Cherry blossom season is the perfect time to hike the Kumano Kodo Trail!

1. Event Overview From March to April every year, cherry blossoms bloom in Japan. As a World Heritage Site, the Kumano Kodo Trail, with its unique charm of "beautiful scenery and few crowds," becomes an excellent choice for hiking during cherry blossom season. It not only integrates the mystery of the thousand-year-old pilgrimage route but also perfectly interweaves pink cherry blossoms, ancient temples, hot springs, and mountain and sea scenery in spring. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, you can find a suitable route. Stroll through the cherry blossom forest during the day, and enjoy hot springs and stargazing at night, immersing yourself in the double gifts of nature and culture. 2. Itinerary (Two Routes Recommended) Route 1: Classic 20KM Light Hike + Cultural Exploration (5 Days and 4 Nights) Hiking Difficulty: ⭐ Total Mileage: 20KM Highlights: D1: Osaka → Wakayama City Hotel (Warm-up itinerary, experience Kansai style) D2: Okunoin Temple → Kongobuji Temple → Danjo Garan Temple → Kawayu Onsen (Cherry blossom viewing spots: cherry blossoms on the approach to Okunoin Temple, ancient temple cherry blossom shadows in Danjo Garan Temple) D3: Hosshinmon-oji Shrine → Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine → Tenryu Daigongen Shrine → Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine (Core section, cherry blossom forests and shrines complement each other) D4: Oji-no-hama Beach → Koya-saka Coastal Hike → Osaka (Coastal cherry blossoms framed by the blue Pacific Ocean) D5: Free time in Osaka, disband (Recommended to visit Osaka Castle Park night cherry blossoms) Route 2: Nakahechi Route 36KM In-depth Hike (6 Days and 5 Nights) Hiking Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ Total Mileage: 36KM (Sections: D2-14KM / D3-12KM / D4-7KM / D5-3KM) Cumulative Ascent: 1,600m Highlights: D1: Gather in Tanabe City (Check in to a selected hotel in Tanabe City and experience the local culture) D2: Yunomine Onsen → Gyuba-doji Statue → Chikatsuyu-oji Shrine (Cherry blossom viewing spots: cherry blossoms at the Kumano Shrine stamp point on the plateau, cherry blossom forest on the Chikatsuyu Duck River bank) D3: Hosshinmon-oji Shrine → Oyugawara (Enjoy cherry blossoms under the world's largest torii gate, check in at the same location as in "Detective Conan") D4: Kamikura Jinja Shrine → Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine → Nachi Falls (Steep stone steps dance with cherry blossoms, stunning views of the waterfall and the three-storied pagoda) D5: Daimonzaka Slope → Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine → Katsuura City (Cherry blossom rain on the ancient road, enjoy a tuna feast in Katsuura at the end) D6: Disband in Osaka 3. Must-See Secret Cherry Blossom Spots Hosshinmon-oji Shrine: A cherry blossom tree in full bloom beside the tung oil road, a perfect spring filter. Oyugawara Cherry Blossom Forest: With the world's largest torii gate as the background, the cherry blossoms are like clouds and snow, perfect for taking photos. Yunomine Onsen to Kawayu Section: A cherry blossom tunnel along the stream. At night, the lights of the hot spring town reflect the cherry blossoms, like a dream. Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine Three-Storied Pagoda: Cherry blossoms, the vermilion pagoda, and the waterfall are in the same frame, selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan." 4. Accommodation and Experiences Featured Hot Spring Hotels: Fujiya Ryokan in Kawayu: Open-air riverside hot spring, enjoy night cherry blossoms while soaking in the hot spring. Urashima Hotel: Cave hot spring facing the Pacific Ocean, wake up to see cherry blossoms dancing with the waves. Shiraraso Grand Hotel: The same hotel as in the "Detective Conan" animation, enjoy both the white sand beach and cherry blossoms. Cultural Experiences: Collect "Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Stamps" and unlock limited Goshuin. Participate in shrine morning prayers and experience the philosophy of Shintoism coexisting with nature. 5. Practical Tips Best Time: Late March to mid-April. Refer to the Japan Meteorological Agency forecast for specific flowering dates. Equipment Recommendations: Non-slip hiking shoes, lightweight backpack, foldable raincoat (frequent showers in spring). Transportation Guide: Take the JR Kuroshio train from Osaka to Kii-Tanabe (about 2.5 hours). It is recommended to purchase the Kansai Wide Area Pass. Some sections have infrequent bus services. You can book a taxi or chartered car in advance. (This product includes a chartered car.) Respect the Culture: No loud noises in the shrine. Wash your hands and rinse your mouth (Temizuya) before worshiping. 6. Why Choose the Kumano Kodo Trail? Beautiful Scenery and Few Crowds: Avoid the crowds in Kyoto and Tokyo, and enjoy the tranquility of the cherry blossom forest and ancient road. World Heritage Site: The hiking route connects the three major shrines (Hongu, Hayatama, and Nachi), a double shock of history and nature. Diverse Experiences: Hiking + hot springs + seafood (don't miss the freshly caught tuna at the Katsuura Fish Market). The cherry blossom season on the Kumano Kodo Trail is a romantic journey through a thousand years of faith and a sea of spring flowers. Whether you are lightly hiking or exploring in depth, you can find inner peace and the magnificence of nature amidst the fluttering cherry blossoms. While the spring is just right, embark on this "road where gods reside" and encounter your own cherry blossom story! ------------------------------ Click the link below for more details👇 ------------------------------