Kumano Kodo Nakahechi - 7 Days

It was perfectly organised! The briefing at Kii-Tanabe was excellent. The Auswalk representative was extremely clear and laid everything out logically. Auswalk cannot be recommended more highly in terms of facilitating our Kumano Kodo self-guided walk. From our first contact with them, to the end of the walk, the whole process was seamless. Great planning for a wonderful walk!

We have done the Kumano Kodo and absolutely loved it. The logistics of this walk seemed to work better than Nakasendo walk. Mostly because we stayed on the trail and had lunch packed for us each day by the ryokan. So we literally got up each morning and started walking early. The sun is up at 5am in Japan in May so seems very late to only get going at 8:30am with shuttle buses then long train rides etc. Overall the walk was excellent and we loved seeing the post towns. We would change a few things to make logistics more seamless and leave the hotels earlier in the mornings than recommended. The Kumano Kodo walk is a great example of how seamless it should be. But loved the walks and locations!

Recent trip to Japan to do the Kumano Kudo trail. Auswalk had been recommended by a fellow bushwalker, very happy we chose to use them to organise our walk. Everything was so well organised, took all the stress out of being overseas in a country where little English is spoken. Our walk went well without a glitche! Options given for all walk levels

The walk was fabulous... great scenery, food, accommodation and of course the onsen was a wonderful way to end the day!

All the accommodation for this particular walk had washing machines and dryers, so we didn't end up wearing a lot of the walking clothes that we packed. Also, toilets were available each day, so no toilet paper was absolutely necessary. Undertaking this self-guided tour was seamless - the information was well explained, we had everything we needed. The accommodation, food and hospitality was incredible. We loved the walking and companionship of fellow walkers. Thank you Auswalks.

The natural wonders of Japan are truly amazing. The silence and calm, the smells of wooded forests, the sounds of rivers flowing and waterfalls, birds singing in the canopies above. The track was challenging at times with lots of ascents but we saunted along, it was no race. The accomodation was fabulous, a real mix from family homes, small hotel lodgings to an old school. Having a hot bath/onsen topped off each day and rested the weary muscles. Food was wonderful everywhere, including the packed lunches provided by the hosts. All in all a great experience. We will go back sometime and do it again in autumn to experience the changing season and autumn colours.

The itinerary was well planned and detailed however the ratings per day should be consistent in terms of fitness and more descriptive regarding the terrain, Overall the trek is well worthwhile if your fitness level is supported by pre- trek training,

Entire walk went extremely well. Auswalk made it easy. All we had to do was walk.

This was our first experience at a supported walk and it was very good. The standard of accommodation was excellent and the included meals were wonderful.

Highly recommend Auswalk. The organisation, communication and pricing from Auswalk were superb from the start of booking to the start of the walk. The accommodation was fantastic. Food was excellent (most of us with varied dietary requirements). The whole trip was seamless and fabulous.

We did the Koyasan and Komano Kodo pilgrimage trail. It was one of the best holidays I've ever had. I will never forget it. The hikes, scenery, accommodation, onsens, food, people, culture - it was all amazing. Highly recommend it! (Also recommend doing a little training beforehand!).

We did the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. It was one of the best holidays I've ever had. I will never forget it. The hikes, scenery, accommodation, onsens, food, people, culture - it was all amazing. Highly recommend it! (Also recommend doing a little training beforehand!).

Fantastic walk. Immerse yourself in the forest and think of all who have done this before you. And at the end of each day immerse yourself in Japanese culture and a steaming hot onsen.

Our family of five (3 teenage boys) loved our Koyasan and Kumano Kodo experience. While we hit the trails in December, the weather was great for hiking, cold at nights, but beautiful clear days. Perfect to warm up in an onsen at the end of each day. The variety of accommodation was part of the fun, the food was incredible, and hospitality of the hosts so welcoming. All the information and planning support by Auswalk made for a fantastic experience, thank you. Highly recommend.

