Koyasan - Hongu Pilgrimage Tour

Temple to Shine: the crosspoint of Buddhism and Shinto

Adventure Level: Moderate- High 4/5

Available:

(2024) Feb 20 - June 20, Oct 15 - Dec 15

The Koyasan - Hongu Pilgrimage Tour is a 5 day, 4 night, 65 km long-trail thru hiking trip along the Kohechi trail linking the Buddhist town of Koyasan and Hongu Grand Shrine (Shinto) two of the most sacred areas in Japan.

The Kohechi Trail is an ancient and sacred pilgrimage route that forms a part of the Kumano Kodo network. Traversing through the mountainous terrain of the Kii Peninsula, this historic trail was traditionally travelled by religious figures, imperial family members, aristocrats and common folk to journey between the great temples of Koyasan and the sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines.

The foundation of the Japanese culture and traditions are its nature worshipping religions and the Kohechi Trail offers modern-day adventurers a chance to follow in the footsteps of the ancient pilgrimages and immerse themselves in Japan's spiritual and natural heritage. The trail is renowned for its challenging yet rewarding trek, leading hikers through dense forests, secluded villages, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas. Along the way, you'll encounter serene temples, ancient stone markers, and a tranquil natural environment, evoking a profound sense of reverence and wonder. Embarking on the Kohechi Trail is not just a physical journey, but also a soul-stirring experience that connects you to the essence of Japan's sacred and timeless landscapes.

The trail is a mix of forest/ mountain trails and paved roads leading to small towns and villages.

Koyasan is one of the most sacred areas of Japan and is the home of the Shingon sect of esoteric Buddhism. It is a town of monasteries far in the mountains founded by Kukai aka. Kobo Daishi, one of Japan’s holiest figures. The town has a history of over 1200 years and in 2004 UNESCO designated Koyasan as a World Heritage Site.
Religion is very complex in Japan. Koyasan is said to be the first place where Buddhism and Shintoism came together, to this day, it is an important destination for many and is visited from time to time by the imperial family.

A tour around the Koyasan lead by a Shingon monk, as well as a night in a Shingon monastery is included.

Hongu Grand Shrine, also known as Kumano Hongu Taisha, is the main shrine of the 3 grand shrines of the Kumano region. This is one of the most important shrines within the Shinto religion and is the head of over 3000 shrines across the country.

The Hongu Grand Shrine is revered for its connections to ancient pilgrimage routes and the Kumano Kodo used for centuries by pilgrims seeking spiritual purification.

The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with distinctive torii gates, wooden structures, and tranquil surroundings. Its cultural and historical significance, as well as its role in connecting people with nature and spirituality, continue to attract visitors and pilgrims from around the world.

Who is this trip for?

As trip includes 4 full days of hiking, it is best suited for those looking for a physical, outdoors adventure.

Though the Kohechi trail does not require any specific skills, make sure to have the fitness to endure 6-10 hours of hiking through rugged terrain on each hiking day.

Though the trail is very peaceful and beautiful, other than Koyasan, Hongu Grand Shrine, Jizo statues, small shrines and temples on the route and some of the Ryokan (tradition hot spring inns) you will stay in, the hiking days will feature little cultural visits.

We recommend the World Heritage Tour for those looking for a mix of cultural visiting and hiking. Alternatively, you can add days to see all 3 Kumano Grand Shrines.

Please note*

This is a hiking trip taking place between Koyasan and Hongu. Please note that itineraries are subject to change based on weather and other factors. This trip will be along the Kumano Sankeimichi Kohechi. Please note that this is a very rural area of Japan and we may not have the option to enjoy many luxuries we have in everyday life. The only accommodation available although a great experience, will also be simple and traditional. Food options are limited. Although our lodging may have the means to improvise meals for us, please expect most meals to be traditional Japanese cuisine. Though there are no guarantees, if you have specific dietary needs please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate.

*There is no support vehicle included in this tour, this means that although you have the chance to refill your water, purchase snacks and get a packed lunch daily, you must carry all other gear for 5 days!

