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We are very excited to introduce a new adventurous program
celebrating The Ashram’s 50th Birthday.

The Ashram Japan:
The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

 

November

Come and experience the many Buddhist and Shinto influences on this ancient pilgrimage as you traverse the Kii mountain range along the largest peninsula in Japan. The Kumano Kodo has traditionally been walked as a spiritual journey to purify the heart and mind and is considered to be the sister pilgrimage to the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

 
 

 
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The Ashram Japan Program

You will be up early for morning yoga if the accommodations allow, have breakfast, and then start your walk for the day. Most days you will carry your lunch in a "Bento Box," and we will stop and enjoy lunch on the way in a beautiful setting.

The average daily mileage is about 10 miles. Most days are quite a lot of uphill walking, but there are also days where the path takes you through beautiful meadows, hillsides, and meditative rivers. Your last night will be spent in a monastery in the famous temple city of Koyasan.

There will be no daily massages as each lodge has its own onsen (natural hot spring) where you can soak in the healing waters after your hike. The water heals and rejuvenates.

 
 
 

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.

 

Trip 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. (Day 9)

You are welcome to make your flight reservation that day after 12 noon. Our transportation will leave the hotel at 10:00 am for the 2-hour drive to Osaka.

The cost for this Ashram Program is $8,500 (US). The beauty of this journey is inspiring with each step you take. We look forward to having you join us on this magical trek through Japan.

*Visit this article by the BBC that gives a great idea of what the Kuman Kodo is.

 

Dates

2024

November 2 to November 10
November 13 to November 21

 
 

Your Stay Includes

  • Hotels for 8 nights/9 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!

 
 

We look forward to hearing from you.

For Reservations, please email us at theashram@theashram.com.
We are happy to answer your questions and reserve your time with us at The Ashram Japan!