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The Ultimate Guide to 4 Day Nakahechi Route Trek, Kumano Kodo, Japan
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items The Nakahechi Route is the "Imperial Route" of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage in Japan’s Wakayama Prefecture. This was one of the most beautiful multi-day treks that my husband and I have completed.
Sections
7
Important Info: Before Starting
Day 0: Arrive in Tenabe
Day 1: Tanabe to Chikatsuyu-oji
Day 2: Chikatsuyu to Kawayu Onsen
Day 3: Kawayu Onsen to Kowaze
Day 4: Kowaze to Nachisan
Important Info: Before Starting
Because this route is NOT a loop, you will be staying in 4 different hotels after each day of hiking and the start and end destinations are quite far apart. I recommend contacting a luggage delivery service to ensure your bags get to each of your des...
This is the service we used during our trip. It was easy to set up and our bags always arrived on time without any issues to each of our 4 hotels.
Kumano Kodo Shuttle Service (Luggage Shuttle)
I've heard great things about bounce and would recommend checking them out as an alternative option..
Luggage Delivery Japan | Send Bags Between Hotels & Airports | Bounce
Day 0: Arrive in Tenabe
I really recommend coming to Tanabe the day before and spending some time walking around the town. It's a very quaint town by Tanabe Bay. It's known for umeboshi (plums), so we tried a variety of different plum items!
Loved this spot and they sold many local delicacies like umeboshi (plums) and jabara (a yuzu-like citrus fruit). We bought a few items as souvenirs from the store. Plus, they had a cafe that serves pickled umeboshi and soy sauce ice cream!
Tenabe-en Cafe
Very nice shrine on the way to Tanabe Bay. It's relatively small compared to other major shrines, so we didn't spend too much time there.
Tokei Shrine
Serene park by Tanabe Bay. Had a playground for children and also had monkey bars, which my husband and I had to use LOL
Ogigahama Park
A fun shop that has a lot of unique jewelry, keychains and buttons. Great for picking up souvenirs or something for yourself!
KeLaLa
An izakaya we had dinner at. The owners know very limited English but they were extremely nice and gave us free Popsicles to end our meal.
Ajimi Izakaya
Day 1: Tanabe to Chikatsuyu-oji
Day 1 of the hike. Typically all hikers take the 8:24am(ish) bus to the start of th.e trailhead. Get to the bus station early as there was quite a queue by the time the bus arrived. I highlighted some key viewpoints below plus where we ended up stayi...
Total distance: 13.3 km/8.3 miles
Had a wonderful stay with the owner Meiko and her cat! Her meals are amazing and we got a bento box for lunch the next day as well! I also uploaded a video of my experience on Day 1 that I linked here as well.
Minpaku Matsuri Homestay
Another option if you can't directly book Minpaku Matsuri.
Home in Tanabe · ★4.63 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 shared bath
Start of the hike! Bus drops you off nearby and there are clear trail markers to direct you.
Takijiri-oji
Stunning view here. Worth stopping by and enjoying the view. A few stands here offering coffee and baked goods, what a treat!
Takahara-Kiri-no-Sato rest stop
Final stop for day 1. It's a quaint village with mountains painted in the background. Absolutely stunning!
Chikatsuyu-oji
Day 2: Chikatsuyu to Kawayu Onsen
Day 2 is actually the longest day in distance, but not in difficulty. The full route is around 26km in total with options to take the bus to shorten the route to 19km and 17km. We ended up taking the bus option, hiking the 17km route to give us more ...
The hotel we stayed in our second night. It was extremely nice and buffet dinner was delicious. We were able to get shovels to dig our own onsen in the river. What an experience!
Sansuikan Kawayu Midoriya, Hongu (updated prices 2026)
This was initially where we tried to book. Very similar to Midoriya but right in front of the area where you can dig your own onsen.
Fujiya Ryokan Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia
Oji Shrine is located to the east of the former Michiyukawa settlement. The site is now covered with cedar trees, but people apparently lived there until 1956
Yukawa Oji
There's a rock with snakeskin like markings at this site. It's said that oval shaped rocks were left here to appease the serpents (since they like eggs).
Jagata Jizo
One of the three grand shrines that make up Kumano Sanzan. It really is beautiful to see.
Kumano Hongū Taisha
Day 3: Kawayu Onsen to Kowaze
The trail is about a 30 minute walk away from our hotel. There are buses but they run infrequently so we ended up hiking a bit more on day 3 than just the trail.
Distance: 15.8 km / 9.8 miles
Our stay on the third night. It was decent - the onsen by the river is so beautiful and peaceful at night, but the lack of private showers was an issue for me. This was my least favorite accommodation during the hike.
Takata Green Land Kumotori Onsen Ryokan (Shingu)
A better rated option that is also in town. Highly recommend staying close to where you end as the start of day 4 will be in the same area.
MINSHUKU MOMOFUKU - Reviews (Shingu, Japan)
Beautiful way to end the third day. River is very peaceful, we had lunch sitting on a bench and explored some of the wildlife there afterwards. Toilets also there, which was convenient!
Kowaze Ferry Remains
Scenice stop along Kumano Kodo. It's said that a teahouse was once there during the edo period, which is pretty cool.
Ishido-jaya Teahouse Remains
A beautiful overlook that is perfect for lunch. We stopped here to nourish with a view
Hyaaken-gura
Day 4: Kowaze to Nachisan
This is known as the body breaker. A few of the locals we have met have hiked the first 3 days, but have not hiked the 4th day due to the difficulty. It is recommended to start earlier to allot enough time.
Total distance: 14km / 8.7 miles
I really enjoyed this hotel - I think it's super underrated for everything you get. There's an arcade inside, a lawson, and the cave onsen is so peaceful especially for sunrise. The buffet is super expensive, but I didn't mind it.
Hotel Urashima, Katsuura (updated prices 2026) - Booking.com
Another option if you're looking to stay closer to the beach area of Katsuura.
黒潮の宿 臨海荘 -Kuroshio no yado Rinkaisou - Booking.com
The final stop of the journey! This is such a stunning place to explore - Nachi Waterfall is right behind the pagoda and nearby the shrine there.
Kumano Nachi Taisha, Nachikatsuura-cho
LOVED this fish market. The freshest tuna we've had this entire trip. This port is famous for hauling the largest volume of fresh (unfrozen) tuna in Japan.
Katsuura Nigiwai Market (2026) - All You SHOULD Know Before Going (with Reviews)
Alternate Options to 4 Day Trek
Want to see Kumano Kodo but don't want to hike for 4 days straight? Here are some great options that lessen the amount of hiking while still capturing the history and beauty of the Nakahechi route.
If you're looking for a custom experience that is not 4 full days, this is a great alternative that allows you to see the sites along Kumano Kodo without having to hike!
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
This walking tour has some walking/hiking, but not to the full extent of the pilgrimage. If you want some walking but not full days of hiking, this is a great option.
3 Day Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route Walking Tour from Osaka
A final option for a guided tour that is 24H around Kumano Kodo. This starts in a different location that is already along Kumano Kodo route.
Kumano Kodo Private Guided Tour from Kumano Hongu Taisha