Kumano Kodo, Nakasendo & Kyoto Walk - 13 Days
JapanKumano Kodo

Kumano Kodo, Nakasendo & Kyoto Walk - 13 Days

13 Days
Challenging

Kumano Kodo, Nakasendo & Kyoto Walk - 13 Days

from $6,395 / person

Overview

This walk combines three of Japan's most celebrated routes into a single 14-day journey, moving through temple cities, sacred mountain trails and historic post towns on foot.

The walk begins in Kyoto, following the Kyoto Trail from temple to temple and shrine to shrine. The route passes through Fushimi Inari and the Imperial family's graveyard, away from the crowds that gather at the city's more visited sites, with additional time to explore the Golden Temple, Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace.

Three days on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo follow, tracing the sacred mountains and ancient cedar forests of the Kii Peninsula along a route that has drawn walkers on foot for over 1,200 years. The walk concludes on the Nakasendo, the historic 500-kilometre mountain highway whose name translates as "the Middle Mountain Way." Three of its finest stages thread through the Kiso Valley between the sacred peaks of Mount Ontake and Mount Komagatake, past shrines, waterfalls and beautifully preserved post towns that have changed little since the Edo period.

Highlights

  • Discover the magic of Kyoto and its magnificent temples, beautiful mountains and waterways
  • Chion-in Temple, with its massive Torii Gate and gorgeous Japanese gardens
  • Traverse ancient paved paths, through well-preserved Japanese towns
  • 8 nights’ stay in family-run or traditional Japanese lodgings, some with in-house onsens and 4 nights’ stay in a Japanese Ryokan in Kyoto
  • Soak up the cypress and cedar forest, alongside peaceful rural Japanese scenery
  • The jaw-dropping orange Seiganto-ji Temple and the sacred Nachi waterfall
  • The picturesque Kiso Valley and traditional postal towns
  • Walks that weave up forested hillsides and grand mountain views
  • Traditional Japanese meals throughout, including a welcome dinner in Kyoto, four dinners and three lunches on the Kumano Kodo section, and four dinners on the Nakasendo section

Itinerary

Day 1

Travel to Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto from Osaka or Tokyo. Today is a travel day for you to make your way to the ancient city of Kyoto. You will meet your guide, have a welcome dinner with the group at a local restaurant, and go over the walk and what you can expect over the next 12 days.

Accommodation

3-star Hotel in Kyoto

Meals

Dinner

What's Included

Accommodation

3-star Hotel (4 nights), Minshuku (3 nights), 3-star Hotel / Ryokan / Minshuku (1 night), 3-star Hotel / Ryokan (4 nights)

Meals

12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 9 dinners

Transfers

  • Taxi Transfer
  • Train
  • Luggage Transfers

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

5

Auswalk Walking Grade

Challenging

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Steeper climbs and longer distances. You'll need good fitness and some hiking experience to fully enjoy these walks.

View Fitness Guide

9

Days on the trail

7-17 km

Daily distance range

388-1052 m

Daily ascent range

4/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

Most nights are spent in a ryokan or minshuku. This is accommodation in the truest Japanese sense, and staying this way is what makes this route distinct.

Ryokans are Japanese guesthouses ranging from beautifully preserved traditional wooden buildings to more contemporary hybrid properties. Rooms are fitted with tatami mats and shoji sliding doors, and sleeping is on futons rather than beds. Very few ryokans offer the alternative of an actual bed. Some rooms have en-suite facilities, though communal bathing is far more common and is treated as part of the experience. In onsen properties, the baths are fed by natural hot spring water, separated by gender, and are often the most celebrated feature of the entire stay. The heated toilet seats are a characteristically Japanese touch that most first-time visitors find themselves quietly won over by.

A minshuku sits close to the ryokan in spirit but brings something of its own. These are small, family-run guesthouses, often found in rural areas, with only a handful of Japanese-style rooms and an atmosphere that feels more like a home than a hotel. Meals are served with the same care as in a ryokan but with a greater sense of intimacy, and baths and toilets are usually shared. Staying in a minshuku is one of the better ways to get close to everyday Japanese life on this route.

What You'll Eat

The trip begins with a welcome dinner in Kyoto, a fitting introduction to Japanese cuisine before the walking gets underway. Twelve breakfasts, seven lunches and nine dinners are included throughout, with four dinners and three lunches on the Kumano Kodo section and four further dinners on the Nakasendo. On evenings when dinner is not included, good restaurants are always within easy walking distance. Meals throughout are rooted in Japanese regional cooking, typically home-prepared and reflective of wherever you happen to be staying. Depending on the property, dinner may take the form of a Kaiseki set meal or a bento box where meals are not cooked on-site. Larger ryokans may offer a buffet option.

Note: Please note that this trip is unable to accommodate dairy-free, vegan or gluten-free diets, or those unable to eat fish stock. If you have severe dietary requirements, bringing some of your own specialist ingredients or snacks is recommended, as these can be harder to source in rural Japan.


