Experience Overview
After uncovering ancient shrines and pathways in Kyoto, we head off the beaten track to the Kumano Kodo region, one of the most remote and rewarding pilgrimage routes in Japan. This moderately challenging walking trip focuses on beautiful scenery, nature and rural life, while following some of the most historic walks in the country. Staying in traditional ryokans along the way, we fully immerse in authentic Japanese culture and way of life. After, we visit Toba to learn about the pearl-collecting Ama Divers and embark on one last pilgrimage walk on the Nakasendo Way, before re-entering modern civilisation in Tokyo.
Profile
— Accommodation: 3 Superior nights (hotels), 10 Classic nights (8 ryokan, 2 hotel) — Eight days of guided walking — Low altitude throughout with some longer steep ascents/descents — Travel by train, local buses and metro — Luggage transfers between accommodations on some walking days
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 3 Superior nights (hotels), 10 Classic nights (8 ryokan, 2 hotel) — Eight days of guided walking — Low altitude throughout with some longer steep ascents/descents — Travel by train, local buses and metro — Luggage transfers between accommodations on some walking days
Trip For You
The trip is rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
There are eight days with walks/hikes. You are only required to carry your backpack during the walks and, where necessary, all main luggage is transferred to the next accommodation.
The walks vary from relaxed two-hour walks to seven-to-nine-hour hikes on a couple of days. Days 5, 6 and 8 are the most challenging due to the distances and the fact that some of the terrain has long, steep ascents/descents. Therefore, good fitness levels are essential to take part in this trip. On some walks, you can take a local bus to the next stop to cut down the distance, but this won’t be possible on all routes.
The trails are generally very well marked and most of the walking is on good paths, soft-soil trails and partly paved roads. There are some unpaved sections though. This is not a traditional point-to-point walking trip, there are several days where transfers are taken by bus or local train to the start points of walks and/or from the end point of walks to the next accommodation.
We spend eight out of 13 nights in traditional guesthouses/ryokans in Japanese-style rooms, which allows us to fully immerse in Japanese traditions and culture and to stay in more remote, less visited locations. These rooms in the guesthouses/ryokans will be twin-share. Private bathrooms are not common in traditional Japanese guesthouses or Japanese-style rooms, so these eight nights have shared bathrooms. Please see the Accommodation section of the Trip Notes for more details.
Group Description
We use a mixture of local and international leaders, all experienced in leading international groups and have an in-depth knowledge of the country.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, six lunches and nine dinners are included.
Japanese cuisine is usually one of the main highlights of any trip to Japan. It is based on rice with miso soup and other dishes, which are usually prepared with seasonal ingredients. Seafood is very common, and it usually comes grilled or deep fried. Sushi and sashimi aside, other staple dishes include soba or udon noodles, sukiyaki (meat, fish and vegetables cooked in broth) and yakiniku (grilled meat).
The included breakfasts at the traditional guesthouses/ryokans are likely to be Japanese style.
The included lunches mostly consist of bento boxes enjoyed during the walks or in some instances may be taken in small eateries where available.
The included dinners are usually at ryokans (traditional guesthouses), which may include a kaiseki-style dinner, a multi-course meal including a dozen tiny dishes prepared with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. When food is not included, your leader can always recommend the best local eateries and arrange some group meals for a full immersion in the varied and excellent cuisine of Japan.
Please note, the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan, is minimal or non-existent in Japan. However, there are several vegan restaurants in Kyoto and Tokyo. It may be a good idea to bring with you some foodstuffs that you normally consume or to supplement meals with snacks purchased in the local convenience stores.
Please advise us at the time of booking if you have any specific dietary requirements.
Transportation
Transport is by train, local buses and metro. It is worth mentioning that the trains in Japan are both highly efficient and very comfortable so punctuality is requested throughout. Please note, you are required to carry your own baggage on and off trains and buses and through stations.
There are some days during the hiking days where luggage is transferred from one accommodation to the next so you do not have to carry your main luggage during any of the hikes.