The walk itself is well signposted and passes through amazing forests, sparkling streams and mountain passes. The accommodation is outstanding with magnificient feasts for breakfast, packed lunch and evening dinner.

We loved this walk. We were immersed in the beautiful Japanese culture, beautiful forests, towns, food, met lovely people and stayed in amazing accommodation along this journey. Tash and Maika did a great job of organising and taking any uncertainty out of planning ourselves. Can definitely recommend this walk.

The walk instructions were excellent and very clear, the app was brilliant and the sign-posting on the ground was actually very clear too. The notes were informative and pointed out interesting things - overall we were extremely impressed.

It was a great mix of town, country and wilderness walking. As a person with coeliac disease, the dinner and breakfast arrangements were perfect and I didn’t once have a bad reaction to any of the delicious foods.

Very well planned and researched walk. The local and traditional considerations for accommodation, meals and relaxation with onsen’s at almost every destination was really terrific. Loved the family owned ryokans, food was amazing. Walk was spectacular- I would highly recommend it- especially in Autumn when the weather is cool clean and fresh and the forest leaves are stunning!

I loved walking the Nakasendo. The trails are sometimes challenging but always beautifully rewarding . The accommodation was always comfortable and the food incredible.

Arrangements were very satisfactory and by and large the logistics were handled extremely well. The hosts in the ryokans at Ena and Tsumago were gracious and kind, and the quality of our meals and hospitality were outstanding and a uniquely memorable experience.

The walk was fantastic. The maps and App provided all the info you needed to navigate. The dinners each night were a gourmet feast, supported by massive breakfasts and dinners. The baggage transfer was seamless. And the accommodation was of high standard with great onsens at most venues. Lots of great memories from this walk. Everything was well organized. The catering was outstanding and really was a great reward each day

The Kumano Kodo self-guided walk was fantastic. The maps and App provided all the info you needed to navigate. The dinners each night were a gourmet feast, supported by massive breakfasts and dinners. The baggage transfer was seamless. And the accommodation was of high standard with great onsens at most venues. Lots of great memories from this walk. Everything was well organized. The catering was outstanding and really was a great reward each day

Absolutely loved this AUSwalk Kumano route. Our Luggage transfers were seamless between our charming accommodations. Beautiful food offerings of authentic Japanese cuisine and The Thermal onsen each night were a welcome relief on tired muscles after a day on this beautiful trail. Loved it all and highly recommend AUSwalks as a company to travel with

Absolutely loved this AUSwalk Nakahechi route. Our Luggage transfers were seamless between our charming accommodations. Beautiful food offerings of authentic Japanese cuisine and The Thermal onsen each night were a welcome relief on tired muscles after a day on this beautiful trail. Loved it all and highly recommend AUSwalks as a company to travel with

Loved every moment of this self guided Pilgrimage! Guest house hospitality, meals and accomodation were fantastic. Loved every moment of this self guided Pilgrimage! Guest house hospitality, meals and accomodation were fantastic. End of Day 3 Minshuku Yunosato accomodation was amazing. There were two private onsens inside and a private outdoor onsen overlooking the Yomura-gawa river. Perfect for a recovery swim. It was an easy walk up to Yunomine Onsen. Nice little village where you can purchase and boil eggs in the Yuzutsu public onsen cooking basin. An easy bus ride to Kumano Hongu Taisha where I spent the day exploring Oyunohara Sanctuary, Kumoano Hongu Taisha Otorii and the Kumano Hongu Heritage Centre. After spending the night in Katsuura at the completion of the pilgrammage I rented a car (must have an international driving permit) and drove to Shirahama Beach for rest and recovery over 4 days. Highly recommend!!!! Overall, the ease of planning and support I received from AusWalk made this pilgrimage an incredible and unforgettable experience, I’m truly grateful. Looking forward to my next adventure with AusWalk!

The process was straight forward once the Japanese Rail system was conquered. It all went to plan, even the weather in Autumn was kind. The variety of accommodation was enjoyable and it was a good standard. Onsens are a blessing on a hike! he notes and app are excellent and the time frame was also good. The walks manageable to fit the public transport options which were procided.

