Completing the Camino de Santiago is a remarkable achievement. Many pilgrims who finish the Camino are drawn to the Kumano Kodo because the two pilgrimage routes are connected through the Dual Pilgrim program.
While both routes offer profound spiritual and cultural experiences, they are very different in terms of terrain and logistics.
If you’re planning to walk the Nakahechi Route after the Camino, here are some important differences to keep in mind.
The Nakahechi Route Is a Mountain Trail
Unlike many sections of the Camino, the Nakahechi Route crosses steep mountains in the heart of the Kii Peninsula.
The trail is not technically difficult, but it is physically demanding.
Two sections are particularly well known for their steep climbs:
- Takijiri-oji, often called the true gateway to the sacred mountains, begins with a long and demanding ascent immediately after leaving the trailhead.
- Dogiri-zaka on the Ogumotori-goe section is one of the steepest climbs on the Kumano Kodo. Its name literally means “Body-Cutting Slope,” reflecting how exhausting generations of pilgrims found the climb.
Many visitors who have completed the Camino are surprised by how steep some parts of the Kumano Kodo feel. Walking poles and good hiking footwear are highly recommended.
Services Are Limited Between Villages
One of the biggest differences from the Camino is the lack of services along the trail.
On many sections of the Nakahechi Route, you may walk for several hours without passing:
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Convenience stores
- Shops
Do not expect to buy lunch or drinks during the day’s walk unless you have confirmed a stop in advance.
Carry enough food and snacks for the entire day.
Bring More Water Than You Think You Need
Summer in Wakayama is hot and humid.
Even in spring and autumn, long mountain climbs can cause heavy sweating.
Always carry sufficient drinking water before leaving your accommodation. There may be no opportunities to refill your bottles for several hours.
Leaving the Trail Is Not Always Easy
If you become tired or decide to end your hike early, reaching a main road is often more difficult than many hikers expect.
Unlike some long-distance trails where roads are never far away, many sections of the Kumano Kodo remain deep in the mountains.
The shortest route back to a national road or bus stop is not always obvious, so it is important to understand possible exit points before you begin walking.
The official guidance also recommends knowing alternative routes and escape options before starting each day’s hike.
Know Where the Bus Stops Are
Public transportation is available, but buses in the Kumano region are not frequent.
Before starting each day’s walk, make sure you know:
- The location of the nearest bus stops
- The day’s bus timetable
- The last bus departure
Missing the final bus may leave you with very limited transportation options.
Check Mobile Phone Reception
Mobile phone coverage is generally good in many areas, but there are still places where reception becomes weak or disappears, especially in valleys or remote mountain sections.
Before relying on your phone for navigation or emergencies, make sure you know where reception is available and consider downloading offline maps.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
Emergency signposts are installed regularly along much of the Kumano Kodo.
If you are injured or another emergency occurs:
- Find the nearest numbered signpost.
- Tell the emergency operator the signpost number and your location.
- Call:
- 119 for ambulance or fire emergencies
- 110 for the police
These numbered markers help emergency services identify your location much more quickly. The official Kumano Kodo guidance also encourages hikers to pay attention to these location markers while walking.
Confirm Luggage Transfer and Accommodation Services
Walking with a heavy backpack makes the mountain sections much more demanding.
Many pilgrims choose to use luggage transfer services so they only carry a daypack.
Before your trip, confirm:
- Whether luggage transfer is available between your accommodations
- Check-in times
- Whether your accommodation offers pick-up or drop-off services from nearby bus stops
These small details can make your pilgrimage significantly more comfortable.
The Challenge Is Part of the Experience
The Camino de Santiago and the Kumano Kodo share the same spirit of pilgrimage, but they express it in different landscapes.
The Camino often passes through villages, vineyards, and open countryside.
The Kumano Kodo invites pilgrims into dense forests, steep mountain passes, and ancient paths that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Preparing well allows you to focus less on logistics and more on what makes this pilgrimage so memorable—a journey through one of Japan’s most sacred cultural landscapes.
Learn More About Kumano Kodo
- Which Kumano Kodo Route Is Right for You?
- Kumano Kodo Guide: Walking Through Japan’s Living Traditions
- Best Kumano Kodo Day Tours: How to Experience Japan’s Sacred Pilgrimage in One Day
- How Difficult Is the Kumano Kodo?
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