Meeting Time: 8:00 AM

Max # People: 6

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Strenuous

This is the classic Kumano Kodo experience during winter utilizing the services of Oku Japan travel company. This is self guided but with all accomodations and itineary arranged. There is a fee payable directly to Oku and varies depending on D/O or S/O. Travel to and Japan is arranged by you.

More information at https://okujapan.com/trips/winter-kumano-kodo-self-guided-walking-6-days/

Highlights

• Don your swimsuit and bathe in Kawayu Onsen’s river of thermal water
• Visit two of Kumano’s grand shrines, Hong? Grand Shrine and Nachi Grand Shrine 
• Take in Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest single-drop waterfall 
• Earn credentials to receive Dual Pilgrim status with the Camino in Spain
• Spend more time in the serene nature of the Kumano Kod? including the Ogumotorigoe Pass 
• Enjoy delicious, homemade meals with fresh, local ingredients each day 

winter-kumano-kodo-self-guided-walking-6-days

The ancient pilgrimage, the Kumano Kod?, is located on the remote Kii Peninsula. The region’s high rainfall results in a misty backdrop that creates an atmosphere of mystery over the mountains and valleys. With a history going back more than 1,000 years, the Kumano Kod? has long been a pilgrimage walked by people from all levels of society, ranging from common folk to emperors.

Winter in Japan is a special time; the air becomes crisp and clear during this more dry season, creating a peaceful backdrop and invigorating your senses. As the Kumano region sees very little snow, the Kumano Kod? is an ideal hike for those looking to explore while still experiencing a bit of the winter’s chill, paired beautifully with warming and hearty cuisine and relaxing onsen hot spring baths along the way.

This 6-day self-guided tour takes the classic and best-loved Nakahechi route, adding in a community experience and the famous senninburo of Kawayu Onsen, the crystal-clear bubbling thermal water of the river beckoning you for a relaxing dip after your day’s hike.

Walk village to village as you take in the scenery provided by the Kii Mountains, believed to be a sacred location that serves as the home of the gods. Try your hand at shinrinyoku (???/forest bathing) and feel the serenity of the deep, forested walks and dreamy landscapes softly blanketed in fog.

We will be supported by the Oku team in Ky?to, their local Chikatsuyu office, and by their bespoke turn-by-turn walking instructions and topographical maps to guide you on your way, created by the Oku team of hikers for us. 

Have you walked the Camino de Santiago? You can obtain Dual Pilgrim status on this Kumano Kod? tour, or earn credentials and obtain the status on your future Camino de Santiago trip.? 

Daily luggage transfer is also available along the Kumano Kod? trail as an optional extra service. 

In addition or as an alternate, I will be skiingin Northern Japan at Niseku from January 20 to 26. If interested, ask me about this