Kumano Kodo Nakahechi: Full Route Breakdown & Day-by-Day Stages

Day 1 — Takijiri-oji → Chikatsuyu-oji

Distance: 16.26 km

Elevation gain: 1,029 m

Duration: 4 hr 44 min (5 hr 32 min w/ breaks)

Difficulty: Intermediate

Accommodation: Miyoshi Ryokan

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Day 2 — Nonaka Ipposugi → Hongu Taisha

Distance: 24.89 km

Elevation gain: 986 m

Duration: 6 hr 13 min (7 hr 16 min w/ breaks)

Difficulty: Hard

Accommodation: J-Hoppers Kumano Yunomine Guesthouse

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Day 3 — Yunomine → Kawayu

Dainichi-goe 大日越: 3.61 km, 201 m gain, 1 hr 11 min (1 hr 19 min w/ breaks), Easy

Akagi-goe 赤城越: 9 km, 355 m gain, 2 hr 15 min (2 hr 21 min w/ breaks), Intermediate

Accommodation: Omuraya

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Day 4 — Ukegawa → Koguchi

Distance: 14.29 km

Elevation gain: 682 m

Duration: 3 hr 27 min (3 hr 58 min w/ breaks)

Difficulty: Intermediate

Accommodation: @Koguchi

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Day 5 — Koguchi → Nachi Taisha

Distance: 17.27 km

Elevation gain: 1,291 m

Duration: 5 hr 35 min (6 hr 8 min w/ breaks)

Difficulty: Challenging

Accommodation: Oyado Hana

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Day 6 — Kii-Katsuura → Shingu

Distance: No hike — travel day by bus

Accommodation: (optional if staying in Shingu or nearby)

Read Day 6