● Today, you will travel south along the coast by train to Tanabe (about 3 hours).
● Then transfer by local bus (about 40 minutes) to Takijiri, at the beginning of the Nakahechi, part of the network of ancient pilgrimage trails known as the Kumano Kodō, or Kumano Ancient Trail.
● Continue with a 2-hour hike to the small hilltop village of Takahara, where we spend the night.
● Your accommodation is a delightful traditional Japanese ryokan built by local craftsmen, with rooms affording spectacular views over the surrounding mountains. There are hot spring baths and the sumptuous evening meal is made with organic, locally sourced ingredients.
Did you know that The Kumano Kodō is one of only two pilgrimage routes in the world recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside Spain’s Camino de Santiago.