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Highlights
Wind your way through mystical forests on the Iseji Kumano Kodo
Wander through centuries-old pilgrimage trails lined with moss-covered stone paths, serene forests, and ancient shrines.
Experience the quiet beauty of rural Japan, passing through charming villages and terraced rice fields untouched by modernity.
Discover spiritual tranquility at sacred sites like Ise Grand Shrine, one of Shinto’s holiest places.
Savor regional hospitality with local meals and stays at traditional inns (ryokan) along the trail.
Embark on the 5-Day Iseji Kumano Kodo Hiking tour adventure through Japan’s spiritual heartland, where every step tells a story carved into moss-covered stone paths. Iseji, the eastern route of the Kumano Kodo, is a historic pilgrimage path connecting the Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingū), one of Shinto’s most sacred sites, to the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano (Kumano Sanzan) in Wakayama Prefecture.
Begin your journey at the revered Ise Grand Shrine, the holiest site in Shinto, before tracing the footsteps of pilgrims along the legendary Kumano Kodo. Along the way, wander through ancient cedar forests, pause at sacred sites like Nachi Taisha with its dramatic waterfall backdrop, and soak in the stillness of the mountains that have offered solace to travelers for over a thousand years.
This journey is more than a hike—it's a chance to connect deeply with Japan’s cultural soul. Discover the quiet beauty of traditional coastal towns, enjoy heartfelt hospitality at local inns, and savor regional cuisine crafted with care. Whether you're a nature lover, a seeker of meaning, or simply curious about Japan beyond the cities, this path offers a rare blend of history, spirituality, and natural wonder.
Embark on the 5-Day Iseji Kumano Kodo Hiking tour adventure through Japan’s spiritual heartland, where every step tells a story carved into moss-covered stone paths. Iseji, the eastern route of the Kumano Kodo, is a historic pilgrimage path connecting the Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingū), one of Shinto’s most sacred sites, to the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano (Kumano Sanzan) in Wakayama Prefecture.
Begin your journey at the revered Ise Grand Shrine, the holiest site in Shinto, before tracing the footsteps of pilgrims along the legendary Kumano Kodo. Along the way, wander through ancient cedar forests, pause at sacred sites like Nachi Taisha with its dramatic waterfall backdrop, and soak in the stillness of the mountains that have offered solace to travelers for over a thousand years.
This journey is more than a hike—it's a chance to connect deeply with Japan’s cultural soul. Discover the quiet beauty of traditional coastal towns, enjoy heartfelt hospitality at local inns, and savor regional cuisine crafted with care. Whether you're a nature lover, a seeker of meaning, or simply curious about Japan beyond the cities, this path offers a rare blend of history, spirituality, and natural wonder.
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5-Day Iseji Kumano Kodo Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Kyoto and Begin Your Adventure in Ise
Today your tour begins with an express train from Kintetsu Kyoto station to Ise-shi station. Once in Ise, there are several options for you to enjoy on your first day here.
Visit Ise Naiku Shrine (Inner shrine of Ise Grand Shrine), Japan’s most sacred Shinto site, where the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami has been enshrined for over 2,000 years. Be sure to visit the Sengukan and Geku shrines as well, as these will not disappoint!
Return to your hotel in Ise after an incredible day of soaking up Japan’s enchanting cultural history.
Overnight Location: Sanco Inn Iseshi Ekimae “Grande”, Ise or similar
Distance: Flexible
Meals: None
Day 2 Hike the Magose-toge Pass with Optional Hike to Tengra-san Mountain
Lace up your hiking shoes and set out to hike the stunning Magose-toge Pass, one of the most iconic sections of the Iseji route, featuring 5.2 km of atmospheric forest trail with a moderate 325 m climb. Walk along centuries-old cobblestone paths, expertly laid with heavy natural stones to withstand Owase’s famously heavy rains. Lush moss carpets the ancient paving, creating a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere that makes every step feel like a journey back in time.
Opt to continue with a hike up to Tengra-san mount which offers incredible panoramic views. Continue to your hotel in Owase for overnight.
