[Japan] Kumano Kodo - World Heritage Pilgrimage Trek

- 5月 18, 2017

Intro
Located at the bottom of Wakayama-ken is one of the most famous pilgrimage route in the World. Whilst trekking the Kumano Kodo you are treading along the footsteps of hundreds of years of history. This trek was originally started from Kyoto but now most people attempt the 3-5 day traverse across from Takajiri in the West to Nachi falls in the West visiting the three Kumano temples along the way. There are many different routes but the most common and the one I trekked is called the Nakahechi trail.

For more details of itineraries and routes please refer to http://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/nakahechi/

Getting there
Most people start from Takajiri which can be reached from the town of Tanabe by bus. Tanabe is connected by train and long distance bus.

Overnight highway bus (Yokohama -> Tanabe)

You can buy the bus ticket in a combini (With a bit of Japanese knowledge or assistance)

The route is well signed throughout the trek, it is worth picking up a free walking guide in Tanabe from the tourist information which will give you timings and elevation information to allow you to better plan

Reaching the "End"- (End for me) From Takajiri to Kumano Hongu Taisha the distance is 32.5 Km and every 500m you will find a distance marker to motivate you to keep going!

Planning
Depending on your fitness or time constraints you could do as little as one day to 5 full days of hiking. Along the way there are lots of ryokans available which are best to book ahead. The highlights along the way are the onsen towns (Kawayu Onsen and Yunomine) located near to Kumano Hongu and also the Nachi Waterfall at the far east of the trail.

From Tanabe take a bus to the trail head at Takajiri. From here to Kumano Hongu is 32.5 km and at least one night is required and some people take it easy and take two. I spent a night at Tsugizakura-oji (Nonaka Sanso) http://www.kumano-travel.com/index/en/action_ContentsDetail_Detail/id91. If you are booking well ahead, you can book online through the website link above or if the trip is a bit last minute I recommend to call ahead to reserve using the information provided online.

Enjoying some well earned dinner after a long days trek!

The Trek
The trail is really easy to follow and is well signed. It's worth picking up a free trail map from the tourist info in Tanabe to give you an idea of timings to different places so don't miss your Ryokan dinner! Walking boots are advisable as well as decent supply of water although you can fill up along the way.