onsen?
Yes, you will have the opportunity to visit traditional Japanese onsens during the tour. In Yunomine, you can soak in the natural mineral waters of a hot spring, which is a quintessential local experience in Japan. However, please note that travelers with tattoos may not be permitted to enter public onsens.
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What kind of meals are provided during the tour?
The tour includes a variety of meals, including traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) meals during the temple stay in Koya-san. Breakfast is typically provided, and some days include lunch and dinner, especially during the hiking portions of the tour.
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What is the level of physical activity required for this tour?
This is an active hiking trip that requires an excellent level of fitness. The itinerary includes several days of hiking on trails such as the Kumano Kodo, which involves steep climbs and long distances.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several cultural experiences such as participating in morning prayers at a monastery in Koya-san, visiting the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, and exploring the Dotombori district in Osaka. These activities provide insight into Japanese culture and religion.
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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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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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