3 JAPAN KUMANO KODO SELF-GUIDED HIKING TOURS
Your Pilgrimage, Your Pace. Comfort, Care, and No Stress Along the Kumano Kodo.
Step onto one of the world’s most revered pilgrimage routes. Walk through cedar forests, stay in authentic Japanese inns, enjoy nourishing meals, and relax in hot springs each evening, while we take care of all the details. You hike light. You rest well. You rediscover yourself.
Minimum: 1 hiker | Maximum: 14 hikers per group
Choose your journey below and find the tour that fits your pace
Why Walk with Home Comforts Hiking?
Planning the Kumano Kodo can feel overwhelming. Accommodation is limited, meals need pre-booking, and luggage transfers must be arranged. We make it simple.
Since 2018, we have helped hundreds of travellers walk the Kumano Kodo with confidence. As we hold a travel agent account on the official Kumano Travel site, we can book directly with local providers — essential since many sell out months in advance.
With us, you’ll enjoy:
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All accommodation, meals, luggage transfers, maps, and trip notes arranged
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Tailored itineraries suited to your fitness and preferences
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Authentic inns and guesthouses with hot showers, onsens and warm hospitality
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Eligibility for the Dual Pilgrim certificate (for those who have also walked the Camino de Santiago)
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Expertise, safety, and support every step of the way
Our tours have been featured in Great Walks Australia Bushwalking Magazine. With Home Comforts Hiking, you can walk with ease, comfort, and clarity.
The Experience You Can Expect
Picture yourself walking beneath towering cedars where pilgrims have passed for centuries. The air is fresh, the path marked by shrines, ojis and stone steps, and you are free to pause and reflect. There is no heavy backpack and no tour group to rush you along. This is your pilgrimage, your pace.
Each evening you arrive at a guesthouse where your luggage is already waiting. A hot shower or onsen eases your muscles. Dinner is prepared with care, followed by a restful sleep on futons or beds. The next morning, a nourishing breakfast sets you up for another day of discovery.
For some, this journey is about renewal after burnout. For others, it marks a milestone or creates space to reconnect with friends. Whatever your reason, the Kumano Kodo offers both challenge and comfort, leaving you energised and deeply fulfilled.
How Difficult is the Hike?
The Kumano Kodo is a mountain pilgrimage, and some sections can be tough. You’ll face ascents and descents, with distances of up to 65 km over five days. The Nakahechi Trail is rated moderate to very hard for experienced hikers.
But this is your journey. We design your itinerary to match your ability. The hardest climbs can be avoided by bus or traditional riverboat, and shorter alternatives are available if you prefer a gentler pace. Most travellers find this balance perfect — enough challenge for a sense of achievement, with the flexibility to keep it enjoyable.
Easy-Moderate:
6 Days / 5 Nights
From AUD $2,130
Perfect for travellers who want a balanced experience with moderate hikes, cultural highlights, hot springs, and the famous riverboat tour.
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Distances: 7–12 km most days
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Difficulty: Moderate to hard, with some easy days
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Highlights: Yunomine hot springs, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Riverboat, Nachi Falls
Moderate-Active:
6 Days / 5 Nights From AUD $1,950
Designed for active travellers ready to take on longer sections, including the Ogumotori-goe trail, while still enjoying the comfort of inns and hot meals each night.
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Distances: 12–15 km on key days
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Difficulty: Hard to very hard, with some moderate sections
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Highlights: Full Ogumotori-goe trail, Hongu Grand Shrine, Nachisan, Kii-Katsuura tuna market
Moderate-Active
Challenging:
7 Days / 6 Nights From AUD $2,300
For confident hikers seeking the full challenge of the Kumano Kodo, including extended trails and longer days. A true pilgrimage for the adventurous spirit.
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Distances: 14–15 km challenging hikes on multiple days
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Difficulty: Hard to very hard throughout
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Highlights: Akagi-goe trail, Dual nights in Kawayu Onsen, Ogumotori-goe, Nachisan, Shingu shrines
What Our Travellers Say
Trusted By Many
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Featured in Great Walks Australia Bushwalking Magazine
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Registered travel agent account with Kumano Travel, ensuring direct bookings at local inns
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Hundreds of travellers supported since 2018
Ready To Begin?
Your Kumano Kodo pilgrimage is waiting. Choose the self-guided tour that fits your pace and let us take care of the details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many People Can Join a Tour?
We welcome solo travellers, couples, and groups. Tours can run with a minimum of 1 person and up to 14 people in a group.
Are there Group Discounts?
Yes, Home Comforts Hiking is happy to offer discounts as follows:
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5% off for groups of 6–9
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10% off for groups of 10–14
Can we add days or mix itineraries?
