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  • Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route Nakahechi
    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?

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Kumano Kodo

熊野古道

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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.

Nakahechi
Kohechi
Ohechi
Iseji

News ＆ Stories

Updates

Reserve Your JR Kuroshio Seats in Advance - Limited Availability Due to Increased Domestic Tourism There has been a significant increase in demand for southbound JR Kuroshio limited express train...

Thank you for visiting our site! The KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation Site is currently operating with set operational times.We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your...

DETOUR NOTICE on the Kohechi RouteThe main trail on the north side of the Obako-toge pass on the Kumano Kodo Kohechi route has experienced a landslide, so please follow the...

Notice of Indefinite Closure Due to the indefinite closure of the KUMANO TRAVEL Travel Support Center as of Friday, April 1, 2022, last-minute travel arrangements are not possible onsite. Guests are...

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Getting Started

KUMANO KODO
MAPS

Detailed pilgrimage route maps.

BUS
TIMETABLES

Local bus access information.

MODEL ITINERARIES

Sample trips for inspiration.

HOW-TO
VIDEOS

Short, fun and informational videos.

ARE YOU A DUAL
PILGRIM?

Way of St.James & the Kumano Kodo.

RESTAURANT
GUIDE

Find a place to dine on local cuisine.

OFFICIAL GUIDE
BOOK

A popular reference and souvenir book.

LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
& STORAGE

Baggage logistics during your trip.

Kumano Kodo Tips & Safety

Onsen

Kawayu Onsen Unique River Hot Spring
Yunomine Onsen Spiritual Hot Spring
Ryujin Onsen Beautifying Hot Spring
Wataze/Watarase Onsen Giant Outdoor Hot Spring
Shirahama Onsen Beach-side Hot Spring
Totsukawa Onsen Kakenagashi Hot Spring
Katsuura Onsen Seaside Hot Spring
How to Enjoy a Japanese Bath

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…

Book Local Now

One of the most progressive tourism outfits in all Japan. [Lonely Planet]

KUMANO TRAVEL Kumano Kodo accommodations reservations
Accommodations
The KUMANO TRAVEL official community reservation system has a diversity of Tours and Activities available for online booking. Travel responsible, Book local!
Tours & Activities
Kumano Kodo Luggage Shuttle
Travel Services
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route Nakahechi
Model Itineraries

Amazing resource of information! We couldn’t have planned the trip without it. [Guest]

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