Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo Trail
Tokyo, Japan • 
Offbeat
OffbeatTokyo, Japan
Offbeat
Best months to visit
Apr, May, Oct
9°C – 18°C, mild and fresh; frequent showers but generally pleasant for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
9°C – 18°C, mild and fresh; frequent showers but generally pleasant for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Mountainous, uneven terrain; steep and sometimes difficult hiking required.
Mountainous, uneven terrain; steep and sometimes difficult hiking required.
Value for money
Medium
Pricey but offers a unique, unforgettable experience.
Pricey but offers a unique, unforgettable experience.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Breathtaking Scenery
Couples found the ancient forests and waterfalls incredibly romantic and serene. A perfect getaway.
Unforgettable Journey
Travelers loved the blend of nature and culture, ideal for a shared spiritual experience.
Well Maintained
The trails were well-maintained, making it a comfortable experience for couples to enjoy together.
Physically Demanding
Some couples found the steep terrain and long hikes challenging, especially in certain areas.
Costly Experience
Travelers felt that the self-guided tour prices were somewhat high compared to other options.
Requires Planning
Couples noted that booking accommodations and transport well in advance was essential.
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Exciting Adventure: Tourists Exploring the Enigmatic Kumano Kodo Trail!
Unearth the Wonders of Kumano Kodo: An Exploration Guide.
Experience the allure of the Kumano Kodo Trail through this immersive video.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
February
LOW
2-11°C
Cold with frequent rainfall and some risk of snow or ice on higher sections.
Cold with frequent rainfall and some risk of snow or ice on higher sections.
Open
Potential weather-related trail closures; rural transport may be limited.
Potential weather-related trail closures; rural transport may be limited.
Not recommended
February remains off-season. Hikers must prepare for winter conditions, but the trail is open with minimal crowds.
February remains off-season. Hikers must prepare for winter conditions, but the trail is open with minimal crowds.
March
MEDIUM
5-14°C
Cool and damp; early spring brings milder weather but still occasional rain.
Cool and damp; early spring brings milder weather but still occasional rain.
Open
Most routes fully open; occasional rain or fog may affect visibility.
Most routes fully open; occasional rain or fog may affect visibility.
Recommended
March marks the start of the hiking season. The weather is comfortable for walking, and most trail services resume regular operation.
March marks the start of the hiking season. The weather is comfortable for walking, and most trail services resume regular operation.
April
HIGH
9-18°C
Mild and fresh; frequent showers but generally pleasant for outdoor activities.
Mild and fresh; frequent showers but generally pleasant for outdoor activities.
Open
Accommodation and transport should be booked in advance due to high demand.
Accommodation and transport should be booked in advance due to high demand.
Recommended
April is one of the best times to hike the Kumano Kodo, with blossoms blooming and optimal temperatures. Expect busy trails and higher prices.
April is one of the best times to hike the Kumano Kodo, with blossoms blooming and optimal temperatures. Expect busy trails and higher prices.
May
MEDIUM
14-23°C
May is generally mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and moderate humidity. Rainfall increases slightly toward the end of the month, leading up to the rainy season.
May is generally mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and moderate humidity. Rainfall increases slightly toward the end of the month, leading up to the rainy season.
Open
Accommodations may be limited during Golden Week; advance bookings are recommended.
Accommodations may be limited during Golden Week; advance bookings are recommended.
Recommended
May is an excellent time to hike the Kumano Kodo, with lush greenery and comfortable temperatures. The main restriction is the surge in visitors during Golden Week, so planning outside these dates is advisable.
May is an excellent time to hike the Kumano Kodo, with lush greenery and comfortable temperatures. The main restriction is the surge in visitors during Golden Week, so planning outside these dates is advisable.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Local buses, such as Ryujin Bus and Meiko Bus, depart from Kii-Tanabe Station and Kii-Katsuura Station to various trailheads like Takijiri-oji and Daimon-zaka.
Train
Recommended
The JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka or Nagoya, then the JR Kuroshio Limited Express or JR Nanki Limited Express to Kii-Tanabe or Kii-Katsuura stations.
Car
Driving on highways and local roads to access the Kii Peninsula and parking near the shrines and trailheads.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
Age
Ages 6-75
