The Ashram Japan
November
Come and experience the many Buddhist and Shinto influences on the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage as you traverse the Kii mountain range along the largest peninsula in Japan.
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Overview
Each day begins with early morning yoga (when accommodations allow), followed by a nourishing breakfast before beginning the day’s walk. Lunch is carried with you in a traditional “Bento Box,” to be savored in the peaceful landscapes along the trail.
On average, the journey covers about 10 miles per day. Most days bring steady climbs, while others wind gently through meadows, quiet hillsides, and along peaceful rivers—each section of the path offering its own beauty and rhythm. Our final evening is spent in a monastery in the sacred temple city of Koyasan, a place rich in history and spiritual tradition.
Instead of daily massages, you’ll unwind each afternoon in the onsen (natural hot spring) of your lodge—soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters that restore body and spirit after a day on the trail.
The Walk
The mountains on the Kumano Kodo are magnificent and challenging. Daily hikes range between 8-14 miles. Some days we will ascend to 3000 feet within the first few hours. Steep and tough! On this program, there are no alternative routes or "go-arounds." We will not be able to accommodate guests who normally need that option. Please note that you must be a strong hiker to do this walk!
Lodging & Food
There are few accommodations on this rather unknown pilgrimage. We have chosen clean and simple lodgings. You will sleep on futon mattresses on tatami mat floors that sometimes have barley and grain pillows. All in perfect Japanese style. The Japanese food culture is beautiful and unique. There will be no substitutions or special requests off the served menus. We will graciously eat what is served. Most days will include fish, meat, chicken, and other seafood. We are sorry, but at this time, there are no vegan options on this journey.
Onsen
Japan has a special and unique bathing culture with hot communal baths called onsen (hot springs). This means we will be sharing the onsen spaces with others of our same sex (no coed bathing). Bathing hygiene is part of the experience and culture of the onsens.
Program Details
Hotels for 7 nights/8 days
Ashram guided walk for 8 days
Breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as snacks and water on the trail
Excellent Ashram foot wrapping and blister care
Ashram instructors and our Japanese Team on the path
Luggage transport from one hotel to the next (all you need to carry on your walk is a day-pack)
A Pilgrim passport in which you should collect 2 stamps a day from the small stamp stations along the path to get your certificate.
If you have done any of the Santiago De Compostela pilgrimages, bring proof of your Compostela – it can be a picture of it on your phone - and you will get a Dual Pilgrim Certificate!
Price
$8,500 / Person
Dates
2025
October 11 to 18
October 21 to 28
October 31 to November 7
A Day at The Ashram Japan
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5:30 AM — Wake & Prepare
Greet the day with the soft light of dawn filtering through the forest, a peaceful moment to center yourself before the journey ahead.6:00 AM — Yoga & Stretch
Begin with gentle yoga or a guided stretch to awaken the body and mind. On some mornings, we take our warm-up directly to the trailhead, breathing in crisp mountain air.7:00 AM — Nourishing Japanese Breakfast
A wholesome, energizing start featuring seasonal ingredients—steamed rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables, and delicate grilled fish or tofu.8:00 AM — Guided Hike on the Kumano Kodo
Step directly onto Japan’s sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, a UNESCO World Heritage route winding through serene forests, ancient shrines, and moss-covered stone paths. Pause along the way to stamp your pilgrim’s passbook, honoring centuries of tradition. -
12:30 PM — Bento Lunch in Nature
Enjoy a handcrafted bento box packed with vibrant, nourishing dishes—perfectly portioned for the trail. Savor each bite surrounded by mountain views, the sound of streams, and the scent of cedar.1:00–4:00 PM — Continue the Journey
Hike deeper into the forest, with moments to rest, snack, and take in sweeping vistas before arriving at your evening’s accommodation.4:00 PM — Arrival & Onsen Hot Springs
Slip into the healing waters of the onsen at our lodging. Let the natural minerals soothe tired muscles while gazing at the surrounding landscape—a time-honored Japanese ritual of restoration. -
Evening
7:00 PM — Kaiseki-Style Dinner
Experience Japan’s culinary artistry through a 14-course kaiseki meal—seasonal small plates prepared with precision and elegance, highlighting natural flavors and visual beauty.9:00 PM — Rest in Traditional Tatami Rooms
Unwind in the quiet comfort of your Japanese futon bed laid out on soft tatami mats. Drift to sleep surrounded by the stillness of the forest, ready for another day on the trail.
