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
KUMANO TRAVEL System Maintenance Notice
The online KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation Systemis undergoing service maintenance from 0:00 to 3:00 September 26, 2023 (Tuesday) (3 hours) Japan Standard Time.
Access to MyPage accounts or website will not be possible during this time.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Bus Service Detour and Limited Schedule: Hongu Taisha-mae to Hosshinmon-oji: Sept 4 to Oct 13, 2023
Due to ongoing road improvement on Route 168, service between Hongu Taisha-mae and Hosshinmon-oji bus stops is temporarily operating a detour on a reduced schedule on Route 168 weekdays (Monday to Friday, excluding national holidays) from Monday, September 4 to Friday, October 13, 2023.
Ryujin Bus Hosshinmon-oji bus information in English
DETOUR NOTICE on the Kohechi Route
The 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 detour over the peak. (from May 2, 2023)
Notice of Temporary Closure
Due to temporary closure of the KUMANO TRAVEL Travel Support Center as of Friday, April 1, 2022,last minute travel arrangements such as accommodation, luggage transport, will now be available at the TANABE Tourist Information Center next to JR Kii-Tanabe Station.
For more information about this:
https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/resources/travel-support-center/
Articles
- Hints & TipsPlaces & Stories
Camping on the Kumano Kodo
Camping on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route with your own tent is not common, bu... - Media & Accolades
Kumano Kodo Best Sustainable Travel Award Winner 2023
Japan Travel Awards 2023
The Japan Travel Awards recognizes destinations in ... - 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 ... - Places & Stories
Spiritual Package: Aikido Experience and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
Get to know the deep cultural and spiritual roots of Japan through the unique A... - 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 & UpdatesPlaces & Stories
Q & A with Local Kumano Kodo Guide Mike Rhodes
Having a "Passion" for Japan
Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau consultant an... - 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... - 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]
Amazing resource of information! We couldn’t have planned the trip without it. [Guest]