As this trip stays in many smaller, rural locations, there are short walks involved from stations/bus stops to accommodations where needed.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto Japan, 〒604-0943 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Kamihakusancho, 249
Phone: +81 75-211-9269
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive anytime today during the day. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening with your tour leader, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately.
Airport: Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Arriving Kansai International Airport (KIX):
The start hotel for this trip is a short subway ride on the Karasuma and Tozai lines from Kyoto train station and requires a total transfer time from KIX airport of approximately 2hr 30min.
The easiest and fastest option when travelling between Kansai International Airport and Kyoto is by train. The Limited Express Haruka operated by JR West is the only rail service between Kansai International Airport station and Kyoto station and operates every 30 minutes (duration 80 minutes/6.30am-10.15pm daily). You can buy tickets (2,800-3,500 yen) at the JR Kansai Airport Station after making your way through the arrivals hall.
Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, follow signs to the Kyoto subway lines and take the Karasuma line (three stops/six minutes) to Karasuma Oike station. Upon arrival, change to the Tozai line and take the subway to Shiyakusho-mae station (one stop/one minute). Take exit nine at Shiyakusho-mae and the Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto Oike Fuyacho is just a two-minute walk away. Tickets for the Kyoto subway can be purchased at Kyoto station.
Please find further instructions on how to reach this hotel from KIX Airport and Kyoto station on the West JR and hotel websites.
Private transfers are not available on this trip.
Transfer Details
2024 departures: Transfers are no longer available on this trip. Public transport in Japan is excellent, efficient and the expected mode of transport for both the local people and visitors. It is increasingly easy to use and there is English signage everywhere.
Weather Information
Japan has four very distinct seasons. Our aim has been to avoid the extremely cold winters and humid summers and settle for the more pleasant spring and autumn. In Tokyo, September and October are warm, maximum temperatures are 26C (79F) and minimum 12C (54F). September is likely to be the warmer of the two and rain is likely. March is cooler with temperatures possibly going as low as 7C (45F) with a high of 17C (63F). Kyoto is very similar climatically to Tokyo but the higher up into the mountains we venture, the colder it will become with nights being especially cold, particularly in March and November.
Spending Money
You should allow around 3,640-4,650 yen (US$25-US$32) a day to cover the cost of food and drink when not included. It is possible to eat more cheaply than this, or to spend considerably more, depending on the standard of restaurant chosen.
Allow extra for optional entrance fees and bus/taxi fares not included in the itinerary. The cost of these will vary according to individual preferences but a figure of around 14,550 yen (US$100) is reasonable.
Tipping
Tipping locals for services is not expected or required in Japan, so you do not need to budget for tipping in restaurants or hotels – don’t be surprised if your money is returned if you do try to leave a tip.
However, if you feel your leader has performed well over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The amount you give is entirely personal, but 365-555 yen (US$2.50-US$3.80) per day is a good starting point.
Highlights
- — Explore beautiful and fascinating Kyoto — Enjoy historic pilgrimage walks along the Kumano Kodo — Immerse in Japanese culture off the beaten track — Walk the Nakasendo Way from Tsumago to Magome — Learn about the pearl-collecting Ama Divers while staying in Toba — Stay in charming Kiso Fukushima
Trip Details
Product Code: 4245
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: e needed.
