Getting to the Kumano Kodo

The Kumano Kodo is a historically and culturally inspiring, UNESCO registered pilgrimage trail across the south east peninsular of Honshu, the main island of Japan, with an ancient history dating back for thousands of years.

Getting to Japan is easy with direct flights from Australia to Osaka. It's easy to stay in a hotel in Shin Osaka upon arrival and prior to departing. Shin Osaka is a suburb based around a large modern railway station with both local commuter and bullet trains out to other Japanese cities coming and going. 

Shin Osaka is the second major train station for Osaka and it is just as easy to get down to the Kumano Kodo from the original Osaka Station, in fact, when leaving from Shin Osaka, the same trains stop at Osaka Station before heading out. 

Shin Osaka is easily accessible from the airport by train, and similarly provided easy access to get down to, and back from the Kumano Kodo by train also.

Catching a JR train from Osaka down to Kii Tanabe which takes about 2 hours. 

At Ki Tanabe there's an information centre specific to the Kumano Kodo, and it's here that our Hiking Trails packages include a briefing for all our walking guests to check local conditions, weather, any track changes, local bus timetables, and more. This briefing is also a great chance to ask any last minute questions.

At the end of your Hiking Trails Pty Ltd booked Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail, you'll end up in the seaside fishing town of Kii Katsuura, and from Kii Katsuura you'll be able to catch a JR train back to Osaka / Shin Osaka. This return train trip takes 3-4 hours so whilst it's often a valued rest after your hike, it's also worth packing something to read, snacks and water. These are available in Katsuura. 

Tickets can be booked at the station or in advance at a JR ticket office. 

Hiking Trails Travel Service and Hiking Gear Shop can help you book your Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage with our self-guided Kumano Kodo walking packages.