The walk was the perfect combination of reasonable physical challenge, awesome meals and lovely hosts/accommodation. And of course, amazing scenery!

A lot of the sign posts were very helpful but I'm very pleased with downloaded trails as they were very useful. We assisted other walkers that didn't have the trails downloaded. The instructions were very easy to follow to get to the start of our walk.. Loved the adventure and the peacefulness of the walk - very challenging but very rewarding.

We were extremely satisfied with our Auswalk Kumano Kodo walk. The home stays and other accommodations were all very clean, tidy and well organized. Our meals were delicious and the luggage was always delivered. Instructions and advice was very clear. I certainly recommend them highly.

We are very happy with all the arrangements . Traveling arrangements as well as lunch boxes were very special. We really enjoyed the highly professional service from Auswalk and surely can’t wait for our next adventure with Auswalk. You helped us to enjoy a wonderful experience and not stress about troublesome travel arrangements. Thank you

We are very happy with al the arrangements . Traveling arrangements as well as lunch boxes were very special. We really enjoyed the highly professional service from Auswalk and surely can’t wait for our next adventure with Auswalk. You helped us to enjoy a wonderful experience and not stress about troublesome travel arrangements. Thank you

The walk is well marked and the notes helpful. Entire walk went extremely well.

This is a truly spectacular walk with a stimulating cultural experience thrown in. Accommodation was great and food amazing. The pre-walk information made Self-guided walking easy.

The trains to get to the departure point were easy and efficient. Everything went well as you could expect, luggage transfer was excellent, accommodation and food also great.

Well organized . Accommodation very pleasant and seamless movement of luggage

This was an incredible holiday. The locations and ability to see the "real" japan was amazing, the forest trails and old post towns truly beautiful. The AusWalks information provided was excellent, extremely clear and provided all the information I needed. The hotels/ryokan booked as part of the trip were incredible, delicious food, lovely rooms and in great locations. And all of the luggage transfers were smooth and efficient with my bags at the next location by the time I arrived each day. As a solo, self-guided walker I enjoyed the freedom and was never lost because the App worked so well. All in all an amazing adventure. I'll be back to do more and have already recommended the walk to many friends. Thank you AusWalks!!

Our guide Waka was truly amazing. She was very caring and sensitive to everyone’s needs. One participant provided some challenges for her and she dealt with everything quietly and respectfully. Waka is a great representative for her country and an asset for Auswalks. The Kumano Kodo walk was so much more than I expected. The forest was more beautiful that the pictures. The wilderness is truly spectacular and the guides are knowledgeable and generous. The accommodations were great and the food amazing, I couldn’t believe the wonderful packed lunches we were given each day, so Japanese and so delicious.

The Kumano Kodo walk was so much more than I expected. The forest was more beautiful that the pictures. The wilderness is truly spectacular and the guides are knowledgeable and generous. The accommodations were great and the food amazing, I couldn’t believe the wonderful packed lunches we were given each day, so Japanese and so delicious.

The walk was well organised and coordinated. The accommodation and food amazing. The app was super easy to navigate

The organization was perfect , it was all seamless. Our guide Waka was brilliant . Kind , polite , knowledgeable and very attentive to the group’s needs. Entire walk went extremely well.

The organization was perfect , it was all seamless. Entire walk went extremely well.

Notes was clear and pretty straight forward. We arrived the night before which was a good idea as we weren't rushed and could relax and look around the town. Very happy with Auswalk and their level of advice and communication.

Absolutely loved the walk. Well planned, great accommodation, food and beautiful locations. Great value for money. Accommodation was first class and food a cultural treat. Stunning Japanese countryside, the perfect way to get to know the rural life of the Japanese people.

Very good information of train system to get to Tanabe, and having the information center to report to to pick up further info and opportunity to ask questions. Auswalk did very well with instructions, and being available to call and speak with. The walking routes were amazing!!! The notes very thorough.

