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Tour Code: GTS3581111

Kumano Kodo Walking & Hiking Tour: Autumn

9 days 8 nights

fromUSD $3395.00 (Limit to 13 guests)

currency

Single Supplement: USD $435.00

More Details
Room Type Explained

Single Room

Single room types are rooms for single room occupants.
One person will be occupying the hotel room throughout the tour.

Twin Room

Twin room types are rooms set for two people who will occupy one room, but will have two separate beds.

Double Room

A double room is a room that has one bed for two people to share.

Triple Room

A triple room is one room where three people may share the same room. It has three separate beds.

Japanese Style Room

A Japanese-style room traditionally does not have a western-style bed, it is a tatami floor room with futon bedding. However, if you prefer a western-style bed, you may request one though we cannot guarantee it.

Please note: If you would like to request neighboring rooms next to your traveling companions, you and your traveling companions must have the same room types in order to be next to each other. For example, if you have requested a double room, but your traveling companions have requested a twin, or triple room, then neighboring rooms cannot be accommodated. However, if both you and your traveling companions match in room type, then neighboring rooms will likely be arranged for your convenience.

A small-group guided walking & hiking tour with five hikes of 2-6 hours of village-to-village walking on the sacred Kumano Kodo, or Kumano Ancient Trail.

Experience the colors of autumn on a hike through the sacred Kumano Kodo, or Kumano Ancient Trail, a famous pilgrimage route. Enjoy the scenery of the warm orange and red-colored leaves as you hike throughout the mountainous range that lies south of Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto. Spend four days on the well- preserved trail while traveling through deep valleys, mountains, and small villages. During your journey, rest at comfortable family-run inns, enjoy the local food, soak in natural hot springs, and visit various shrines. On your trek, visit three great Kumano Shrines – Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Hayatama Taisha. Let your English- speaking guide walk you through this ancient trail during the cool season of autumn.

Begin your journey in the city of Kyoto, where you will take the train south along the coast and spend four days hiking the Nakahechi Trail, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a day mid-way through your journey to relax with a pleasant ride along the Kumano River to Hayatama Taisha Shrine. Afterwards, we will cross the Kii Peninsula on foot heading towards the eastern fishing town, Katsuura. With a two- night stay at a hot-spring hotel along with an extra optional day of hiking, you will be able to relax and rejuvinate. Travel back to Kyoto by train to complete your journey. Relax and let All Japan Tours take care of the details along with your luggage transfers, breakfasts, and dinners, as you take in the stunning scenes of autumn.

Activity Level: Strenuous
Our strenuous tours contain several days of trail walking, with some days up to six hours or more of walking. There is significant ascent and/or descent on uneven terrain.

Who is a Strenuous tour designed for?
- We recommend strenuous tours for anyone who does regular full-day walking or hiking, and is comfortable walking for extended periods of time.
- We recommend our strenuous tours for people who are already fit and active.

Accommodations
This itinerary contains overnight stays at Western Hotels, Ryokans, and Minshukus. Ryokans and Minshukus are more traditional accommodations, with a more casual hospitality than you will find at a hotel. At both a Ryokan and a Minshuku, you will stay in a simply furnished room and sleep on a futon, which is laid on a tatami mat.
Some Ryokans may have private bathrooms attached to your room, but others only have public bathrooms used by all the guests. Minshukus usually offer only a public bathroom – meaning either a smaller bathroom used one guest at a time, or larger bathrooms separated by gender (male & female), and designed to be used by multiple guests at once.

Tour Information

Dates & Price

2025

Start Date	End Date	Twin/Triple	Start City	End City	Style	Status
Fri. Sep 5, 2025	Sat. Sep 13, 2025	USD $3710.00 Small Group Limited to 13 passengers	Kyoto	Kyoto	Active	Minimum 4 / Book Now
Wed. Oct 15, 2025	Thu. Oct 23, 2025	USD $3710.00 Small Group Limited to 13 passengers	Kyoto	Kyoto	Active	Guarantee / Book Now
Sun. Nov 9, 2025	Mon. Nov 17, 2025	USD $3710.00 Small Group Limited to 13 passengers	Kyoto	Kyoto	Active	Minimum 4 / Book Now

Please Note:

All prices are per person, based on twin (double on request) or triple occupancy.
International flights are not included on our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure and get the best value for your money!

We can arrange international flights for US customers if needed, please ask for details.

Deposit

A 20% deposit is required to hold the space at time of booking and final payment is due 2 months prior to departure. At least 4 passengers minimum are required to guarantee the tour’s departure. Booked passengers will be informed 3 months before the starting date if the tour is not guaranteed, and they will have the option to either cancel and refund the amount already paid, or transfer the payment to another tour.

