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Peregrine Travel Centre

Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek

Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek

From $ 4,290 AUD

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Description

Stray off the tourist trail with an eight-day hiking adventure on some of the great ancient pilgrim routes in Japan. The Koya-san hike takes you deep through the wilderness and into the mountainous landscapes of Honshu, leading you to the centre of Shingon Buddhism. As you trek past cedar and cypress trees on the historic Kumano Kodo trail, you’ll gain insight into the experiences of pilgrims who have traversed this UNESCO World Heritage-listed trail throughout history. Along the way, stop by peaceful temples and monasteries, soak in traditional onsen and discover the cultural hubs of Kyoto and Osaka. This small-group adventure will give you both a physical and cultural workout around the best of Japan.

Trip Name
Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Follow the footsteps of ancient pilgrims on their quest for faith along the Koya-san and Kumano Kodo trails, all the while learning about two of the main religions in Japan – Buddhism and Shintoism.
  • Discover two of the major cultural hubs of Japan on foot, walking the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto and strolling through the Dotombori district in Osaka.
  • Join in the morning prayers and share a traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) meal during an overnight temple stay in Koya-san, deep in the mountainous Wakayama prefecture.
  • Soak in an onsen after a day of trekking in Yunomine – there's no better way to relax and rejuvenate in Japan than in the natural mineral waters of a hot spring.
  • Explore Kyoto on a couple of nearby hikes for a different perspective on the life and culture in this notable city, as well as visiting sites of natural and religious significance such as Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion).

