One of the most common questions we get is “How do I plan for my trip to the Kumano Kodo?”
So we have put together some tips on how to plan and book your accommodations for your Kumano Kodo visit!
Use Model Itineraries
Many guests find our model itineraries useful in helping them plan their visit.
Potential visitors can select sample itineraries based on the number of days they want to stay or the difficulty of walking they would like to do.
It is important to keep in mind that our model itineraries are not packaged tours but rather detailed planning tools to assist guests with their visits. They can be amended as guests like.
Limited Capacity in Smaller Settlements
Some of the smaller settlements such as Takahara, Chikatsuyu/Nonaka and Koguchi have limited capacity and fill up quickly during peak spring and fall periods. Using public transport and staying in areas with more capacity are good options if this happens.
Look for Accommodation
You can make reservations online via the KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation System.
All of the accommodations and prices are listed online.
Many of the accommodations are rustic, traditional inns or homes.
By clicking on the “Accommodations” icon on the main page, visitors will be taken to an area map with links to accommodations in various areas of the Kumano Kodo.
Visitors can use areas suggested by the model itineraries to search for accommodation.
How to Book Reservations
Making booking requests on the KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation System is a simple two-step process.
STEP 1: Make a reservation request
STEP 2: Pay to finalize the booking
Please note: the KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation System doesn’t stock rooms so availability isn’t 100% immediately secured until our agents contact the service providers directly.
If the service provider informs us that they are fully booked then a block is put on the system. If visitors receive the error message, “Sorry, reservations are not available for this date,” it means that accommodation or service is fully booked.
Error Message
If you get this message:
“Sorry, reservations are not available for this date or it is below the minimum number of days required to make a reservation request.“
It could mean that the accommodation is fully booked, or closed. It could also mean that it is within 20 days before the day of departure, which is past the deadline for online reservation requests.
Last-minute Requests
KUMANO TRAVEL closes all reservations 20 days prior to the check-in date. After this deadline, bookings cannot be accepted through the website.
Please note that some accommodations may accept direct bookings from their own websites or other booking windows, but availability may vary or even differ from KUMANO TRAVEL.
Many have joined the KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation System to simplify the booking process with inbound guests and avoid the difficulty of managing direct inquiries in languages other than Japanese.
If you choose to contact a rural accommodation directly, please do so with consideration of their privacy, business operations, and possibly limited or no English speaking ability. Excessive or inappropriate inquiries may interfere with their daily operations, especially during peak seasons.
Changing Reservations
For guests who would like to change the dates of their booked accommodations, please understand that canceling their current reservations and making new requests are necessary.
KUMANO TRAVEL does not stock rooms, so just cannot “slide” requests over for other dates. Availability can only be confirmed when an official request is received and staff contact the accommodation directly.
Many things such as availability, prices, accommodations, and service details, new reservation requests must be re-entered into the automated online KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation System. Sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
Read the Terms & Conditions
Be sure to read the terms and conditions for booking with KUMANO TRAVEL, especially our cancellation policy.
Consider Travel Services
Enhance your experience with area travel services!
Consider daily luggage shuttle for your larger bags, bento box lunches, reserved taxis, and more to help you concentrate on enjoying your Kumano Kodo experience!
Book a Guide, Tour or Experience
Deepen your Kumano Kodo experience with a local, knowledgeable, professional guide.
Or float down the Kumano-gawa River like ancient nobles on a Traditional boat Tour.
River rafting, period clothing, whale-watching, local guided tours (and more) all will expand your cultural and spiritual understanding of the Kumano Kodo area.
Local Package Tours are always being added, so check them out too!
Preparation Is Important
Check out our Kumano Kodo Tips & Safety section to answer your questions about weather, climate, what to bring, creatures on the trail, suggested clothing, how to prepare and more!
An essential first before you pack!
Once You Have Booked Your Trip …
Whew! You did it! You booked your accommodations, but you are still not done.
Double-check to see what other steps you need to take before visiting the Kumano Kodo for your pilgrimage.
Hints
● Book about 6 months in advance for peak seasons (spring and fall).
● Have alternative dates and accommodations in mind when you are planning.
● Consider purchasing the Official Guide Book | Pilgrim Pack to learn more about the pilgrimage, its history, the landscape of the area, local culture, before you arrive. (Delivery times and costs may vary for different countries. And some areas may not be able to receive delivery of the Pilgrim Pack.)
● Relax and be flexible. Your pilgrimage will happen!