Incredible Experience in the Kumano Kodo

Japan | Nov 8 - Nov 20, 2025

This was our first trip to Japan and my wife and I were looking for an active and immersive cultural experience in addition to exploring the traditional tourist destinations such as Tokyo and Kyoto. I had read about the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail network in the Kii Peninsula and thought that would be the perfect choice combination of a challenging activity within a more rural area of Japan. It was quickly apparent that I would need a travel specialist to help me understand the options, logistics and booking of accommodations while on the Kumano Kodo. I heard about Kimkim through a Condé Naste article no thought to give them a try. What a great decision to contact Kimkim! I was connected to Stefaan in their Kyoto office and it was an easy and enjoyable experience to plan and book the trip from that point on. We were on the trail for six nights and Stefaan booked a selection of small hotels/onsen ryokans and guesthouses which were each an amazing experience in Japanese hospitality and cuisine. Kimkim partnered with Oku Japan to book and organize the hiking trail maps, transportation logistics and accommodations and everything was exactly as promised and exceeded our expectations. We hiked a total of 72 km and 3,600 m of vertical elevation gain over five days on the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo and it was a fantastic experience. I unreservedly recommend Kimkim and Oku Japan to as travel specialists to explore this unique and special part of the world!