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: TOQ
Starts: Kyoto, Japan
Finishes: Kyoto, Japan
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical rating: Unknown
Includes
- — All breakfasts, six lunches and nine dinners — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities
Accommodation
Traditional ryokans/guesthouses and hotelsWe spend eight nights in traditional guesthouses/ryokans in Japanese-style rooms (shared bathrooms) and five nights in hotels. For eight nights, we stay in ryokans, traditional inns where we experience the timeless rhythms and customs of the Japanese countryside. Ryokans, while comfortable and full of local character, do not run along the same lines as Western hotels and all have their own unique style. Some are more like Japanese B&Bs with a homestay feel and guests make their own Japanese-style beds up, while others are managed more like a hotel with bedding made up for guests. Rooms do not generally have private facilities and bedding is usually in the Japanese style with thick futon mattresses placed on tatami mats on the floor. Rooms are always doubles or twin-share but bathrooms and showers are generally communal. Please be advised, while females and males have access to separate bathrooms, inside showering and bathing facilities can lack the level of privacy you would be used to in a Western-style shared bathroom. This is very common in Japan and by staying in mostly traditional ryokans, there is the chance to have a very authentic cultural experience throughout the tour. In Kyoto, Tanabe and Tokyo, we stay in Western-style hotels with rooms that have private bathrooms. Worth knowing Single supplements are very limited and only available for five nights of the trip (three nights in Kyoto, one night in Katsuura and one night in Tokyo). Please advise at time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement (subject to availability). In Japan, often single supplements can be accommodated in either an actual single and/or double for sole use room in hotels. Onsen (Japanese public bath) For many visitors to Japan, the onsen is unfamiliar territory. An onsen is a Japanese hot spring and the bathing facilities and inns frequently situated around them. The combination of a strict bathing etiquette, that nudity is compulsory, and that the water temperature is often hotter than most hot tubs can cause some reluctance for first timers. However, once the courage is mustered, you may discover that a dip in an onsen is a highlight of your visit to Japan. We can try onsens on a few occasions throughout the trip. Please note, you may be refused entry if you have large and visible tattoos. Some accommodations may have private baths available for reservation.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 11780 (CAD 841 /day)
Itinerary
With about 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japan’s cultural heritage and remains one of the most fascinating cities in Asia. Unlike many other Japanese cities, it escaped the ravages of both the Second World War and modern urban development, keeping intact much of the spirit and architecture of traditional Japan. You are free to arrive at the start hotel anytime today during the day. This evening, there is a briefing with your leader. Accommodation: Hotel Resol Kyoto Trinity Oike Fuyacho (or similar)
This morning, we set out on our first hike, visiting the northern mountains and the Kibune shrine, followed by the Kurama temple. Our first stop, however, is the Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion). From here, we climb up to the Daimonji mountain for an excellent view of Kyoto, then take a short train ride north to Kibune-guchi, where the hike to Kibune and Kifune shrine begins. Kifune shrine was built upon the site where supposedly a goddess finished a long journey by boat. It’s dedicated to the deity of water and rain, so all those who seek protection and maritime safety come here to pray – especially seamen and fishermen. The charming town of Kibune is dotted with traditional restaurants and inns, with streams running beneath the restaurant platforms. It’s an excellent opportunity to relax, especially for those who wish to escape the Kyoto crowds. We then set out for Kurama town, renowned for its Kurama temple and special hot springs. The temple is deep in the woods and requires a fair bit of legwork to reach, but those who do venture there are rewarded with beautiful scenery along the path. We return to Kyoto for the evening, where you can choose to join an optional group dinner in the Gion district if you wish. Accommodation: Hotel Resol Kyoto Trinity Oike Fuyacho (or similar)