Each of the walking days had varied and always beautiful scenery. We enjoyed each day's walking route. This was our second Auswalks adventure and our first trip to Japan. The entire trip ran smoothly, and we were delighted with the historic and scenic walk, our comfortable accommodation, which featured welcoming and helpful hosts, and delicious, included meals.

The app was great. All of the arrangements were seamless. Each hotel had its own charms, particularly the school with the very enthusiastic cook! Thank you for organising everything! We greatly enjoyed it.

The whole trip was superbly well organised. In fact sometimes overload from so much information ! But once I got the hang of the various information sources it was really easy. I used the app quite a bit but mainly the paper route maps and Auswalk provide walking notes. I mainly preferred the Kumano maps as it included the walk profile and for me that was the main bit of information I needed. I could easily carry the map and walking notes in a pocket for quick access which I found easier than the phone app, although that worked fine too.

Auswalk is easy and excellent to deal with. Their organisation is superb and materials provided are amazing. I found them a pleasure to deal with and it was wonderful to have everything organised.

We used Auswalk to organise our self guided hiking holiday on the Nakasendo Way. From communication to help along the way, we could not have been happier.

Auswalk provided us with much more information and excellent directions..

Everything we encountered was a wonderful experience. AusWalk planned an amazing journey, the information provided was outstanding.

Had a terrific time! Really pleased we did the walk as we enjoyed discovering the Japanese way of life.

This was an amazing experience. The peacefulness of the forests was like a calming influence. Though the walk was tough in places, it was very rewarding. Although we saw many people starting each day, they soon became spread out with each person walking at their own pace. The accommodations varied from family run minshuku to beautiful hotels, each with an insensitive to soothe our tired bodies. Overall, this was a rewarding experience.

The Nakasendo Trail is an intriguing walk through beautiful forest and over high passes. The walks through the forest on dirt pads were absolutely beautiful and we really enjoyed them. It was so lovely to go through in spring with all the wildflowers and the fresh greenery. The gardens and villages and post towns along the way spice it up.

Just back from the Nakasendo Trail with Auswalk. A brilliant walk in stunning parts of Japan. We loved the Auswalk set up giving you directions each day, booking your accommodation but otherwise you are on your own to explore the forests, rivers, villages of this ancient land. Magic. Highly recommend

Very good information was provided on train and bus use in Japan. Notes were very good and extremely helpful.

Our guide was exceptional. He was so knowledgeable, upbeat, caring, flexible and a superb translator. We cannot say enough good things about him. Foods were of good quality. Entire walk went extremely well.

Would highly recommend to anyone considering doing this walk. I loved every single aspect about it and would do it again in a heartbeat. What an amazing place. Thank you Auswalk.

I had an amazing time. The scenery was stunning, the accommodation was outstanding with friendly service and delicious Japanese food . Each accommodation had an Onsen which I enjoyed regularly after a days walking and before bed. As first time travelers to Japan I was anxious about travelling to the start of the walk at Nakatsugawa by train. We had Dan with us which helped enormously. Without Dan I would have needed more information about the trains in Japan.

So well organised, all we had to do was show up and walk. The good was incredible, and an unexpected highlight was how gorgeous the small villages we stayed in overnight were. Will definitely book another trip!

Excellent walk in Japan. We loved the accommodation , and the meals provided. Walking notes and app took the stress out of daily planning.

The instructions were very explicit and easy to follow. Entire walk went extremely well.

We had an excellent trip on the Kumano Kodo - Auswalk put it together better than anyone else could. We’d use them again in a heartbeat!

It was very easy to get from the hotel to the bus station for the start of the walk. The bus was on time and it was easy to find. Your instructions and the helpfulness of all our hosts made for a seamless experience. Overall the quality of the accommodation, the meals and friendliness of the hosts were outstanding.

Would definitely Recommend Auswalk not only for hiking, but for the amazing accommodation with Onsen and incredible food included.

