Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek

Trip Type: Walking & Trekking

8 Days
1 - 12 People

Starts From:

NZD $4,860.00 /Person

Stray off the tourist trail with an eight-day hiking adventure on some of the great ancient pilgrim routes in Japan. The Koya-san hike takes …

Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek

Stray off the tourist trail with an eight-day hiking adventure on some of the great ancient pilgrim routes in Japan. The Koya-san hike takes you deep through the wilderness and into the mountainous landscapes of Honshu, leading you to the centre of Shingon Buddhism. As you trek past cedar and cypress trees on the historic Kumano Kodo trail, you’ll gain insight into the experiences of pilgrims who have traversed this UNESCO World Heritage-listed trail throughout history. Along the way, stop by peaceful temples and monasteries, soak in traditional onsen and discover the cultural hubs of Kyoto and Osaka. This small-group adventure will give you both a physical and cultural workout around the best of Japan.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kyoto

Day 2: Kyoto (Hiking)

Day 3: Koya-san (Hiking)

Day 4: Yunomine

Day 5: Kumano Kodo to Koguchi (Hiking)

Day 6: Kumano Kodo to Kii Katsuura (Hiking)

Day 7: Osaka

Day 8: Osaka

Trip Inclusions

Meals

6 breakfasts and 4 dinners are included

Transport

Train, Private vechicle, Taxi, Local bus

Accomodation

Hotel (3 nights), Ryokan (1 night), Guesthouse/Ryokan (2 night), Temple Stay (1 night)

Included Activities

Kyoto - Shimogamo Shrine
Kyoto - Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi)
Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
Kyoto - Mt. Daimonji-yama hike
Koya-san - Koya-san Choishi Michi trail
Koya-san - Okuno-in Mausoleum
Kumano Kodo - Kumano Hongū Taisha
Kumano Kudo - Hiking
Kumano Kudo - Hiking
Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour
Kii Katsuura - Tuna Market

Trip Highlights

Follow the footsteps of ancient pilgrims on their quest for faith along the Koya-san and Kumano Kodo trails, all the while learning about two of the main religions in Japan – Buddhism and Shintoism.
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 the mountainous Wakayama prefecture.
Soak in an onsen after a day of trekking in Yunomine – there's no better way to relax and rejuvenate in Japan 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 sites of natural and religious significance such as Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion).