The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage is an immersive journey for the active inquisitive traveler.
Pilgrimage to Japan’s
Spiritual Origins
The ancient Kumano region is nestled in the verdant mountains of Wakayama Prefecture—the spiritual heartland of Japan. Worshipped for centuries, this lush and rugged area has been considered the abode of the gods.
Walk the spiritual Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, soak and relax in the healing waters of isolated onsen, dine on delicious local cuisine, interact with the friendly locals—what kind of adventures await you in this sacred land?
Kumano Kodo
熊野古道
For over 1000 years, people from all levels of society, including retired emperors and aristocrats, have made the arduous pilgrimage to the sacred sites in Kumano. These pilgrims used a network of routes, now called the Kumano Kodo, which stretched across the mountainous Kii Peninsula, weaving its way through remote villages and forests on a mixture of well-trodden trails and ancient cobblestone paths.
News ＆ Stories
Updates
Although recent painting and refurbishing of the iconic pagoda at Nachisan of Seiganto-ji Temple is once again visible to guests, the interior is still closed for work until the end of December 2024 (estimated).
System Maintenance Notices
Temporary Full System Interruption
February 21 (Friday) 17:00 to February 25 (Tuesday) 9:00 Japan Standard Time.
Access to MyPage accounts or the KUMANO TRAVEL website will not be possible during this time.
Suspension of New Applications
① December 31, 2024 (Tuesday) 17:00 to January 4, 2025 (Saturday) 9:00 Japan Standard Time.
② February 14, 2025 (Friday) 17:00 to February 27 (Thursday) 9:00 Japan Standard Time.
No new reservation requests possible, but MyPage accounts and Chats will be possible.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
For more information about System Maintenance and Reservation Request Times
Thank you for visiting our site! The KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation Site is currently operating with set operational times.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
【Booking Times】
From Monday March 11, 2024: Daily 9:00 to 17:00 (Japan Standard Time)
During this time frame the KUMANO TRAVEL site is open for reservation requests. For current users access to your MyPage, including MyChat, changes and cancellations are available anytime with no closure period.
NOTE: We are not able to receive any last-minute reservation requests by e-mail or phone calls.
HOLIDAY NOTICE
Our office will be closed from December 28, 2024 (Sat) to January 5, 2025 (Sun) due to the New Year's holiday.
We will reopen on January 6, 2025 (Mon) to respond to your inquiries and reservation requests.
New reservation requests will be accepted during set booking times, except during System Maintenance between December 31, 2024 (Tue) 17:00 ~ January 4, 2025 (Sat) 9:00 Japan Standard Time.
For more information about system maintenance.
For further inquiries, please feel free to contact us during our office hours. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Thank you very much for your understanding.
Articles
- Hints & Tips
Food Options on the Kumano Kodo for Guests with No Meals Plans
As shops and grocery stores are few along the trail, selecting accommodations t... - Hints & Tips
Visiting Local Tanabe Art Galleries
Many artists live along the Kumano Kodo, some of them having chosen the beautif... - Hints & Tips
Visiting the Kumano Kodo in Winter
Did you know that the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route is open year-round? And winte... - Hints & Tips
What to Do with an Extra Day in Shingu
Shingu is a coastal town on the Kii Peninsula located where the Kumanogawa Rive... - Hints & Tips
What to Do with an Extra Day in Tanabe
Spending an extra day/night in Tanabe before you start the Kumano Kodo walk can... - Hints & Tips
KUMANO KODO Walk Options between Chikatsuyu/Nonaka and Kumano Hongu Taisha
Walking the Kumano Kodo between the Chikatsuyu/Nonaka area and Kumano Hongu Tai... - News & Updates
System Booking Times and Maintenance Information
System Maintenance
Temporary interruptions will take place over the next few... - Hints & Tips
Stamps on the Kumano Kodo
Collecting stamps along the Kumano Kodo can be fun and provides a printed comme... - News & Updates
Congratulations 5000th DUAL PILGRIM
On October 7th, 2023 in Santiago de Compostela the 5000th DUAL PILGRIM was regi... - Hints & Tips
Camping on the KUMANO KODO
Camping on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route with your own tent is not common, bu... - Media & Accolades
KUMANO KODO Best Sustainable Travel Award Winner 2023
Japan Travel Awards 2023
The Japan Travel Awards recognizes destinations in ... - Hints & Tips
Walking KUMANO KODO and No Availability in Smaller Communities: What to do!