Travel Details
Please note that you will start your Kumano Kodo walk with us in Shirahama but will end in the temple city of Koyasan. Your flight home will be from Kansai International Airport in Osaka (KIX). We will drive you to this airport. If you are flying out of Osaka Itami airport, we can arrange separate transportation.
The last night with us, you will be staying in a monastery where you will have a full morning program participating in a temple fire and prayer ceremony with the monks, then breakfast and a closing circle.
On the final day, a shuttle will depart Koyasan at 10:00 am, arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka between 11:30 am–12:00 pm. Please plan departure flights from KIX no earlier than 2:00 pm.
*Visit this article by the BBC that gives a great idea of what the Kuman Kodo is.
Deposit
The cost of our Japan International Program is $8,500 USD per person, all-inclusive except airfare and transportation to the meeting point
To secure your place, a deposit of $3,500 USD is required.
The remaining balance of $5,000 USD will be automatically charged to the same credit card 90 days prior to your arrival.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel 90 days or more before your scheduled arrival, your deposit will be refunded minus a 10% administrative fee. Cancellations made within 90 days are non-refundable. However, if we are able to fill your space, we will gladly issue a refund, less the 10% fee.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected changes in plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prepare for your retreat
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A 7-night, 8-day retreat along Japan’s sacred Kumano Kodo trail.
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$8,500 all-inclusive- with the exception of airfare and transportation to the meeting point
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For arrival, you may fly into either:
Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka — followed by a 2-hour train ride or taxi to the meeting point.
Nanki-Shirahama Airport (SHM) — served only by Japan Airlines (JAL) with a required connection through Tokyo.
For departure, all flights should be booked from Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka.
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The program begins at the Nanki Shirahama Marriott Hotel at 9:30 am. From Kansai International Airport (KIX), it’s about a 2-hour train or taxi ride, while from Shirahama Airport (SHM), it’s just 5 minutes by taxi. We recommend booking the night prior at the Nanki Shirahama Marriott Hotel to ensure a relaxed and easy start to your journey.
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On the final day, a shuttle will depart Koyasan at 10:00 am, arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka between 11:30 am–12:00 pm. Please plan departure flights from KIX no earlier than 2:00 pm.
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We’ll provide a detailed packing list to guide you, but in general, plan to bring a hiking day pack for layers, a bento box lunch, water, and personal items, along with one main bag (duffel or suitcase under 50 lbs / 23 kg).
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Wi-Fi is available at the hotels, and you may bring a computer if needed. Please have an international data plan and WhatsApp for communication—service in the mountains is limited.
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A good level of fitness is essential. Sections of the trail are quite rigorous, and with no alternative routes, you must be in strong hiking shape.
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Guests will enjoy traditional Japanese breakfasts, bento box lunches, and beautifully presented kaiseki dinners—a seasonal, regional, 14-course dining experience that may include beef, pork, chicken, fish, and seafood. Vegetarian requests can be accommodated, though it is not recommended, as menus are highly curated and vegetarian concepts are not widely understood in the region.
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If you cancel 90 days or more before your reservation date, your deposit will be refunded, minus a 10% administrative fee.
If you cancel within 90 days of your reservation, payments are non-refundable. However, if we are able to rebook your space, we will issue a refund, less the 10% fee.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
Please email us at theashram@theashram.com or call 818-222-6900 for further information and to reserve your time with us.
We look forward to enjoying this amazing adventure with you at The Ashram Japan!