More About This Trip

The walk starts in Kyoto and finishes in Kiso-Fukushima, in central Japan. The most convenient airport is Osaka Kansai (KIX), with good international connections, from where a direct train reaches Kyoto in around 75 minutes. English-speaking staff are available at the ticket office. Tokyo (NRT or HND) is a well-connected alternative for those whose flights suit. During the walk, trains and occasional short bus rides connect the various stages; your guide will be on hand to assist throughout. Train tickets in Japan are purchased on the day and cannot be pre-booked.

The walk ends in Kiso-Fukushima, from where trains connect to Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo. Departing from the same city you arrived in may offer better value on return flights.

This guided group walk departs in spring and autumn, two of the finest seasons for walking the Nakahechi route. Spring brings mild temperatures, fresh green growth and the delicate bloom of cherry blossoms through the Kii Peninsula forests, while autumn delivers the vivid red and gold foliage that makes this one of Japan's most celebrated walking destinations. The first autumn colours appear in early October, building to a spectacular display from mid to late November, with the air becoming crisper, mornings clearer and the ancient cedar forests increasingly atmospheric. Pack a light waterproof — the Kii Peninsula is a wet region and rain is possible at any time of year.

This walk is graded challenging, reflecting the overall length of the tour at over 120 kilometres rather than the difficulty of any individual day. Daily walks average 12.9 kilometres with around 1,035 metres of ascent and descent, and a terrain difficulty rating of 7 out of 10. Paths are well-maintained throughout, with reasonable elevation gains to start most days before the terrain levels out. Walking days run to between five and eight hours, with rest days built in while travelling between stages. Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support and grip are essential.

An exercise regime of three to four times per week, with a focus on hill work, is recommended in preparation.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.

Meals are included where it makes most sense throughout the walk, however, in Kyoto, with its extraordinary range of restaurants, the evenings are yours to explore independently — wandering and grazing is genuinely one of the great pleasures of the city, and our guides will point you in the right direction.

Cash is necessary for some purchases throughout the walk, so always carry some on hand.

Train transport is not included in the package, but your guide will help with ticket purchasing.


On this walk, you will have to catch trains in between the destinations at your own expense, which is pretty straightforward. The two main journeys are between Kyoto and Tanabe and then from the Kii-Katsuura to Nakatsugawa. There are also two short bus rides on the Kumano Kodo. Our guide will be with every step of the way to assist in this process.

None of these can be pre-booked, and is the best way to get around Japan and the most eco-friendly which is why we like travel by train. This also includes whilst you are walking in the mountains on the Kumano Kodo and on the Nakasendo Way.

The Japan Transit Planner is the best place to check information on prices.

Due to limitations of catering at certain accommodations we are unable to cater for vegans on this tour unfortunately.

Luggage transfers are only needed on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi and Nakasendo routes. You will need to bring your luggage with you as you travel from Kyoto to the Kumano Kodo and to the Nakasendo Way.

Your day pack should be sufficiently large to accommodate these items when walking.


Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Departure

Select a fixed group departure - places are limited

Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Kumano Kodo reviews

4.9
108 reviews
5 Star
100
4 Star
8
3 Star
0
2 Star
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1 Star
0
Evan K
last month

We spent a few days in Osaka first then headed to Tanabe. Easy train ride cool scenery. Lady at the Info center was awesome all questions answered all info received as expected. Had a nice wonder around town, went to the beach and had a nice meal at a local restaurant. First accommodation was comfortable and good breaky next day. Auswalk Kumano Kodo trek planning worth every cent. Everything was seamless. Accommodation and food exceeded expectations. Met some great characters along the way. You'll be planning our next trip to Turkey.

Sara S
2 months ago

The notes were very thorough it was very daunting reading it but once I was into it, it became clear how easy it all was to get around. Stress free, relaxing adventure. Auswalk took care of the details so I could have all the fun!!!

Diane H
2 months ago

Auswalk is extremely well organised, the mix of honesty type accommodations and hotels offered a real sense of Japanese culture.

Jonathan K
3 months ago

Few different options for departure point but no major challenges navigating getting to the start of the walk. Information provided was adequate.

Warwick B
3 months ago

Departure point process was all very easy to navigate. Comfort hotel was excellent. Information centre helpful. Bus was crazy busy. You can tap using ic card so don’t need money for first bus.

David S
3 months ago

Outstanding walk well organised.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk starts in Kii Tanabe. We recommend flying into Osaka.

Your main luggage is collected from your accommodation each morning and delivered to your next stop — you carry only a daypack on the trail. The allowance is one bag per person up to 20kg. Keep your bag manageable in size, as you may occasionally need to carry it a short distance from a bus stop or up stairs at some accommodations. Don't pack breakable items like glass or pottery, and make sure your bag tag is attached at all times.

