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Hike the mystical Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail strewn with stunning sacred shrines
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Experience charming traditional onsen baths and ryokan inns along the trail
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Take in the historic landmarks and cultural highlights of Kyoto and Osaka
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Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Tomomi S.

Tomomi was born and raised in Tokyo. After completing her degree in international relations, she studied in the UK and the US. Later she lived in Hawaii and Israel for years and traveled extensively in Europe, the US and Middle East. She now lives in Tokyo, close to its center and loves gardening, walking, cycling and yoga. Tomomi enjoys guiding and sharing her knowledge of both traditional and urban cultures of Japan. Meet Tomomi on MT Sobek's adventures in Japan.

Toshi K.

Toshiyuki was born in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, and grew up in Sekiyama in Niigata Prefecture. His interest in travel became apparent from the very moment he played with a globe as a child and it turned into a life-long passion. After graduating from university in 1978, he moved to Canada and now divides his time between Canada and Japan. Toshiyuki has guided the Nakasendo and Kumano Kodo trails since 2013. He has traveled to over 200 cities in 25 countries in America, Europe, and Asia.

Naomi H.

Naomi earned her master's degree in sports tourism and marketing to complement her travel agency background and expand her knowledge of the tourism industry. During her study, she organized and managed events for international students for the purpose of cross-cultural exchange. In 2014, she passed the national tour guide exam and since then, she has been working as a guide. She is interested in Japanese history, food, culture and sports. Currently, she is studying to be qualified as a Kikisake-shi (Master of Sake).

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                    [Headline] => Meet in Japan\'s \'Second Capital\' Osaka 
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Arrive at Osaka airport and join your transfer to the hotel. At 7pm, meet with your Mountain Travel Sobek guide and other tour participants in the hotel lobby for a short orientation, then head to a nearby restaurant for the welcome reception and dinner.
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                    [Latitude] => 34.666
                    [Longitude] => 135.500
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            [1] => Array
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                    [Headline] => Embark on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Trail
                    [ActivityOverview] => 2 hours/3 miles hiking with 820\' elevation gain and 575\' elevation loss
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Today enjoy the train ride along the coast of the Kii peninsula to Takijiri, the traditional starting point of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage. Embark on the Nakahechi trail, a route that links three of the most important Shinto and Buddhist shrines, along the way dotted with smaller shrines called oji. Finish this first hike at the mountainside Takahara village, whose nickname kiri-no-sato translates to \'village in the mist.\' Wrap up the day unwinding in Japanese baths at the ryokan inn.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 2.5-hours total by train (broken into shorter segments) and 40-minute bus journey
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                    [Latitude] => 33.794
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                    [Headline] => Explore the Mountains Between Takahara & Chikatsuyu 
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Continue eastward along the Nakahechi pilgrimage trail, and dive deeply into the sacred ambiance of hinoki (Japanese cypress), oak and cherry forests. Along the way, spot small bodhisattva statues that honor Jizo, the patron saint of travelers; old cha-ya (tea houses) that provided rest to pilgrims right up until the early 20th century; and find Gyuba-douji, a small stone statue depicting a man riding astride a cow and horse. Descend to the quiet village of Chikatsuyu for a transfer to the inn for dinner.
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                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 30- to 60-minute private transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 33.814
                    [Longitude] => 135.6055
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                    [Headline] => Marvel at Hongu Taisha & Explore the Ancient Shugendo Religion
                    [ActivityOverview] => 5 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,300\' elevation gain and 1,180\' elevation loss
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From Chikatsuyu, follow the trail up to Nonaka and Tsugizakura-oji, one of the many small shrines along the route. Nobles would rest at these sub-shrines, called oji, to refresh themselves and compose poems. Next, transfer from the Nonaka to Hosshinmon-oji and hike through scenic ridgetop villages to reach Hongu Taisha, This is one of the Three Grand Shrines of the Kumano region and enshrines several Shinto deities. En route, meet a local Shugendo monk to learn about this syncretic faith that draws on multiple spiritual traditions. From there, marvel at the stunning Oyunohara Torii gate, which is one of the largest in the world! The gate marks the spot where the Shinto shrine was originally located and is a scenic and peaceful destination. Transfer to Kawayu Onsen for an overnight stay.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 1-hour bus transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 33.8408
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                    [Headline] => Take in Yunomine Onsen & Cruise the Kumano River
                    [ActivityOverview] => 1.5 hours/2.2 miles hiking with 625\' elevation gain and 820\' elevation loss
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Soak up the cool shade of the forested Danichi-goe trail that connects Hongu Taisha with Yunomine Onsen, where pilgrims used to perform purification rituals. Take a scenic boat ride on the Kumano River that connects Hongu Taisha to Hayatama Taisha, the second Grand Shrine. Explore its precincts on foot, then journey to the small port and fishing town of Kii Katsuura. 
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 25-minute train ride or public bus
                    [Quotation] => 
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                    [Latitude] => 33.628
                    [Longitude] => 135.94
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                    [DayTo] => 6
                    [Headline] => Discover Nachi Taisha & Travel to Kyoto 
                    [ActivityOverview] => 1 hour/1 mile hiking with 656\' elevation gain plus 1 hour additional walking between modes of transportation
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The third Great Shrine awaits today at the top of Daimon-zaka, a cobblestone staircase that runs through cedar forests and bamboo groves up to the majestic sacred landmarks. Admire the Buddhist Seiganto-ji pagoda, poised in front of the mighty Nachi waterfall, then marvel at the Nachi Taisha shrine, a visit that completes the pilgrimage to the Grand Shrines of Kumano. On your afternoon train journey to Kyoto, enjoy a traditional Japanese take-out bento box for lunch.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 4.5-hours total by train (broken into shorter segments)
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                    [Latitude] => 35.045
                    [Longitude] => 135.7646
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                    [Headline] => Roam the Temples of Kyoto & Attend a Tea Ceremony 
                    [ActivityOverview] => 8 hours/5-6 miles city walking with negligible elevation gain or loss
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Take a train to Fushimi Inari shrine, dedicated to the Inari spirit, protector of rice cultivation famous for thousands of Torii gates that snake up the mountainside. Next, explore the sights of Kyoto\'s cultural district of Higashiyama and walk up to the 8th-century Kiyomizu temple to admire city panoramas from its expansive veranda. End on a high note with a ritual tea ceremony, steeped in the ichi-go ichi-e philosophy that deems each encounter unique and inimitable. Take in the mesmerizing streetscapes of Kyoto on the walk back to the hotel, where you\'ll enjoy farewell dinner.
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                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 15-minute train ride 
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                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 34.9955
                    [Longitude] => 135.785
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                    [Headline] => Bid Farewell to Japan 
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On the last day of your tour, transfer to Kansai International Airport or Osaka International Airport (Itami).
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                    [Latitude] => 34.598
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    [ActivityHighlight] => Moderately paced hikes of up to seven miles a day on rustic trails, plus a day of extensive city walking and cultural touring, linked by scenic train rides. This is one of our more challenging level 3 trips due to some steep and continuous ascents, including long flights of large uneven steps that may be slippery. 
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Accommodations

