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
Fall 2024 Self-guided Package Tours On Sale
On sale
Kumano Immersive Fall Pilgrimage - 5 days Self-Guided | Intermediate | Nov 10~14, 2024
Booked out
Ancient Kumano Pilgrimage Experience - 5 days Self-Guided | Intermediate | October 22~26, 2024
Kumano Kodo Pilgrim’s Journey - 6 days Self-Guided | Advanced | Nov 11~16, 2024
Kumano Kodo Pilgrim’s Journey - 6 days Self-Guided | Advanced | November 22~27, 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 understanding.
【Booking Times】
From Monday March 11, 2024: Daily 9:00 to 17:00 (Japan Standard Time)
During this time frame the KUMANO TRAVEL site is open for reservation requests. For current users access to your MyPage, including MyChat, changes and cancellations are available anytime with no closure period.
NOTE: We are not able to receive any last-minute reservation requests by e-mail or phone calls.
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 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 asked to plan in advance and use the KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation System
https://www.kumano-travel.com/en
Articles
- Hints & TipsWhat to Do with an Extra Day in Tanabe Spending an extra day/night in Tanabe before you start the Kumano Kodo walk can...
- Hints & TipsKUMANO KODO Walk Options between Chikatsuyu/Nonaka and Kumano Hongu Taisha Walking the Kumano Kodo between the Chikatsuyu/Nonaka area and Kumano Hongu Tai...
- News & UpdatesJob Openings Would you like to be a part of an innovative sustainable tourism bureau team in...
- News & UpdatesSystem Booking Times and Maintenance Information In an effort to meet the demand for bookings and keep to our sustainable manage...
- Hints & TipsStamps on the Kumano Kodo Collecting stamps along the Kumano Kodo can be fun and provides a printed comme...
- News & UpdatesCongratulations 5000th DUAL PILGRIM On October 7th, 2023 in Santiago de Compostela the 5000th DUAL PILGRIM was regi...
- Hints & TipsCamping on the KUMANO KODO Camping on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route with your own tent is not common, bu...
- Media & AccoladesKUMANO KODO Best Sustainable Travel Award Winner 2023 Japan Travel Awards 2023 The Japan Travel Awards recognizes destinations in ...
- Hints & TipsWalking 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 & StoriesSpiritual Package: Aikido Experience and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Get to know the deep cultural and spiritual roots of Japan through the unique A...
- Places & StoriesLocals Share Passion for Foreign Cultures "Xosh gelminshsiniz!" That's Azerbaijani for "Welcome!"Foreign visitors from al...
- Hints & TipsKUMANO KODO Planning Now that travelers are allowed to enter Japan, one of the most common questions...
- News & Updates2nd Kumano International Professional Guide Training accepting applications! 10 Spaces Open for January 2023 Are you an English-speaking guide for the Ku...
- Hints & TipsBarrier-free Options for Visiting the KUMANO KODO Access to information and core sites for people from all walks of life on the K...
- Media & AccoladesSharing Guests’ Heartwarming Feedback Over the nearly two decades of supporting guests and local community members, w...
- Hints & TipsTraveling the KUMANO KODO with Children Traveling with children can be a very fun and rewarding—if not exhausting and c...
- Hints & TipsEat & DrinkFinding Vegetarian & Vegan Options along the KUMANO KODO For many, dining at inns along the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi pilgrimage route i...
- Places & StoriesQ & A with Local KUMANO KODO Guide Mike Rhodes Having a "Passion" for Japan Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau consultant an...
- Eat & DrinkKumano Restaurants Awarded Michelin Status! For the first time ever, Wakayama prefecture in Japan was included in The Miche...
- News & UpdatesKUMANO KODO Guide Training Nurtures Local Resources As part of its ongoing mission to develop local guides and resources for the UN...
- News & UpdatesPreserving 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 & UpdatesThe World is One. We are the Same. “The world is one. We are the same”, has been an integral experience for people...
- Hints & TipsDealing with Garbage on the Trail What do we do with our trash, Mike? I don't know where to throw it away? I...
- Hints & TipsKUMANO KODO Trekking Backpack Contents What’s in My Bag? Hi, I’m Mike, a resident and local guide for the Kumano Ko...
- Media & Accolades2020 Hometown Development Grand Prize Award Winner We are thrilled to announce that the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau has been...
- Places & StoriesCreating 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 & AccoladesJapan Tourism Awards 2019-Double Award Winner The Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau is proud to announce that we were honored...
- Media & AccoladesTourism 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]