The Kumano Kodo offers a genuinely unique accommodation experience. Most nights you'll stay in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) or Minshuku (family-run guesthouse), both of which typically feature Japanese-style rooms with futons on the floor, beautiful multi-course dinners using local produce, and communal bathing facilities. Some properties offer Western-style rooms with beds. On the 10-day itinerary, one night is spent at a Buddhist temple in Koyasan, where you can attend morning temple ceremonies and experience shojin ryori — traditional vegetarian temple cuisine. Baths and toilets are often shared and are noted to be very clean and separated by gender.

Meals are usually served between 18:00 and 19:00, so the best arrival time is by at least 17:00. Arriving late disrupts the kitchen's schedule and is considered quite rude to your hosts — in some cases, a late arrival may mean missing your meal without a refund. If you're running behind, contact your accommodation as soon as possible. Check-out times are typically between 9:30 and 10:00 AM.

Japan is a densely populated country with generally good coverage, and even in more remote sections of the Kumano Kodo you're never far from civilisation. That said, coverage can vary by location, so carry your phone fully charged and keep a backup power bank handy. Most accommodations have WiFi.

A comfortable, at least shower-proof daypack with a waterproof liner is ideal. Key items include sturdy walking shoes, a quality rain jacket, waterproof over-trousers, at least 1.5–2 litres of water, snacks, bug spray, a personal first aid kit, and your phone. Walking poles are recommended for all days on the track — the terrain involves regular elevation gain and some steep sections. In summer, wear long sleeves and pants due to leeches. A warm hat and gloves are worth bringing if you're walking in spring, autumn, or winter.

Japan runs largely on cash, and the Kumano Kodo is no exception. ATMs are scarce along the trail and in smaller villages, and many cafés, shops, and local buses don't accept cards. Stock up on Japanese Yen (JPY) before you set out. Convenience store ATMs are a reliable way to withdraw cash with an overseas card.

No. Tipping is not customary in Japan and is not expected at restaurants, from drivers, or at accommodations. Good service is simply the standard — enjoy it.

Onsens are one of the great pleasures of walking the Kumano Kodo, and there are some important customs to follow. You bathe completely naked — swimwear is not permitted. Wash and rinse yourself thoroughly at the shower stations before entering the communal bath. Keep your towel out of the water. Onsens are separated by gender. If you have tattoos, be aware that many onsens restrict entry — speak with your accommodation host in advance, as policies vary and some places offer stickers to cover small tattoos.

Remove your shoes at the entrance and change into the indoor slippers provided. Your room will likely include a yukata (cotton robe) — wear something underneath, fold the left side over the right, and tie the belt securely. Dinner is typically served at a set time between 6:00 and 7:00 PM, so plan to arrive by 5:00 PM at the latest. When attending a morning temple service in Koyasan, yukata and sleepwear are not appropriate — dress properly for the occasion.

Japan has a rich culture of etiquette and it's worth taking a little time to learn the basics before you go. Remove your shoes before entering homes, ryokan, and many traditional restaurants. Speak quietly in public spaces, particularly on public transport. Avoid eating or drinking while walking. A slight bow when greeting people goes a long way. Sensitive topics including the Imperial Family and Japan's wartime history are best avoided in conversation. Note that it is illegal to bring over-the-counter medicines containing pseudoephedrine or codeine into Japan — check your medications before you travel.

Traditional Japanese cuisine relies heavily on soy sauce, miso, and fish stock (dashi) — these appear in almost everything and are very difficult to remove. If you can tolerate these ingredients, your accommodation options increase significantly. Strict vegans and those with coeliac disease or severe gluten intolerance will find the Kumano Kodo genuinely challenging. Some accommodations can cater for vegetarian meals with advance notice, but this cannot be guaranteed everywhere. Dietary requests must be declared at the time of booking and cannot be changed after confirmation. If your requirements are complex, bring supplementary snacks from the city before you set out on the trail.

Yes, and it's particularly important in Japan. There are no reciprocal healthcare agreements between Japan and other countries, meaning all medical treatment — including emergency evacuation — is charged at full cost. Your policy must cover hiking and emergency evacuation.

Want to Know More?

The Kumano Kodo Experience

Wonder
Walk along the 1200-year-old UNESCO-listed pilgrimage through Kumano’s sacred mountains and forests
Marvel at Hongu Taisha and Nachi Taisha, grand shrines on the Nakahechi
Arrive beneath Seiganto-ji Temple and sacred Nachi waterfall, Japan’s tallest.
Wellness
Breathe in the forest air as you walk, absorbing the timeless spirit of this ancient pilgrimage route.
Stay in family-run minshuku and ryokan, savouring traditional multi-course dinners and take a riverside onsen dip
Choose shorter or longer stages to match your energy and pace taking the time to breath and benefit from this ancient pilgrimage
Nature
Walk beneath the distinctive Japanese forest canopy past Oji shrines and rivers
Cross the sacred Kii Mountains beside cascading streams and thick green forest
Take in Hyakken-gura views across Kumano’s remarkable sweep of 3600 peaks