What's included

• 8 nights in Western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns (Ryokan & Minshuku)
• All transportation between tour locations
• Forwarding of one item of luggage on 2 occasions
• Comprehensive escorted with AJT professional English speaking tour guide

Meals
• Breakfast everyday
• 8 dinners

Admission fees and activities
• All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary

What's NOT included

• International Airfares
• Airport transfers
• Meals that are not included in the itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
• For single travelers, this tour has a single supplement. The Single Supplement for this tour only applies to Western-style hotels. For Ryokan / Minshuku / Temple Lodging, you will be paired with another traveler of the same gender.

Additional Information

Transport

Public transportation

Arrival Departure Airports

This tour starts and finishes in Kyoto for arrivals and departures at Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX).

Meal Requests

Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged.

Meet and Greet

Airport meet and greet and airport transfers are NOT included, but we will provide with full instructions in advance.

Itinerary In Brief

Day1 Meet in Kyoto
Day2 Travel to the Kii Peninsula
Day3 Hike Takahara to Chikatsuyu
Day4 Hike Chikatsuyu to Hongu Grand Shrine
Day5 Boat ride on the Kumano River
Day6 Hike to Nachi Grand Shrine
Day7 Optional coastal hiking
Day8 Transfer to Kyoto
Day9 Tour ends

Click here for detailed itinerary

Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice

Day1

Meet in Kyoto

Welcome to Japan! In the evening, meet your tour guide and group at your hotel in central Kyoto. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Welcome Dinner

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar class (Western Hotel)

Day2

Travel to the Kii Peninsula

Today, we will travel south along the coast of the Kii Peninsula, the mountainous range that extends south from Nara and Osaka, by train to Tanabe. You will then transfer to Takijiri by local bus. Takijiri is the beginning of the Nakahechi, a scenic route on the sacred Kumano Kodo, or Kumano Ancient Trail. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kumano Kodo became a popular pilgrimage from Kyoto by Emperors and nobles during the 11th Century. It is also the site of the three sacred shrines of Kumano, otherwise known as the Kumano Sanzan. Continue the tour with a 2-hour hike to the remote hillside village of Takahara, where we will spend the night in a beautiful Japanese-style Ryokan made with wood and built by local craftsmen. Take in the stunning scenery and view of the surrounding mountains from your room. Here you will also find hot-spring baths where you can relax and rejuvenate. Enjoy an evening meal created with locally grown ingredients.

Walking distance: 4.5 km / 2.8 miles
Elevation gain: 370 m / 1,200 feet ascent, 175m / 575 feet descent
Time required: about 2 hours

Breakfast / Dinner

Akizuno Garten or similar class (Ryokan)

Day3

Hike Takahara to Chikatsuyu

In the morning, we will move east from Takahara along the Nakahechi pilgrimage trail. Along the trail we will pass by small jizo bodhisattva statues that were placed along the trail by locals to protect travelers. You can also find old cha-ya, or tea houses, which provided rest to those on their pilgrimage until the early 20th century. We will then descend towards the village of Chikatsuyu, a small town on the Nakahechi trail. This is where our accommodation, a quaint guesthouse run by a local couple, will be for the night. The guesthouse also has their own natural hot-spring baths right next door, where you can relax and prepare for tomorrow's hike. The dinner menu in the evening might include their exquisite takikomi-gohan (rice steamed with vegetables), freshly caught fish, and crispy tempura. After dinner, listen to a local Shamisen group, as they treat us to a private performance. Enjoy this rare opportunity for a close-up experience of Japanese music on the three-stringed shamisen.

Walking distance: 11.3 km / 7 miles
Elevation gain: 350 m / 1,150 feet ascent, 360 m / 1,180 feet descent
Time required: 4 hours

Breakfast / Dinner

Sakura no Sono or similar class (Minshuku)

Day4

Hike Chikatsuyu to Hongu Grand Shrine

We will hike two beautiful segments of the Kumano Kodo Trail today, passing mountain-top villages and oji shrines. Nobles would rest at these minor shrines to rejuvenate themselves and create poems reflecting their thoughts and feelings. Once we reach Kobiro, take a local bus to Hosshinmon-oji, and begin your hike where you will travel towards Hongu Grand Shrine. The symbol of the shrine is the mythological three-legged raven which represents the Hongu, Nachi, and Hayatama shrines. After major flooding in 1889, the shrine was moved from its original location to the location it is at today. After visiting the shrine, we will transfer by local bus to Yunomine Onsen, known as one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, or to Kawayu Onsen, famous for the hot water that bubbles to the surface of the crystal-clear river. Tonight, we will stay in a comfortable Ryokan with its own hot spring bath, also known in Japan as a "rotenburo".