Leaving the north of Kyoto, we enjoy a pleasant hike on the Yamanobe-no-michi. The path is believed to be the oldest still in existence connecting Edo (present day Tokyo) with the western parts of Japan with a history of more than 1,200 years. Starting in present-day Nara and spanning through what used to be Yamato – the cradle of Japanese civilisation – the trail takes us through more than 9mi (15km) of distance and two millennia of history. Along the way, we discover relics of a distant past, including the seventh-century BCE shrine of Omiwa, said to be the oldest still standing in Japan. There are also many temples and shrines dotting the trail and the trail itself runs through lush forests and comfortable paths. As we pass rural villages, we can experience true Japanese hospitality as fruit vendors often offer locally grown fresh produce to trail hikers as an energy booster. In the late afternoon, we return to Kyoto for an evening at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Resol Kyoto Trinity Oike Fuyacho (or similar)
We have an early start to visit the most iconic sight in Kyoto: the Shinto shrine known as Fushimi Inari-taisha. Working folk have worshipped Inari, the deity of good harvest and business, since the seventh century. Even today, businessmen and entrepreneurs from all corners of Japan donate a torii arch to the shrine in hope of gaining the deity’s favour. Although this custom is fairly recent, the mountain path has thousands of torii arches, making for a wonderful morning stroll at the break of dawn. We start early to beat the crowds, otherwise we must compete with the thousands of visitors Fushimi Inari-taisha attracts daily. After the hike, we return to the hotel. The rest of the morning is free for visiting the sites of Kyoto, such as the Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle or the Golden Pavilion. In the afternoon, we leave Kyoto by train and head to Kumano Kodo, a series of pilgrimage routes more than 1,000 years’ old, when the imperial ancestors of Japan made pilgrimage from Kyoto. In the Kii Peninsula, the largest in Japan, the trails along Kumano Kodo are incredible for hiking. Taking a train to the tip of the peninsula, we reach the rural coastal town of Tanabe, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Azikuno Garuten (or similar)
After an early breakfast, we take a bus to Takijiri-oji, the start point of the pilgrimage, from where we walk to Takahara. This is the steepest part of the trail, leading to Takahara Shrine, a Shinto shrine surrounded by ancient camphor trees. From here, we walk towards Takahara village, also called kiri-no-sato (village in the fog), a small, quiet town with rice terraces and surrounded by forests. The trail continues upwards until we reach the Uwadawa-jaya teahouse, where the trail begins to descend, passing ruin shrines and the small villages of Osakamoto-oji and Chikatsuyu-oji, crossing Kitano-bashi bridge, and following the road to Nonaka-no-Shimizu, a source of potable water. Around the Nonaka-no-Shimizu area, the group are accommodated in modern Japanese container style cottages, located not too far from the Kumano Kodo trail. As our hike tomorrow is a bit longer and more challenging, we highly recommend turning in early. Accommodation: Sen Retreat Chikatsuyu (or similar)
Today we start with a 10-minute bus ride to the start of our hike. We first start walking uphill, and head towards the woods to see Tsugizakura-oji, a sub-shrine at the top of steep stairs leading into a thick forest of huge cedar trees believed. Next to the entrance of Tsugizakura-oji, we find Toganoki-jaya, a replica of a traditional Japanese teahouse. We then continue with a slow ascent to Kobiro-toge pass, followed by a relatively downward trail along a series of paved and unpaved paths, passing Jagata-jizo, which is believed to protect travellers from evil spirits, a couple of river crossings and passing by thick forests of cedar and cypress until we reach Kumano Hongu Taisha, the head shrine of more than 3,000 Shinto shrines in the Kumano area. After visiting the shrine, we transfer by local bus to Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest and most revered hot spring resorts in Japan as it used to be the place where pilgrims cleansed themselves before praying at Kumano Hongu Taisha. Tonight, we stay at a ryokan, another traditional Japanese-style inn, where we sleep on a futon, have access to the public onsen, and enjoy a Kaiseki-style dinner. Accommodation: Yunomineso Ryokan (or similar)
After breakfast, we take a bus from Yunomine Onsen to Ukegawa where today’s hike (mainly along unpaved road) commences. We pass the remains of the Matsuhata-jaya teahouse and Hyakken-gura, one of the top spots in Wakayama to see the Kumano mountains, which consists of around 3,600 peaks. From here, we continue on a mainly level road towards the remains of the Sakura-jaya teahouse, before descending from the hills, along a path with cobblestones (which can be slippery, especially if wet or covered with moss). At the foot of the hill, we should find small prayer tablets left by other spiritual hikers as offerings. We continue onto Koguchi, the end of today’s walk, where we take a bus via Kanmaru to Kawayu onsen. This place is famous for the hot spring beside the river. Accommodation: Omuraya Ryokan (or similar)
