Kumano Kodo: Mountain to Sea
Kumano Kodo. It is a pilgrimage like none other. It, along with the Way of St. James, are the only two pilgrimages in the world thus far which have received World Heritage recognition by UNESCO.
Join us to explore Kumano Kodo and we will explore forest trails together. We will enjoy panoramic vistas that are seen from settlements purchased on mountain ridges.
You will encounter about 100 oji during this pilgrimage, which are essentially subsidiary shrines where pilgrims are invited to offer prayers. Each oji magnifies the natural wonders of its location, from waterfalls to ancient trees.
It is also a route which offers more than 1,000 years of history to explore during your travels. It is a trail which has embraced the faithful and the doubtful. It provides answers, then gives you more questions to think about.
There are 7 major routes that are part of the full pilgrimage experience. We will begin the pilgrimage by taking the Takijiri-Oji to Chikatsuyu segment. Details can be found with the itinerary below.
We will enjoy picnics in the mountains, embrace our spirituality, and discover new truths about ourselves along the way. The full pilgrimage experience will take 6 days to complete.
This will be the foundation of an epic adventure, exploring what lies within as you embrace what lies without.
Read CNN Travel: Kumano Kodo: Rewarding hike far off beaten path
Kumano Kodo. It is a pilgrimage like none other. It, along with the Way of St. James, are the only two pilgrimages in the world thus far which have received World Heritage recognition by UNESCO.
Join us to explore Kumano Kodo and we will explore forest trails together. We will enjoy panoramic vistas that are seen from settlements purchased on mountain ridges.
You will encounter about 100 oji during this pilgrimage, which are essentially subsidiary shrines where pilgrims are invited to offer prayers. Each oji magnifies the natural wonders of its location, from waterfalls to ancient trees.
It is also a route which offers more than 1,000 years of history to explore during your travels. It is a trail which has embraced the faithful and the doubtful. It provides answers, then gives you more questions to think about.
There are 7 major routes that are part of the full pilgrimage experience. We will begin the pilgrimage by taking the Takijiri-Oji to Chikatsuyu segment. Details can be found with the itinerary below.
We will enjoy picnics in the mountains, embrace our spirituality, and discover new truths about ourselves along the way. The full pilgrimage experience will take 6 days to complete.
This will be the foundation of an epic adventure, exploring what lies within as you embrace what lies without.
Read CNN Travel: Kumano Kodo: Rewarding hike far off beaten path
Pictures from our 2018 & 2019 trip
The official Kumano trip video. Play on above image to play
THE ITINERARY
14 Nov (SATURDAY)
EVENING ARRIVAL, SWITCH TO TRAIN FROM KANSAI TO KII TANABE (3 HRS train ride)
CHECK INTO MINSHUKU AND OVERNIGHT
15 Nov (SUNDAY)
ORIENTATION AT KUMANO INFORMATION CENTER
FREE AND EASY TIME AND PREPARATION FOR THE HIKE
OVERNIGHT AT MINSHUKU
Breakfast included
16 Nov (MONDAY, Deepavali Public holiday)
CHARTERED BUS FROM TANABE TO TAKIJIRI-OJI
WALK KUMANO KODO TAKIJIRI-OJI TO CHIKATSUYU (13KMS, 6-7HRS)
OVERNIGHT CHIKATSUYU
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included
17 Nov (TUESDAY)
WALK KUMANO KODO AKAGI-GOE, YUNOMINE ONSEN TO HOSSHINMON-OJI (6KMS, 3 HRS)
WALK HOSSHIMONJI TO HONGU TAISHA (7KM, 3 HRS)
*This is a very nice half day walk on the pilgrimage route. It goes through a mixture of ridge top settlements and forest trails. There are some good panoramic lookout spots along the trail.