Yes! You can add additional days and/or mix and match itineraries. Please send us your request using the request a quote page. After that, we can discuss options.
Is It Safe To Hike Alone?
Yes. The Kumano Kodo is well marked and our itineraries include maps, trip notes, and safety information. You’ll also have local contact details for added support. Even on a self-guided trip, you’ll always feel supported.
Accommodation
You’ll stay in traditional Japanese inns and family-run guesthouses (minshukus). Rooms are simple but comfortable, with tatami mat flooring and futon bedding. Western beds are sometimes available on request. Bathrooms are usually shared, although ensuite rooms can sometimes be arranged with a surcharge. Every accommodation provides bedding, linen, and towels, and most have onsite onsens (hot spring baths).
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First night in Kii-Tanabe: Western-style beds. Single rooms available with surcharge.
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Along the trail: Family-run inns (minshukus) with tatami floors and futon bedding. Bathrooms usually shared, with upgrades possible to ensuite rooms.
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Onsens: Many accommodations have hot spring baths, and some villages also offer public onsens. A soak at the end of the day is one of the highlights of the pilgrimage.
Do the Inns Have Hot Showers?
Yes. All inns provide hot showers or access to an onsen. It’s one of the simple pleasures of the trail, and many guests say soaking in an onsen is the highlight of their evenings.
What Meals Are Included?
Food is an important part of the Kumano Kodo experience. You’ll enjoy authentic Japanese meals throughout your journey, with breakfasts and dinners provided daily (except for your first night in Kii-Tanabe, where you can explore more than 70 local restaurants).
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Dinner (D): Included every night except your first night in Kii-Tanabe. Dinners along the trail are a highlight, often featuring regional specialities prepared by your hosts.
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Breakfast (B): Provided daily, usually Japanese-style, with some inns offering a Western option.
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Lunch (L): On days when shops are available, you’ll buy your own lunch. When they are not, a bento lunch box will be provided and included.
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Snacks & Water (S): You’ll need to bring or purchase your own snacks and water to carry each day.
Dietary requests: We will pass on your requirements and allergies to the accommodations. Vegetarian meals are available, but please note that katsuo dashi (fish broth) is commonly used in Japanese cooking and may not be avoidable in all meals.
Luggage Transfer
Each guest can bring one bag up to 20 kg. Leave it at reception by 8:30am each morning and it will be delivered to your next inn. You only need to carry a light daypack while walking.
What Should I Pack?
We recommend comfortable hiking clothes, sturdy boots, a rainproof jacket or poncho, hiking poles, a swimsuit for public mixed onsens, toiletries, and any personal medication. Most inns provide cotton yukatas (robes), soap, shampoo, and towels, so you can pack lighter
When to Book
Accommodation on the Kumano Kodo is extremely limited and fills months ahead.
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Cherry Blossom (March–April): 9–15 months in advance
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Autumn Colours (October–November): 9–12 months in advance
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Shoulder season (May & September): 3-9 months in advance
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Other months: 1–6 months in advance
Late bookings may be possible, but options are fewer. For the best inns and minimal transfers, plan early.
👉 Book Now to Guarantee Your Preferred Dates and Stays.
What if I need to change my dates?
If your dates need to change due to government restrictions (such as lockdowns or border closures), there is no fee. For all other date changes, an administration fee of AUD $500 per booking applies.
How to Book
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Book Online with a Deposit: AUD $500 per person secures your place.
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Flights: Book your own flights once your deposit is paid and bookings confirmed.
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Balance Payments: Due prior to receiving final travel documents. Here's how you can pay the balance:
Australian customers can pay by bank transfer:
Home Comforts Hiking | BSB 923100 | Account 36237075
Overseas customers receive a PayPal invoice in AUD. You do not need a PayPal account and can pay by Visa or Mastercard. You may also pay in Australian Dollars via a transfer service such as Wise or through your bank:
Home Comforts Hiking | BSB 923100 | Account 36237075
The SWIFT Code for ING Bank Australia is INGBAU2S
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Please refer to our Cancellation and Refund Policy.
When should I book my flights?
Once you’ve paid your deposit and we’ve confirmed accommodation bookings, you can safely book your flights.
What information will I receive before the trip?
After your deposit, you’ll receive the official Kumano Kodo guidebook, maps, luggage tags, and a stamp booklet by post. Once final payment is made, we’ll email you detailed trip notes, accommodation vouchers, and safety information. Upon arrival in Tanabe, the Tourist Information Centre will provide updated trail and weather information plus extra maps.
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Yes. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical costs, and valuables.
Still Have Questions?
Reach out to our Guides directly.
Book Now
Our tours often book out quickly, so we recommend securing your spot today with a A$500 deposit.
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