The Kumano Kodo is an ancient trail that runs through the mountains of the Kii ... - Places & Stories
Spiritual Package: Aikido Experience and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
Get to know the deep cultural and spiritual roots of Japan through the unique A... - Places & Stories
Locals Share Passion for Foreign Cultures
"Xosh gelminshsiniz!" That's Azerbaijani for "Welcome!"Foreign visitors from al... - Hints & Tips
KUMANO KODO Planning
Now that travelers are allowed to enter Japan, one of the most common questions... - News & Updates
2nd Kumano International Professional Guide Training accepting applications!
10 Spaces Open for January 2023
Are you an English-speaking guide for the Ku... - Hints & Tips
Barrier-free Options for Visiting the KUMANO KODO
Access to information and core sites for people from all walks of life on the K... - Media & Accolades
Sharing Guests’ Heartwarming Feedback
Over the nearly two decades of supporting guests and local community members, w... - Hints & Tips
Traveling the KUMANO KODO with Children
Traveling with children can be a very fun and rewarding—if not exhausting and c... - Hints & TipsEat & Drink
Finding Vegetarian & Vegan Options along the KUMANO KODO
For many, dining at inns along the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi pilgrimage route i... - Places & Stories
Q & A with Local KUMANO KODO Guide Mike Rhodes
Having a "Passion" for Japan
Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau consultant an... - Eat & Drink
Kumano Restaurants Awarded Michelin Status!
For the first time ever, Wakayama prefecture in Japan was included in The Miche... - News & Updates
KUMANO KODO Guide Training Nurtures Local Resources
As part of its ongoing mission to develop local guides and resources for the UN... - News & Updates
Preserving Japan’s Ancient Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Network Crowdfunding Campaign (Oct~Dec, 2020)
The tangible and intangible benefits of Japan’s Kumano Kodo pilgrimage experien... - News & Updates
The World is One. We are the Same.
“The world is one. We are the same”, has been an integral experience for people... - Hints & Tips
Dealing with Garbage on the Trail
What do we do with our trash, Mike? I don't know where to throw it away?
I... - Hints & Tips
KUMANO KODO Trekking Backpack Contents
What’s in My Bag?
Hi, I’m Mike, a resident and local guide
for the Kumano Ko... - Media & Accolades
2020 Hometown Development Grand Prize Award Winner
We are thrilled to announce that the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau has been... - Places & Stories
Creating a New Model of Grassroots Community-based Tourism in the Sacred Region of Kumano
Interview of Brad Towle for the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Sacred Kum... - Media & Accolades
Japan Tourism Awards 2019-Double Award Winner
The Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau is proud to announce that we were honored... - Media & Accolades
Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, Destination Stewardship Finalist
Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau (TCKTB) is a finalist for the World Travel an...
Getting Started
Detailed pilgrimage route maps.
Local bus access information.
Sample trips for inspiration.
Short, fun and informational videos.
Way of St.James & the Kumano Kodo.
Find a place to dine on local cuisine.
A popular reference and souvenir book.
Baggage logistics during your trip.
Onsen
Reservations
KUMANO TRAVEL
Official Community Reservation System
KUMANO TRAVEL is the official community reservation system for the region, an international award-winning new model of grassroots tourism development. By making reservations locally with KUMANO TRAVEL you are directly supporting our community.
Over 1000 Years’ Experience, Quality Personal Service, Intimate Knowledge, Locally Owned & Operated, Travelers’ Safety Net, Responsible & Sustainable, Freedom to Discover, Secure Booking, Onsite Travel Support Center…
One of the most progressive tourism outfits in all Japan. [Lonely Planet]
Amazing resource of information! We couldn’t have planned the trip without it. [Guest]