The Kumano Kodo routes
Four ancient pilgrimage trails across the Kii Peninsula — choose the one that suits your legs and your time
Which Kumano Kodo route should you walk?
The Nakahechi is the classic choice and the best supported. The Kohechi is for strong, experienced walkers. The Iseji and Ohechi are quieter and usually walked in sections.
Nakahechi
The most walked and best supported route, running inland from Takijiri-oji over the mountains to Kumano Hongu Taisha, then on to Nachi.
- Distance
- 68 km
- Duration
- 4–5 walking days
- Grade
- Strenuous
Kohechi
A demanding north–south crossing from Koyasan to Hongu with three high passes and very few facilities. For strong, experienced walkers.
- Distance
- Approx. 70 km
- Duration
- 3–4 walking days
- Grade
- Very strenuous
Iseji
Links Ise Jingu with Kumano along the eastern coast, with cobbled passes, sea views and terraced rice fields.
- Distance
- Approx. 170 km
- Duration
- Section walks
- Grade
- Moderate
Ohechi
The quiet coastal route between Tanabe and Nachi, with ocean panoramas from Tonda-zaka and Nagai-zaka.
- Distance
- Approx. 90 km
- Duration
- Section walks
- Grade
- Moderate
The Kumano Sanzan
Every route leads to the same place: the three grand shrines of Kumano. Read about Hongu, Hayatama and Nachi, and the sacred mountain temples of Koyasan, before you set out.
The shrines of KumanoReady to walk the Kumano Kodo?
RAW Travel has sent more walkers to the Kumano Kodo than any other operator, with our own Japanese staff on the ground, hand-picked guesthouses, luggage transfers and detailed track notes.