The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage is an immersive journey for the active inquisitive traveler.
Pilgrimage to Japan’s
Spiritual Origins
The ancient Kumano region is nestled in the verdant mountains of Wakayama Prefecture—the spiritual heartland of Japan. Worshipped for centuries, this lush and rugged area has been considered the abode of the gods.
Walk the spiritual Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, soak and relax in the healing waters of isolated onsen, dine on delicious local cuisine, interact with the friendly locals—what kind of adventures await you in this sacred land?
Kumano Kodo
熊野古道
For over 1000 years, people from all levels of society, including retired emperors and aristocrats, have made the arduous pilgrimage to the sacred sites in Kumano. These pilgrims used a network of routes, now called the Kumano Kodo, which stretched across the mountainous Kii Peninsula, weaving its way through remote villages and forests on a mixture of well-trodden trails and ancient cobblestone paths.
News ＆ Stories
Updates
Updated Set Booking Times To better manage booking demand while maintaining our sustainable operations, we will be changing our reservation request hours as follows.(From 15:00 (JST) on Friday, February 27,...
EXCLUSIVE Self-guided ToursKUMANO KODO Exclusive Self-Guided Tour | Intermediate | 6 days | Mar/Apr/May 2026KUMANO KODO Exclusive Self-Guided Walk and Meditation Tour | Advanced | 7 days | Spring 2026KUMANO...
Riding Buses during Peak Fall Season Local buses are a great way to get around the Kumano area, but they can be crowded or full at certain times and certain...
Oct 1st (Wed) 2025 KUMANO KODO ROUTE CHANGE NOTICE The detour between Nakado-Jaya Teahouse remains and Jagata Jizo returns to the original trail via Iwagami-oji.
Articles
- Hints & Tips
What to Do When Traditional Boat Tour Can’t Be Booked
The Traditional Boat Tour is a popular excursion along the Kumanogawa River.
... - Hints & Tips
Miura-guchi Fully Booked? Stay in Totsukawa & Use the Kohechi Bus
Limited Capacity in Miura-guchi
The Kumano Kodo Kohechi is starting to gain ... - Places & Stories
Koguchi: Meditative Kumano Mountain Refuge
The small settlement of Koguchi is tucked into a quiet river valley along the K... - News & Updates
EVENING RIDE Share in Hongu
Hongu area has a new ride-share program called "EVENING RIDE" providing transpo... - News & UpdatesWhat to Do When Traditional Boat Tour Can’t Be Booked
The Traditional Boat Tour is a popular excursion along the Kumanogawa River.
...
- News & UpdatesMiura-guchi Fully Booked? Stay in Totsukawa & Use the Kohechi Bus
Limited Capacity in Miura-guchi
The Kumano Kodo Kohechi is starting to gain ...
- News & UpdatesKoguchi: Meditative Kumano Mountain Refuge
The small settlement of Koguchi is tucked into a quiet river valley along the K...
- News & UpdatesEVENING RIDE Share in Hongu
Hongu area has a new ride-share program called "EVENING RIDE" providing transpo...
Getting Started
Detailed pilgrimage route maps.
Local bus access information.
Sample trips for inspiration.
Short, fun and informational videos.
Way of St.James & the Kumano Kodo.
Find a place to dine on local cuisine.
A popular reference and souvenir book.
Baggage logistics during your trip.
Onsen
Reservations
KUMANO TRAVEL
Official Community Reservation System
KUMANO TRAVEL is the official community reservation system for the region, an international award-winning new model of grassroots tourism development. By making reservations locally with KUMANO TRAVEL you are directly supporting our community.
Over 1000 Years’ Experience, Quality Personal Service, Intimate Knowledge, Locally Owned & Operated, Travelers’ Safety Net, Responsible & Sustainable, Freedom to Discover, Secure Booking, Onsite Travel Support Center…
One of the most progressive tourism outfits in all Japan. [Lonely Planet]
Amazing resource of information! We couldn’t have planned the trip without it. [Guest]