VisitWakayama.jp The Official
Wakayama Travel Guide

Kawayu: The Oto-gawa River is the focal point of the Kawayu Onsen town. Geothermal water bubbles up to the surface of the river providing one big river-sized hot spring.

Yunomine: A tiny hamlet tucked up in the Kumano mountains, Yunomine Onsen is home to one of the oldest hot spring resorts in all of Japan.

Wataze: Large outdoor baths are the star attraction in the hot spring area of Wataze Onsen.

Around five kilometers into your trek, you will reach the lookout point of Hyakken-gura. A sudden break in the forest opens up stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Kumano mountains.

Once you have caught your breath, the paths rise and fall as you head to the remains of Sakura-jaya Teahouse. Offering more impressive views, it’s a shame that the teahouse is no longer here. However, there is a wooden shelter where you can rest your legs for a while.

It is a downhill journey from here, as the trail drops into the valley below. As you near the bottom, you will walk on a section of cobblestone path. Take care in wet weather as the path becomes very slippery.

Once you reach the bottom of the slope, you are not far from the small village of Koguchi—your place of rest for the night. There are a few lodges, guest houses and onsen facilities in Koguchi—including a reformed junior high school—where you can take advantage of hearty food, peaceful surroundings and warm hospitality. The Akagigawa river that runs through the village is a great spot for a summer dip, so bring your swimsuit.

Some of the Koguchi accommodation spots offer a bento lunch box for you take with you as you set off. Take up the offer because there are no places for lunch on this tough section of the route. Make sure to fill up on breakfast, then make your way to Waroda-ishi Rock—a spot where Kumano deities meet up and chat over a cup of tea.

Save your energy for the climb up Dogiri-zaka. It is a long and steep climb that lives up to its name of “Torso Slicing Slope”. Take it slow and steady and stop to rest if you need to.

With Dogiri-zaka successfully scaled, you will find yourself at the top of the Echizen-toge Pass. The path then dips and dives along to the remains of the Jizo-jaya Teahouse. You will find a shelter here housing Jizo statues—the small statues believed to be the protector of children, unborn babies and travellers. There are restrooms and a vending machine too.

Heading south, you will reach another steep slope leading to Moja-no-Deai—the abode of the dead. Local legend states that the souls of the dead rise up to these higher altitudes and inhabit this area.

With so much time spent under the canopy of towering trees, you will be glad to reach Funami-toge Pass where you are rewarded with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean as well as Kumano’s jagged mountains and rugged coastline. See if you can spot the town of Katsuura—it’s your place of rest for tonight.

Once more, the trail runs downhill, this time towards the spiritual hub of Nachisan town. Navigate down the mountain paths and stone staircases where you will be greeted by the home of a god—the thundering Nachi Waterfall and the striking vermillion of Seiganto-ji Temple standing before it. From the Nachi-no-Taki-mae bus stop—conveniently located near the waterfall—you can take the local bus to Kii-Katsuura.

The retro fishing town of Katsuura is known for its hot springs offering you the chance to unwind after your day of spiritual adventure. A number of large hotels with onsen located in uniquely natural settings are available, along with smaller hostels and guesthouses.