This two-day, one-night extension to Nachi is the perfect second chapter of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, designed for travellers who want to complete the journey at one of Japan’s most iconic sacred destinations. Following the final mountain section of the Nakahechi Route, you walk through deep forest landscapes and historic stone paths that have guided pilgrims for centuries toward the spiritual coastline of the Kii Peninsula.
Over these two days, the trail connects the heart of Kumano with its most dramatic finale. You’ll experience the same timeless mix that defines the Kumano Kodo: cedar forests, quiet rural scenery, and a steady sense of sacred presence in the landscape. Completing just 5 kilometers of this section is enough to qualify for the Dual Pilgrim certification, linking this ancient Japanese pilgrimage with the Camino de Santiago.
The journey ends at Kumano Nachi Taisha, set beside the extraordinary Nachi Waterfall (Nachi-no-Otaki), the tallest waterfall in Japan. This final arrival is more than a finish line, it’s the symbolic completion of the pilgrimage, where nature, spirituality, and tradition meet in one unforgettable place.
Route
A trail through forests and rivers
Distance: 8 miles – 13 km
After visiting the sacred sites of Hongu, the journey continues toward Koguchi, marking a transition back into the quieter, more remote landscapes of the Kumano mountains. This stage leads away from the shrine area and into a setting dominated by wooded hills, river valleys, and a deep sense of immersion in nature.
The path alternates between gentle climbs and descents, following historic pilgrimage trails that wind through shaded forests and open sections with views of the surrounding terrain. It is a day that invites a steady pace and mindful walking, allowing space to connect with the natural rhythm that has guided pilgrims along the Kumano Kodo for centuries.
The walk concludes in Koguchi, a small mountain village that traditionally serves as a resting point before the final approach to Nachi. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal place to pause, recharge, and prepare for the last and most symbolic stage of the pilgrimage.
The final stage of the Nachi Way
Distance: 9 miles – 14 km
The last stage of the journey begins in Koguchi, as the trail heads toward the sacred heart of Nachi. This final walk crosses mountainous landscapes and forest corridors, following time-worn stone paths that slowly descend toward the coastal side of the Kii Peninsula, signaling the approaching end of the Nakahechi pilgrimage.
The route culminates at Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of Japan’s most revered spiritual sites, dramatically located beside Nachi-no-Otaki, the country’s tallest waterfall. The powerful presence of water, forest, and shrine architecture creates a striking and deeply symbolic setting that has inspired pilgrims for generations.
After visiting the shrine, a local bus connects Kumano Nachi Taisha with Nachi Station, offering a comfortable way to complete the journey. This final transition marks the close of the Nakahechi Route, a pilgrimage where landscape, spirituality, and tradition come together in a lasting and meaningful experience.
Route
A trail through forests and rivers
Distance: 8 miles – 13 km
After visiting the sacred sites of Hongu, the journey continues toward Koguchi, marking a transition back into the quieter, more remote landscapes of the Kumano mountains. This stage leads away from the shrine area and into a setting dominated by wooded hills, river valleys, and a deep sense of immersion in nature.
The path alternates between gentle climbs and descents, following historic pilgrimage trails that wind through shaded forests and open sections with views of the surrounding terrain. It is a day that invites a steady pace and mindful walking, allowing space to connect with the natural rhythm that has guided pilgrims along the Kumano Kodo for centuries.
The walk concludes in Koguchi, a small mountain village that traditionally serves as a resting point before the final approach to Nachi. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal place to pause, recharge, and prepare for the last and most symbolic stage of the pilgrimage.
The final stage of the Nachi Way
Distance: 9 miles – 14 km
The last stage of the journey begins in Koguchi, as the trail heads toward the sacred heart of Nachi. This final walk crosses mountainous landscapes and forest corridors, following time-worn stone paths that slowly descend toward the coastal side of the Kii Peninsula, signaling the approaching end of the Nakahechi pilgrimage.
The route culminates at Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of Japan’s most revered spiritual sites, dramatically located beside Nachi-no-Otaki, the country’s tallest waterfall. The powerful presence of water, forest, and shrine architecture creates a striking and deeply symbolic setting that has inspired pilgrims for generations.
After visiting the shrine, a local bus connects Kumano Nachi Taisha with Nachi Station, offering a comfortable way to complete the journey. This final transition marks the close of the Nakahechi Route, a pilgrimage where landscape, spirituality, and tradition come together in a lasting and meaningful experience.
What’s included in your Camino?
Included
- Private accommodation with en-suite bathroom
- Daily breakfast
- Insurance
- 24/7 emergency phone assistance
- Detailed Camino guide with stages, maps, and tips
- Daily WhatsApp check-in and support
- Camino People welcome pack
- Personalized recommendations for meals, dinners, and local visits
- Luggage transfer between stages
Not Included
- Lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary
- Drinks and extra snacks
- Flights or travel to the starting/ending point (optional transfer available)
- Personal expenses
- Cancellation or premium travel insurance (optional)
- Entrance fees to monuments or museums not included in the itinerary
- Tips
Extras (Available upon request)
- Guided Camino (full-time or selected stages)
- Fully organized trip with exclusive activities
- Gourmet dinners or unique gastronomic experiences
- Private cultural visits or entrance tickets with guide
- Transportation to/from airport or other off-route locations
- Extra nights before or after the Camino
- Cancellation or premium travel insurance
- Japan pre and post Camino trip
FAQ
Along the Kumano Kodo Nachi Route, pilgrims will experience breathtaking natural landscapes, including ancient cedar forests, lush vegetation, and the majestic Nachi-no-Otaki Waterfall, the tallest in Japan.
The route also features historic shrines, such as Kumano Nachi Taisha, an important Shinto pilgrimage site. The entire journey is filled with a profound spiritual and natural atmosphere, making it a truly memorable and unique experience.
Along the Kumano Kodo Nachi Way, travelers can find traditional accommodations such as ryokans (Japanese inns), minshukus (family-run guesthouses), and lodges. These options provide an authentic experience, allowing visitors to rest in a peaceful and traditional environment.
Some accommodations even offer dinners and hot spring baths, making them the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking.
Although the Kumano Kodo Nachi Way is well-marked and the trails are quite accessible, many people choose to hire a local guide to enrich their experience. A guide can provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and spiritual aspects of the route, making the journey even more meaningful.
However, for those who prefer to walk independently, there are maps and multilingual signs that make navigation easy without the need for a guide.
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