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Kyoto
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Kyoto, Japan. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, step out onto the streets for your first taste of this beautiful city. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (translating to the ‘tranquillity and peace capital’) in AD 794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years before the emperor and government relocated to Tokyo. Because of this, Kyoto is home to over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens. After the meeting tonight, maybe head out for your first taste of local Japanese food. As the millennium-long home of the imperial kitchen, Kyoto is known as the centre of Japanese culinary tradition, so the first dinner of your adventure is sure to be a tasty one.
Day 2 - Kyoto
Get active this morning with a walk to the 8th-century Shimogamo Shrine – located at the intersection of the Kamo and Takano rivers. The shrine is dedicated to the god of harvest and holds many rites around purification and agricultural produce. On this visit, you’ll be introduced to Shintoism – an indigenous belief system connecting ancient past and present Japanese culture. Continue to the renowned Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, to see Japanese garden design at its best and learn about the key principles of Japanese Zen. After, take a short but steep hike up behind Ginkaku-ji for scenic views over Kyoto. On your way back to the hotel, walk along Philosopher’s Path, lined with cherry blossom trees. If there’s time, you’ll also stop by two other Zen temples. Today’s introduction to the cultural significance of Buddhism and Shintoism will inform some aspects of your hiking trails in the days to come, so listen up!
Day 3 - Koya-san
Take a train to Kii-Hosokawa Station in the Koya-san district, ready for your forest trek. Koya-san is the name given to a monastic complex in the Koya-Ryujin Quasi-National Park and is one of Japan’s most sacred sites. Begin your trek on the Koya-san Choishi Michi trail, passing stone signposts (choishi), which stand every few hundred metres – these signs helped the original pilgrims find their way. You’ll reach Daimon Gate – a two-storey crimson gate that marks the entrance to Koya-san. As the centre of Shingon Buddhism, Koya-san is steeped in centuries of history, and you’ll learn about its role as an active spiritual centre this afternoon. Tonight, you’ll stay in traditional shukubo (temple stay) accommodation and tuck into a shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) meal provided by your hosts.
Day 4 - Yunomine
This morning, you’ll have the chance to participate in the monastery’s morning prayers, before making tracks to Yunomine Onsen by private vehicle. This journey weaves through the Koya-san and Kumano Kodo mountains. Yunomine is an ancient onsen town that forms part of the Kumano Kodo trail, which you’ll be trekking in the coming days. Yunomine Onsen has such a long history that one of its onsens, Tsuboyu, is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Historically, pilgrims would perform religious purification rituals in the hot spring water as part of their pilgrimage. You’ll also get to visit Kumano Hongu Taisha – one of the three grand Shinto shrines on the Kumano Kodo.
Day 5 - Koguchi
Embrace an early start as you set out this morning to hike part of the historic Kumano Kodo – one of only two UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage routes (the other being the Camino de Santiago in Spain)! This morning, transfer to Ukegawa by bus, then begin hiking to Koguchi. The first 5 km are a gradual uphill path to Hyakken-gura, then it’s an undulating trail to the Sakuratoge Pass for around 3.5 km. After this, the trail will mostly be downhill until you reach Koguchi. Today’s trails are surrounded by forests full of cedar and cypress trees, and upon reaching the Hyakken-gura peak, you’ll be greeted with sweeping views of the mountainous terrain of Wakayama.
Day 6 - Kii Katsuura
Get ready for another full-day hike on the sacred Kumano Kodo. For the first 3 hours or so, it’s a steep uphill climb, rising to over 800 m. After reaching the Echizen-toge Pass, follow the ridge of the forest for another couple of kilometres until you reach the highest point at Funami-jaya teahouse, sitting at around 868 m (2848 ft). Continue mostly downhill to Nachi Taisha – another of the three Kumano shrines and probably the most photographed because of the waterfalls that cascade in the background. Enjoy the peaceful scenery and sense of accomplishment before heading by local bus to Kii Katsuura this afternoon. Your accommodation this evening is a Japanese-style guesthouse.
Day 7 - Osaka
In the morning, visit the local tuna market at Kii Katsuura, where tuna from the cool waters of the Pacific is traded daily. Then, hop on a train and rest your legs for the long journey to Osaka. You’ll arrive around lunchtime, then head out on a walking tour with your leader to the famous Dotombori neighbourhood – the city’s most popular shopping, food and entertainment district. At night, this district is illuminated by hundreds of neon lights and mechanised signs, including the famous Glico Running Man and Kani Doraku crab. Tonight, maybe get together with your group for a night of food, drinks and karaoke!
Day 8 - Osaka
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end and you’re free to depart at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Osaka further, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-03-202604-04-2026AUD $ 5,095-
04-04-202611-04-2026AUD $ 5,060-
11-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 5,230-
09-05-202616-05-2026AUD $ 5,690-
16-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 4,630-
23-05-202630-05-2026AUD $ 4,560-
06-06-202613-06-2026AUD $ 4,290-
05-09-202612-09-2026AUD $ 4,330-
26-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 4,395-
03-10-202610-10-2026AUD $ 4,395-
17-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 4,630-
24-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 4,790-
31-10-202607-11-2026AUD $ 4,695-
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 4,790-
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 4,795-
21-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 4,560-
28-11-202605-12-2026AUD $ 4,560-
27-03-202703-04-2027AUD $ 4,985-
31-03-202707-04-2027AUD $ 4,550-
03-04-202710-04-2027AUD $ 4,550-
07-04-202714-04-2027AUD $ 4,550-
17-04-202724-04-2027AUD $ 4,985-
08-05-202715-05-2027AUD $ 5,135-
15-05-202722-05-2027AUD $ 5,285-
22-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 5,385-
29-05-202705-06-2027AUD $ 5,285-
05-06-202712-06-2027AUD $ 5,135-
19-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 4,985-
11-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 4,985-
29-09-202706-10-2027AUD $ 4,985-
02-10-202709-10-2027AUD $ 5,285-
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 5,285-
16-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 5,285-
23-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 5,385-
30-10-202706-11-2027AUD $ 5,385-
06-11-202713-11-2027AUD $ 5,385-
10-11-202717-11-2027AUD $ 5,385-
13-11-202720-11-2027AUD $ 5,385-
20-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 5,285-

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Ryokan (1 night), Guesthouse/Ryokan (2 night), Temple Stay (1 night)

Transport

Train, Private vechicle, Taxi, Local bus

Map

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