Simone and I wanted to thank the Auswalk Team, and specifically you for the great support we have received as we completed the amazing Kumano Kodo walk. The accommodation has been of an excellent quality, the coordination has been impeccable, the food was perfect, and the entire journey a seamless and wonderful adventure that we will cherish always. We walked for a while today up the hardest hill of the trip (truly very hard) and chatted with other Auswalkers with similar stories. We are proud as punch to have completed the walk today, and would certainly not have been as enjoyable without your support and organisation. You never skipped a beat. Thank you so much, and we look forward to walking our next adventure with you.

Kumano Kodo walk exceeded my expectations. I believe that the journey I undertook with a great group of people and excellent guide was the most challenging and gruelling thing I have ever done in my life. My personal level of achievement and satisfaction is amazing.

Seamless organisation and perfectly executed on the ground

It actually exceeded my expectations. I believe that the journey I undertook was the most challenging and gruelling thing I have ever done in my life. My personal level of achievement and satisfaction is amazing.

I highly recommend this walk to everyone, it is a great mix of Japanese style accommodation, food, culture and beautiful mountains, rivers and coastline. You also get to meet fellow pilgrims as you walk and it can be a great social experience as well.

Our walk went extremely well. Routes and notes excellent. Information provided was easy to understand and accurate.

Walking the Kumano Kodo is like stepping back in time, into an ancient forest. It may be gruelling at times but it is also very peaceful. The Ojis that dot the path remind you of the sacred nature of the undertaking and that it has been a pilgrimage for many hundreds of years. AusWalks provided detailed walking notes, and transport information and the accommodation providers also helped with any issues. We met some great people and had some lovely meals.

The change in our itinerary to move to the fujiraya was excellent. The hotel was great. Lovely onsen, dig holes in the river bed put the front for a hot foot bath, and the degustation style dinner and breakfast was amazing. The boys in the taxis were out front early and totally up too speed with where to drop us off each morning. Finally the bento boxes were fantastic too each day. We had an awesome time. Thanks

We thoroughly enjoyed the Japanese walking holiday that Auswalk has put together, the transfers worked smoothly and we always felt well supported. Auswalks gave us prompt updates regarding snowfalls we experienced on the Nakasendo. Highly recommended.

Our guide was great . Good organising skills, very informative, kept and right pace and informed us along the way . 5 / 5 stars from me!!!

Auswalk guided walk of the Kumano Kodo in early March 2025 was a great success. Waka, our Japanese guide, was attentive, knowledgeable and paved the walk according to our group needs and abilities. Her knowledge of the terrain, vegetation, religious shrines was exceptional.

A beautiful walk, through stunning cedar forest. A well-prepared and well-marked trail. Very enriching cultural component including Japanese style accommodation and meals, and the whole Buddhist/Shinto religious overlay. The major shrines are worth the walk. We found that out hosts were very knowledgeable, and gave very firm advice.

We enjoyed our afternoon and evening in Tanabe, and our accommodation was very comfortable. The briefing session was helpful and comprehensive. We found the accommodation and food provided along the walk to be outstanding. The traditional boat cruise on our rest day was excellent and we recommend it - it was very easy to get back from Shingu to Hongu. We also met lots of friendly and interesting fellow hikers during our time on the walk. Overall, the Auswalk Kumano Kodo experience was one of the highlights for us of our first visit to Japan.

Everything put in place by Auswalk worked well and the accommodations were great.

The accommodation and meals organised by Auswalk were a real treat, especially the 400 year old hotel in Karuizawa. The staff were welcoming and friendly. The luggage transfers worked smoothly. The hiking app was great, even without internet. I highly recommend their organisational skills!

The standards of accommodation & meals included were of highest of quality

Tsutamuraya accommodation near Tsumago was fabulous. Small, family run, fabulous food. An authentic experience. Onyado Tsutaya in Kiso Fukushima was also a great place to stay. The traditional the Japanese breakfast they served was fabulous. The walk was well organised and a fabulous experience. We had a great time. Thank you.

