6 May 2025 Wednesday to 12 May 2025 Monday
👉 Want to see the complete 5-day Kumano Kodo hiking itinerary? Click here to read.
Day 1 on the Kumano Kodo: Tanabe to Takahara – Stamps, Steep Climbs & Scenic Views
Starting in Tanabe – Gateway to the Kumano Kodo
Most Kumano Kodo pilgrims begin in Tanabe, a small coastal city in Wakayama Prefecture known as the entry point to this UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage route.
Tip: Plan your Kumano Kodo pilgrimage efficiently by combining the Kumano Kodo website with accommodation booking sites to coordinate trail stages and lodging.
While waiting for our bus to the trailhead, we:
- Visited Tokei Jinja Shrine – A peaceful stop for quiet reflection before the hike (no stamp here).
- Tried tanabe en+(タナベエンプラス)’s famous orange ice cream – Sweet, refreshing, and hurriedly devoured to catch the bus!
The Scenic Bus Ride to Tajikiri oji
The journey to Tajikirio was long but offered sweeping countryside views. Upon arrival:
- First Pilgrimage Stamp – At Tajikiri-oji Shrine, we pressed thick black ink onto fresh rice paper.
- Picked up last-minute hiking supplies, including a walking cane—invaluable for the climbs ahead.
First Challenge: Climbing to Takahara
The Kumano Kodo wastes no time testing your stamina. The early trail was rocky and uneven, and despite clear markers, we got lost once and had to backtrack—an early lesson in humility.
Shrines Along the Way
- Takahara Kumano Jinja Shrine – Our second stamp of the day. The priest brushed the shrine’s name in elegant crimson ink. The overlook, known as the “Village in the Clouds,” made every step worth it.
Arriving in Takahara – A Tiny Mountain Village
By mid-afternoon, we reached Takahara Shrine (adding another stamp) and checked into Kirinosato Takahara, a rustic yet comfortable lodge.
Staying at Kirinosato Takahara
- The Host – A worldly traveler who had lived in Shanghai and London, sharing stories over dinner.
- The Food – Thoughtfully prepared local dishes; meals must be reserved as dining options are scarce.
- The Onsen – Private and serene, with panoramic mountain views.
- The View – Perched high on the mountainside, offering a breathtaking vista of rolling hills.
Key Takeaways from Kumano Kodo Day 1
- Collect the stamps – They become cherished markers of both physical progress and spiritual reflection.
- Book lodging early – Villages are small, with limited rooms.
- Be prepared for tough climbs – Even “warm-up” day one will challenge your legs and lungs.
Accommodation: Kirinosato Takahara (1 night) 7 May 2025
💴 Kumano Kodo Day 1 Budget (Wakayama → Tanabe → Takahara)
- 🚃 Train: Wakayama → Kii-Tanabe – ¥1,760
- 🏨 Accommodation in Takahara – around ¥30,000 (limited options, book early)
- 🎒 Luggage delivery (Takkyubin) – ¥1,730
- 🚌 Bus: Kii-Tanabe → Takijiri trailhead – ¥875
- 📖 Stamp book (nōkyōchō) – ¥100
- There are usually free and paid versions, but when we visited only paid ones were available (not sure if free ones were sold out or discontinued).
- The Dual Pilgrimage leaflet is free.
- 🍱 Food – ¥2,000–3,500 (depending on personal preference)
Estimated Total: ¥36,465 – ¥37,965
👉 A complete 38-day Japan itinerary, including Nakasendo walking, Kumano Kodo hiking, Shimanami Kaido cycling, and a Kyushu road trip.
👉 Guide and tips for collecting Manhole Cards across Japan — click here to read more.
👉 Don’t miss Japan’s postcard-sending experience — read the full guide here.
👉 10 standout food experiences worth seeking out – Japan Foodie Map: My Top 10 Meals Across Japan
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