Kumano Kodo, Koyasan & Kyoto
Self-guided Kumano Kodo, Koyasan and Kyoto tour with a flexible itinerary This self-guided Kumano Kodo […]
The wonderful regional cuisine in the traditional guesthouses is truly one of the highlights of hiking the Kumano Kodo. From the fresh organic produce grown in the region to the freshly caught river fish and the vegetarian cuisine of Koyasan monastery accommodation, walking the Kumano Kodo is also an exploration of tastes.
Transport and travel to the start and finish of the Kumano Kodo is surprisingly easy, with the international airport of Kansai being relatively close on Japan’s excellent rail system. To get between some of the locations on the Kumano walking trail there is a local bus service if you decide you need it.
Walking the Kumano Kodo you get to stay in traditional ryokans and minshukus that provide an authentic Japanese hospitality experience, onsens and great regional food. There are a limited number of accommodations so it’s vital to have a secured booking. On the Nakahechi trail there is the option for luggage transfers as well, so you can relax and just carry a day pack.
Read about what season to walk and hike the Kumano Kodo, what the trail is like and other practical considerations and cultural pointers that will make your Kumano Kodo trek a safe and enjoyable one. Learn what gear you’ll need and what to expect in terms of facilities and communications along the Kumano Kodo.
Self-guided Kumano Kodo, Koyasan and Kyoto tour with a flexible itinerary This self-guided Kumano Kodo […]
Kumano Kodo trail (self-guided, on demand) – Nakahechi route including Grand Shrines This self-guided […]
Kumano Kodo highlights This itinerary is perfect for those who wish to explore the […]
“We loved everything about this experience on the beautiful, unspoilt Kii Peninsular. The scenery was wonderful, the trails varied and interesting and satisfyingly challenging. The immersion in Japanese culture was authentic and rewarding and our hosts, accomodation and food were simply superb. The support and options provided by RAW Travel were much appreciated as an unfortunate knee injury just prior to our trip meant some modifications to original plans. The self-guided option was the perfect balance for us. We really appreciated the fact that the support was certainly adequate to give us confidence to do what we did but not so organised and complete as to detract from the sense of adventure we felt from being independent and able to negotiate our way around local transport, sights and activities and to explore the things that were of greatest interest to us.”
“A big thank you for organising a terrific trip! I think most of us are back now and all really had a wonderful experience. What an amazing place! Thanks again for all your trouble.
It was such a lovely experience from beginning to end. Far better than I expected really especially when it came to:
– we were always greeted with a friendly, helpful manner
– the locals we met along the way were such humble and respectful people
– everything was clean, ran precisely and reliably
– food was wonderful, same with accommodation
– the scenery was a favourite – spectacular old cedar trees to pretty blossoms and orchards etc
– enjoyed the challenge of the walk and reading the amazing history
– we always felt safe and help was nearby
I would love to go back again someday…”
“I feel limited by words when trying to express my experience with Japan and walking The Kumano Kodo. The land and people of Japan are, in one word, beautiful. I fell in love with Kyoto from the moment I arrived. My two night stay at the Zen temple in Koyasan was, well, Zen! So peaceful and welcoming, a perfect way spend a couple relaxing nights before embarking on my pilgrimage. And joining the monks for their morning ceremony was a wonderful experience to shall never forget and hope to have again, soon.
The walk itself was just magic, from the locals, to the landscape and the lodging along the way. Your comprehensive instructions were so easy to follow and inline with the current situation in Japan regarding transports timetables etc. The instructions and track notes you provided made it soooo easy to follow the trail, I almost felt like I was cheating in my efforts to complete the pilgrimage…with the trail being so well marked, it’s almost impossible to get lost, and having the confidence of your detailed track notes allowed me to enjoy the journey that much more. Not to mention the helpful locals i met along the way.
I really cant say enough about the whole experience and I’m very grateful for RAW’s efforts in putting the whole trip together for me and I will not hesitate to use or recommend your services again.”
“We have now returned from our trip to Japan. We had the best time & loved the Kumano trek. The accomodation, food, transporting of our bags, maps…everything was fantastic & really well organised. Oh the food…the food…the lovely food!!!! Thank you for your help organising this trip. I would definitely use Raw Travel again!!!”
