The Nakahechi Route
KUMANO KODO ｜ From Takijiri-oji to Hongu and NachiDistances, walking times and difficulty for each stage, with sample plans using luggage transfer.
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NAKAHECHI
The Nakahechi, the “Imperial Route”
The Nakahechi is the most walked route of the Kumano Kodo, followed by retired emperors and aristocrats on pilgrimage to the Kumano Sanzan shrines from the Heian period. It leaves the coast at Tanabe, climbs into the mountains, passes Kumano Hongu Taisha, and continues to Nachi and Shingu. In 2004 it was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”.
Small shrines called oji line the trail, and villages along the way have guesthouses and inns. Stage lengths vary widely, so choose your inns to match your pace, and leave your luggage to SHIOGORI TRANSPORTE.
STAGES
Stages at a glance
| Stage | Route | Distance | Walking time | Difficulty | SHIOGORI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00 | Kii-Tanabe / Ogigahama → Takijiri | By bus | — | — | (to be announced) |
| 01 | Takijiri-oji → Takahara | approx. 4 km | 2–3 hrs | 2.5 / 5 | (to be announced) |
| 02 | Takijiri-oji → Chikatsuyu-oji | approx. 13.3 km | 6–8 hrs | 3 / 5 | (to be announced) |
| 03 | Chikatsuyu-oji → Kumano Hongu Taisha | approx. 24.5 km | 9–12 hrs | 4 / 5 | (to be announced) |
| 04 | Kumano Hongu Taisha → Koguchi | approx. 13 km | approx. 5.5 hrs | — | (to be announced) |
| 05 | Koguchi → Kumano Nachi Taisha | approx. 14.5 km | 7–8 hrs | — | (to be announced) |
Distance, time and difficulty (out of 5) from the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau. Actual times vary with pace and weather.
STAGE 00
Kii-Tanabe / Ogigahama → Takijiri
By bus ・ —
Perform Shiogori at Ogigahama Beach, then take the bus from Kii-Tanabe Station to Takijiri.
STAGE 01
Takijiri-oji → Takahara
approx. 4 km ・ 2–3 hrs
Through the Tainai-kuguri cave and past Chichi-iwa rock to Takahara, the “village in the mist”. A gentle first day.
STAGE 02
Takijiri-oji → Chikatsuyu-oji
approx. 13.3 km ・ 6–8 hrs
About 1,010 m of climbing via Takahara to Chikatsuyu village. The classic first day on the Nakahechi.
STAGE 03
Chikatsuyu-oji → Kumano Hongu Taisha
approx. 24.5 km ・ 9–12 hrs
About 1,100 m up and 1,380 m down. Many walkers split it at Nonaka or Hosshinmon-oji. No restaurants on the way.
STAGE 04
Kumano Hongu Taisha → Koguchi
approx. 13 km ・ approx. 5.5 hrs
Kogumotori-goe to Koguchi, the base for the Ogumotori-goe.
STAGE 05
Koguchi → Kumano Nachi Taisha
approx. 14.5 km ・ 7–8 hrs
Ogumotori-goe, the toughest section of the Nakahechi, ending at Nachi.
SAMPLE PLANS
Sample plans
2 DAYS
Takijiri to Hongu
Day 1: Takijiri-oji → Chikatsuyu (approx. 13.3 km)
Day 2: Chikatsuyu → Kumano Hongu Taisha (approx. 24.5 km)
Luggage: Tanabe → Chikatsuyu, Chikatsuyu → Hongu area
A long second day, for strong walkers.
3 DAYS
An easier pace to Hongu
Day 1: Takijiri-oji → Takahara (approx. 4 km)
Day 2: Takahara → Chikatsuyu
Day 3: Chikatsuyu → Kumano Hongu Taisha (approx. 24.5 km)
Luggage: Tanabe → Takahara, Takahara → Chikatsuyu, Chikatsuyu → Hongu area
Perform Shiogori at Ogigahama in the morning, and start walking after lunch.
5 DAYS
Beyond Hongu to Nachi
Days 1–3: as the 3-day plan
Day 4: Hongu → Koguchi (approx. 13 km)
Day 5: Koguchi → Kumano Nachi Taisha (approx. 14.5 km)
Luggage: inn to inn (to be announced)
ACCESS
Getting there
From JR Kii-Tanabe Station, take the bus to Takijiri. Buses are infrequent, so check the timetable in advance.
BOOKING & CONTACT
Booking & Contact
Until launch, please send booking requests and questions by email.
Questions? Email AND LOCAL.
info@andlocal.jp