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
A 6-day advanced self-guided Nakahechi package with May 2025 departure now on sale! Kumano Kodo Pilgrim’s Journey ④ - 6 days Self-Guided | Advanced | May 30~June 4, 2025 More...
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...
DETOUR NOTICE on the Kohechi RouteThe main trail on the north side of the Obako-toge pass on the Kumano Kodo Kohechi route has experienced a landslide, so please follow the...
Notice of Indefinite Closure Due to the indefinite closure of the KUMANO TRAVEL Travel Support Center as of Friday, April 1, 2022, last-minute travel arrangements are not possible onsite. Guests are...
Articles
- Hints & TipsNews & UpdatesPlaces & StoriesEat & DrinkMedia & Accolades
CJPF Awards 2025: Grand Prize Runner-up
DUAL PILGRIM「Kumano Kodo & Way of St.James: Celebrating World Heritage Pilg... - Hints & TipsNews & UpdatesPlaces & StoriesEat & DrinkMedia & Accolades
Kumano Water Purification Rites
Water is a sacred purifying element in Japanese nature worship, used as an inte... - Hints & TipsNews & UpdatesPlaces & StoriesEat & DrinkMedia & Accolades
Tanabe Gourmet Guide
What and where to eat in Tanabe is a common question when visitors arrive in th... - Hints & TipsNews & UpdatesPlaces & StoriesEat & DrinkMedia & Accolades
What to Do with an Extra Day in Hongu
After days of walking, spending a day in the Hongu Area offers the perf... - Hints & TipsNews & UpdatesPlaces & StoriesEat & DrinkMedia & AccoladesCJPF Awards 2025: Grand Prize Runner-up
DUAL PILGRIM「Kumano Kodo & Way of St.James: Celebrating World Heritage Pilg...
- Hints & TipsNews & UpdatesPlaces & StoriesEat & DrinkMedia & AccoladesKumano Water Purification Rites
Water is a sacred purifying element in Japanese nature worship, used as an inte...
- Hints & TipsNews & UpdatesPlaces & StoriesEat & DrinkMedia & AccoladesTanabe Gourmet Guide
What and where to eat in Tanabe is a common question when visitors arrive in th...
- Hints & TipsNews & UpdatesPlaces & StoriesEat & DrinkMedia & AccoladesWhat to Do with an Extra Day in Hongu
After days of walking, spending a day in the Hongu Area offers the perf...
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]