VISIT KUMANO HONGU TAISHA (One of the three grand shrines of Kumano)
TAKE PUBLIC BUS TO KAWAYU ONSEN
OVERNIGHT @KAWAYU ONSEN
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included
18 Nov (WEDNESDAY)
BUS FROM KAWAYU ONSEN TO YAKIO
WALK KUMANO KODO FROM YAKIO TO TOTSUKAWA (11KMS, ~5HRS)
PUBLIC BUS FROM HOTEl SUBARU TO KAWAYU ONSEN
OVERNIGHT @KAWAYU ONSEN
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included
19 Nov (THURSDAY)
CHARTERED TAXI FROM KAWAYU ONSEN TO FORESTRY ROAD JUNCTION
WALK KUMANO KODO HYAKKEN-GURA TO UKEGAWA (6KM, ~2HRS)
WALK BACK TO KAWAYU ONSEN OR TO HONGU TAISHA (FREE AND EASY)
OVERNIGHT KAWAYU ONSEN
Breakfast and dinner included
20 Nov (FRIDAY)
MORNING DEPARTURE TO HAYATAMA TAISHA, second of the three grand shrines
FOLLOWED BY WALK KUMANO KODO DAIMONZAKA TO KUMANO NACHI TAISHA
VISIT KUMANO NACHI TAISHA, SEIGANTO-JI & NACHI FALLS ((~5KMS, 3 HRS TO EXPLORE THE WHOLE AREA)
RETURN TO KII KATSUURA BY CHARTERED BUS. OVERNIGHT @ KII KATSUURA
Breakfast included
21 Nov (SATURDAY)
DEPART BACK IN THE MORNING TO KANSAI AIRPORT/OSAKA VIA RAPID TRAIN (5 hrs ride)
EVENING ARRIVAL, SWITCH TO TRAIN FROM KANSAI TO KII TANABE (3 HRS train ride)
CHECK INTO MINSHUKU AND OVERNIGHT
15 Nov (SUNDAY)
ORIENTATION AT KUMANO INFORMATION CENTER
FREE AND EASY TIME AND PREPARATION FOR THE HIKE
OVERNIGHT AT MINSHUKU
Breakfast included
16 Nov (MONDAY, Deepavali Public holiday)
CHARTERED BUS FROM TANABE TO TAKIJIRI-OJI
WALK KUMANO KODO TAKIJIRI-OJI TO CHIKATSUYU (13KMS, 6-7HRS)
OVERNIGHT CHIKATSUYU
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included
17 Nov (TUESDAY)
WALK KUMANO KODO AKAGI-GOE, YUNOMINE ONSEN TO HOSSHINMON-OJI (6KMS, 3 HRS)
WALK HOSSHIMONJI TO HONGU TAISHA (7KM, 3 HRS)
*This is a very nice half day walk on the pilgrimage route. It goes through a mixture of ridge top settlements and forest trails. There are some good panoramic lookout spots along the trail.
VISIT KUMANO HONGU TAISHA (One of the three grand shrines of Kumano)
TAKE PUBLIC BUS TO KAWAYU ONSEN
OVERNIGHT @KAWAYU ONSEN
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included
18 Nov (WEDNESDAY)
BUS FROM KAWAYU ONSEN TO YAKIO
WALK KUMANO KODO FROM YAKIO TO TOTSUKAWA (11KMS, ~5HRS)
PUBLIC BUS FROM HOTEl SUBARU TO KAWAYU ONSEN
OVERNIGHT @KAWAYU ONSEN
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included
19 Nov (THURSDAY)
CHARTERED TAXI FROM KAWAYU ONSEN TO FORESTRY ROAD JUNCTION
WALK KUMANO KODO HYAKKEN-GURA TO UKEGAWA (6KM, ~2HRS)
WALK BACK TO KAWAYU ONSEN OR TO HONGU TAISHA (FREE AND EASY)
OVERNIGHT KAWAYU ONSEN
Breakfast and dinner included
20 Nov (FRIDAY)
MORNING DEPARTURE TO HAYATAMA TAISHA, second of the three grand shrines
FOLLOWED BY WALK KUMANO KODO DAIMONZAKA TO KUMANO NACHI TAISHA
VISIT KUMANO NACHI TAISHA, SEIGANTO-JI & NACHI FALLS ((~5KMS, 3 HRS TO EXPLORE THE WHOLE AREA)
RETURN TO KII KATSUURA BY CHARTERED BUS. OVERNIGHT @ KII KATSUURA
Breakfast included
21 Nov (SATURDAY)
DEPART BACK IN THE MORNING TO KANSAI AIRPORT/OSAKA VIA RAPID TRAIN (5 hrs ride)
TRAIL GRADING 2.5 (https://www.liveopenly.net/adventures-unlimiteds-trail-grading.html)
*This is a beginner friendly itinerary covering all the sections required for the pilgrimage status with only day bag. However, participants are advised to train and have a good physical fitness so you can better enjoy the trekking experience. Although the trail is not raw and well maintained, there are a few days where the hike is long and there are certain steep sections.
Our event host will provide advice and participants are encouraged to attend our regular walks and outdoor steps training
*This is a beginner friendly itinerary covering all the sections required for the pilgrimage status with only day bag. However, participants are advised to train and have a good physical fitness so you can better enjoy the trekking experience. Although the trail is not raw and well maintained, there are a few days where the hike is long and there are certain steep sections.
