Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Day 5: Koguchi - Nachi Taisha
Today’s hike was considered the toughest of the Nakahechi route. I mentally prepared for the steep climbs and long hours. The first 2 km was a gradual climb to 300m, followed by a steep ascent from 300m to 810m. It wasn’t as hard as expected, but it definitely tested my mental strength. I constantly asked myself “Am I at the top yet?”.
The descent to Nachi Taisha had some tricky, muddy sections crossing streams, and I was careful not to get my shoes wet, as that’s the last thing I wanted is to complete my trail with wet shoes. I finished the hike quicker than I anticipated and reached Nachi Taisha around 1:30 PM. I explored the temple, pagoda (under renovation), and waterfall, and enjoyed a bowl of beef curry before catching the bus to Kii-Katsuura Station.
Route Detail
Distance: 17.27km from Ogumotori-goe trailhead to Nachi Taisha
Total elevation gain: 1291m
Time: 5h 35m (total time with breaks 6h 08m)
Difficulty: Challenging
Transportation
Bus Nachisan to Kii-Katsuura Station ¥630 (cash)
Accommodation & Food
Oyado Hana (booked via Agoda) C$32.88
Food ¥3210
