Hiking in Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo

Welcome to Japan! You'll be met by a local representative at the airport for your transfer to the hotel. Then, your adventure begins in Kyoto, a city where ancient traditions meet modern life. After settling in, join your trip leader and fellow travelers for a welcome meeting at 6 pm to chat about the trip and connect as a group. After, why not step out into Kyoto’s atmospheric streets? Wander lantern-lit alleys, hunt down a steaming bowl of ramen, or explore a hidden gallery, artisan workshop or local market – your tour leader is on hand for the best recommendations.

After breakfast, set out on the Higashiyama Trail – an 8-mi route winding through Kyoto’s eastern hills that blends quiet forest paths with tucked-away neighborhoods. Start at Fushimi Inari, famous for its thousands of bright red torii gates, and continue through Tofukuji’s serene gardens and maple-lined paths. This historic trail offers a chance to explore Kyoto beyond the usual tourist spots, moving at a pace that immerses you in its natural and cultural beauty and allows you to notice the city’s hidden details. After the walk, hop on a local city bus back to your accommodation – a simple, authentic way to experience daily life in Kyoto – and take a moment to reflect on a day spent exploring, connecting and discovering a different side of the city.

Your journey continues as you head deeper into Japan’s landscapes. Board a series of scenic trains to Kii Hosokawa, the gateway to the forests and trails of Koya-san. From here, lace up your boots and set out on the Choishi Michi Trail – a historic route marked by stone signposts (choishi) that have guided travelers for centuries. The trail winds through cedar forests and quiet mountain paths, offering a chance to unplug, move at your own pace and connect with the landscape. After the hike, explore Okunoin, Japan’s largest cemetery and one of its most sacred sites, where moss-covered gravestones and towering trees create an atmosphere of deep reverence. Tonight, dive deeper into this region’s culture with a stay at a shukubo – a traditional monastery – and experience a shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) meal with the resident monks. This is an opportunity to enjoy mindful, locally inspired cuisine in an uncommon setting.

This morning, you’ll have the chance to join the monastery’s morning prayers – a chance to pause, reflect and start the day grounded in the rituals of this mountain district. After breakfast, travel by private vehicle along the winding roads of Koya-san and the Kumano Kodo mountains, a journey that feels like stepping back in time. Later, explore Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three grand Shinto shrines of the Kumano Kodo, set against a lush forest backdrop that enhances the intricate beauty and colors of the shrine. In the late afternoon, arrive in Kawayu Onsen, a riverside hot spring village where you’ll spend the night. Here, you can soak in the open-air onsen while listening to the gentle flow of the river – a restorative way to tune into the environment around you.

Today’s adventure takes you along one of the most scenic stretches of the Kumano Kodo – one of only two UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage routes in the world (the other being Spain’s Camino de Santiago). After breakfast, head to Ukegawa and set out on your trek toward Koguchi. The trail winds through lush forests, quiet valleys and remote mountain paths, offering a chance to move through landscapes that have inspired explorers past and present. Along the way, you’ll pass rivers and traditional villages, and pause to absorb the stillness of this serene area. By late afternoon, arrive in Koguchi, a tiny mountain hamlet where you’ll rest and recharge after the day’s journey.

Start the day with a transfer to the Kumano River for a traditional boat ride. Glide together past forested banks and quiet villages as the river flows through misty valleys – a peaceful journey that echoes the paths of ancient pilgrims. Step ashore to visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of the three grand shrines of the Kumano Kodo, taking time to explore and appreciate the surroundings with your fellow adventurers. Later, continue to Nachi Station and hike up to Nachi Taisha at Nachisan, home to Japan’s tallest waterfall and a striking vermilion pagoda – an unforgettable highlight to share with your group as you create memories together along this historic route.

Kick off the day with a visit to the local tuna market in Kii Katsuura, where freshly caught tuna from the Pacific is traded in a lively, authentic setting. After taking in the sights, sounds, smells and energy of the market, hop on a scenic train to rest your legs on your way to Osaka. Arriving around lunchtime, join your leader and fellow travelers for a walking tour of the vibrant Dotombori district – famous for its neon lights, thriving food stalls and iconic signs like the Glico Running Man and the giant Kani Doraku crab. Tonight, head to one of your local leader’s favorite places and celebrate the end of your journey together over local bites, drinks and maybe even a round of karaoke.

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end and you’re free to depart at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Osaka further, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.