For your convenience and to ensure a smooth trip, we recommend that you choose a flight that arrives at Kansai International Airport by 14:00 on the same day, and then take the JR line to Kii-Tanabe, the gateway to the Kumano Kodo, where you will be greeted by our tour leader. (If you have questions about purchasing a JR ticket, please contact a staff member for assistance)

In the evening, we will experience the traditional food of the local countryside. Tanabe is connected to the mountains and backed by the sea, which is rich in culinary resources, and in addition to fresh seafood, izakaya (pubs) will be the perfect place to create a slightly drunken night, and start a cultural tour of Japan on foot. Please note that dinner will not be served after 19:30.

Accommodation : HOTEL KII TANABE (or similar)

Meal : (On Own); Supper (Welcome Dinner)

- Reference Hotel Pictures

After breakfast, we will take a bus to Takijiri-oji for a day of hiking. We will pass through Takahara, known as the "Village in the Mist", and then proceed to Gyubadoji, a representative symbol of the Kumano Kodo Nakasendo, and then to Chikatsuyu-oji, where we will finish our first day's hike and transfer to Nokono. Next, we will continue to Chikatsuyu-oji, where we will finish the first day's hike and transfer to Noguchu for overnight.

Note: Depending on the availability of accommodation during the off-peak season, we may be able to arrange for groups to return to Tanabe during the exceptionally tight months of March/April and October/November.

Accommodation : (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Picnic); Supper (Hotel Restaruant)

Trekking Distance : 14 kilometers

Trekking Time : 7-8 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : +1000／-800 meters

- Reference Hotel Pictures

After breakfast  we will depart from Nonaka and hike to Kumano Hongu Taisha (Kumano Hongu Shrine). This is one of the most important shrines in Japan and is regarded as a marvel of wooden architecture. It is rumored to symbolize the crossroads between the mortal and divine worlds and boasts the world's largest torii (TorriGate). For those who have completed the Santiago Pilgrimage Trail hike, don't forget to bring your certificate and we will pick up your double pilgrimage certification at the main shrine. Today will be a longer day, so after a full day of traveling, let the beauty of Kawayu Onsen and its natural hot spring water wash away the fatigue of a day's hiking and accompany you to sweet dreams.

Note: Depending on the availability of accommodations, we may also stay at Yunomine Onsen on this day.

Accommodation : MIDORIYA (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Picnic); Supper (Hotel Restaruant)

Trekking Distance : 22 kilometers

Trekking Time : 7-8 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : ＋600／－300 meters

- Reference Hotel Pictures

We take a shuttle bus from Ukegawa to Koguchi. Today's section is called Kogumotori-goe, and we'll cross a small mountain that not only has a beautiful name, but also has an exceptionally peaceful and elegant setting. We'll stay the night at Koguchi shizen-no-ie, the most rustic Kansai hotel in the area, which used to be the local middle school.

Accommodation : (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Picnic); Supper (Hotel Restaruant)

Trekking Distance : 13.5 kilometers

Trekking Time : 5-6 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : ＋560/－500 meters

- Reference Hotel Pictures

Today you will need to get up early and hike from the small crossing to Nachi Taisha, over the scenic "Ogumotori-goe", through dense forests and along rugged trails that will amaze you that the fairy tale world of Japan really exists in reality. After visiting Kumano Nachi Taisha and Seiganto-ji, end the day at Nachi Waterfall, Japan's No. 1 waterfall, for an exciting end to the hike. Arrive at Katsuura that evening, where you may be interested in the tuna sashimi.

Note: Depending on the tightness of accommodation, we may stay in Shingu on the same day.

Accommodation : 越之湯Koshinoyu (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Picnic)

Trekking Distance : 22 kilometers

Trekking Time : more than 8 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : ＋1200/－1000 meters

- Reference Hotel Pictures

Wake up early to visit the real fish market located by the harbor, where the tuna caught in the inshore waters will be auctioned and we will have a chance to witness this spectacular scene (the fish market cannot be visited when it is closed or when the catch is low). Then, we will go back to our accommodation to pick up our luggage and wave goodbye to our tour leader, and return to Osaka (Shin-osaka) or Kansai Airport from KII-KATSUURA.

Depending on your flight, you can buy souvenirs and leave on the JR line, or go to Koyasan for a 2-day Zen Refinement Tour. Please let us know in advance if you would like to book an extension of the tour or stay one more night in Katsuura.

It is highly recommended to book a flight after 18:00 in the evening, as the return trip on the JR line takes 4 hours.

Accommodation : Own arrangement

Meal : Breakfast