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
10 April (Friday)
DEPART FROM SINGAPORE. Land and depart to Kii Tanabe (overnight Kii Tanabe)
11 April (Saturday)
Kumano Kodo orientation and spend sometime to explore Kii Tanabe with last minute preparation (B)
12 April (Sunday),
TAKE CHARTERED BUS FROM TANABE TO TAKIJIRI-OJI.
WALK KUMANO KODO TAKIJIRI-OJI TO CHIKATSUYU (13km, estimated 5-6 hours with break).
* This is probably the hardest section of the whole pilgrimage , first 4km is a slope up to Takahara mountain village. The rest of the hike is much more gradual and easy.
Overnight Chikatsuyu (B, D)
13 April (Monday)
WALK KUMANO KODO HOSSHINMON-OJI TO KUMANO HONGU TAISHA (7KM, 3H)
VISIT KUMANO HONGU TAISHA (One of the three grand shrines of Kumano)
VISIT OYUNOHARA
WALK KUMANO KODO - DAINICHI-GOE (3KM, 1.5H)
PUBLIC BUS TO KAWAYU ONSEN (~15MINS)
Overnight at Kawayu Onsen (B,L,D)
14 April (Tuesday)
HYAKKENGURA WALK (7KM, 3H).
*this is an optional scenic walk up the hill for a great view of the surrounding mountain ranges. Those who are tired can rest and explore the Kawayu village instead.
Overnight Kawayu Onsen (B,L,D)
15 April (Wednesday)
Chartered taxi/bus to Shingu, visit Hayatama Taisha and continue to trek at Koyazaka Slope.
*In the early morning, take the chance to explore the gems of Katsuura ("TUNA"). The local port boasts Japan's largest haul of tuna fish, and tourists are able to observe the tuna auctions at the fish market from an observation deck on the second floor
Overnight Kii Katsuura (B,L)
16 April (Thursday)
Chartered bus/taxi to Daimonzaka and explore Nachi Taisha grand shrine.
Overnight Kii Katsuura (B,L)
17 April (Friday)
Return back to Osaka by train (~5 hrs train ride). Free and easy at Shin OSAKA
Overnight Shin Osaka (B)
18 April (Saturday)
Return to Singapore or extension
DEPART FROM SINGAPORE. Land and depart to Kii Tanabe (overnight Kii Tanabe)
11 April (Saturday)
Kumano Kodo orientation and spend sometime to explore Kii Tanabe with last minute preparation (B)
12 April (Sunday),
TAKE CHARTERED BUS FROM TANABE TO TAKIJIRI-OJI.
WALK KUMANO KODO TAKIJIRI-OJI TO CHIKATSUYU (13km, estimated 5-6 hours with break).
* This is probably the hardest section of the whole pilgrimage , first 4km is a slope up to Takahara mountain village. The rest of the hike is much more gradual and easy.
Overnight Chikatsuyu (B, D)
13 April (Monday)
WALK KUMANO KODO HOSSHINMON-OJI TO KUMANO HONGU TAISHA (7KM, 3H)
VISIT KUMANO HONGU TAISHA (One of the three grand shrines of Kumano)
VISIT OYUNOHARA
WALK KUMANO KODO - DAINICHI-GOE (3KM, 1.5H)
PUBLIC BUS TO KAWAYU ONSEN (~15MINS)
Overnight at Kawayu Onsen (B,L,D)
14 April (Tuesday)
HYAKKENGURA WALK (7KM, 3H).
*this is an optional scenic walk up the hill for a great view of the surrounding mountain ranges. Those who are tired can rest and explore the Kawayu village instead.
Overnight Kawayu Onsen (B,L,D)
15 April (Wednesday)
Chartered taxi/bus to Shingu, visit Hayatama Taisha and continue to trek at Koyazaka Slope.
*In the early morning, take the chance to explore the gems of Katsuura ("TUNA"). The local port boasts Japan's largest haul of tuna fish, and tourists are able to observe the tuna auctions at the fish market from an observation deck on the second floor
Overnight Kii Katsuura (B,L)
16 April (Thursday)
Chartered bus/taxi to Daimonzaka and explore Nachi Taisha grand shrine.
Overnight Kii Katsuura (B,L)
17 April (Friday)
Return back to Osaka by train (~5 hrs train ride). Free and easy at Shin OSAKA
Overnight Shin Osaka (B)
18 April (Saturday)
Return to Singapore or extension
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 certain days whereby 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 certain days whereby 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
$2300SGD for early sign up (Deposit $500 to confirm your participation)
After 30 Nov 2019 cost is $2700SGD (* 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 04 10 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 10 April 2020)
Ground Transportation during the trekking days at Kumano region
Express Ticket from Kii Katsuura to Shin Osaka on 17 April 2020
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (Dinner included is mostly Kaiseki dinner)
Eight nights accommodation, twin (or triple if requested) sharing, comfortable and clean private room during the trek (Minshuku, Ryokan or 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
Transport from Shin Osaka to Airport on 18 April 2020 (this is to allow more freedom for people tend to extend on their own)
Travel insurance
Entry fee while sightseeing in Kyoto, optional boat ride
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, shower etc.
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.
$2300SGD for early sign up (Deposit $500 to confirm your participation)
After 30 Nov 2019 cost is $2700SGD (* 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 04 10 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 10 April 2020)
Ground Transportation during the trekking days at Kumano region
Express Ticket from Kii Katsuura to Shin Osaka on 17 April 2020
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (Dinner included is mostly Kaiseki dinner)
Eight nights accommodation, twin (or triple if requested) sharing, comfortable and clean private room during the trek (Minshuku, Ryokan or 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
Transport from Shin Osaka to Airport on 18 April 2020 (this is to allow more freedom for people tend to extend on their own)
Travel insurance
Entry fee while sightseeing in Kyoto, optional boat ride
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, shower etc.
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
KUMANO 2020 is hosted by Sucan
PLEASE CONTACT SUCAN AT 97829235 FOR MORE ENQURIES
PLEASE CONTACT SUCAN AT 97829235 FOR MORE ENQURIES
SUCAN
