self-guided tour 01

kumano kodo 7 days

Kumano Kodo 7 Days
Self-Guided Cycling Tour in Japan

Tour Overview

Immerse yourself in the world of Japanese mythology as you ride from Kyoto to Kumano, in the Kii Peninsula.

Deep forests, steep mountains, amazing waterfalls, huge rocks and a rugged seacoast inspired the ancient Japanese to believe that Kumano is the entrance to the world of the dead.

The Kii peninsula along the Kumano Pilgrimage route, offers the visitor a unique perspective on the ancient beliefs of the Japanese people, and on the ascetic lives of the mountain priests, who revere the mountains as gods.

More than one thousand years ago, the belief that the dead could be resurrected in Kumano, drew members of the imperial family and aristocrats to the holy shrines in Kumano.

Enjoy the old growth forests and magnificent places of worship in the Yomi no Kuni (the world of the dead)!

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DURATION

7 days
6 night

LEVEL

3: Moderate

DAILY DISTANCE

50 - 70 km

DAILY ASCENT

500 - 1,400m

STYLE

Self-guided

PRICE (JPY)

From 389,000 pp
Twin room basis

INCLUDED

✔︎Accommodation　　✔︎ Breakfast & Dinner　　

✔︎ Bike (Hybrid/Road/E-Bike

✔︎ Luggage Transport ✔︎ Route & GPS map　　　

NOT INCLUDED

✖︎Flight 　✖︎Travel Insurance　　

✖︎Lunch　　✖︎Personal Item (e.g. Alcohol)

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Highlights

Follow sacred pilgrimage routes through lush forests and centuries-old shrines, immersing yourself in Japan’s spiritual heartland at your own pace—from serene riverside trails to breathtaking mountain passes. Discover the quiet beauty and deep history of the Kumano Kodo region on this unforgettable journey.

Reviews

We are highly appreciative of his great contributions to our magical teip

" Excellent support on trip by Kusuki, stunning terrain of trip, fabulous hidden site seeing tours, the family lodge for a one off special night (one is enough) beautiful routes carefully chosen, night at the Temple was special - so many. "

— Steve and Lesley Small

Itinerary

Embark on an unforgettable journey from the charming streets of Kyoto to the historic city of Nara, covering approximately 50 kilometers of relatively flat terrain. As you ride along the peaceful riverside paths, you'll be surrounded by serene landscapes and fresh, invigorating air—perfect for a relaxing and enjoyable cycling experience.

Upon arriving at today's destination in Nara, you'll find yourself near the famous Nara Park, home to friendly deer, and the iconic Todaiji Temple, where Japan's largest Buddha resides. Be sure to take some time to explore and soak in the beauty of these cultural treasures.

Today, we cycle from Nara’s historic streets to the scenic beauty of Yoshino, known for its UNESCO sites and lush greenery. Along the way, enjoy Nara’s traditional charm before climbing mountain passes to reach serene Yoshino.

We follow the Yoshino River to Yoshino. Once we have reached the outskirts of Yoshino, the traditional architecture of the villages along the route make us aware of the historical importance of the Kii Peninsula.

From Yoshino river a pleasant, winding road that will take you to the main ridge of Yoshino Mountain. Enjoy the open sky from this lofty knoll, as you proceed along a narrow street lined with shops selling incense, traditional Japanese sweets and noodles.

We stop at the Mitarai Gorge, famous for its boulder strewn riverscape. There is a walking path along the river. Enjoy the view of the gorge from the first bridge you reach, because high above you will see a walking path that leads deep into the crevasse -like opening of a tributary. Leave your bike and take a stroll if you want to

see some impressive waterfalls.

After the gorge it is a rather steep climb up to Dorogawa Onsen, a quaint, traditional hot spring spa tucked deep into the foothills of

Mt.Oomine, one of the most important mountains to be designated by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage Kumano Pilgrimage Routes.

Today, we'll ride along the picturesque Tenkawa, known for its crystal-clear waters. The route is mostly downhill, ensuring a smooth ride.

Along the way, we'll visit the atmospheric Tenkawa Shrine, revered by many in the arts for its association with the deity of entertainment.

After an exhilarating ride on an elevated road, we'll stop at the thrilling Tanize Suspension Bridge. Built in 1954 by the villagers, i It's the longest suspension bridge for daily use in Japan, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and river below.

Today’s riding, the scenery viewed from high bridges that span the Totsukawa River are breathtakingly beautiful as we go through the undulating valley.

We will visit the impressive Kumano Hongu, the main shrine of this area and the destination of the Kumano Pilgrimage route.

We will pass through a very traditional hot spring spa known as Yunomine before we reach our trip ends on destination for today, Kawayu Onsen.

Proceeding downstream, when we reach Kawayu, you will see many people bathing (usually dressed in swimsuits) in the Daito River, which is a tributary of the Kumano River. 70-degree hot springs bubble up from the bed of the river, where you can make your own open-air bath.

Temperature

Average temp	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Lowest in Kyoto (C°)	1	1	5	11	14	19	23	24	20	14	8	3
Highest in Kyoto (C°)	9	11	14	22	26	28	31	33	29	23	17	22

Accommodations

3 - 4 Stars Quality

We choose Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) as much as possible to support local tourism and economy.

Ryokan is traditional Japanese style inns often run by family and in many cases it has Onsen (natural hot springs) on site. It’s definitely the best choice if you want to experience authentic Japanese accommodation.

However, there are a few things to remember before staying there.

Traditional Japanese room does not have bed, instead, it has Futon mat on "Tatami" straw weaving floor to sleep on. The photo is how typical Ryokan room looks like.
Most of the accommodation provide "Yukata" traditional night robe, you can wear it to hot spring and restaurants on site. You don't have to carry your night clothing as much if you enjoy Yukata.
Most of Ryokan provide nice public Onsen hot spring to share, then some of the rooms do not have their own shower and bath. Public onsen has washing place where you can wash yourself.
Some of Ryokans in remote area do not have toilet in each room. They have public

Conditions

Self-guided tour Specific

Self-guided tours put more emphasis on self-reliance. It is expected you can mend a puncture or change a tube in the event it is needed. You will be provided with all the necessary tools to keep you going, including CO2 canisters, spare tubes, hand pump, oil bottles, and a chain breaker.

FAQ

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