Kumano Kodo - Mon, May 10 2027

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed through the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for details; you will be given payment instructions after you sign up. Late payments are NOT accepted for this event, in any circumstance.



Kumano Kodo


The Basics:
Event Type:Adventure
Event Location: Japan, Kii Peninsula
Date(s) & Time:Mon, May 10 2027  9:59 am >> Thu, May 20 2027 9:59 am
Registration Opens: Mon, Feb 2 2026 7:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Mon, Feb 2 2026 7:00 am
Event Duration:10 Days
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate (Exploratory)
Distance:70 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Chuck M
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:$25.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:0
Minimum Group Size:0
Number Registered So Far: 2 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Come join me on a self-guided hike that takes you coast to coast through the scenic vistas of the sacred, UNESCO World Heritage listed Kumano Mountains of the Kii Peninsula. Despite being easily accessible from both Osaka and Kyoto, the region is one of Japan’s most remote, forested mountain landscapes and home to the centuries old pilgrimage trails leading to the three Grand Shrines of Kumano. Hike the peaceful cobble lined paths weaving through forested valleys, along mountain ridges and rural villages. We take care of all the arrangements for you, including charming traditional inns, all meals, luggage transfers, detailed route maps with daily itinerary and local English speaking helpline so you can simply relax and enjoy the spectacular hike in the footsteps of Emperors.

Daily Itinerary 

Day 1-Arrive Kii-Tanabe

Day 2-Hike to Takijiri-oji (~22 km, 7-9 hrs)

Day 3-Hike to Nonaka (~17km, 7- 8hrs)

Day 4-Hike to Kumano Hongu-Taisha (~21km, 7-9 hrs)

Day 5-Visit Oyunohara, hike to Hongu, Dainichi-Goe (~2km, 1-2hrs)

Day 6-Walk Hatenashi-Toge Pass (~10km, 5-7hrs)

Day 7-Walk Kowaze to Kogumotori-Goe (~15km, 6 hrs)

Day 8-From Koguchi to Kumano Nachi-Taisha (~14.5km, 7-9 hrs)

Day 9-Walk to Kii Katsuura, via Daimonzaka (~9km, 3-4 hrs)

Day 10-Visit Kii Katsuura, trip concludes

What's included

  • * 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 8 dinners (Please inform us when booking if you have any special dietary requirements.)
  • * Traditional local inns on a twin share basis
  • * Luggage transfer between accommodation
  • * Official Kumano Kodo guidebook
  • * Local English language support number
  • * Orientation session with Q&A on arrival
  • * Detailed route maps & daily itinerary

What's not included

  • * International airfare, Visa and Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • * Meals and beverages not indicated in the program
  • * Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcohol etc
  • * Train and bus fares
  • * A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room

Photos courtesy of World Expeditions 

 

Cost: $3,100

Single occupancy supplement: $1,150 (The trip leader must approve this in advance, so he will know how to make room assignments!)

Signing up for the trip: This web page is designed to put everyone on the waitlist. The trip leader will move people off the waitlist based on his determination, in his sole discretion, of each person's strength as a hiker, social compatibility, experience with the club, available sleeping arrangements, and any other factor he decides to consider. Trip leaders will be given special consideration. If the trip leader moves you to the event, you will get an email notifying you of this fact. That email will provide you with a link to the private web page where you can pay for the trip and get more detailed information about the trip. It is your responsibility to monitor your email and make payment as required below promptly after receiving confirmation you are on the trip. 

Paying for the trip: Immediately after you are added to the trip, you must pay the non-refundable $25 AOC, following the instructions below. The cost for the trip must be paid within five calendar days of being added to the trip directly to World Expeditions at the web page linked in the email you receive after being added.

 

 


Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Notes:

Visas are not needed for most travel in Japan for up to three months with passports from USA, Australia, New Zealand, UK, or Canada. For any other type of passport, check with World Expeditions. You may need visas for travel in other countries you visit before or after the trip. 

The US State Department issued a level 1 travel alert on May 15, 2025. 

https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel- advisories/japan.html

 

Important information for paid events in which payment is managed through the AOC:

     - Payment must be received by the payment due date and prior to participation in the event.

     - Some paid events require a minimum number of registered participants. If that number is not met, the event will be canceled and refunds will be issued to those who have already paid.

     - Third-party vendors often require damage deposits. Each registrant agrees to be liable for and required to reimburse the Atlanta Outdoor Club for any withheld deposits due to the actions of or damages caused by that registrant.

     - No partial payments. All registrants must pay the posted Member Cost regardless of any agreement you may have with any party involved in the event.

     - Read the event description carefully for additional information, and contact the trip leader(s) with any questions.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost & Payment:
Member Cost:$25.00/Person
Cost Includes:

The $25 cost includes ONLY the non-refundable AOC fee. You will pay the tour company $2,600 through the website linked above. You will be removed from the event if both the non-refundable AOC fee and the full trip payment to the outfitter are not paid promptly.

Payment Cut Off:Payment must be received by the AOC on Mon, Feb 2 2026.
Make a Payment:Click here for the details. PLEASE PAY AFTER YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

As noted above, the AOC fee is non-refundable. The payment for the trip will non-refundable once the minimum number of members pay for the trip. If any member who pays for the trip is unable to attend, they may help the trip leader find a replacement member. If the trip leader—in his sole discretion— accepts the replacement, the replacement must reimburse the member who dropped within five days of being added, or they will be removed from the event. I highly recommend trip insurance.