Highlights

4 Nights, 5 Days
Ancient Pilgrimage Route between Koyasan and Hongu Grand Shrine
Night in a Monastery
Traditional Japanese cuisine
Beautiful hot spring inns
Japan’s forgotten wilderness
Will count towards your Dual Pilgrimage

Included:

Bilingual Guide
4 Nights accommodation
Dinner & breakfast at each accommodation
Packed Lunch each day

Not Included:

Drinks, Alcohol
Souvenirs
Snacks
Insurance
Transportation

Price

(Prices are prone to fluctuate depending on accommodation and season)

JPY 280,000+10% tax/ Person

*for groups smaller than 3 people, we will charge for 3 people.

*5 people maximum/ guide

Quick Links

What is the Kumano Kodo?

Accommodation

World Heritage Tour

Koyasan - Hongu Pilgrimage Itinerary

Day 1 Koyasan

0630 AM- Pick Up Meet up at Namba Train Station in Osaka and travel to Koyasan by public transport.

10:00AM and beyond: Upon arrival at Koyasan, you will meet with a Shingon monk who will show you around the town.
As the tour ends, your monk will bring you to your lodging (Ekoin). The monastery has been active for more than 1,000 years and although accommodation is simple, the monastery complex is well built and maintained by diligent monks. Here you’ll enjoy vegan Buddhist food at dinner time.

Late Afternoon and Evening (optional events): A meditation session led by one of the monks is available at our monastery. Those with the energy are free to join a guided tour of Okunoin cemetery also led by the monastery. Over 200,000 monks are buried here, their gravestones covered in moss surrounded by massive 600+ year old cedar trees, the night-time tour offers unique views as pathways are lit by lanterns.

Day 2 Koyasan- Omata

Your pilgrimage hike begins. After a morning meditation session and fire ceremony (optional) a traditional vegan Buddhist breakfast will be served before a 17km (6 hour) hike along a beautiful World Heritage trail. This trail is not technically difficult however, is a long walk. The trail intensity is volatile and the majority of the day will be spent in the forest and mountains which will feature several view points and historical monuments. Upon arrival to your lodging, you will have time to enjoy a traditional dinner and an option to recharge in an onsen (hotspring).

Day 3 Omata- Miuraguchi

A similar schedule to Day 2. You will hike along the Obako pass. A trail loaded with panoramic views as well as sacred monuments. The distance is roughly 16km and take about 5 hours to hike.

Day 4 Miuraguchi- Totsukawa

The longest day of hiking. A 19 km stretch which takes about 7 hours but rewarded with a beautiful hot spring inn with delicious Japanese delicacies. This stretch also features beautiful rice fields and huge 500 year old cedar trees.

Day 5 Totsugawa- Kumano Hongu Shrine

Our final leg of the pilgrimage leading to the Kumano Hongu Shrine. This is one of the most significant shrines within the Shinto religion representing over 3000 other shrines across the country. This stretch is about 15km and takes around 5 hours to hike. We will be passing by some rural towns as well as numerous viewpoints. Hongu Shrine features the World’s largest Torii gate, as well as a World Heritage Center and numerous gift shops. A very scenic area to reflect upon your accomplishments!
This is where your tour ends. From Hongu you will have the ability to catch transportation to your next destination.

What to Bring

Recommended Equipment- Koyasan - Hongu Pilgrimage Tour

-There is no support vehicle included on this tour.

-There will be opportunities to resupply for water/ snacks at small local shops or at each accommodation and there will be a packed lunch included each day however participants must carry all of their other equipment for the duration of the tour.

-You will have the opportunity to shower everyday however, being able to wash your clothes is not guaranteed.

Here is a list of recommended hiking equipment:

Backpack – A 50-60 liter backpack is recommended to carry your rain gear, water, snacks, and bento boxes when we hike full days on the tour.

Backpack rain cover - Most backpacks are not waterproof, and it can rain a lot in the Kumano region. Using a backpack rain cover is one step we recommend you take to keep your valuables dry while hiking.

Large garbage bags / dry bags - When it rains, you want to be prepared. Placing all of your clothing inside of a dry bag will waterproof everything inside the bag. In the event of rain, you will be happy knowing that your warm clothing will still be dry by the time we arrive at our lodging. Garbage bags usually do the trick!

