Congratulations. You have booked all of your accommodations and paid for them through the KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation System.
Well done on your hard work and patience.
But, there are a few more essential steps before your Kumano Kodo trip.
Before You Depart
Download Your Vouchers
Visiting the rural Japanese countryside can be complicated.
It is important to understand what you have signed up for, and what accommodations, tours, and services you have reserved.
That is what your Voucher is for.
What is a Voucher?
Your voucher is your confirmation and proof of your booked reservation with KUMANO TRAVEL and payment.
It has your name, reservation number, and dates of travel. You will need this to check into your accommodation, to drop off your bags with a luggage supplier, or at the start of a pre-booked tour or guided service.
Download your vouchers
- Go to your MyPage account.
- Open your reservation.
- Download your Vouchers for each of your reservations (see diagram).
- Print them out. Take them with you on your trip to the Kumano area.
- Or store them as a file on your phone you plan to take with you when you travel.
Review your vouchers
Check your vouchers closely.
Familiarize yourself with what you are doing each day.
They include your name, reservation number, dates of your travel, and detailed accommodation information like the number and distribution of rooms.
The NOTES section in the back has detailed information regarding tours and services such as:
● Daily luggage service pick-up locations (at the reception of the accommodation or in front of Kii-Tanabe Station outside of the TANABE Tourist Information Center) and times.
● Taxi pick-up times and locations.
● Accommodation scheduled check-in times.
● Guide meeting place and time.
● Tour information.
Download and review the Reservation Outline
The Reservation Outline is another useful tool for reviewing the flow of your Kumano Kodo trip.
It lists the booked accommodations and services chronologically with details for each.
※ Note: This is NOT a voucher.
Check Locations and Accommodations
Maps and Course Information
Local official trail and area maps are available online or for download.
Information includes trailheads, bus stops, most accommodations, toilets, Dual Pilgrim stamp locations, road junctions, important sites, and detailed trail information.
Section overview and course details are also available online.
Accommodation Information
Detailed information about each accommodation is available online.
Information includes amenities, access information, check-in times, facilities, plans, and more.
Review Local Transportation
A complete list of bus timetables for the Kumano area is available online. Check these in conjunction with the official maps to find key bus stops.
Review suggestions online on how to get to the Kumano area from other major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or even from the Buddhist mountain enclave of Koyasan.
Remember to Book Services and Lunches in Advance
If you have not already booked daily luggage shuttle, bento box lunches, traditional boat tour, or tour guides, do it now.
Reservation requests for these services must be made at least 20 days in advance of arrival, and especially tours and guides can be booked out in advance.
Travel Services
- Luggage Shuttle Service
- Official Guide Book & Pilgrim Pack
- Koyasan & Kumano Access Bus
- Taxi
- Bento Lunch Box
- Rental Car
Tours & Activities
- River tours
- Ocean tours
- Local Guides
- Sightseeing
- Experiences
- Local Package Tours
Preparation Tools
Restaurant Guide
Staying a night in Tanabe? Interested in other restaurants in other villages? Check out the Restaurant Guide.
Kumano Kodo Tips
Detour information, safety tips, weather, climate, clothing and gear suggestions, and other vital preparation information is compiled here.
Model Itineraries
For guests who used a model itinerary to assist them with booking, reviewing it once again is recommended. Model itineraries contain course, transportation, timing suggestions essential for your trip.
No Meals Plan Options
There are some options for guests who select No Meals plans or stay at private rental guesthouses with no meals.
Food Options on the Kumano Kodo for Guests with No Meals Plan
Dual Pilgrim
A “Dual Pilgrim” has walked both the Kumano Kodo and the Way of St.James (Camino de Santiago).
Useful Articles
There are many useful articles about things to do, local culture, World Heritage, traveling with children, and more.
Once You Arrive
Orient Yourself
Most visitors will arrive at JR Kii-Tanabe train station to start their Kumano Kodo journey.
It is a small, rural station with only one exit.
Inside the station are coin lockers and a 7-11 convenience store.
Exit the station, turn left. The TANABE Tourist Information Center is the building next door.
Bus Stop #2 for the Kumano Kodo is in front of the information center as is the drop-off for pre-booked luggage shuttle service.
Drop off Pre-Booked Luggage for Delivery
Guests with pre-booked daily luggage shuttle with Kii-Tanabe Station pick-up should bring their bags to the designated spot outside of the TANABE Tourist Information Center at the designated time.
Have your printed voucher ready to show to the provider.
※ Travel should be arranged to meet scheduled pick-up times. If trains are delayed, guests should contact KUMANO TRAVEL (not the information center) through their account, preferably through the Chat function.
IMPORTANT: Daily luggage shuttle MUST be booked in advance.
For last-minute or additional luggage, guests should consider using next-day delivery service (like Yamato Ta-Q-Bin) available at local convenience stores to ship their bags to their last accommodation on their Kumano journey. Japan Post Office offers a similar service called Yu-Pack.
Visit the TANABE Tourist Information Center
Things you can pick up/do at the TANABE Tourist Information Center:
- Pick up official Kumano Kodo maps in English or Japanese.
- Ask counter staff for a Dual Pilgrim stamp credential.
- Ask staff for lunch recommendations, trail or bus advice, and locations of Tanabe accommodations.
- Purchase same-day bus tickets to the Kumano Kodo via ticket machine with cash, credit card or IC card.
- If staying a night in Tanabe, pick up a copy of the Gourmet Guide for suggestions for dinner in the Ajikoji restaurant and entertainment district.
※ The TANABE Tourist Information Center is not an office for KUMANO TRAVEL. Guests with questions about their booked reservations should contact KUMANO TRAVEL via Chat. KUMANO TRAVEL business hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:00, excluding national holidays.
Other Useful Information
Last-minute Changes Not Possible
Please note that last-minute changes or additions to luggage shuttle service, accommodations, meals, or other services are not permitted.
Such requests put undue stress on local resources and are not possible.
Please make necessary changes and additions in advance prior to arriving in Tanabe.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Now, have a great trip!