Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo Trail
Tokyo, Japan • 
Offbeat
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.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
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
December
LOW
4-12°C
December is cold and dry, with mountain areas sometimes experiencing frost. Days are shorter and some facilities may reduce hours or close for winter.
December is cold and dry, with mountain areas sometimes experiencing frost. Days are shorter and some facilities may reduce hours or close for winter.
Open
Some mountain accommodations and services may have limited operations or close seasonally. Check local schedules before visiting.
Some mountain accommodations and services may have limited operations or close seasonally. Check local schedules before visiting.
Not recommended
Though the Kumano Kodo is open in December, chilly temperatures and limited daylight make it less appealing for most hikers. Some facilities may reduce services.
Though the Kumano Kodo is open in December, chilly temperatures and limited daylight make it less appealing for most hikers. Some facilities may reduce services.
January
LOW
2-10°C
Cold and occasionally wet, with possible snow or icy patches in mountainous areas.
Cold and occasionally wet, with possible snow or icy patches in mountainous areas.
Open
Some sections may be slippery or temporarily closed due to weather; limited bus services on rural routes.
Some sections may be slippery or temporarily closed due to weather; limited bus services on rural routes.
Not recommended
January is off-season for the Kumano Kodo. While the trail is open, cold and wet conditions mean fewer hikers and some services may be reduced.
January is off-season for the Kumano Kodo. While the trail is open, cold and wet conditions mean fewer hikers and some services may be reduced.
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.
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