Thinking About Hiking Japan’s 1,000-Year-Old Kumano Kodo Trail?
If you’re considering hiking the Kumano Kodo, Japan’s sacred pilgrimage trail, here’s what we wish we had known before going.
Getting to Kumano Kodo from Kyoto or Osaka
We came from Kyoto, but you can also start from Osaka. The journey takes about 4–5 hours by train, so we definitely recommend staying in the area for at least one or two nights to make the most of the trip.
We stayed at Hotel Nagisaya in Katsuura. It’s peaceful and right on the coast, which made for a relaxing base. It’s not super walkable though, so we relied on local buses and short taxis to get around. Thankfully, the public transport in the area is reliable and easy to use.
Transportation & Trail Access
There’s a great local bus system that can take you to several trailheads throughout the region, including routes that go directly to the Nachi waterfall if you’re not doing a full hike.
Pro tip: Stop by the visitor center—they were incredibly helpful and gave us clear maps and advice for planning our route.
Our Hike: Kumano Nachi Taisha Route
We didn’t do a multi-day pilgrimage, but we did a day hike on the Kumano Nachi Taisha route, one of the most iconic sections of the Kumano Kodo. The trail took us through lush forest paths, up to a beautiful shrine, and finally to Nachi Falls—one of the tallest waterfalls in Japan.
Based on photos, we were expecting to see the famous three-story pagoda framed against the waterfall, but it was unfortunately under construction during our visit. Still, the hike and scenery were absolutely worth it.
Tips for Planning Your Kumano Kodo Hike
If you’re planning a multi-day pilgrimage hike, be sure to book accommodations well in advance. From our research, we found that local lodging is limited and tends to fill up quickly, especially in peak seasons.
For a Kumano Kodo day hike, you can enjoy much of the trail’s nature, history, and atmosphere without the need for intensive planning. We loved combining a short hike with staying at an onsen hotel and trying local food.
What to Bring
Proper hiking shoes – there are a lot of mossy stone steps and uneven terrain
Water and snacks – there aren’t many places to stop along the trail itself
Light layers – especially in fall or spring, as temperatures can change quickly
The Kumano Kodo is more than just a hike—it’s a chance to connect with nature and walk in the footsteps of spiritual pilgrims. Whether you do the full route or just a portion, it’s an unforgettable experience that we highly recommend adding to your Japan bucket list.
Save this post if you’re planning your trip to Japan—and let us know if you have any questions about hiking Kumano Kodo!
