Kumano Kodo Hiking Challenge

This is an extraordinary charity challenge journey set in the dense forests of the Kii Mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We start our journey exploring the cultural centre of Kyoto before heading out on our trek. The Kumano Kodo is a series of ancient pilgrimage routes and sacred trails, linked by the ancient
capital cities of Kyoto and Nara. Enriched by more than 1200 years of history, UNESCO calls this beautiful region “part of the living culture of Japan.” This is as much a journey through local culture and rural life as it is spectacular natural beauty. As you walk, you will breathe in the earthy scents of woods and rivers and flowers. You will taste traditional meals, prepared by local chefs. You will step over cobbled stairways and past ancient shrines and statues. You will soak in centuries-old thermal springs. And you will be lulled to sleep each night on the trail in your traditional ryokan’s by the gentle sounds of the forest and the sea. We finish off traveling by express train to Tokyo where we explore this vibrant city. You will need to carry a day pack with 1 days clothing on 1 night, luggage transfers are provided for the rest of the journey. With every step you take, you will be helping others who are not well enough to physically join you on this journey. The money you raise or donate to take part in this adventure will be used to support vital resources and programs for patients at Epworth HealthCare.

Itinerary
DAY 1 FLY MELBOURNE TO KYOTO
DAY 2 ARRIVE OSAKA AIRPORT, TRAIN TO KYOTO, FULL DAY TO EXPLORE KYOTO
DAY 3 TRAIN TO TANABE, TREK TO TAKAHARA
DAY 4 TREK TAKAHARA TO CHIKATSUYU
DAY 5 TREK FROM CHIKATSUYU TO KOBIRATOGE PASS, TRANSFER THEN WALK TO HONGU
DAY 6 HIKE UKEGAWA TO KOGUCHI
DAY 7 OPTIONAL WALK FROM KOGUCHI TO KII KATSUURA. OR LOCAL PUBLIC BUS
DAY 8 TRAIN FROM KII KATSUURA TO OSAKA AIRPORT, FLY TO MELBOURNE
DAY 9 ARRIVE MELBOURNE

Trip Includes

• International airfare ex Melbourne
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
• Accommodation on a twin share basis in traditional ryokan and hotels</li
• Transportation as listed in itinerary
• Expert bilingual guide
• Medical kit
• Luggage transfer from Kyoto to Chikatsuyu, from Chikatsuyu to Yunomine and Koguchi  to Kii Katsuura
• Please note you will need to carry 1 overnight bag with essentials for 1 night on day 4

  Not Included

  • Japan visa
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips and gratuities

Organiser

For more information please contact Kathleen Lambrick on 03 9426 8170

Register

Register online with a $200 deposit with our travel partner Huma Challenges

Further Information

Download a detailed itinerary of the Kumano Kodo Challenge