Walking the Kumano Kodo Iseji comes with a badge of honour and pride as you tread on the exact footprints of mediaeval pilgrims. The pilgrimage route is also a visual treat, weaving through lush forests and mountain passes on cobblestone trails. Your effort and courage are crowned with access to revered shrines such as Hana no Iwaya and Ise Grand Shrines, including dazzling natural sights like the Nachi Falls and the Pacific Ocean. The walk is challenging and, as such, demands overnight stops to rest and recharge before continuing. Here are some nice accommodations you should consider along the route. Explore our collection of Kumano Kodo Walking Adventures from self-guided to guided or private guided walks.
Photo credit: Ancient Inn Ikyu
Ancient Inn Ikyu, Ise City, Mie
The 5-star Ancient Inn Ikyu is dipped in the forests of Ise, just 15 minutes away from the acclaimed Naiku Shrine. Rooms are in Japanese or Japanese-Western-style terraces that open into the lush forest, retaining the prevailing aura within the Ise Shrine. All rooms feature tatami floors and Japanese beds (Japanese-style), Wi-Fi, air conditioning, TV sets, refrigerators, toilets with washing machines, bathrooms, and shower booths. Two special rooms feature open-air natural hot springs baths.
Authentic Ise dining takes centre stage at the Shozan restaurant, offering Western and Japanese cuisines, including Oshi and late-night snacks. The Japanese meals embody the culinary heritage of Ise, enriched by fresh ingredients from the mountains, sea, and forest, with the Matsusaka Beef at the fore. There are two large communal baths (stone and cypress) to relax in, while massages are available on request to help you relax better, and a moon-viewing platform makes every evening memorable.
Photo credit: Marriott Mie Hotel
Fairfield by Marriott Mie Kumano Kodo Mihama
Laid against the backdrop of Japan’s Kii Mountain Range, Fairfield by Marriott Mie Hotel fronts the KumanoNada Sea and offers guests a cosy enclave to retreat and recharge. As the walk on the Kumano Kodo gains steam, this hotel's simplistic yet ornate rooms and suites absorb you for the night in warmth, comfort, and style. Enjoy lavish appointments such as Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, comfy beds, air-conditioning, mini refrigerators, and deluxe ensuite bathrooms with bath amenities. Charming views of the surrounding landscapes, notably the Shichiri Mihama Beach, from the rooms ensure guests stay in touch with nature and the spirits of the natural splendour in the route. Exquisite local restaurants for dining experiences surround the hotel, and guests can bring food into their rooms.
Photo credit: The Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima
Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima, Katsuura
The Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima is a chic 3-star, seaside Ryokan inn nestled on a private island in Katsuura Bay, only accessed by vessels from the tourist pier. This exclusive natural setting offers guests marvellous views of the bay waters and charming sunsets over the mountains from expansive outdoor baths while they luxuriate and rejuvenate. Rooms are split into two buildings – Naginosho (10 Western-style rooms) and Chomontei (34 Japanese-style rooms with tatami floor mats). Features of both room styles include ensuite outdoor baths with bay views (Naginosho only), twin beds, onsen baths, air-conditioning, refrigerators, safety boxes, and luxury bathrooms with complete bath amenities. Meals are served in the Kumano-no-Megumi dining room, featuring the Kaseiki course that comprises mainly seafood and local fares, with some vegan options. There's a massage service to soothe your nerves for a mindless sleep. There is also a lounge and bar for socialising and mingling at your discretion.
Owase Seaside View, Owase
Settle into the quaint ambiance of jeOwase Seaside View, a small inn of just 10 rooms nestled on Kata Bay, with magnificent vistas of the Pacific Ocean and mountains draped in greenery. All rooms present charming views of this spectacular scenery on the fringes. Interior room details take after the Japanese-style theme, with tatami floor mats, toilet and bath facilities, flat-screen TVs, and futon beds. Breakfast and dinner are served in rooms, at nearby restaurants, private rooms, or halls, featuring the longtooth grouper (Kue), a staple fish in the region, as the main course, among other fresh seafood options. There’s a large public bath to relax, gazing at the crystal views of Kata Bay and the ocean beyond. On the outdoors, the hotel has a private fishing pier for guests who would love to revel in their catch.
