KUMANO KODO Walk Options between Chikatsuyu/Nonaka and Kumano Hongu Taisha

Walking the Kumano Kodo between the Chikatsuyu/Nonaka area and Kumano Hongu Taisha is a long walk (up to 25 km, 9-12 hours).

Some guests might want to shorten the distance to make visiting the Kumano Hongu Taisha with enough daylight with enough time to catch a bus to area accommodations such as Yunomine Onsen and Kawayu Onsen.

There are three basic walk options (Full, Intermediate, Highlight) to approach the day.

Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Maps

Table of Contents

Full Walk

Kumano Kodo, Chikatsuyu-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha

The Full Walk refers to walking the entire route from either Chikatsuyu (25 km) or Nonaka (22 km) areas to Kumano Hongu Taisha which can take guests 9-12 hours.

Course Data	~25 km (~15.5 mi), 9-12 hours, from Chikatsuyu ~21.5 km (~13 mi), 8-11 hours, from Nonaka
Key Points	● Mostly on paved road until Kobiro-oji ● Some views of mountains ● Small collections of homes in area villages ● Visit Tsugizakura-oji with giant cedar trees ● Not much time to see Kumano Hongu Taisha ● Longest section of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route
Recommended For	Very fit walkers
Hints	● Get an early start ● Keep bus schedule handy for emergencies (Bus timetable #1 between Tanabe and Hongu, #2 from Hosshinmon-oji)

Chikatsuyu-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha Details

Intermediate Walk

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route Nakahechi Doyukawa-bashi to Kumano Hongu Taisha

Doyukawa-bashi Bus Stop or Kobiro-toge Bus stop to Kumano Hongu Taisha

Many guests opt for the Intermediate Walk to allow for more time to visit Kumano Hongu Taisha. While shorter than the Full Walk, it is still considered a full-day hike. A bus or shuttle from your accommodation is required to get to the trailhead.

Course Data	~19 km (~11.4 mi), 7-10 hours, from Kobiro-toge bus stop ~17 km (~10 mi), 6-9 hours, from Doyukawa-bashi bus stop
Bus	Bus timetable #1 #81 Ryujin bus from Chikatsuyu-oji bus stop (7:23) or from Nonaka Ipposugi bus stop (7:29)
Key Points	● Skip paved road at the beginning of the hike ● Start directly in the mountains ● Bus to trailhead required ※ Some accommodations may offer rides to the trailhead (not always guaranteed)
Recommended For	Intermediate hikers who wish to maximize their time with trail and the grand shrine.
Hints	● Eat breakfast early enough to make bus ● For people wanting to be a DUAL PILGRIM this option is OK to be registered. Using a bus to shorten the route is allowed.

Doyukawa-bashi Bus Stop to Kumano Hongu Taisha Details

Highlight Walk

Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha

The Highlight Walk offers a relaxing day of just a few hours’ hike with the best of both trail and rural Japanese villages finishing at Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine. Early departure is not necessary.

Course Data	~7.5 km (~4.5 mi), 2-3 hours, from Hosshinmon-oji bus stop
Bus	May require transfer at Hongu Taisha-mae bus stop to get to Hosshinmon-oji Bus timetable #1 Direct early option: #81 Ryujin Bus: Chikatsuyu-oji bus stop (7:23) or Nonaka Ipposugi bus stop (7:29), arrive Hosshinmon-oji 8:37 Later departure: #91 Meiko Bus: Nakahechi Art Museum parking (9:07) or Nonaka Ipposugi (9:12), arrive Hongu Taisha-mae 9:37. ——Transfer to #81 Ryujin bus: Hongu Taisha-mae 10:10, arrive Hosshinmon-oji 10:25
Key Points	● Leisurely pace possible ● Nice views of settlements and trail ● More time to enjoy Kumano Hongu Taisha, Oyunohara, Kumano Hongu Heritage Center ● Check-in earlier to accommodation to enjoy onsen hot spring baths ● Dainichi-goe trail option to extend walk ● Bus to trailhead required ※ Some accommodations may offer rides to the trailhead (not always guaranteed)
Recommended For	Beginners or any interested in slower, pleasant, diverse walk with more time in Hongu
Hints	● Eat breakfast early enough to make bus ● For people wanting to be a DUAL PILGRIM this option is OK to be registered. Using a bus to shorten the route is allowed.