We loved the Kumano Kodo walk. It was both quite hard and extraordinarily beautiful. Our accommodation in traditional ryokan and minshuku added to the whole experience.

The walk went very smoothly. The accommodation was good( loved the onsens!) and the food plentiful and delicious.

We were very impressed with Auswalk's detailed information. They included special accommodation which we enjoyed very much.

My husband would do walks after hearing how easy this walk was carrying just a day pack and having beautiful accommodation -in Europe, Australia etc and also, the option of eating Vegan food. We haven't been able to book tours here due to the inability to eat no meat/dairy -it's actually so easy, but people seem to be thrown by this -your team handled it though very well.

The route was good and the notes were excellent. We have walked with Auswalk a number of times now and have had enjoyable experiences every time. Our Nakasendo walk was no exception.

We were delighted with our decision to do a self guided walk with Auswalk. The itineraries were suitably flexible and the guide notes clear though it must be said that the local signs for the Nakasendo Way needed little clarification. The accommodation was well chosen and varied. In short a memorable experience.

A very well organized and coordinated journey.

The entire experience was fantastic. The beautiful scenery, the historic villages, the wonderful variety of accommodation & food experiences and the many recommendations & explanations in your notes made every day very very fulfilling & enjoyable.

Each of the days' walk had its own highlight, so I think they were well chosen to give us a great intro to the trail. I loved the combination of hotels we had - the first night at Hanasarasa (traditional dinner and breakfast banquets were amazing, as was the hotel onsen), Hanaya for something more traditional ryokan, Iwaya as something in-between the two, and the super-mod Twin Line at the end for some luxury - the dinner there was another super treat. I loved it all!! The last day was a challenge, our friends only did the uphill, which was wise for them as the downhill to Yokokawa was muddy and tricky. But still great!! Also would definitely recommend people bring walking poles if they have them. It was all in all a fantastic walk, well organised to get the best of the trail.

As I was short on planning time I decided to use Auswalks which was a great way to take the stress out of my walk along the Kumano Kodo. The notes and instructions were more than adequate, accomodations very homely and charming and communication with the company was very easy so it supported what is a very beautiful walk.

As I was short on planning time I decided to use Auswalks which was a great way to take the stress out of my walk along the Kumano Kodo. The notes and instructions were more than adequate, accommodations very homely and charming and communication with the company was very easy so it supported what is a very beautiful walk.

Hiking the Nakasendo trail made for a great holiday, especially after the frenetic atmosphere of Tokyo. Could not fault the organisation of Auswalk.

The Nakasendo walk was by far the highlight of my autumn trip to Japan. The trail itself is absolutely gorgeous in late autumn with the maple leaves turning red and behind the scenes, Auswalk provided everything I needed, including some lovely choices of accommodation, to enjoy this amazing experience. My only complaint is now I absolutely have to see more!

We're in our late 70s, enjoyed the whole time. We walked the 1st section 14k, then 7k second day. On our rest day we also walked around hongu from accommodation. Enjoyed the next day hike. Missed the last long hike and caught 3 buses to the nachi waterfall. Heard the last long walk was harder and more of the same, our legs had worked hard over the week, so we decided the down hill would be to much. Walking notes were good. Our walk was good overall.

The dept point was very convenient - easy to follow basic directions provided. Seamless walk, we didn't have any issues. All the accommodation was wonderful, lovely hosts and meals.The combined notes plus the app were very comprehensive.

This trek was amazing, and accommodation provided an opportunity to have a genuine traditional Japanese experience away from the busyness of a modern city.

Brilliant hike in magnificent country . Auswalk accomodation selection was perfect with hosts that were helpful and friendly Hike was challenging but achievable with distances appropriate to complete easily within daylight hours Thoroughly recommend the hike and Auswalk

This was a self guided walk, but the materials received were excellent. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.

The whole walk was the best part! And the team at Auswalk were fabulous. Always available and really helpful when we needed them.