We rise very early and return to Koguchi to begin our hike. Today’s trail is one of the most challenging sections of Kumano Kodo, taking us through forested hills and along unpaved roads. However, a series of historic sites and wonderful views await as we pass Waroda-ishi rock (where the Kumano deities are believed to meet and chat over tea), through the woods of Irokawatsuji, and over Funami-toge Pass, where we glimpse the Pacific Ocean. After hiking for almost eight hours, we arrive in Nachi. Here, we see Nachi Falls, the highest waterfall in Japan, and pay a visit to Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine. Later in the afternoon, we take a local bus (approximately 30 minutes) to Katsuura, staying at a Japanese inn on the beautiful islet-dotted Katsuura Bay, where we can listen to the ocean waves and relax after completing our hikes along the memorable Kumano Kodo. Accommodation: Hotel Sunrise Katsuura/Pals Inn Katsuura (or similar)
After breakfast, we get ready for a short walk to return to Katsuura station on foot (with luggage), where we begin our journey by train to Toba in the neighbouring Mie prefecture. The rural Mie prefecture has forested landscapes and Mediterranean-looking coastlines. The area is also known for producing some of the freshest seafood in Japan and, in its waters, pearl cultivation has become an important activity. Upon arrival in Toba, we store our luggage safely at the station before having lunch and walking a short distance to Mikimoto Pearl Island, where we learn about pearl cultivation and the life of the Ama Divers. These female divers are famous for their centuries-long tradition of diving for pearls without oxygen masks and here we witness an Ama Diver demonstration. After, we continue to the Osatsu area in Toba where we spend the next two nights at a ryokan in Japanese-style rooms. Accommodation: Ohtaya Ryokan (or similar)
This morning, we can relax in the ryokan or walk around the neighbourhood where there may be the chance to visit a local shrine and temple or, in warmer weather, enjoy a swim at the local sandy beach. Late morning, we take a short walk to visit the hut of an Ama Diver, who prepares us a grilled seafood meal. After lunch, we continue to the Ise Shrine by train, one of the most sacred areas for the Shinto religion and a favourite pilgrimage destination for Japanese people. Just a short walk away, the picturesque Okage-Yokocho district offers a great outlook on the traditional side of the area with quaint shops selling local arts and crafts and food before returning to our ryokan. Accommodation: Ohtaya Ryokan (or similar)
A long and scenic train journey with one change takes us to Kiso Fukushima in about 4hr 30min. Upon arrival, we take a short orientation tour with our leader. Kiso Fukushima is a delightful town in the Nagano prefecture on the railway line between Nagoya and Matsumoto in central Japan, roughly half-way along the Nakasendo. Kiso Fukushima was an important checkpoint on the route, and its historic sekisho (barrier station) is one of only two on the Nakasendo. The Fukushima sekisho-ato (checkpoint) is where travellers on the Nakasendo were made to wait and present their passes to travel on the highway. The Tokugawa regime was on the lookout for guns and women travelling in disguise. Across the Kiso River from the Fukushima Sekisho-ato is Kozenji Temple with an attractive rock garden. Kozenji Temple is free to enter and lovely, especially in autumn. We spend the next two nights in Kiso Fukushima in Japanese-style rooms at a family-run ryokan. Accommodation: Ryokan Sarashinaya (or similar)
After an early breakfast, we travel by train to Nagiso in about 50 minutes. Upon arrival, we take a short ride on a local bus to Tsumago, a well-preserved post town. Tsumago had a golden era when merchants, nobles and other prominent people frequently passed through for trade and other formal appointments. From Tsumago, we start the journey to Magome, one of the post towns that flourished in the Edo period. The trail that runs from Tsumago to Magome is perhaps the most popular section of Nakasendo. This ancient trail can be completed in about three hours, including some quick breaks. After concluding the trail, we ride a bus to Nakatsugawa and then a train back to Kiso Fukushima in just over one hour. Accommodation: Ryokan Sarashinaya (or similar)
After breakfast, we embark on our last scenic train journey to Tokyo in a little over three hours with one change en route. We may catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji on the way, if weather conditions permit. We recommend buying a bento on the way for lunch as the journey is about three hours –the leader can advise. After check-in at our hotel, you have a few hours to explore Tokyo before an optional farewell dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Dormy Inn Kodenmacho (or similar)
The trip ends this morning after breakfast. For more information on returning home, see the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes. Alternatively, if you’d like to spend a little longer exploring, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Sheila Sorby - Traveled, April 2024
