Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek
From AUD $4750
Small Group
Average
Rating
(13 reviews)
Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek
8 days
Small Group
Moderate
Average
English
Experience Overview
Stray off the tourist trail with an eight-day hiking adventure on some of the great ancient pilgrim routes in Japan.
Stray off the tourist trail with an eight-day hiking adventure on some of the great ancient pilgrim routes in Japan. The Koya-san and Kumano Kodo treks take you deep through the wilderness and into the mountainous landscapes of Honshu, as you gain insight into the strong connection with past and present pilgrims. 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 enchanting Japan.
Highlights
- Experience two of the main religions in Japan – Buddhism and Shintoism – by following the footsteps of ancient pilgrims on their quest for faith along the Koya-san and Kumano Kodo trails.
- 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 mountainous Wakayama prefecture.
- Soak in an onsen after a day of trekking in Yunomine – there's no better way in Japan to relax and rejuvenate 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 some sites of natural and religious significance.
Trip Details
8 days
Train,Private vechicle,Taxi,Local bus
Small Group
English
Kyoto, Japan
Osaka, Japan
Moderate
Walking & Trekking
Average
Itinerary
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Kyoto - Shimogamo Shrine
- Kyoto - Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi)
- Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- Kyoto - Mt. Daimonji-yama hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Koya-san - Koya-san Choishi Michi trail
- Koya-san - Okuno-in Mausoleum
Accommodation:
- Temple Stay (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Kumano Kodo - Kumano Hongū Taisha
Accommodation:
- Ryokan (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Kumano Kudo - Hiking
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse/Ryokan (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Kumano Kudo - Hiking
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour
- Kii Katsuura - Tuna Market
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
- Flights to and from origin and destinations
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
- Recommended gratuities/tipping
- Optional activities/tours
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.
You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.
Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.
If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).
If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.
Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.
- It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
- Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
- Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Duration: 8 days
Trip Type: Small Group
Activity Level: Average
Stray off the tourist trail with an eight-day hiking adventure on some of the great ancient pilgrim routes in Japan.
Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 11 Apr 2026
Customer Reviews
10/18/2023
Great trip. Hiking was beautiful especially in the rain. Ken our leader was great. The traditional accommodation and food was so good - so lucky to have experienced it all.
09/26/2023
A wonderful trip that allows you to gain a greater understanding of the people and culture of Japan and make new friends. Whilst the walk was challenging at times, the trip was an opportunity to experience the wilderness, temples, onsens and a variety of local food types. Kento our fantastic tour leader, was a great ambassador for Japan and Intrepid.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
10/18/2023
Great trip. Hiking was beautiful especially in the rain. Ken our leader was great. The traditional accommodation and food was so good - so lucky to have experienced it all.
09/26/2023
A wonderful trip that allows you to gain a greater understanding of the people and culture of Japan and make new friends. Whilst the walk was challenging at times, the trip was an opportunity to experience the wilderness, temples, onsens and a variety of local food types. Kento our fantastic tour leader, was a great ambassador for Japan and Intrepid.
07/01/2023
Had a great time during our Japan trip. Well organized, our guide Ken was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and funny. Itinerary and accommodation were as expected so all group had a great time. We were very lucky to have a fabulous group of people of very varied ages (and the 'oldies' proved to be as fit or even fitter than some of the 'youngsters' which was great to see). Would definitely travel with Intrepid again. Thanks for amazing holidays.
06/25/2023
Fantastic trip and value for money. Awesome leader. Would recommend to anyone who has a good level of fitness.
07/01/2023
This was a wonderful trip. I would highly recommend. For me personally a good mix of sightseeing and trekking. The big trail day was an awesome challenge if your looking for that achievement satisfaction on your trip. Amazing tour leader Ken as well who really made the trip fun and comfortable. I loved getting to know that Japanese rail and public transport system too as it made the rest of my trip much easier.
07/02/2023
Japan Koya-san and Kumano Kodo Trek did not disappoint. A diverse trip covering many temples and shrines, beautiful countryside, some steep uphill and uneven footage but fully guided by intrepid team and always felt safe and secure. Eating and Sleeping in a mix of local accommodation and hotels gives a great insight to the real Japan.
05/19/2023
This was an excellent trip for those who like hiking but don’t have time to do the full Kumano Kodo trail. The monastery stay in Koya-san was a highlight, as was the night market in Kyoto and the onsens at the different ryokans. A great trip all around!
05/17/2023
A fantastic tour with challenging hikes met with culturally rich Japanese experiences. The Ryokan and Temple stays were such a delight to have and there were aspects of language & culture that only our guide Kento could help us navigate. An forgettable trip!
05/17/2023
One of a kind trip! It was filled with so much beauty, culture and wisdom. The trail was a great trek, alot of activities were included, lodgings were comfortable and the tour leader was fantastic. I will never forget this tour, I couldn't recommend it more!
10/19/2023
The description doesn't do the trip justice. Had such a great time staying in more traditional style inns. We would come back from a day of walking to a hot public bath, matching robes, and amazing meals. I was thoroughly filled with happiness everyday. It was like a wellness retreat. Ken did a great job taking care of us and making sure we were all accounted for on public transportation. Definitely recommend.
10/01/2023
Excellent immersion in the religion, culture, food and remote location of Koyasan and the Komoda Koda. Prepare for a 3 hour, 850 meter elevation change on the toughest hike. Challenging but gratifying when completed. Ken, our tour guide was nothing short of fabulous.
10/01/2023
I had a fantastic time on our tour of the Koya-San and Kumano Kodo. Some challenging hikes, amazing scenery and really interesting places to stay. And all with the wonderful Ken who was a brilliant guide and took so much trouble to make it all go so smoothly. Would highly recommend!
09/21/2023
the trip was quite challenging with kento always available to encourage and or assist with any requirements
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