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Kumano Kodo - Japan

Days

8

Grade

4

Distance

60km

Upcoming Dates
Japan brochure

Download our Japan brochure for all you need to know

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Overview

Japan is one of the most enchanting countries in the world. A place where history and the ultra-modern world coexist and work in harmony. The stunning, diverse landscape with mountains and breathtaking views, offers an array of different experiences. If you haven’t had the chance to visit, now is the time.

On this tour we visit Kyoto, a city filled with traditional temples, shrines and beautiful Japanese gardens. The power of these ‘zen’ gardens is incredible, you’ll feel at peace and relaxed (trust me). The main segment of this tour is the Kumano Kodo trail, an ancient pilgrimage route that has been used for over 1000 years. We’ll spend 3 days hiking along different sections of the trail, passing through small villages, beautiful temples, and shrines. On this trail, you’ll feel a special connection to the land, the culture, and the people. It truly is a magical place. The hiking days are full days taking you through majestic country so you will need to be able to hike a full day to fully enjoy these trails- which are awesome!

Upcoming Dates

No hassle, no stress

Itinerary, accommodation, food...TSA has it covered! Join us on this adventure without the stress of organisation so you can focus on getting the most out of your trip.

Expert guidance

Highly trained and experienced tour guides who bring the adventures to life. Our guides are remote first-aid trained and carry powerful UHF radios, PLBs, and first-aid kits.

Great community

Create long-lasting connections and friendships with like-minded people. Our community is one of the largest hiking communities in Australia and we're growing every year!

Hiking and scenery

Experience the best wildlife, scenery, and trails around the world. We take you on the paths less travelled to create unforgettable memories.

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Upcoming Dates

Secure your spot with a non refundable deposit, and have the remainder payment be automatically split over additional payments. Proceed with booking to choose your payment option. See here for our payment plan details terms and conditions.

Kumano Kodo – Japan

Start: March 8, 2025 5:30 pm

End: March 15, 2025 11:00 am

Price: $4595AUD

Members Price: $4295

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Kumano Kodo – Japan

Start: March 18, 2025 5:30 pm

End: March 25, 2025 11:00 am

Price: $4595AUD

Members Price: $4295

5 left

Kumano Kodo – Japan

Start: September 21, 2025 5:30 pm

End: September 28, 2025 11:00 am

Price: $4595AUD

Members Price: $4295

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Tour Highlights

  • Trek the famous Kumano trail – an ancient pilgrimage route
  • Stay in traditional Japanese accommodation.
  • A visit to the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine) in Kyoto
  • Visit a world-famous waterfall
  • Explore the beautiful city of Kyoto by bike
  • All food and culinary experiences included – in the land of sushi!
  • Travel 320km/h with a ride on the bullet ride – if opting for Tokyo Extension
  • Guided by locals with years of experience and knowledge
  • Supported by Take Shape Adventures guide

 

Tokyo Extension Tour: 4 days

  • Exploring both the traditional and Modern parts of Tokyo.
  • Get local and savour legendary, iconic flavours and dishes.
  • All accommodations in Western-style hotels.
  • All transport (airport transfers not included) 
  • Entrance fees
  • English-speaking walking guide/leader

What's Included

  • 7 nights accommodation – a mixture of western style and traditional accommodation.
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner included – this tour will be catered by local Japanese restaurants and local accommodation venues. Food will be prepared to high standards and most dietary requirements can be catered for.
  • All activities – the bike ride, the onsen spa experience
  • Experienced and qualified guides – highly trained and experienced tour guides who will bring the adventures to life.
  • Transport in Japan – you’ll mainly travel on public transport as that’s how they get around in Japan! You also get to board the famous Bullet Train. Each day of hiking will start with a bus trip, so you can take in some scenery before hitting the trail. This does not include airport transfer (you will need to organise transport from the airport)
  • Scenery & Culture – visit ancient temples and shrines, and be guided by a knowledgeable local tour guide. Experience the world-famous Kumano Kodo Trail.
  • Tokyo Extension Tour Accommodation – APA Hotel Roppongi or similar

