Walk Japan’s sacred Kumano Kodo on a self-guided adventure, blending atmospheric shrines, hot-spring villages, and stays in ryokan and minshuku with time to discover Kyoto and Osaka.
  • Explore Kyoto’s Buddhist temples, tranquil gardens, and traditional teahouses.
  • Walk the Nakahechi trail from Takijiri to ridge-top Takahara.
  • Visit the Grand Shrine at Hongu in the Kii Mountains.
  • Soak in Yunomine Onsen, an ancient natural hot-spring village.
  • Hike over Ogumotorigoe Pass with Pacific Ocean glimpses.
  • Visit Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Nachi-taki waterfall.
  • Explore Kii-Katsuura’s island-studded bay and early-morning fish market.
  • Visit Sumiyoshi Shrine’s ancient architecture and thousand-year-old sacred trees.
Stay in a mix of modern western-style hotels with en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, TV and fridges, and traditional Japanese inns. Ryokan feature tatami rooms, futon bedding, exquisite dinners, and en-suite or communal hot-spring baths, while family-run minshuku offer tatami rooms with futons and typically shared bathrooms.