Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek
Overview
Highlights
- Experience two of the main religions in Japan – Buddhism and Shintoism – by following the footsteps of ancient pilgrims on their quest for faith along the Koya-san and Kumano Kodo trails.
- Discover two of the major cultural hubs of Japan on foot, walking the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto and strolling through the Dotombori district in Osaka.
- Join in the morning prayers and share a traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) meal during an overnight temple stay in Koya-san, deep in mountainous Wakayama prefecture.
- Soak in an onsen after a day of trekking in Yunomine – there's no better way in Japan to relax and rejuvenate than in the natural mineral waters of a hot spring.
- Explore Kyoto on a couple of nearby hikes for a different perspective on the life and culture in this notable city, as well as visiting some sites of natural and religious significance.
What's this trip about?
Itinerary
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Kyoto, Japan. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, step out onto the streets for your first taste of this beautiful city. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (translating to the ‘tranquillity and peace c...
Get active this morning with a walk to the eighth century Shimogamo Shrine – located at the intersection of the Kamo-gamo and Takano rivers. The shrine is dedicated to the god of harvest and holds many rites around purification and agricultural produce, and this visit...
Take a train to Kii-hosokawa Station in the Koya-san district, ready for your forest trek. Koya-san is the name given to a monastic complex in the Koya-Ryujin Quasi-National Park and is one of Japan’s most sacred sites. Begin your trek on the Koya-san Choishi Michi tr...
This morning, you’ll have the chance to participate in the monastery’s morning prayers, before making tracks to Yunomine Onsen by private vechicle. This journey weaves through the Koya-san and Kumano Kodo mountains. Yunomine is an ancient onsen town that forms part of...
Embrace an early start as you set out this morning to hike part of the historic Kumano Kodo – one of only two UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage routes in the world (the other being the Camino de Santiago in Spain)! This morning, transfer to Ukegawa by bus, then ...
Get ready for another full-day hike on the sacred Kumano Kodo. For around the first 3 hours, it’s a steep uphill climb, rising to over 800 m. After reaching the Echizen-toge Pass, follow the ridge of the forest for another couple of kilometres until you reach the high...
In the morning, visit the local tuna market at Kii Katsuura, where tuna from the cool waters of the Pacific is traded daily. Then, hop on a train and rest your legs for the long journey to Osaka. You’ll arrive around lunchtime, then you’ll head out on a walking tour w...
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end and you’re free to depart at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Osaka further, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Finish point
- The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi
- 1-10-24, Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi 大阪府大阪市中央区西心斎橋1-10-24
- Osaka
- Osaka
- 542-0086
- JAPAN
- Phone: +81 649636501
Alternate Finish point
- For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.
- 24 May 2025 (CJXK250524), 21 Jun 2025 (CJXK250621), 06 Sep 2025 (CJXK250906), 20 Sep 2025 (CJXK250920), 04 Oct 2025 (CJXK251004)
- Kuretake Inn Osaka Midosuji Honmachi
- 541-0057 3-4-8 Kita-Kubouji-cho, Chuo-ku,
- Osaka
- JAPAN
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