Day 1: Follow in the footsteps of emperors
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Explore the Roots of the Kumano Kodo Kohechi Route
Pilgrims have followed ancient routes connecting the mountain-top temple complex of Koyasan and the sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines for over a thousand years. Several of these UNESCO World Heritage routes take pilgrims and hikers through Nara. Walk part of the Kohechi Route from the hot spring retreat of Totsukawa, and discover the charming mountain hamlet of Hatenashi.
Near the center of Nara, Kashihara is the historical seat of Japan's first emperor. Kashihara Jingu Shrine is built on the site where Emperor Jimmu ascended the throne in 660. Explore fields of seasonal flowers, avenues of gingko trees, and sacred mountains. | History & Culture | Kashihara
Imaicho is a compact, beautifully preserved Edo period merchant town, ideal for strolling. The narrow streets are lined with soy sauce and sake breweries, charming cafes, renowned restaurants, and historical homes. | History & Culture | Imaicho
The wide, impressive grounds of Kashihara Jingu shrine attest to its importance as the site where Japan's first emperor Jimmu is believed to have ascended the throne around 660 BCE. Look out for symbols of Yatagarasu, a three-footed crow said to have guided the emperor safely through the mountains of Wakayama to Nara. | History & Culture | Kashihara
Right in front of Kashiharajingu-Mae Station, THE KASHIHARA is an ideal location for exploring central Nara. Choose from Western or Japanese-style rooms, unwind in the onsite onsen, and enjoy breakfast on the terrace when the weather allows. | Hotels | Kashihara
Day 2: Journey along ancient pilgrim routes
You can reach Totsukawa Onsen via the beautiful town of Gojo, which has long served as a gateway to Nara's southern mountains. Take the Yagi-Shingu Express Bus, Japan's longest local bus route, covering 170 kilometers in 168 stops. The trip includes a 20-minute break to stretch your legs and see Tanize Suspension Bridge, 54 meters above the Totsukawa River. | Activities & Experiences | Totsukawa
The express bus winds through the hot springs town of Totsukawa, before dropping you at Totsukawa Onsen Hotel Subaru. Trails that are part of the Kumano Kodo network of pilgrimage routes run through the village, which feels almost unchanged since ancient times. | Hotels | Totsukawa
A yaen is a small hand-operated cable car for one, and was once an essential means of crossing rivers and deep valleys. Totsukawa Onsen Hotel Subaru is one of the few places you can still try this unique transport to cross the Kamiyuno River. | Activities & Experiences | Totsukawa
Totsukawa Onsen Hotel Subaru has been welcoming hikers and pilgrims for many years. It features Western and Japanese-style rooms, and delicious local cuisine. In addition to natural hot spring baths, the hotel has an indoor pool that uses hot spring water, which is open year-round. | Hotels | Totsukawa
Work up an appetite for dinner by exploring the town, known for its friendly locals and public onsen baths. Many of the baths have views of the mountains and river. Follow the steps next to the Yamate River to Iori-no-yu Onsen, which also has a free foot bath. Most public onsen in the area are open until about 8 p.m. | Onsen & Public Baths | Totsukawa
Experience a World Heritage pilgrimage
Hike to Hatenashi Village, a World Heritage site on the Kohechi route of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, which links Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine to the sacred temples of Koyasan. The traditional farmhouses, seasonal flowers, and mountain views have awed pilgrims for hundreds of years. Return to Totsukawa along the stone path, or continue up to Hatenashi-toge Pass, on the Kohechi route to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine. | Nature & The Outdoors | Totsukawa
Tamakijinja Shrine is deep in a cedar forest, and often shrouded in mist. It has been a key stop on the Okugake route of the Kumano Kodo for over 1,000 years. It takes around 3 hours to hike up the mountain, but there is a bus on weekends (you need to reserve one day in advance), or you can take a taxi from the hotel. | History & Culture | Totsukawa