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
Wakayama Refresh Plan S Wide for Kumano Kodo Visitors
Wakayama Refresh Plan S Wide, a product of the nationwide travel assistance program, will resume on Saturday, November 5, and will continue until Tuesday, December 20, 2022.
※This campaign is for Japanese citizens and non-Japanese resident visa-holders only.
For more information:
Wakayama Refresh Plan S Wide on the KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation System.
Re-booking Cancelled Reservations
For guests who had to cancel their accommodation and services because of Covid-19, please understand that making new requests is necessary.
Canceled reservations were released in the system, and there is no automated re-request function.
Re-booking Cancelled Reservations information
New Japan Travel Regulations from Oct 11, 2022
From October 11, 2022, Japan is re-opening with visa-free (for designated countries) unlimited number of international tourist. It is very important that you review the most current information before your travels, both your country of departure and that of Japan. We are not responsible for cancellations that are caused by guests that did not (or do not qualify) for entry into Japan in regards to Covid-19 boarder restrictions.
Yunomine Onsen Public Bath Re-opens April 2022
Yunomine Onsen Public Bath will reopen Saturday, April 23, 2022, after two years of renovation work.
The ticket machine for the UNESCO World Heritage onsen bath "Tsuboyu" will be relocated to the Public Bath ticket booth in the center of town near Toko-ji Temple.
Yunomine Onsen Public Bath information.
Articles
- Hints & Tips
Walking Kumano Kodo and No Availability in Smaller Communities: What to do! The Kumano Kodo is an ancient trail that runs through the mountains of the Kii ...
- News & UpdatesPlaces & Stories
Spiritual Package: Aikido Experience and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Get to know the deep cultural and spiritual roots of Japan through the unique A...
- News & Updates
Wakayama Refresh Plan S Wide Resumes until December KUMANO TRAVEL once more Receiving Requests The Wakayama Refresh Plan S W...
- Places & Stories
Locals Share Passion for Foreign Cultures "Xosh gelminshsiniz!" That's Azerbaijani for "Welcome!"Foreign visitors from al...
- Hints & Tips
Kumano Kodo Planning Now that travelers are allowed to enter Japan, one of the most common questions...
- News & Updates
2nd Kumano International Professional Guide Training accepting applications! 10 Spaces Open for January 2023 Are you an English-speaking guide for the Ku...
- Hints & Tips
Barrier-free Options for Visiting the Kumano Kodo Access to information and core sites for people from all walks of life on the K...
- Media & Accolades
Sharing Guests’ Heartwarming Feedback Over the nearly two decades of supporting guests and local community members, w...
- Hints & Tips
Traveling the Kumano Kodo with Children Traveling with children can be a very fun and rewarding—if not exhausting and c...
- Hints & TipsEat & Drink
Finding Vegetarian & Vegan Options along the Kumano Kodo For many, dining at inns along the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi pilgrimage route i...
- News & UpdatesEat & Drink
Kumano Restaurants Awarded Michelin Status! For the first time ever, Wakayama prefecture in Japan was included in The Miche...
- News & UpdatesMedia & Accolades
Kumano Kodo Guide Training Nurtures Local Resources As part of its ongoing mission to develop local guides and resources for the UN...
- News & Updates
Preserving Japan’s Ancient Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Network Crowdfunding Campaign (Oct~Dec, 2020) The tangible and intangible benefits of Japan’s Kumano Kodo pilgrimage experien...
- News & Updates
The World is One. We are the Same. “The world is one. We are the same”, has been an integral experience for people...
- Hints & Tips
Dealing with Garbage on the Trail What do we do with our trash, Mike? I don't know where to throw it away? I g...
- Hints & Tips
Kumano Kodo Trekking Backpack Contents What’s in My Bag? Hi, I’m Mike, a resident and local guide for the Kumano Ko...
- Media & Accolades
2020 Hometown Development Grand Prize Award Winner We are thrilled to announce that the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau has been...
- Places & Stories
Creating a New Model of Grassroots Community-based Tourism in the Sacred Region of Kumano Interview of Brad Towle for the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sacred Kum...
- Media & Accolades
Japan Tourism Awards 2019-Double Award Winner The Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau is proud to announce that we were honored...
- Media & Accolades
Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, Destination Stewardship Finalist Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau (TCKTB) is a finalist for the World Travel an...
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]