Best ever guide . Great itinerary . Happily lovely group . Let down by substandard accommodation in places ( excellent in others ) , under guise of authentic guest house considering expense of trip Excellent Itinerary brilliant guide . Let down by some very poor accommodation . In one ,one toilet shared by about 8 ish . Tiny towels , small pillows full of some sort of bead . Futons very thin . Expensive single room supplement that was only available for 6 nights . Citing difficulty in finding accommodation ( Explore same itinerary single room available every night ) need for better accommodation not entitled . But long hikes , early starts lots of local transport , so element of tiredness. Most Inspirational Moment Walking the Kumano Kodo , with snow patches between trees . Varied scenery . Walk through farms and villages with local produce stands . Peace of the temples .Most requiring quite a hike to get to . Thoughts on Group Leader Kouhei Nishida . Best guide ever . Nothing too much trouble . Sensible walking pace on the more challenging days . Always giving last person to arrive time to rest . Informative . Sorted queries quickly . And managed to keep group of 12 together despite public transport mishaps , ( us losing tickets , getting lost etc ! ) Advice for Potential Travellers Hard to compare like with like . Explore about 2K cheaper for 12 days . Single rooms always available . And all have en-suite toilet . Probably not such a good guide Suggestions . Apologies for negatively. Overall a brilliant trip . We were very blessed with our group . The reason that accommodation was an issue , was having experienced Excellent Japanese guest houses before start of trip . It would have made such a difference to the adventure to have better more comfortable sleep
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/27/2024
Gary Davey - Traveled, April 2023
50/50 A Great two weeks in Japan. Great people friendly, very helpful and polite. Most Inspirational Moment The Kumano Kudo was a little disappointing as there were very few spectacular views. 4 days walking 2 of which it rained consistently. The walk is mainly through dense woodlands so main view was trees. Onsens were great in most places but the two nights in the Sarashinaya Japanese Style Inn was very disappointing, a lot of traffic noise and the futon beds were very thin and uncomfortable, the onsen was in a poor state. The option to dig your own onsen by the river, not a great one when it is raining. Really not a great choice Exodus! Thoughts on Group Leader Our leader was very good but lacked some knowledge on the Nara area as he was from closer to Tokyo. Overall a good leader, very attentive to some customer excessive requirements. A very likeable chap. Advice for Potential Travellers Out of the 2 weeks (in May) it rained 2 days a week, and I mean rained non stop for 2 days so waterproofs a must, along with an umbrella. Other days were high twenties and at times very humid. You should be prepared for long steep climbs, head down and huff and puff to the top.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2023
Simon Lord - Traveled, September 2019
Kumano Kodo: A fascinating insight in to Japan. This was an excellent trip that we thoroughly enjoyed, giving an insight into contrasting landscapes/areas of Japan and to its culture and food. After initial exploration in and around Kyoto, the four days on the Kumano Kodo trail were quite demanding (particularly because it was so hot on our departure) but we got a fascinating insight into one of the more rural areas, staying in traditional Japanese hotels. A good proportion of the trail itself was in trees with occasional viewpoints and shrines, it also passed through villages and rural settings. The trails are well made and on some days the walking was long, as set out in the trip notes. The traditional Japanese food we ate every day was elaborate and carefully prepared – a bowl of sticky rice and an array of up to around 10 other small dishes of food for each person – at each meal, including breakfast; lunches were bento boxes. There was much fresh seafood by the sea. Travelling on the efficient Japanese public transport was interesting and enjoyable as it is indeed very punctual, but also uncrowded and generally very comfortable. The last couple of days in Tokyo were different again – a short time to get an impression, but as we are not really city people, this was fine. Most Inspirational Moment The end of the Kumano Koda trail after four days of hard walking, with a fantastic temple and views to a high waterfall. We also enjoyed the pearl museum and learning about the Ama divers. Thoughts on Group Leader Hide, our leader, ensured the trip ran well which was no small feat give the numerous buses, trains and overnight stays that were required to complete our journey. Advice for Potential Travellers We went in early September and it was very hot (often over 30 degrees, a hang-over from the hot summer), and the walking was at the upper end of the moderate scale (give the heat). We found sticks important, particularly as the trail could be mossy and slippy after rain. Bring a swimming costume also – there’s opportunity for swimming in the sea as well as useful for the outdoor hot spring. Suggestions A fascinating insight in to Japan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2019
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