⛩️ Kumano Kodo “Kiiji” Hiking Tours
The Sacred Pilgrimage Route Connecting Osaka and Wakayama. This tour covers from Yamadakadani to Tanabe 120km to complete all Wakayama route of Kiiji.
For those who want to experience the real Japan by walking. Licensed guides living in Wakayama will support your walking trip and provide information about the history, culture and lifestyle of the local and Japanese people.
The Kiiji is the historic path used by ancient emperors and aristocrats on their pilgrimage to the Kumano Sanzan Grand Shrines. And it still runs through towns, mountains, and along the coast as a daily route for people. These seven courses offer a mix of challenging mountain passes, spiritual shrines, and stunning views of Japan’s premier orange-growing region.
- Yamanakadani Station to Hoshiya Station
Distance: 17km Difficulty: ★★★★
“Crossing the Ancient Province Line” Walk the historic mountain pass that once separated the Osaka and Wakayama provinces.
- Hoshiya Station to Idakiso Station
Distance: 7km Difficulty: ★★★
“Satoyama Landscapes & the Deity of Trees” A gentle walk through traditional farming villages and rolling hills.
- Idakiso Station to Kainan Station
Distance: 10km Difficulty: ★★★
“From Ancient Forests to the Seaside” Travel from the mystical interior towards the coastal city of Kainan.
- Kainan Station to Kii-Miyahara Station
Distance: 14km Difficulty: ★★★★
“The Most Scenic Stretch of the Kiiji”. This route features Fujishiro-zaka, widely considered the highlight of the Kiiji route for its incredible vistas.
- Kii-Miyahara Station to Yuasa Station
Distance: 7km Difficulty: ★★
“Through the Valleys to the Soya Sauce Capital”, a challenging but rewarding trek crossing the crystal-clear Arida River and deep mountain ridges.
- Yuasa Station to Gobo Station
Distance: 21km Difficulty: ★★★★★
This is the most challenging part of the Kiiji route, featuring steep mountain passes such as Sanzo-zaka and Shishigase-toge.
- Gobo station to Inami Station
Distance: 19km Difficulty: ★★★
You can enjoy ocean views while visiting historically significant shrines, including Kirime-oji, one of the high-ranking “Gotai-oji” shrines.
- Inami Station to Minabe Station
Distance: 16km Difficulty: ★★★
A relatively gentle and relaxed stretch with a shorter distance, heading towards Minabe town, which is famous for its plum (Ume) orchards.
- Minabe Station to Tanabe Station
Distance: 16km Difficulty: ★★
A short final walk. You will enter Tanabe city and visit Tokei-jinja Shrine, the spiritual gateway where the Nakahechi and Ohechi routes begin.