Walking distance: 12.9 km / 8 miles
Elevation gain: 321 m / 1,055 feet ascent; 360 m / 1,180 feet descent
Time required: 4 hours

Breakfast / Dinner

Yunomineso or similar class (Onsen Ryokan)

Day5

Boat ride on the Kumano River

Today we will transfer by local bus to the Kumano River, which served as transportation for communities and mountain villages in the past. Board a traditional wooden flat-bottomed boat, which will take us on a pleasant 90-minute ride along the Kumano River to the Hayatama Taisha Shrine, just as Imperial pilgrims did long ago. The Hayatama Taisha Shrine has been located on the riverbank since the 12th Century. After visiting the shrine, we will travel back to Yunomine Onsen by bus for another night at the hot spring Ryokan. Relax and soak in the natural hot spring bath before dinner.

Breakfast / Dinner

Yunomineso or similar class (Onsen Ryokan)

Day6

Hike to Nachi Grand Shrine and waterfall

In the morning, we will transfer to Koguchi by local bus and hike the final section of the trail over the Ogumotorigoe Pass. Take in the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean before continuing onward to Nachi- taki waterfall and Nachi Taisha (Grand Shrine). As one of the three ‘Grand Shrines of Kumano’, Nachi Taisha Shrine is a major destination for pilgrims. Surrounded by the stunning natural scenery, you will also be rewarded with views of one of the top three waterfalls in Japan, which happens to also be the tallest waterfall in Japan. From there, we will take a short bus ride to the fishing port and onsen town of Katsukuura, where we will be staying for the night.

Walking distance: 14.5 km / 9 miles
Elevation gain: 980 m / 3,215 feet ascent; 920 m / 3,020 feet descent
Time required: 6 hours

Breakfast / Dinner

Hotel Urashima or similar class (Onsen Hotel)

Day7

Optional coastal hiking or relax at the Onsen hot spring

Today, you will have the option of hiking another portion of the Kumano Kodo Trail. This is a coastal part of the Iseji route, which offers beautiful views over the ocean. In addition, you can visit charming villages and the oldest paved section on the entire Kumano Kodo network, with some stone blocks dating back eight hundred years. Many travelers tend to overlook the Iseji route, making this a perfect hike for those looking to escape the crowds. Alternatively, you can choose to rejuvenate and try the various hot spring baths in your hotel or located around the town. While exploring the town, you can enjoy mouthwatering seafood, an old-fashioned Japanese shopping arcade, or explore the backstreets, where small restaurants and bars can be found.

Optional Walk
Walking distance: 6.4 km / 4.1 miles
Elevation gain: 546 m / 1790 feet ascent; 539 m / 1768 feet descent
Time required: 3 hours

Breakfast / Dinner

Hotel Urashima or similar class (Onsen Hotel)

Day8

Transfer to Kyoto

After breakfast, we will leave the Kii Peninsula and Kumano Kodo trail behind, as we travel on the coastal rail line back to Kyoto. Our final night together will be spent at a central western-style hotel in the city. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your guide and group.

Breakfast / Farewell Dinner

Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo or similar class (Western Hotel)

Day9

Tour Ends

After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Your guide will be available to offer assistance and advice for your journey to the airport or onward travel in Japan.

Breakfast

Experiences

Accommodations

PLEASE NOTE: These are the hotels All Japan Tours generally uses on the touring styles and regions shown. There is no guarantee that you will stay in the lodgings listed on the website. We encourage you to check your travel documentation for confirmation of the exact accommodation you will be staying in.

