Kumano KodoTravel & Exploration
Last update 14 h. agoCreated on the 17th of May 2026
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Duration
~10.8 hours
Distance
36.2 km
Elevation gain
1034 m
Difficulty
T3 — strenuous
High point
640 m
Kumano Kodo Nakahechi
The most walked of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, crossing the cedar forested Kii Mountains from Takijiri to the three grand shrines of Hongū, Hayatama and Nachi. Pilgrims and emperors have followed these mossy stone paths for more than a thousand years, and the route shares UNESCO status with the Camino de Santiago.
Spring and autumn are most pleasant; summer is humid and leech prone, winter sees icy passes at higher elevations. Book minshuku and ryokan stays in Chikatsuyu and Hongū months ahead through the Tanabe Tourism Bureau, since beds are scarce and meals are usually included.
