Kumano Kodo Kohechi Trail Trekking Tour in Japan
Join certified mountain guide Hama on a thrilling 4-day Kumano Kodo trekking tour in Japan! Discover sacred sites and stunning landscapes on an unforgettable adventure!
Private
4 Days
Apr - Jun, Oct, Nov
Very high
Advanced
Highlights
- Visit over 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites sacred to Japanese Buddhism and Shinto
- Stay at family-run Ryokan Inns in beautiful hot-spring towns
- Enjoy hiking through some of Japan’s most beautiful areas
Description
Explore the Kohechi Trail—a remote and challenging route of the Kumano Kodo that links the sacred sites of Koyasan and Kumano Hongu through deep forests, quiet villages, and mountain passes. Ideal for experienced hikers seeking solitude and spiritual depth
The Kumano Kodo is a UNESCO world heritage pilgrimage route that leads to the awe-inspiring Kumano Hongu Shrine. This ancient Shinto shrine is located in the rugged mountains of the Kii Peninsula of Japan. Pilgrims have walked to this shrine for over 1,000 years. On this trekking tour in Japan, we will get the chance to go down this route and explore the country’s natural beauty as well as some of its most sacred sites.
The entire trip will take place in rural Japan. Therefore, we will enjoy staying in very traditional and simple Ryokan inns where we will have the chance to try delicious local cuisine. Additionally, many of these inns also have in-house onsen hot springs, perfect for recovering after a long day outdoors. Our tour will combine both hiking and sightseeing. Please keep in mind that one of our tour days will be spent entirely hiking, therefore, you will need a good fitness level.
So, are you ready to discover some of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes and sacred places? Then book your place now and join us on this unique 4-day Kumano Kodo trekking adventure!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Price details
- Accommodation cost is not included in the tour price
- Clients are expected to pay for accommodation directly on-site, including the guide’s expenses
- (e.g., if there are 3 participants, please budget for 4 people in total)
- If you plan to stay at a monk’s residence (shukubō) the night before the hike in Koyasan, please arrange your own reservation in advance or ask your guide well in advance
- The guide will meet you either at your accommodation or at the Koyasan Tourist Information Center on the morning of Day 1
- If you choose lodge-to-lodge luggage delivery, the guide will share the address of the Day 1 accommodation
- Please ensure your luggage arrives no later than the day of check-in
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Koyasan to Omata
Distance: 17.2 km / 10.7 miles Elevation Gain: 690 m / 2,260 ft Elevation Loss: 840 m / 2,755 ft Hiking Time: ~6 hours
09:00 Meet your guide at the Koyasan Tourist Information Center 15:00 Arrive at Kawarabiso Lodge in Omata 18:00 Dinner (wild boar hotpot) Optional Hot Spring Visit: Hotel Nosegawa (10 minutes by bicycle or shuttle)
Bath Fee: ¥600 Towel Rental: ¥300 Lodging Cost: ¥10,500 per person Includes dinner, breakfast, and bento lunch
Day 2: Omata to Totsukawa
Distance: 12.9 km / 8.0 miles Elevation Gain: 740 m / 2,430 ft Elevation Loss: 1,090 m / 3,575 ft Hiking Time: ~5.5 hours
08:00 Depart after breakfast 10:45 Pass through Obako Path 13:15 Reach trailhead for Mt. Obako 14:00 Check in at Minshuku Yamamoto, a family-run farmhouse inn 17:30 Dinner Lodging Cost: ¥9,500 per person Includes dinner, breakfast, and bento lunch
Day 3: Totsukawa to Hotel Subaru
Distance: 18.9 km / 11.7 miles Elevation Gain: 815 m / 2,670 ft Elevation Loss: 1,050 m / 3,445 ft Hiking Time: ~7 hours
08:00 Departure 10:15 Cross Miura Pass at 1,000 m / 3,280 ft 15:00 Arrive at Hotel Subaru, a mountain resort with hot spring Lodging Cost: ¥17,000–¥40,000 per person Includes dinner and breakfast; price varies by room type and availability
Day 4: Hotel Subaru to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine
Distance: 15.0 km / 9.3 miles Elevation Gain: 1,075 m / 3,527 ft Elevation Loss: 1,170 m / 3,839 ft Hiking Time: ~7 hours
07:30 Departure 08:30 Pass through Hatenashi Village 10:20 Cross Hatenashi Pass at 1,040 m / 3,400 ft 13:20 Visit Sangenjaya Tea House Ruins 14:10 Arrive at Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine and explore Oyunohara 15:10 End of the hike
Details
Accommodation
Ryokan (Japanese inn) or Hotel
Disclaimer
To ensure safety and enjoyment on this challenging route, participants must meet the following prerequisites:
- Prior hiking experience is required
- You must be capable of completing hikes of up to 8 hours per day on mountain trails with significant elevation gain and loss
- All participants must submit a brief summary of their recent hiking history to the guide prior to confirmation.
This helps assess physical readiness for the Kohechi Trail Please note that the Kohechi Route is not suitable for beginners or casual walkers. It includes steep ascents and descents, remote terrain, and limited access to facilities.
Equipment you will need to bring
Water bottle
Backpack
Poles
Sunglasses
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Hama & Guides’ Team
4.5
(32)
Guide Agency
Languages
English | Japanese
Certificates
JMGA | UIMLA
What people are saying about Hama & Guides’ Team
Chloe
Colin
Rachel
Hama was a wonderful guide! He was so helpful, and we really appreciated his flexibility to work around the weather. He made our trip excellent, and we would recommend him and the service.
Ignacio
Sean
Hama was an exceptional guide and was well prepared prior and during the ascent. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Recommend him very highly indeed!!
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