Destinations

Koguchi

“Those venturing along the pilgrimage trail from Nachi Falls to Hongu Shrine will find a pleasant overnight stop in Koguchi, a pretty little village in the heart of rural Japan.”

The tiny hamlet of Koguchi is a convenient midway point and overnight stop on the Nakahechi hiking trail from Nachi to Hongu in the Kumano Kodo region. This is a lovely spot where as the local Japanese like to say ‘one can feel the heart of nature’! For once the cliché is true, so enjoy the soothing sounds of running water, croaking frogs and singing birds, and take in the panorama of morning mists over terraced rice paddies.

The Kumano Kodo is a beautiful, sacred area of Japan. For thousands of years Emperors, samurai warriors, priests and ordinary townsfolk have made the pilgrimage here to visit the regions the Kumano Sanzan: the three sacred shrines of Hongu, Nachi and Hayatama. Today visitors can follow in the pilgrim’s footsteps along the beautiful hiking trails criss-crossing the region. Indulging in natural hot springs and hearty local food en-route, this is a wonderful chance to experience rural Japan.

Please have a read of tour leader Tom Orsman’s blog posts about his Kumano Kodo trek:

http://insidejapanblog.com/2011/11/02/walking-with-emperors-the-kumano-trail/

http://insidejapanblog.com/2011/11/13/crabs-stags-and-the-sweet-monk-walking-the-kumano-trail/

Products featuring Koguchi...

Small Group Tour

Emperors' Footsteps

Trekking 3 days on the Kumano pilgrim trail, a night in a luxurious island-hotel and an unforgettable stay in a mountain temple are followed by encounters with women pearl divers, ninjas and a samurai-period castle before climaxing in Japan`s cultural capital, Kyoto.

11 Nights: £2150

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