Venture west to vibrant Osaka and explore its famous food scene.

On the first day of your Self-Guided journey you'll jump on the train and head west to Osaka, home to some of Japan's best food.

The hotel we've chosen for you is ideally located close to Osaka Station but also only a short subway journey from Nanba and he famous Dotonbori Street and Osaka's most delicious street food. This new hotel is modern and comfortable, and has hot spring baths for you to relax in before you start your hiking trip the following day.

Overnight: Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda

Set off in the footsteps of pilgrims as you begin your journey along the Kumano Kodo route, and experience rustic Japanese hospitality in a lovely ryokan inn.

Today is the start of your journey along the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. After making your way from Osaka to Kii-Tanabe on a Limited Express train, you'll start the day with an 30 minute orientation about the hiking trails with a knowledgeable English speaking guide to make sure you're confident about the route ahead. The member of staff will provide you with plenty of maps and bus timetables to ensure that you're all prepared for your Self-Guided Adventure. Before setting off on the next leg of your journey, don't forget to have a spot of lunch in Kii-Tanabe before you go – the area is famous for seafood so you'll be sure to have a delicious meal.

After lunch you will take a bus for around 1.5 hours from Kii-Tanabe to Yunomine Onsen (all of the details will be provided in your Info-Pack) where you can drop off your luggage at your ryokan. Free of suitcases, you can then enjoy the 1.5 hour hike from Yunomine Onsen along the Dainichi-goe route and over Mount Dainichi, passing pretty shrines along the way. At the top is the sacred Kumano Hongo Taisha main shrine, which is one of the three grand shrines of Kumano. After the hike you can take a quick 10 minute bus back to Yunomine Onsen in plenty of time for dinner at your ryokan.

Yunomine Onsen has almost 2000 years of history, and you'll be staying at a lovely traditional inn with wonderful hot spring baths for you to relax in.

Overnight: Adumaya Ryokan

Hike through peaceful forests and walk along ridges on the Kogumotori-goe trail of the Kumano Kodo route.

Your accommodation will send you off with a Japanese-style lunchbox for you to enjoy on the hike today. Before leaving you will send your luggage ahead to your next accommodation in Koguchi, so make sure you have everything you will need for the day with you. A short bus ride will take you to Ukegawa, and from there you will start the leisurely 5.5 hour hike south on the Kogumotori-goe section of the route. The majority of the hike is through the leafy forests, but along the way we recommend taking a breather at Hyakken-gura lookout for spectacular views out over the Kumano Mountains.

After a day of walking you'll be ready for a quiet evening at your accommodation tonight where your luggage will be waiting for you. Rest up and get ready for an active day of hiking tomorrow.

Overnight: Shizen-no-Ie

The longest day lies ahead of you with an 8 hour walk along the Ogumotori-goe trail, passing moss-covered Boddhisatva statues, and witness the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean from Funami-Toge Pass. You will be rewarded with the incredible Nachi Falls at the end of the hike.

After sending your luggage onwards to your next destination, you will set off on your final day of hiking along the Ogumotori-goe trail, which is 14.5km and takes around 7-8 hours to complete. Between Echizen-toge Pass and Funami-toge Pass keep a look out for the 33 stone Boddhisatva statues in small shrines, many of which are covered in green moss. At the top of the mountain on the Funami-toge Pass you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Today's hiking ends at Nachi where you can visit Seiganto-ji Temple and see the iconic Pagoda in front of Nachi Falls, the highest waterfall in Japan. Mitaki Sanso, where you will stay for your final night on the Kumano Kodo trail, is the only accommodation on Mount Nachi. With views of Nachi Falls and the elegant Nachi Taisha Shrine, you couldn't ask for a better location.

Overnight: Mitaki Sanso

Bid farewell to the ancient forests and sacred trails of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimate route and head back to the hustle and bustle of Osaka for your final unforgettable night in Japan.

It's time to swap sacred trails for city life; today you'll journey back to the buzz of Osaka where you'll spend your last night in Japan back at the same hotel as before. If you're still craving a last savoury okonomiyaki pancake or some freshly made takoyaki octopus balls, go for a stroll along Dotonbori, or browse through the Info-Pack for some extra restaurant recommendations. If you haven't seen it yet, Osaka Castle is worth a visit for a last bit of cultural sightseeing, or you can enjoy a bit of shopping along the covered Shinsaibashi shopping arcade.

On day six we'll provide reserved seat tickets for you on the Nanaki Rapit Osaka train out to Osaka Kansai Airport in plenty of time for your flight home. If you would prefer to fly home from a Tokyo airport, please let us know and we can make additional arrangements for you.

Overnight: Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda