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Japan: Pilgrimage Kumano Kodo

Pilgrimage: The Kumano Kodo The Iseji Pilgrimage Path – from Ise to Nachi Grand Shrine

Trip code: H04JK
Self-Guided Pilgrimage
4 nights hotel-to-hotel
Moderate
CO₂ rating 1/5

Trip highlights

Walk the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage, from Ise to Nachi Grand Shrine, covering 25km in 4 nights

Visit the sacred Inner Shrine and stroll through a preserved traditional shopping street

Offer a prayer at Sarutahiko Shrine for guidance, at this historic pilgrim site

Spend two relaxing nights in the coastal town of Futaminoura and its Meoto Iwa (the Wedded Rocks)

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Trip details

Located in the coastal town of Ise on the Kii Peninsula, Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu) is Japan’s most sacred Shinto site. Dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, it has deep ties to the imperial family and is entirely rebuilt every 20 years in a centuries old tradition. Your journey follows the Iseji route of the Kumano Kodo, linking this revered shrine to the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. Walk in the footsteps of pilgrims who, for over a thousand years, have travelled this historic, UNESCO certified trail.

What's included

Included

  • 4 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 4 evening meals
  • Accommodation in hotels and Japanese-style inns (ryokan, minshuku). Japanese-style accommodation will generally be in tatami-mat rooms
  • A Suica / ICOCA travel pass with a value of JPY4,000 for the train journey from Kyoto/Osaka to Iseshi and between Iseshi and Asama, and the bus journey from Geku to Naiku and Naiku to Futaminoura – marked ICOCA
  • An e-ticket voucher for the Kintetsu Limited Express train from Kyoto/Osaka to Iseshi on Day 1
  • Individual train tickets for all journeys along the tour on JR trains and from the Kumano Kodo trail to Kyoto/Osaka
  • A pre-booked and pre-paid taxi on Day 3 and 4
  • Detailed day-to-day printed itinerary and walking directions along with Topographical maps on arrival

Not included

  • Flights
  • Local taxes/fees
  • Lunches, drinks and snacks
  • Entrance fees to museums, temples etc.
  • Transportation not mentioned under 'What's Included'
  • Luggage transfer - Service available, payable locally
  • Travel insurance

Travel options

Our travel specialists can arrange flights, rail and transfers to this holiday from wherever you are. Call us to plan your journey. +44 1606 720099

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 · —Ise: Grand Shrine walk

Ise: Grand Shrine walk

Begin your journey on a train from either Osaka or Kyoto as you make your way to Ise. Arrive at Isuzugawa Station, nestled between the Inner and Outer Shrines of the sacred Ise Grand Shrine. After a short bus ride, visit Sarutahiko Shrine, where pilgrims traditionally pray to the deity for guidance on their path. Take a leisurely stroll along a beautifully preserved traditional shopping street before reaching the Inner Shrine of Ise. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Outer Shrine or continue by bus to the coastal town of Futaminoura, where you’ll spend the first two nights of your tour.

Please consider adding a night before the start of the trail to best prepare for your trip and allow for your documentation to be delivered to you.

Day 2 · 12km/7.5miIse: Mount Asamagatake

Ise: Mount Asamagatake

Start the day with a short train ride through a quiet village, leading to the trail up Mount Asamagatake. Enjoy a steady climb past Asama-Toge Pass before reaching Kongosho-ji Temple and stunning panoramic views. On your return, take the train back with time to relax or further explore the coast and nearby spiritual sites.

Day 3 · 7km/4.3miIseji trail section one: Nigishima to Hadasu

Iseji trail section one: Nigishima to Hadasu

After leaving the Mie area, taking a train to the south part of the prefecture and joining the Kumano Kodo trail for the first time. Upon arrival to the station, a short taxi ride will take you to Nigishima to begin your hike along the Iseji section of the route.

Day 4 · 6km/3.7miIseji trail section two Hadasu to Kumano City

Iseji trail section two Hadasu to Kumano City

Return to Hadasu to walk one or two scenic sections of the Iseji pilgrimage trail, choosing between a shorter or extended route on the day. Visit the sacred Hayatama Grand Shrine in Shingu City, then continue to Kii-Katsuura for an overnight stay at an onsen hotel and time to enjoy the town.

Day 5 · —Nachi Grand Shrine and onward travel

Nachi Grand Shrine and onward travel

Enjoy a peaceful final morning at Mount Nachi, home to its iconic shrine and waterfalls, before taking the train to Osaka or Kyoto in the afternoon. To make the most of your experience, consider adding an extra night in either city to further explore their vibrant culture, historic sites, and local cuisine at a more relaxed pace.

What our travellers say

Very efficient and speedy the whole process of booking and paying deposit etc was effectec with minimal effort
Headwater customer
Very fast & efficient. All my queries answered.
Headwater customer
Excellent service from Stella during an initial enquiry and a subsequent booking. She was patient, thorough and courteous - thank you. Highly recommended.
Jeremy Thomas
It was very easy to organise a bespoke trip
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Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

28.0

Kg CO₂e

per person, per night

Relative to other Headwater trips

We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to walk the Kumano Kodo? 

The Kumano Kodo is a network of pilgrimage trails, so the duration depends on your chosen route. Our itineraries typically range from 4 to 6 walking days, covering sections of the Nakahechi route – the most popular and historically significant trail – or the Iseji path. This allows time to enjoy the landscapes, shrines, and cultural highlights at a comfortable pace.

When is the best time to walk the Kumano Kodo? 

The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are mild and the scenery is spectacular. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers vibrant foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, as well as the busiest time to visit Japan.

How does luggage transfer work for the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail?

For the Nakaechi trail, we would recommend sending main luggage from the accommodation before the trail to Yuinomine/Kawayu Onsen (Day 3), and then from there to wherever clients stay after the trail.

For the Iseji trail, we would suggest to send the main luggage from their accommodation before the trail to Kumano City (Day 3), and then from here to wherever they stay after the trail.

This can be done using the Takkyuibin service, read more about it on our Pilgrimages FAQs.

What is the recommended Kumano Kodo packing list? 

We recommend packing:

Comfortable walking shoes or boots (well broken-in),
Lightweight, breathable layers for changing weather,
Waterproof jacket and a small daypack,
Reusable water bottle,
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen),
Spray repellent for ticks and insects

From£1,409per person