Nakahechi Route | Kogumotori-goe
(Koguchi to Ukegawa in Hongu)

Route Guide | Kogumotori-goe (Koguchi to Ukegawa in Hongu)

Nakahechi Route Guide List

Kogumotori-goe (Koguchi to Ukegawa in Hongu)

The Kogumotori-goe and Ogumotori-goe sections of the Nakahechi Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route link the Hongu area and Kumano Nachi Taisha. These routes are commonly walked in either direction. There are no restaurants along the trail so it is best to bring a lunch. From the small village of Koguchi, the trail follows Highway #44 to the Kowase Bridge, where it crosses the Akagi-gawa River. The trail passes by a few houses and then into the forest. It is a continuous climb to the lookout point at the remains of the Sakura-jaya Teahouse.

The trail has some gentle ups and downs in addition to some nice ridge-walking sections. The Hyakken-gura lookout offers scenic vistas of the sacred Kumano Mountains and is one of the highlights of Kogumotori-goe. The trail gradually descends to Ukegawa on the banks of the Kumano-gawa River. From here it is a half-hour walk along Highway #168 to Kumano Hongu Taisha. Kawayu Onsen is a 25-minute walk up the Oto-gawa River.

Hyakken-gura

Walker on Kogumotori-goe

View from trail

Course Data

Kumano Kodo - Kogumotori-goe Map

Distance: ~13 km
Time: ~4 hrs 30 min
※Walking times do not include breaks and are based on the abilities of a healthy walker, without a pack, in good weather. Please plan accordingly.
Difficult rating: 4
What is difficult rating?
Access: Buses run to/from Koguchi from Shingu and Hongu. Please note that some buses run only on certain days and a transfer might be needed at Kanmaru: Bus Timetable #5. There are multiple bus lines that stop at Ukegawa. Buses to/from Tanabe: Bus Timetable #1 (Eastbound), Bus Timetable #2 (Westbound). From Shingu: Bus Timetable #3 (Northbound), Bus Timetable #4 (Southbound).
Nearest bus stops: Koguchi, Ukegawa
Accommodations: There are guesthouses in Koguchi. Lodgings are available in Hongu, Yunomine Onsen, and Kawayu Onsen.
Restrooms: Koguchi, Forestry junction south of Hyakken-gura, Ukegawa
Maps: Hongu area, Kawayu Onsen, Hongu, Yunomine Onsen