Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Day 3: Yunomine - Kawayu
Today was a rest day to recover and explore Hongu before continuing the Nakahechi trail. I started at 9 AM, exploring Yunomine Onsen before hiking.
There are three pilgrimage routes in the Hongu area, and since I completed one yesterday, I aimed to finish the other two. The Dainichi-goe trail from Yunomine Onsen to Hongu took just over an hour, giving me time to explore before catching a bus to Hosshinmon-oji. I stopped by a small souvenir shop, where the owner, also a dual pilgrim, shared his experiences. He gifted me a wooden block with the three-legged crow and Camino shell, wishing me a safe journey and "Buen Camino."
Next, I took the bus to Hosshinmon-oji and hiked the Akagi-goe trail. Though less maintained, it was still enjoyable. I returned to Yunomine Onsen just in time for the bus to Kawayu Onsen. I checked into my accommodation and enjoyed the private onsen and the town’s famous river onsen.
Route Detail
Dainichi-goe
Distance: 3.61km from Yunomine Onsen to Hongu Taisha bus stop
Total elevation gain: 201m
Time: 1h 11m (total time with breaks 1h 19m)
Difficulty: Easy
Akagi-goe
Distance: 9km from Hosshinmon-Oji bus stop to Yunomine Onsen
Total elevation gain: 355m
Time: 2h 15m (total time with breaks 2h 21m)
Difficulty: Moderate
Transportation
Bus Hongu Taisha bus stop to Hosshinmon-oji bus stop ¥470 (cash)
Bus Yunomino Onsen bus stop to Kawayu Onsen bus stop ¥250 (cash)
Accommodation & Food
Omuraya (booked direct) ¥13750 (paid card at accommodation)
Food ¥1380