Our event host will provide advice and participants are encouraged to attend our regular walks and outdoor steps training
LAND COST
$2400SGD for early sign up (Deposit $500 by 30 jULY 2020 confirm your participation)
After 30 July 2020 cost is $2600SGD (* late registration entails increase in the cost of accommodation hence the price differences)
Registration and Payment Details:
Step 1- Deposit of $500 via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS CURRENT A/C - 0039351950
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to Jane +65 9102 0550 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "2020 11 14 KUMANO).
Step 3 Receipt for payment will be issued and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip three months (Jan 2020) prior to the trip.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Cost Includes
Express Ticket from KIX to Kii Tanabe on 14 Nov 2020
Ground Transportation during the trekking days at Kumano region (as per itinerary)
Rapid train Ticket from Kii Katsuura to KIX OR OSAKA on 21 Nov 2020
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Seven nights accommodation, twin to triple sharing, comfortable and clean private room during the trek (Minshuku, Ryokan and Local Hotel)
*please note that the bathing choice is limited to onsen only for some days. Private shower or onsen may be available on some accommodations.
Kumano Pilgrimage orientation
Kumano Pilgrimage Map
Daily luggage forwarding service (only need to trek with day bag)
Group medical supplies (first aid kit)
All necessary paper works and national park entry permits.
All government taxes, vat, tourist service charges,
Logistic support from Adventures Unlimited
On site support from Adventures Unlimited Trek Leaders
Special Edition Kumano Pilgrimage T-shirt by Adventures Unlimited
Cost doesn't include
International Flight tickets
Travel insurance
Entry fee for sightseeing out of the itinerary above
Personal equipment (Equipment List)
Japan Visa fee (visa charge) if applicable
All kind drinks (hot, cold and alcoholic) along the trek
Alcoholic drinks during meal time
Personal shopping and laundry, private shower/onsen booking
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 12 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
12 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
8 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Training
Participants are highly advised to regularly attend training programmes jointly conducted by Adventures Unlimited)
Single Supplement
Subject to availability (limited accommodations available) and high cost (estimated SGD100/night). Please contact us early to check.
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
$2400SGD for early sign up (Deposit $500 by 30 jULY 2020 confirm your participation)
After 30 July 2020 cost is $2600SGD (* late registration entails increase in the cost of accommodation hence the price differences)
Registration and Payment Details:
Step 1- Deposit of $500 via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS CURRENT A/C - 0039351950
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to Jane +65 9102 0550 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "2020 11 14 KUMANO).
Step 3 Receipt for payment will be issued and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip three months (Jan 2020) prior to the trip.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Cost Includes
Express Ticket from KIX to Kii Tanabe on 14 Nov 2020
Ground Transportation during the trekking days at Kumano region (as per itinerary)
Rapid train Ticket from Kii Katsuura to KIX OR OSAKA on 21 Nov 2020
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Seven nights accommodation, twin to triple sharing, comfortable and clean private room during the trek (Minshuku, Ryokan and Local Hotel)
*please note that the bathing choice is limited to onsen only for some days. Private shower or onsen may be available on some accommodations.
Kumano Pilgrimage orientation
Kumano Pilgrimage Map
Daily luggage forwarding service (only need to trek with day bag)
Group medical supplies (first aid kit)
All necessary paper works and national park entry permits.
All government taxes, vat, tourist service charges,
Logistic support from Adventures Unlimited
On site support from Adventures Unlimited Trek Leaders
Special Edition Kumano Pilgrimage T-shirt by Adventures Unlimited
Cost doesn't include
International Flight tickets
Travel insurance
Entry fee for sightseeing out of the itinerary above
Personal equipment (Equipment List)
Japan Visa fee (visa charge) if applicable
All kind drinks (hot, cold and alcoholic) along the trek
Alcoholic drinks during meal time
Personal shopping and laundry, private shower/onsen booking
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 12 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
12 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
8 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Training
Participants are highly advised to regularly attend training programmes jointly conducted by Adventures Unlimited)
Single Supplement
Subject to availability (limited accommodations available) and high cost (estimated SGD100/night). Please contact us early to check.
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
Achieve the coveted dual-pilgrim status by walking the CAMINO and KUMANO with Adventures Unlimited.
Recommended Flights
As there is a 3 hours travel time between KIX to Kii Tanabe, it is advised that you arrive latest by 6pm (Event host will gather the group and depart from KIX at 6pm)
For the return flight to Singapore, you can choose other departure timing, taking into account that the travelling time is ~5 hrs from Kii Katsuura to Kansai airport
For the return flight to Singapore, you can choose other departure timing, taking into account that the travelling time is ~5 hrs from Kii Katsuura to Kansai airport
KUMANO 2020 is hosted by Sucan
PLEASE CONTACT SUCAN AT 97829235 FOR MORE ENQURIES
PLEASE CONTACT SUCAN AT 97829235 FOR MORE ENQURIES
SUCAN
