As shops and grocery stores are few along the trail, selecting accommodations that provide a meal plan, particularly with a lunch box for the following day, is often recommended.
However, for those guests who select No Meals plans or stay at private rental guesthouses with no meals, there are some options.
Suggestions by Area
Tanabe
There are many restaurants, convenience stores, a bakery, grocery stores, and other shops all within walking distance of JR Kii-Tanabe Station.
Tanabe is famed for its Ajikoji izakaya restaurant and bar district.
As shops become fewer as Kumano Kodo walkers head inland, it is highly recommended to stock up on snacks and non-perishable foods as much as possible in Tanabe.
Nakahechi
Nakahechi refers to the area between Takijiri-oji and Tsugizakura-oji along the Kumano Kodo route and includes Takijri, Takahara, Kurisugawa, Chikatsuyu and Nonaka areas.
Takijiri
The KUMANO KODO KAN Pilgrimage Center is not far from the Takijiri bus stop and near Takijiri-oji, the starting point of the Kumano Kodo for many visitors.
The KODO KAN serves coffee, tea, and other drinks, but also offers instant noodles for sale.
Vending machines are nearby in front of Kodo-no-Mori Anchan which also serves some drinks to non-staying guests as well.
Just in front of Takijiri-oji shrine is Takijiri Chaya Musuhi (open Sunday to Wednesday, 8:30 to about 15:00, but days vary in off-season) which features matcha green tea latte, but also offers omusubi rice balls, cheesecake, coffee, and Japanese baked dorayaki snack.
Kurisugawa
Near the Kurisugawa bus stop along Hwy 311, there are vending machines and a nearby A Coop grocery store (open 9:00 to 19:00 every day).
※ Note that there are no restaurants or shops at the Takahara vista other than occasional kitchen carts or stalls that may offer coffees, snacks or food at the Takahara rest area and lookout. The closest bus stop is a 30-minute walk downhill to Kurisugawa.
Chikatsuyu
Chikatsuyu has a parking area called Kodo Aruki-no-sato Chikatsuyu near Hwy 311 with a couple of restaurants (hours and business days vary) nearby and an A Coop grocery store (open 8:30 to 18:00 every day). Selection may be limited at the A Coop so purchasing sooner than later is recommended.
There are also some cafes nearby with variable hours.
About 2 km before arriving in Chikatsuyu on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route, there is a roadside rest area (Michi-no-eki 道の駅 in Japanese) called Michi-no-eki Kumano Kodo Nakahechi that has a small shop and diner, vending machines, souvenirs and snacks, toilets, some outdoor seating to eat.
Open 9:00 to 17:00, every day except for New Year’s holidays (Jan 1-3). Closed on Thursdays from December to February.
The Gyubadoji-guchi 牛馬童子口 bus stop is also nearby.
Nonagase Guest House, located not far from Chikatsuyu-oji, offers an open beer garden.
① 14:00～17:30（last order 17:00）
② 19:30～21:00（last order 20:30）
※ Irregular holidays
More about Nonagase Guest House
Hongu
The Hongu area includes the small town area around Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine and the surrounding onsen hot spring communities of Yunomine Onsen, Kawayu Onsen, and Watarase Onsen.
Hongu Town
There are a variety of restaurants, a few small shops, a hardware center with a housewares department with snacks, and a couple of small convenience stores in Hongu Town area. Hours vary.
Hongu Tourism Association restaurant suggestions
Yunomine Onsen
Yunomune Chaya is located near Toko-ji Temple open 7:00 to 17:00 every day. They offer drinks, a light lunch menu, raw eggs for sale that can be boiled in the local “yuzutsu” onsen open cooking area.
In the center of the village is Yunomine Onsen Shokudo, a small diner open every day except Mondays, from about 10:30 to 20:30 (sometimes closed between 15:00 and 17:00).
You-got-it Bar offers craft beer and local veggies and seafood. Bar hours 16:00 to 21:30, (dinner time from 18:00 only).
Wataze/Watarase Onsen
Yakitori Okagesan is just a few minutes walk from Watarase Onsen public outdoor bath and some area accommodations. Open from 17:00 to 22:00, closed Sundays.
Kawayu Onsen
It is best to purchase food in advance and take it with you if staying at the campground or other accommodation on a “No Meals” plan in Kawayu Onsen.
As no accommodations offer lunch, best to order a lunch box bento in advance to have it delivered at checkout.
For hikers walking the Kogumotori-goe route between Ukegawa and Koguchi, there is the Yamazaki Y-Shop convenience store located between the Ukegawa bus stop and trailhead, open every day except Wednesday, 8:00 to 18:00.
Shingu
Shingu City has a variety of restaurants, shops, and convenience stores. Visit the Shingu Tourist Information Center in front of the JR Shingu Station for assistance in English.
Shingu City Tourist Association restaurant page
Nachi-Katsuura
Nachi-Katsuura includes the Nachisan mountain shrine-temple complex and the nearby sea village of Katsuura.
Nachisan
A few cafes and diners can be found during the day on the Nachisan shrine-temple complex. Hours vary. Nothing is open in the evening.
※ Note that eating outside of the cafes, diners, and rest areas is not acceptable on the grounds of shrines or temples.
Katsuura
Katsuura sea village is famous for its deliciously fresh maguro bluefin tuna. There are many restaurants to choose from to enjoy this local delicacy. There are also small shops and convenience stores.
The lively Katsuua Nigiwai Ichiba marketplace at the port offers an area of fresh catch and local products.
Visit the Nachi-Katsuura Tourist Information Office located next to JR Kii-Katsuura Station for suggestions.
Nachi Katsuura Tourism Organization restaurant page
Ordering Lunch Boxes
Ordering a bento box lunch delivered before departure from Kii-Tanabe Station or in the Hongu area (Hongu, Yunomine Onsen, Kawayu Onsen, Watarase Onsen) is a delicious lunch option featuring local traditional foods.
Bento box lunches can be delivered to accommodations booked through KUMANO TRAVEL and must be ordered in advance.
Other Suggestions
NOTE: Check the details for your accommodation. Even some No Meals plans, the owner might be willing to take guests to local supermarkets or restaurants.