Overnight Location: Hotel Viora, Owase or similar
Distance: 5.2 km, 3 hours (add 1 hr for optional hike), 325 m ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Hike the Matsumoto-toge Pass
Begin your day with a morning train journey from Owase to Odomari, where you’ll then head to the trailhead. Begin your walk along a remarkably well-preserved stone path, culminating at the Magose-toge Pass where a life-size guardian statue stands watch amid a quiet bamboo grove. From the top, take in views of the coastal route to Shingu—once a thrilling sight for pilgrims who knew their sacred destination was finally within reach. Following the trek with plenty of opportunities to stop and visit mystical shrines along the way, you’ll walk to Arii station for the train to Shingu. Check-in to your hotel here for a restful overnight.
Overnight Location: Hotel New Palace, Shingu or similar
Distance: 6.7 km, 2-3 hours, 150 m ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Shrines and Waterfalls
You’ll set off for Nachu this morning which you’ll reach by train from Shingu. A local bus will then take you to Daimonzaka where your hike begins. Walk the stunning Daimonzaka path to Nachi-no-Taki Falls, lined with 800-year-old cedars and ancient cobblestones, where you might even glimpse pilgrims in elegant Heian-era costumes.
Further on, explore Nachi Taisha, one of the sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines, born from ancient worship of the majestic Nachi Falls. This spiritual site beautifully blends Shinto and Buddhist traditions, offering a powerful glimpse into Japan’s deep-rooted religious harmony.
Continue by public transport to your accommodations in Nachi Katsuura where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner tonight (included).
Overnight Location: Kyukamura Nanki-Katsuura, or similar
Distance: 2.4 km, 1-2 hours
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5 Katsuura Gyoko Nigiwai-Ichiba Walk and Departure
Although your tour ends today, there is still time for one last adventure! Visit the lively Katsuura Gyoko Nigiwai-Ichiba market, Japan’s top port for fresh, never-frozen tuna caught using traditional haenawa methods. Enjoy delicious seafood dishes like tuna rice bowls and sandwiches while gazing out at the sea. If you’re lucky, catch the rare spectacle of a live tuna dismantling show—an unforgettable local tradition unique to Kii-Katsuura.
Afterwards head by train to Osaka for onwards travels as your tour comes to and end.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
5-Day Iseji Kumano Kodo Hiking Tour Price and Dates
2026 Pricing for 5-Day Iseji Kumano Kodo Hiking TourThe 5-Day Iseji Kumano Kodo Hiking Tour is offered from September through November and February through June in 2026. Pricing for this private tour depends on group size, room types, trip customizations, and date of travel. The starting price for two people based in a double or twin room is JPY261250 per person. Enquire now to start building your perfect adventure for 2026!
Accommodation on 5-Day Iseji Kumano Kodo Hiking Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3 and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is available for a private room when possible. Solo travelers may need to pay an additional fee.
Night 1
Sanco Inn Iseshi Station "Annex" Grande, Ise
Sanco Inn Iseshi Station “Annex” Grande offers modern, comfortable rooms just steps from Iseshi Station—perfect for easy access to the Ise Grand Shrine and surrounding attractions. With clean design, thoughtful amenities, and a convenient location, it’s an ideal base for exploring Japan’s spiritual heartland.
What’s Included in the 5-Day Iseji Kumano Kodo Hiking Tour?
Meals
4 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 4 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Some public transportation tickets are included on this tour including train tickets and an IC card. Luggage transfer is included on Day 3 and Day 4.
Also included
- IC Card and some public transport tickets
Not included
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Guide
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- How hard is the 5-Day Iseji Kumano Kodo Hiking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?
- Are meals included on the 5-Day Iseji Kumano Kodo Hiking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Kyoto to start this tour?
- Is the 5-Day Iseji Kumano Kodo Hiking Tour in English?
- Where does the 5-Day Iseji Kumano Kodo Hiking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Japan?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Japan?
We rate this tour as a 2/5. Walks are easy and distances are flexible due to this being a self-guided tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
4 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
Arrive on your own by train to Kintetsu Kyoto station to begin this tour.
Yes, tour materials provided are in English.
The tour ends with a train from Kii-Katsuura to Osaka to depart.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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