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Kumano Kodo trip itinerary ​

5 day hiking trip itinerary for Kumano Kodo trail in Wakayama

Table of contents ​

Overview ​

DayWhatHotel
Day 1Flying in and spending the night
Day 2Bus and hiking to TakaharaKirinosato Takahara
Day 3Hike to ChikatsuyuGuest House Minshuku Momiji-no-Sato
Day 4Bus and hike to Yunomine OnsenMinshuku Kuraya
Day 5Boat and bus to Shirahama City
Day 6Beach at Shirahama City
Day 7Beach at Shirahama City
Day 8Fly back

YAMAP model courses ​

Plane tickets ​

Tokyo to SHM

  • Monday, May 24, 16:30 to 17:40

SHM to Tokyo

  • Monday, May 31, 09:20 to 10:25

Day 1: Flying to Shirahama City ​

Flight

Overnight

Day 2: Bus and hiking; Shirahama City to Takahara Village ​

Bus

Hiking: Takijiri-Oji to Takahara

  • Distance: approximately 4 km
  • Time: 2 to 3 hours
  • Elevation gain ↗️: approximately 430 m
  • Elevation decline ↘️: approximately 200 m
  • Takijiri-Oji to Takahara map
  • Short but steep uphill walk from Takijiri to the ridge top settlement of Takahara.
  • The trailhead is behind the Takijiri-Oji shrine pavilion.
  • The trail starts off steep, so set a slow, steady pace and watch your steps on rocks and roots.

Overnight: Takahara Village

Day 3: Hiking; Takahara to Chikatsuyu ​

Hiking: Takahara to Chikatsuyu

  • Takahara
  • Chikatsuyu
  • Distance: approximately 10 km
  • Time: 4 to 6 hours
  • Elevation gain ↗️: approximately 590 m
  • Elevation decline ↘️: approximately 640 m

Rest stop on Kumano / 牛馬童子像休憩所 This walk continues into forested mountains east of Takahara, climbing ridges and descending into Chikatsuyu.

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

  • Takahara to Chikatsuyu map

Overnight: Chikatsuyu Village

Day 4: Hiking and bus; Chikatsuyu to Hongu Taisha ​

Hike: Chikatsuyu to Kumano Hongu Taisha ​

Overnight: Yunomine Onsen

Option 1: Full walk; 25 km ​

  • Distance: approximately 25 km
  • Time: 9 to 12 hours
  • Elevation gain ↗️: approximately 1210 m
  • Elevation decline ↘️: approximately 1470 m

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

Option 2: Challenging walk; 17 km ​

Bus: Chikatsuyu to Doyukawa-Bashi

Hike: Doyukawa-Bashi to Hongu Taisha

  • Hongu Taisha
  • Distance: approximately 17 km
  • Time: 6 to 9 hours
  • Elevation gain ↗️: approximately 770 m
  • Elevation decline ↘️: approximately 1170 m

Option 3: Highlight walk; 7.5 km ​

Bus: Chikatsuyu to Hosshinmon-Oji

Hike part 1: Hosshinmon-Oji to Hongu Taisha

  • Distance: approximately 7.5 km
  • Time: 2 to 3 hours
  • Elevation gain ↗️: approximately 190 m
  • Elevation decline ↘️: approximately 460 m

This section from Hosshinmon-Oji to Hongu is popular, with forested trails and settlement scenery. It is a good option for those who want time to explore the shrines and sites in Hongu.

Hike part 2: Hongu to Yunomine Onsen

  • Dainichi-goe route
  • Distance: approximately 2 km
  • Time: 1 to 2 hours

Day 5: Boat tour and return to Shirahama City ​

Bus: Yunomine Onsen to boat tour center

Boat: traditional ride on the 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: Trail logistics - how to plan and book the Kumano Kodo Trail

Kumano Travel


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