Hiking Poles – With over 4 days of hiking, poles can be very helpful to take some pressure off of our legs and additional support for balance especially on descent sections.

Hiking boots - Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are highly recommended, as we'll be hiking in mountainous areas with uneven ground and often slippery rocks. Break in your boots before coming!

Good socks - Please bring extra pairs, either wool or synthetic socks, NEVER cotton. Use liner socks (a think silky sock that minimizes friction between your boot and your foot).

Rain gear - Please be sure to bring waterproof hiking pants/jacket (with attached hood if you don't have a rain hat). It's possible that it will rain all day long both days of this tour, so please bring rain gear that you trust and are comfortable with! Rain gear also doubles as a wind resistant layer.

Hiking Wear - As temperatures can vary from above 30 degrees (C) to below 5 and rain is common, please make sure that you hike in quick-drying, durable materials such as polyester or athletic (i.e. running/soccer shirt) material. NEVER use cotton (including cotton jeans).

- Some tours may have the opportunity to wash clothes at the accommodation but it is not guaranteed. You may need to wear the same hiking gear several days in a row so it should be good to bring some comfortable clothes after hiking each day.

- Our Guides usually bring

(3) T-Shirts: Please remember, polyester/athletic material. NO cotton
(2) Pants: Standard quick-dry trekking pants
(5) Socks, it's a good idea to switch them daily
(5) Underwear, also a good idea to switch them daily (again no cotton

Thermal layers - This will largely depend on the time of year. Especially in early spring and fall, temperatures can get cool enough (sometimes less than 5 degrees (C) during the day). It's a good idea to bring a warm insulated jacket which will stay warm even when wet (synthetic materials like Primaloft and Pertex, treated down jackets will also be great).

Closer to the winter bringing 1-2 base layers as well as a beanie or warm hat can be a great addition to your kit (again NO cotton).

Hat- Useful for both sun and rain

Sunglasses- To look cool!

Sunscreen - For your health, as the sun can be strong on parts of the hike.

Headlamp / Small flashlight - Especially in the fall and early spring, the sun may set before we arrive at the accommodations. Having a bright headlamp or flashlight is important so you can clearly see the rocky, often uneven and steep ground below your feet.

Water Bottles - There are opportunities along the way for us to refill on certain stretches, but you will want at least 2 filled (1 liter) water bottles with you!

Trash bag (1) - Please use this as your personal trash bag. There are NO trash bins along the trail. You must keep all trash with you until you arrive at our lodging at the end of each day.

First aid kit - Though our guides all carry a large first aid kit, this is a multi-day tour and Guides' first aid kits are reserved for true emergencies so it's a good idea to bring a first aid kit with band aids, blister tape and whatever medication you may need!

*By Japanese law guides are NOT allowed to carry an Epipen. If you are allergic to anything, make sure to bring your own!

Snacks – Dinner and breakfast will be included at each accommodation including a packed lunch daily. But, we advise you to bring a lot of snacks! You will have some opportunities to buy snacks at local shops as well as at the accommodation however, the options will be limited.

Lightweight comfortable shoes or sandlas - Will be great to have at the end of every stretch and on the travel to and from Osaka. Make sure they are light weight so they don't take up too much space or add much weight.

Personal Items:

ID - Foreign nationals are required to carry either a passport or National Residence Card at all times, you will also be required to show identification when checking into the accommodations.

Phone & Charger - You will have the opportunity to plug your phone in each night.

Pocket Money - though many places will accept card, Japan is still largely cash based. It's a good idea to carry some cash for snacks/ drinks, souvenirs etc.

If you like, after booking a Koyasan - Hongu Pilgrimage Tour, we can video call and help you pack your bag as efficiently and lightweight as possible!

How strenuous is the hiking?

A good fitness is required for the hiking portions of the Kumano Kodo trail. Participants should be prepared to hike up to 20 km in a day and climb 250 meters in elevation (of 10% grade) a couple times each day. In terms of time we will usually hike between 4-6 hours on most days. The trail does not reach altitudes above 1100m and there is no technical climbing or scrambling (using your hands to climb) involved. Participants are strongly advised to practice hiking with a backpack up hills or mountains for similar distances before coming on our tours.