Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau

The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage is an immersive journey for the active inquisitive traveler.
The World is One. We are One.
Are you a Dual Pilgrim? Have you experienced the Camino de Santiago?
A diversity of unique accommodations are waiting for you.
A trek along the Kumano Kodo is a culinary journey into Japan's gastronomic traditions.
Soothing hot springs nurture the body and spirit.

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.

News ＆ Stories

Updates

3/8/2024

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...

5/2/2023

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...

4/1/2022

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...

Articles

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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Getting Started

Onsen

Reservations