Japan Walking Tour: Kumano Kodo & Nakasendo Way
13-DAY, TWO TRAIL WALKING TOUR THROUGH JAPAN
Immersive travel on foot in rural Japan
Two mythical paths define the soul of old Japan: the sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage and the historic Nakasendo Way.
The adventure begins in Osaka, Japan's enduring cultural heart. From the ancient capital, you journey south into the mist-shrouded Kii Peninsula to trek the sacred, moss-covered trails of the UNESCO-protected Kumano Kodo.
A scenic train ride then carries you north into the mountains to join the historic Nakasendo Way, exploring the cobbled streets, quiet valleys, and storybook post towns of the Kiso region.
Your journey concludes in vibrant Tokyo, where you trade centuries of timeless tradition for the exhilarating energy of the modern capital.
Type of adventure
13-Day Fully Supported, Guided Journey
Route & Distance
Kumano Kodo & Nakasendo Way
Current Group Dates
1 - 14 November 2027
Price
from USD 4 850 per person sharing
The journey in brief
Days 1–2: Arrival and sightseeing in historic Osaka
Days 3–7: Walk the mountainous paths of the Kumano Kodo
Day 8: Travel day to the start of the next trail
Days 9–13: Walk the Edo-period trade route, the Nakasendo Way
Day 14: Farewell dinner in Tokyo
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Day 1
Osaka Arrival & Rest
Check into your hotel, meet your tour leader, and enjoy dinner and rest before your journey begins.
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Day 2
Osaka Sightseeing
Explore the city, handcraft custom chopsticks, and explore Dotonbori with a guided food tour and evening river cruise
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Day 3
Kyoto - Takahara, 4km
Travel to Takijiri-oji, gateway to Kumano Kodo, and hike steep cedar forests to the mountaintop hamlet of Takahara.
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Day 4
Takahara - Chikatsuyu-oji, 9km
Hike the mountain ridgeline, through tea house ruins, and cypress canopies, descending into the peaceful riverside valley of Chikatsuyu.
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Day 5
Hosshinmon-oji - Kumano Hongu Taisha, 9km
Walk through tea plantations to Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, then soak in the historic waters of Yunomine Onsen.
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Day 6
Hongu - Shingu & Katsuura Onsen
Board a traditional flat-bottom boat down the Kumano River to Shingu, then head to the hot spring port of Katsuura.
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Day 7
Daimon-zaka, 2,5km
Ascend the ancient Daimon-zaka cobblestone stairs to Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine and views of the roaring Nachi Falls.
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Day 8
Katsuura to Nakatsugawa
Take scenic express trains from the Pacific coast deep into the Japanese Alps to rest in historic Nakatsugawa.
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Day 9
Magome - Tsumago, 8,5km
Cross the Magome-tōge Pass into Tsumago, an exquisitely preserved Edo-era post town untouched by modern cars and power lines.
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Day 10
Tsumago - Nojiri, 18km
Hike through bamboo groves and cedar forests along the Nakasendo, returning by train for a second night in Tsumago.
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Day 11
Yabuhara - Kiso-Hirasawa, 9km
Hike over Torii-tōge Pass to historic Narai, explore artisan Kiso-Hirasawa, and transfer to Matsumoto for the evening.
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Day 12
Matsumoto
Rest and explore Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's original 12 castles, before transferring to Karuizawa in the afternoon.
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Day 13
Day 13: Karuizawa - Yokokawa, 13km
Descend Usui-tōge Pass along ancient stone pavements and forested paths, concluding your walk in historic Sakamoto.
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Day 14
Tokyo, Final Day
Transfer to Tokyo for city sightseeing, celebrating your journey with a final farewell dinner with your group.
How do our walking tours work?
Our walking tours are fully supported, slack pack routes. The route is predetermined, and you are able to self-pace throughout the day while a we handle your luggage transfers, hotel bookings and meals.
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No more heavy bags! Each day your luggage is transported between hotels. You only walk with a daypack with a warm jacket, your water bottle, camera, and snacks.
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Daily distances vary by section, ranging from short warm-up walks to a maximum of 18km. The overall pace is relaxed and unhurried, with frequent stops to rest and explore.
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You should have a good level of hiking fitness and be comfortable walking up to 18km or 6 hours per day over consecutive days. The routes feature uneven terrain, including ancient mossy stone staircases, dirt forest trails, and mountain passes. Expect some steep climbs and sustained descents, but the pace is relaxed with plenty of rest breaks.
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Your tour leader hikes the route with you, but you are never required to walk in a group. The trails are well-marked, allowing you to walk at your own natural pace and enjoy peaceful solo moments whenever you choose.
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We mix modern comfort with authentic Japanese tradition. You’ll enjoy a handpicked blend of comfortable Western-style hotels in major cities and authentic hot-spring (onsen) ryokans and traditional guesthouses in rural mountain villages.
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Your trip starts in Osaka and ends in Tokyo. All on-tour train, bus, and luggage transport is included.
Upcoming Dates & Prices
When?
1-14 November 2027
Please note that the rural accommodation along the sacred Kumano Kodo relies on small, family-run inns with limited space. Because of this, departure dates are only finalized once our minimum group headcount is met.
How much does it cost?
USD 4 850 per person sharing
Private groups of 10+ people are welcome to enquire for custom dates and prices
You walk & we do the rest
We make your journey as easy as possible. All you have to do is show up, walking shoes at the ready. Here are the practical things to keep in mind.
What’s included?
Accommodation
Breakfast & Dinner
Osaka food tour
Osaka river cruise
Onsen experience
Ryokan traditional stay
Kumano River boat trip
Matsumoto castle visit
Tour leader services
Luggage transfers
On-tour transport
What’s excluded
International flights
Visa costs
Lunches
Let’s make it happen
Get in touch and let’s make your Komano Kudo dream a reality!