Kumano Kodou 2021 Trip Outline

Kumano Kodou 2021 Trip Outline

2021-05-01
hiking plans

Table of Content #

Overview #

DayWhatHotel
Day 1Flying in & spending the night
Day 2Bus + Hiking –> TakaharaKirinosato Takahara
Day 3Hike –> ChikatsuyuGuest House Minshuku Momiji-no-Sato
Day 4Bus + Hike –> Yunomine OnsenMinshuku Kuraya
Day 5Boat + Bus –> Shirahama City
Day 6Beach at Shirahama City
Day 7Beach at Shirahama City
Day 8Fly back

YAMAP Model Courses #

Plane Tickets #

Tokyo –> SHM

  • Mon, May 24, 16:30 –> 17:40

SHM –> Tokyo

  • Mon, May 31, 09:20 –> 10:25

Day 1: Flying to Shirahama City #

Flight

Overnight

Day 2: Bus + Hiking; Shirahama City to Takahara Village #

Bus

Hiking: Takijiri-Oji to Takahara

  • Distance: ~4 km
  • Time: 2~3 hr
  • Elevation Gain: ~430 m
  • Elevation Loss: ~200 m
  • TAKIJIRI-OJI TO TAKAHARA Map
  • Short but steep uphill walk from Takijiri to the ridge top settlement of Takahara.
  • The trailhead is located behind the Takijiri-oji shrine pavilion.
  • The trail starts off with a challenging grade so set a slow, easy pace, watching your steps on the rocks and roots.

Overnight: Takahara Village

Day 3: Hiking; Takahara to Chikatsuyu #

Hiking: Takahara to Chikatsuyu

  • TAKAHARA
  • Chikatsuyu
  • Distance: ~10 km
  • Time: 4~6 hr
  • Elevation Gain: ~590 m
  • Elevation Loss: ~640 m

Rest stop on Kumano/ 牛馬童子像休憩所

This walk continues into the forested mountains east of Takahara climbing up and over ridges into the next watershed, descending into the village of Chikatsuyu.

NOTE: The Michi-no-Eki rest area near numbered signpost 23 sells drinks, snacks, and simple meals.

  • TAKAHARA TO Chikatsuyu Map

Overnight: Chikatsuyu Village

Day 4: Hiking + Bus; Chikatsuyu to Hongu Taisha #

Hike: Chikatsuyu to Kumano Hongu Taisha #

Overnight: Yunomine Onsen

Option 1: Full Walk; 25 km #

  • Distance: ~25 km
  • Time: 9~12 hr
  • Elevation Gain: ~1210 m
  • Elevation Loss: ~1470 m

This is a challenging full day walk with many climbs and descents, finishing at the Kumano Hongu Taisha.
⚠️ Start early if attempting the full walk.

Option 2: Intermediate Walk; 17 km #

Bus: Chikatsuyu to Doyukawa-Bashi

Hike: Doyukawa-Bashi to Hongu Taisha

  • Hongu Taisha
  • Distance: ~17 km
  • Time: 6~9 hr
  • Elevation Gain: ~770 m
  • Elevation Loss: ~1170 m

Option 3: Highlight Walk; 7.5 km #

Bus: Chikatsuyu to Hosshinmon-oji

Hike Part 1: Hosshinmon-Oji to Hongu Taisha

  • Distance: ~7.5 km
  • Time: 2~3 hr
  • Elevation Gain: ~190 m
  • Elevation Loss: ~460 m

The section from Hosshinmon-oji and Hongu is popular with a diversity of forested trail and settlement scenery. This a good option to give more time to experience the shrines and sites in Hongu. Take a local bus from Chikatsuyu-oji to Hosshimon-oji.

Hike Part 2: Hongu to Yunomine Onsen

  • Dainichi-goe route
  • Distance: ~2 km
  • Time: 1~2 hr

Day 5: Boat Tour & Back to Shirahama City #

Bus: Yunomine Onsen to Boat Tour Center

Boat: Traditional Boat Ride on Kumano-Gawa River

Detour: Nachi Falls/ 那智の滝

  • 1.5 hour bus ride from Hayatama Taisha to Nachi Falls

Overnight: Shirahama City


Resources #

Videos:

Kumano Travel

Kumano Kodo Trek - 4 days - Nakahechi, Takijiri to Hongu - 2