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The journey, at a glance
A 7-day self-guided route through the sacred shrines and mountains of the Kumano region in Japan. The traditional Imperial Way covers 75 km through cedar forests, rural villages, three grand shrines and the highest waterfall in Japan.
Map, and itinerary
| DAY | Stage | km | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Tanabe Overnight in the town centre | – | ||||||||||||
| 2 | Takijiri-oji > Takahara Main entry point, steep climb through cedar forests and ancient shrines, views over Hatenashi valley | 5 | ||||||||||||
| 3 | Takahara > Chikatsuyu-oji Mountain forests, rural villages, moderate climbs, panoramic views | 10 | ||||||||||||
Read the full itinerary
| ||||||||||||||
| Total | 66 km | |||||||||||||
Already included, you shape everything else
The base journey is complete as it stands. Every experience is personal: you can adjust stages, add services or extra days before you set off. All of this happens in your consultation call.
Already included · Customise
- Dedicated 30-minute consultation
- Full trip organisation
- Bed and breakfast stays
- 24/7 phone support
- Sports medical insurance
- Pilgrim credential
- GPS tracks
- Full documentation
- Gift box shipped to your home
- Dedicated personal adviser
- App with built-in GPS map
- Flights
- Backpack transfer
- Private transfers
- Cancellation insurance (included in the Serenity line)
- Private guide
- Trip extension
Already included
- Dedicated 30-minute consultation
- Full trip organisation
- Bed and breakfast stays
- 24/7 phone support
- Sports medical insurance
- Pilgrim credential
- GPS tracks
- Full documentation
- Gift box shipped to your home
- Dedicated personal adviser
- App with built-in GPS map
Customise
- Flights
- Backpack transfer
- Private transfers
- Cancellation insurance (included in the Serenity line)
- Private guide
- Trip extension
Every addition is discussed in your consultation. No hidden costs.
Three ways to walk the route
We don't offer tiers of value. Same route, same method, three different hospitality contexts.
Relaxed · Protected · Fluid
Walking with a lighter mind
Camera privata, colazione, bagno in camera
from · flights excluded
Understated · Functional · Pragmatic
The essentials, in private
Camera privata, colazione, bagno in camera
from · flights excluded
Grounded · Essential · Shared
The most direct form of the walk
Not available for this journey
It's not a price scale. It's not a value scale. It's a scale of attitude and context.
Let yourself be inspired, photos from the route
What they say, those who've walked with us
4 reviews verified
Questions, the most common ones
How much does Kumano Kodo Nakahechi. Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Trail cost?
From 1240€ per person in a double room for 7 days: hand-picked accommodation, roadbook and assistance included; luggage transfers between stages can be added on request. From there the trip is tailored to your dates and preferences.
How many stages does Kumano Kodo Nakahechi. Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Trail have?
5 stages covering 75 km in a 7-day formula. The pace can be adapted: shorter stages or extra nights are arranged in your proposal.
Do I need to train for Kumano Kodo Nakahechi. Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Trail?
You need to be used to walking, not athletic training: stages average 15 km a day. If you want a light pack, luggage transfer can be added on request. A few walks in the weeks before are enough to enjoy it.
Why are there no fixed departure dates?
Because the journey is built on your dates. You choose when to leave, with no group and no calendar: the proposal comes back on the dates you give us.
Is it safe to go alone?
Yes. We have walked every route ourselves, waymarking included, and your personal area shows the track and your position. Who you go with is your choice: as a couple, with friends, as a family. While you walk, a number answers at any hour.
What does self-guided mean?
It means you walk without a group and without a guide alongside, but not alone: who you travel with is your choice, as a couple, with friends or with family. The organisation is ours: stages, accommodation booked one by one, roadbook and app, support throughout the trip. You choose when to leave and how fast to go.
Can I book my own flight?
Absolutely, you can book your flight independently. If you book through us, it'll be included in the travel contract and covered if you take out cancellation insurance.
How does cancellation insurance work?
In the Serenity line, cancellation insurance is already included. In the Minimal and Essence lines it is added to your proposal. Either way, you can cancel your journey up to the morning of departure for certified reasons.
What if I have a problem during the journey?
For any issue during your trip, you can reach our support team, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Why aren't dinners included?
Our philosophy is that you discover the culture of a place through its food and wine. We don't include dinners to avoid fixed menus of poor quality. We've hand-picked hotels and guesthouses steps away from the best local restaurants.
What's the difference between Essence, Minimal and Serenity?
They are three hospitality styles, not three levels of journey quality. Essence means shared accommodation in a hostel. Minimal means a private room in simple, functional properties. Serenity means top-choice properties with greater comfort. Our organisation, the route and the support are identical across all three lines.
Is Essence a budget option?
Essence isn't a low-cost line. It's the choice for those who prefer shared hospitality and want to experience the walk in its most direct form. The price is lower because the accommodation is simpler, not because the service is lesser.
Does the organisation change between lines?
No. All lines include: tailored route planning, logistics, support before, during and after the journey, and all our standard services. Only the hospitality level changes.
Kumano Kodo Nakahechi. Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Trail
The most popular and traditional Kumano Kodo route, often called the imperial trail, through sacred shrines and mountains of Japan.
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