Itinerary

Download the brochure
Day 1 Kyoto
Included:
Hotel
Dinner
Welcome to Japan! You will make your way from Kansai airport to your arrival accommodation. Our leader will take you to the downtown area for the informative orientation night walk. You will piece the city together and begin to understand its place as a former Capital. Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at traditional Kyoto restaurant.
Day 2 Kyoto
Included:
Hotel
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Before leaving Kyoto, we explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for its Senbon (Thousand) Trii red gates. We get to walk through these stunning red gates for 4km! After breakfast enjoy a casual bike ride around the Kamo riverbank before visiting Heian Jingu Shrine, Nanzenji Temple, and the Philosophers Path (walking available). We have lunch at a food court or market before having an afternoon free to explore some secret seasonal temples, gardens, and shrines with your resident local leader. Before dinner, you will go to the Gion district with your guide. On the Gion district walk, you have a chance to spot maiko and geiko girls commuting on the street and have a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3 Kii Tanabe
Included:
Hotel
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Today we travel to Kii Tanabe and arrive at Yunomine Onsen,. After lunch we embark on a short hike (4km). At our accommodation you can rest and enjoy dinner and an open air hot spring.
Day 4 Nakahechi Walk
Included:
Hotel
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
We catch a bus to Takijiri Oji for this section of the Kumano Kodo. Takijiri Oji to Chikatuyu (15km) We take a bus back to our accommodation for a traditional style dinner at the at the Ryokan.
Day 5 Kumano Hongu Taisha
Included:
Hotel
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Catch a bus (1hr) to Hosshinmon to visit Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three Main Kumano Shrines. Enjoy a bento lunch on the trail as we complete this section (15km) if time permits we may also have time to hike Dainichi-goe to Yunomine a steep trail over a small mountain pass.
Day 6 Ogumotori-goe Trail
Included:
Hotel
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Today we visit the Nachi Taisha Shrine, one of the three Main Kumano Shrines, and Nachi Waterfalls. We hike along the mystical Ogumotori-goe trail, the toughest route on the trip (16km), Altitude difference (800m). Then, dig in to a bento lunch made by Minshuku. We finish with a relaxing Onsen and dinner at the hotel.
Day 7 Kyoto
Included:
Hotel
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Today we transfer back to Kyoto for another chance of walking in Kyoto depending on the group's interest. Later, enjoy a delicious farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 8 Tokyo Extension Day 1
Included:
Hotel
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Some of us will enjoy a final breakfast before heading on a return flight home (or continuing the adventure alone)! The rest of us will transfer to Tokyo for an evening orientation walk and dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9 Tokyo Extension Day 2
Included:
Hotel
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lots of sightseeing today, visiting Tsukiji Outer Market, Kabuki Theather, Asakusa Sensoji Temple. After lunch at a local restaurant we'll continue visiting Ginza shopping street. Experience the real Tokyo sampling snacks, and visits to Memory lane, Kabukicho and Golden Gai.
Day 10 Tokyo Extension Day 3
Included:
Hotel
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Enjoy a cultural walking tour of Tokyo as we explore Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Jingu shrine and Takeshitadori street and Meiji Jingu Shrine. Lunch will at a local restaurant. In the evening we embark on a Shinjuku neon light tour (Memory Lane, Kabukicho, Golden Gai) Farewell dinner at a local pub (izakaya) in Shinjuku 3-chome
Day 11 Tokyo Extension Day 4
Included:
Hotel
Breakfast
We enjoy our final tasty breakfast at our accommodation before leaving to head home or continue the adventure!

Accommodation

All accommodation is included. We stay in a mixture of Western hotels and traditional Japanese accommodation. Traditional Japanese accommodation may involve sleeping on a soft floor with a mattress. This is surprisingly comfortable and depending on the time of year, some floors may be heated.

Food

Most mornings we will have breakfast at the hotel or accommodation we are staying in. Most lunches will be on the move or on the trail, this is when bento boxes come in very handy. Dinners will be in local Japanese restaurants (in traditional style this often involves sitting on the floor with cushions). All culinary Japanese experiences are included and of course we will have some sushi!

Where we're going

Japan

What our adventurers have said

"WOW! Just wow, what a trip! From the food, the culture and the hiking, this place is magical! Exploring Kyoto on our bikes was probably one of the highlights and the onsen (spa) was very fun! We added the Tokyo tour as well which I would highly recommend." Julie, Japan Tour

tsa why us
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WHY CHOOSE
TAKE SHAPE ADVENTURES

FRIENDSHIP

Most of the people that come on our tours come by themselves. Our community is built on friendships that have been made on our trips, experiencing something life changing together, the shared memories and also goals to do more in the future! We encourage people not to be anxious about coming on these trips by yourself as we promise you will leave with some like minded friends and be really glad you made the decision to get out of your comfort zone and join in.

BELONG

Our community is our backbone. We have had so many people start with no hiking experience, basic fitness and not knowing anyone on our trips. These same people have gone on to do some incredible multi day hiking trips with us and their friends they have met in our community. Witnessing the development of their fitness, confidence, experience, friendships and happiness is why we do what we do. Come join us and let us help you get from the couch to the top of the mountain!

ADVENTURE

Experiences, not things. The moments that take your breath away. The feeling of accomplishment and the realisation that you are capable of so much more than what you thought. The views that blow your mind and the ticking off of bucket list items. We take all the hard work out of it for you. We organise the lot so you can just turn up and get the best of your experience without all the headaches of organising/logistics. We make it easy for you to do all the thing you want to do – you just need to turn up and be ready to jump into life!

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