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Stay in traditional ryokans (inns) and unwind in onsen (hot springs) for four nights on the Kumano Kodo, and in comfortable hotels with modern amenities in Kyoto and Osaka.

Hotel Royal Classic Osaka

Comfortable Hotel

Set inside the historic Osaka Shin-Kabukiza theater building, the Royal Classic Osaka couples a vivid past with Western-style design and contemporary lines. Staying here, you will be in the center of the lively Namba district known for its thriving theater and restaurant scene. The well-appointed rooms come equipped with en-suite facilities, AC, TV and fridge.

Organic Hotel Takahara Kiri-no-sato

Comfortable Hotel

Tucked away in the Hatenashi mountain range, Organic Hotel Takahara Kiri-no-Sato showcases breathtaking vistas of the surrounding scenery. This friendly lodge, made of local wood features eight rooms: three Japanese-style tatami rooms and five with twin beds. Along with its restaurant and café/bar, and Wi-Fi throughout, the inn features onsen (hot spring) baths, ideal for soaking in after a long hike.

Fujiya Ryokan

Rustic Lodging

This traditional Japanese-style inn offers airy interiors and a classic Japanese experience. Its eight minimalist rooms feature exposed-wood detailing and tatami (straw) floors. The inn is located in Kawayu Onsen, which features hot spring bathing opportunities aplenty, from private baths at the inn to bathing in thermal waters which bubble up through the river bed opposite the ryokan.

Noku Hotel

Comfortable Hotel

Located in a quiet part of Kyoto, the Noku Hotel is just a short walk from the Imperial Palace and easily accessible to the subway station. Experience lavish comfort and luxurious amenities in a warm and welcoming environment that captures the shokunin spirit of Kyoto life. Each room comes equipped with free pajamas, a 40-inch TV, Wi-Fi, a mini bar, and 24-hour front desk service.

Hotel Urashima

Comfortable Hotel

Perched at the edge of the ocean, Hotel Urashima boasts five traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring baths). The Boki-do bath's therapeutic waters are sheltered by a natural cavern and look out onto the tranquil sea. The resort offers a selection of Japanese and Western style rooms, each designed to maximize relaxation. Meals are prepared with locally-sourced produce and seafood to further enhance your wellness journey, and service is warm and welcoming at this waterfront retreat.

Yunominesou

Rustic Lodging

One of Japan's oldest onsen towns, the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo trail passes through Yunomine—a welcome stop for tired legs through the ages. The Inn is a modern building where the mineral-rich spring water flows into tiled indoor baths, and outdoor baths set in gardens. All rooms are Japanese-style with futon beds and have en-suite toilets. Enjoy a kaiseki dinner with traditional dishes each evening.