Destinations

Kyoto / Takijiri / Takahara / Chikatsuyu / Yunomine Onsen / Katsuura / Kyoto

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Group Tour Style	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours
Feature	Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget. Explore the must-see sights and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price.	Sample all Japan has to offer, from unique locales to must see tourist attractions. Our Deluxe Tours are fully guided, and use our luxury coaches for your convenience and comfort.	Experience Japanese culture at a slower pace, and with a smaller group size than our deluxe tours. Stay in each city longer so you can soak in the culture and fully appreciate the destinations.	Enjoy upgraded hotels, a slower pace, and a smaller group size for a more intimate experience. Access to a wide range of unique activities that immerse you in authentic Japanese culture.	Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape.
Advantage	Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a set of quick stops to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or if you plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys, these are the tours for you.	Our most popular tours for everyone. Fully-escorted - the most hassle-free way to visit Japan for the best value. From Hokkaido to Kyushu, the duration of our Deluxe Tours range from 5 to 27 days. Whether you want to see the best of Japan in a shorter time, or take your time in each city, you will find a tour package that suits your preferences.	Smaller group sizes enable our guests to access more of Japanese culture and traditions. Our Deluxe-Plus Tours are carefully balanced for you to discover the unique Japanese culture, history, arts, food and spectacular scenery Japan has. If you love Japan and want to appreciate the best of everything Japan can offer, these are the tours for you.	Dive into the cultural aspects of Japan at a more leisurely pace. Enjoy more than just sightseeing. All of our Signature Small Group Tours feature a wide range of cultural experiences through interaction with the people and places that represent all that is authentic about the destination. Get an alternative, more in-depth understanding of Japanese culture and art.	Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best cultural locations with off-the-beaten-path destinations via Japanese public transportation. Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.
Group Size	20 to 45 people	10 to 35 people	6 to 24 people	4 to 16 people	4 to 13 people
Fully-escorted	Comprehensively escorted by AJT's professional English speaking tour guide				Your guides are local experts and residents of the city you are visiting, they do not always escort the group when traveling between cities
Pace	Fast pace to see as much as possible while in Japan	Perfect pace to see as much as possible while in Japan	More leisurely pace to soak in and fully appreciate the destinations, plus free time to explore on your own
Airport Transfers	Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified	Airport transfers are included* (If no options are taken: hotels are not requested to be changed and passengers use the correct airports)	Airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour	Private airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour	Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified
Transfer between cities	Transfer between cities via private coach and Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary			Transfer between cities via private coach and first class Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary	Transfer between cities via Shinkansen (bullet train) or express train. Private minivans are also used occasionally where public transport is not available or practical
Sightseeing	Sightseeing by private coach with an escorted guide		Sightseeing by private coach and public transportation with an escorted guide		Sightseeing via public transportation (local train, subway & local bus) with local guides
Admission fees and activities	All entry fees to sites and activities listed in the itinerary are included
Luggage Transfers	Luggage transfers by private coach from hotel to hotel, plus separate luggage transfers are included on select tours				Separate luggage transfers are included
Meals	Breakfast every morning, plus meals as indicated (vegetarian or special meals can be arranged)
Accommodation	Carefully-selected budget hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected superior/deluxe hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected deluxe/boutique hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected deluxe/luxury hotels and ryokans	Accommodations range from local Japanese inns (minshuku) to budget hotels, to superior/deluxe hotels depending on the tour and destination
Ages	4 years old and above			6 years old and above
Health & Activity	In order to enjoy our tour, you should be able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing activities can only be accomplished on foot. Wheelchairs can be arranged upon request. However, we regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.				These tours are tailored to the energetic traveler; guests should feel comfortable walking from 4 to 10 miles a day depending on the tour and destination.

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Don't know which tour is suitable for you?

Kumano Kodo Walking & Hiking Tour: Autumn 9 days 8 nights fromUSD $3395.00 (Limit to 13 guests) currency Single Supplement: USD $435.00

A small-group guided walking & hiking tour with five hikes of 2-6 hours of village-to-village walking on the sacred Kumano Kodo, or Kumano Ancient Trail.

Tour Information

Dates & Price

Deposit

What's included

What's NOT included

Additional Information

Itinerary In Brief

Day1

Meet in Kyoto

Welcome Dinner

Day2

Travel to the Kii Peninsula

Breakfast / Dinner

Day3

Hike Takahara to Chikatsuyu

Breakfast / Dinner

Day4

Hike Chikatsuyu to Hongu Grand Shrine

Breakfast / Dinner

Day5

Boat ride on the Kumano River

Breakfast / Dinner

Day6

Hike to Nachi Grand Shrine and waterfall

Breakfast / Dinner

Day7

Optional coastal hiking or relax at the Onsen hot spring

Breakfast / Dinner

Day8

Transfer to Kyoto

Breakfast / Farewell Dinner

Day9

Tour Ends

Breakfast

Experiences

Accommodations

The Pilgrimage Route of Japan Tour: Autumn Leaves

Best of Japan (Reverse): Autumn Leaves Tour

Best of Japan with Japanese Alps & Koyasan: Autumn Leaves Tour

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Don't know which tour is best for you? Let us help you.

Kumano Kodo Walking & Hiking Tour: Autumn

9 days 8 nights

fromUSD $3395.00 (Limit to 13 guests)

currency

Single Supplement: USD $435.00

Why Travel on Our
Group Tours