Kumano Kodo Iseji self-guided walking 5 days

Ise Grand Shrine, or 'Ise Jingū' in Japanese, is a large shrine complex in the coastal town of Ise and known as Japan’s most sacred shrine. Travellers come from around the country to visit the complex, which is comprised of over 100 shrines and is approximately the size of Paris. The two most significant of these are the Inner Shrine, called Naikū, and Outer Shrine, Gekū.

Ise serves as a wonderful entry point to the Iseji route of the Kumano KodO Pilgrimage, as this spiritual trail not only offers beautiful coastal views and quiet mountain paths but connects Ise Grand Shrine to Hayatama Grand Shrine in Shingū, holy ground that is part of the Kumano Sanzan (熊野三山/Three Grand Shrines of Kumano).

Our 4-day self-guided walking tour on the Iseji route begins with 2 days to take in Ise’s sacred sites, before heading to the small town of Nigishima to begin your hike. Enjoy a wonderful variety of beach walks and cobblestoned paths, and visit peaceful communities as you make your way toward Kii-Katsuura.

We also offer 4-day versions of this trip.

Overview

Tour Starts	Tour Ends	Price
Tour Starts	Tour Ends	Twin Share	Single
Kumano Kodo Iseji self-guided walking 5 days
Tour Starts	Kyoto or Osaka	Tour Ends	Kyoto or Osaka	Twin Share	AUD2,375	Single	AUD3,000
Duration : 5 Nights 6 Days Visit : Kyoto or Osaka - Ise - Mount Asamagatake - Nigishima - Hadasu - Kumano - Kii-Katsuura - Kyoto or Osaka - Includes : 4 nights at Japanese inns along the Kumano Kodo Trail, 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners, Round-trip train tickets from Kyoto or Osaka, Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions, Topographical maps, Local support by telephone and at our Kumano KodO branch, Our Preparing for Your Trip and Travelling in Japan guidebooks Exclusions : Flights, Airport transfers, Drinks and meals not included in itinerary, Local bus journeys which must be paid directly to the bus driver, Single room supplement(s) for solo occupancy, Daily Luggage Transfe Departure Dates Recommended from April to November Download : -

Schedule

Day 1 (Meals : D)

Arrive in Ise

Walking distance : 2.9km

Elevation gain : Negligible ascent and descent

Time required : About 1-2 hours

Your trip includes train tickets from either Kyoto or Osaka, heading east towards Ise. Arrive at Isuzugawa, situated between Ise Grand Shrine’s Inner and Outer Shrines, known as Naiku and Geku respectively. After a short bus ride, you will arrive at Sarutahiko Shrine, wherein Sarutahiko Okami is enshrined. This deity is believed to provide guidance to worshippers and visitors often come here to pray for assistance in finding the right path.

Stroll along the wonderfully preserved shopping street of Oharai-machi, with the option to visit the lively Okage Yokocho market, before arriving at Ise Grand Shrine’s Inner Shrine.

Including the optional visit to both shrines, the full walk would be around 3-4 hours (5.1km) on foot.

Hotel : Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) or Japanese-style hotel in Futaminoura

Day 2 (Meals : B/D)

Hike Mount Asamagatake

Walking distance : 12.1km

Elevation gain : 790m of ascent and 690m of descent

Time required : About 5 hours

Today, take a short train ride towards Mount Asamagatake, passing through a small village to reach the trail for today.

From here there is a steady path climb to the top of Mount Asamagatake, along the Asama-toge Pass. At the top enjoy great views and a visit to Kongosho-ji Temple, built by the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kukai (Also known as Kobo Daishi). After heading back down on foot, take a short train ride and return to your inn for the evening, where there will be time to explore the spiritual sites and enjoy views out over the coast.

Hotel : Minshuku (family-run guesthouse), onsen hotel (hot spring hotel), or ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)

Day 3 (Meals : B/D)

Hike from Nigishima to Hadasu

Walking distance : 7.4km

Elevation gain : 470m of ascent and 465m of descent

Time required : About 3-4 hours

Today, leave the northern area of Mie and take a train south from Ise to the prefecture's southern coast to join the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage for the first time. Upon arrival, take a taxi to the remote town of Nigishima and begin your hike south along the Iseji section of the pilgrimage trail. Head on to your accommodation for this evening where you will enjoy a delicious meal.

It is possible to shorten the walk to 4.2km (2-3 hours). You can choose which option you prefer on the day—no need to decide in advance!

Hotel : Minshuku (family-run guesthouse), onsen hotel (hot spring hotel), or ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)

Day 4 (Meals : B/D)

Hike from Hadasu to Kumano City and visit Hayatama Grand Shrine

Walking distance : 5.7km

Elevation gain : 310m of ascent and 315m of descent

Time required : About 2-3 hours

Today, return to Hadasu and enjoy one or two additional scenic sections of the Iseji pilgrimage. After arriving at Hadasu, you walk to a nearby coastal town before continuing on to walk an additional section. Head to Hayatama Grand Shrine in Shingu City, then move on to Kii-Katsuura for an overnight stay at a comfortable onsen hotel in this lively port town.

It is possible to shorten the walk to 3.4km (1 to 2 hours). You can choose which option you prefer on the day – no need to decide in advance!

Hotel : Onsen hotel (hot spring hotel)

Day 5 (Meals : B)

Visit Nichi Grand Shrine, then nead and onwards by train to Osaka or Kyoto

Walking distance : 15.1km

Elevation gain : 980m of ascent and 920m of descent

Time required : About 6-7 hours

Enjoy a final morning on Mount Nachi, a sacred mountain with Nachi Grand Shrine and Nachi Falls before heading onward to Osaka or Kyoto by train.

It is also possible to stroll around Kii-Katsuura town, an active fishing port with a lively early-morning fish market. Enjoy the views out over the island-studded bay, or explore the hidden backstreets and traditional covered shopping arcade. We provide train tickets for you to board a train in the afternoon; you will travel back around the Kii Peninsula and arrive in Osaka or Kyoto mid to late evening.

Hotel : N/A

Condition

Tour Operator :

Oxalis Holidays Limited

Participants :

Minimum 1

Hotels :

4 nights at Japanese inns along the Kumano Kodo Iseji Trail

Meals :

4 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

Level of walking :

Intermediate - Our intermediate tours generally have multiple dedicated days of trail walking, with some days of up to six hours or more and significant ascent and/or descent.

Walking Season :

All year (snow falls occasionally from December to March)

Departures :

Any day Accommodations are busy and may charge extra during the following Japanese holiday periods: Golden Week (29 April - 05 May), and O-bon (09 - 17 August). Please enquire for availability and pricing if your trip falls within those dates.

International Flight :

We offer the option of purchasing air inclusive tour packages, or land only tour packages, giving our customers the freedom to source their own flights. However, we are always more than happy to arrange your flights.

Note :

- The trail takes you along cobblestone paths which, after rain, can become slippery. For some additional support, you may want to bring hiking poles with you.

- Oonsen communal bathing features on every night of this tour. For guests who prefer private bathing or have tattoos, please inquire before booking.

- Daily luggage transfer is not available on this tour.

Enquiry

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Kumano Kodo Iseji self-guided walking 5 days