Kumanokodo 2 Days Walking Tour for JR Pass Holders

Discover the ancient trails of the Kumano Kodo on a special 2-day walking tour, exclusively available for travelers with a JR Pass. This journey takes you through the revered Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage route, offering a unique opportunity to experience a path steeped in history and spiritual significance. As you walk, you'll be surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the region, which has been a source of inspiration and contemplation for centuries.

During your tour, you'll have the chance to spend a night in Yunomine Onsen, a place renowned for its healing hot springs. After a day of exploration and connection with nature, you can relax and rejuvenate in these therapeutic waters. This tour is the perfect way for JR Pass holders to engage deeply with one of Japan's most sacred and beautiful landscapes, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Tour Highlights

• Exclusive journey designed for JR Pass holders

• Scenic train ride to Kii Tanabe and immersive bus trips along the pilgrimage route

• Visit to the serene Takahara Kumano Shrine

• Enthralling 4.5-hour walk on the ancient Kumano Kodo trail

• Encounter with historical landmarks like Daimon Oji and Gyuba Doji statue

• Relaxing stay at Yunomine Onsen, famous for its healing hot springs

• Exploration of sacred sites, including Hosshinmon Oji and Hongu Taisha shrine

What’s Covered

• Pickup and drop-off at designated points

• 1-night accommodation in Yunomine Onsen

• Dinner on Day 1

• Breakfast on Day 2

• Bus transportation as per itinerary

• Entry to Takahara Kumano Shrine and other sites on the route

What’s Extra

• JR Pass or train tickets

• Lunches and additional meals

• Personal expenses

• Optional activities not included in the itinerary

• Travel Insurance

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Journey to the Heart of Kumano Kodo

Duration: Full day

Inclusions: Dinner

07:00 - Hotel Pickup in Osaka City

Begin your adventure with a convenient hotel pickup in Osaka. Please be ready in the lobby. Note that JR ticket fees are not included, and this tour is tailored for Japan Rail Pass holders.

07:35 - Travel to Kii Tanabe Station

Board the Kuroshio1 train from Shin Osaka to Kii Tanabe Station (JR limited express, reserved seat), arriving at 9:58 am.

10:15 - Bus Ride to Kurisugawa

From Kii-Tanabe Station, take a bus to Kurisugawa, arriving at 10:59 am.

11:00 - Visit Takahara Kumano Shrine

Explore the serene Takahara Kumano Shrine in Kurisugawa for an hour.

12:00 - Lunch in Kiri no Sato Takahara

Enjoy a lunch break in Kiri no Sato Takahara. Lunch is on your own arrangement.

13:10 - Walk the Kumano Kodo

Embark on a 4.5-hour walk through the Kumano Kodo, visiting Daimon Oji, Jujo Oji, Osakamoto Oji, and the Gyuba Doji statue.

17:59 - Bus to Yunomine Onsen

Take a bus from Chikatsuyu to Yunomine Onsen, arriving at 18:31 pm. Check into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening at Yunomine Onsen.

Day 2: Exploring Sacred Sites

Duration: Full day

Inclusions: Breakfast

07:40 - Depart from Hotel

After breakfast, depart from your hotel in Yunomine Onsen. Please wait in the lobby for pickup.

08:16 - Bus to Hosshinmon Oji

Travel by bus to Hosshinmon Oji, arriving at 8:50 am.

09:00 - Tour Sacred Sites

Visit several sacred sites, including Hosshinmon Oji, Mizunomi Oji, Fushiogami Oji, and the Sangenjaya Teahouse remains, culminating at the Hongu Taisha shrine. This tour takes approximately 2.5 hours.

11:30 - Lunch

Have lunch on your own arrangement, with an hour allocated for this break.

12:40 - Return to Kii Tanabe Station

Catch a bus back to Kii Tanabe Station, arriving at 14:48 pm.

15:37 - Train Back to Shin Osaka

Board the Kuroshio26 train from Kii Tanabe Station to Shin Osaka (JR limited express, reserved seat), arriving at 17:50 pm. The tour concludes at Shin Osaka station.

Essentials to Know Before Booking

• Private tour exclusively for your group

• Option to skip spots with no refunds, or substitute with other places

• Additional spots may incur on-site ticket fees

• Public transportation used, seats not reserved

• Prompt arrival required at the meeting point

• Weekends, holidays, and events may affect schedule

• Schedule subject to sudden changes or shorter visits

• No-show results in non-refundable fees

• Personal responsibility for valuables advised

• Rainwear is recommended due to changing weather

Meeting Point Info

Hotel Pick up at Osaka city

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

While this tour is designed for private groups, solo travelers can participate. However, please note that the tour may incur additional costs for a single participant.

Can I customize the itinerary to include specific attractions?

Yes, the itinerary can be customized to accommodate specific preferences or attractions upon request. Please inform us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your requests.

Are meals included in the tour package?

Dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2 are included in the tour package. However, lunch is not included. You are free to explore local dining options during the lunch break.

Is transportation provided throughout the tour?

Yes, transportation via public buses and trains is included in the tour package. However, please note that seats are not reserved on public transportation.

Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour price?

Entrance fees to attractions listed on the itinerary are typically included. However, any additional attractions or spots added at your request may require payment of entrance fees on-site.

What should I wear and bring for the tour?

Comfortable walking shoes are essential for this tour, as you'll be walking extensively. We also recommend bringing rainwear (raincoat) as the weather on Kumano Kodo can change rapidly. Additionally, please avoid bringing bulky baggage; a light bag is recommended for your belongings.

Is there a minimum age requirement for participants?

Due to significant climbing activities involved, children aged between 0 and 5 are not permitted to participate in this tour. However, older children and teenagers are welcome to join with parental supervision.

What happens in case of inclement weather or natural disasters?

In the event of inclement weather or natural disasters, such as a typhoon, the tour may be canceled for safety reasons. A full refund will be provided in such cases.

Related Read: Hiking the Sacred Kumano Kodo: A Guide to Japan's Pilgrimage Route