Overview
Walking the Kumano Kodō doesn’t require a permit — the ancient pilgrimage routes are free to hike. The genuine scarcity is beds: the villages along the Nakahechi route have only a handful of family-run minshuku, and they fill months ahead in peak season.
Because each day’s walk ends in a specific village, your itinerary is only as solid as your lodging chain. Miss one link and the whole route wobbles — which is why planning, not permits, is the hard part here.
How the permit works
- 1Choose a route — the Nakahechi is the classic, best-supported option.
- 2Map each night’s village based on your daily walking distance.
- 3Reserve minshuku early through the official Kumano Travel bureau.
- 4Book luggage-shuttle and any bus transfers between stages.
- 5Collect stamps at the shrines for the dual-pilgrim certificate.
Required documents
- Confirmed lodging reservations for every night
- Cash — many minshuku don’t take cards
- Route map and bus timetables (offline)
Insider tips
- Book spring and autumn lodging 3–6 months ahead; they truly run out.
- Use the official Kumano Travel bureau — it coordinates the whole chain in one place.
- Combine with the Camino de Santiago for the dual-pilgrim certificate.
Sold-out alternatives
If your dates are gone, these get you a comparable experience.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to walk the Kumano Kodō?
No. The trails are free and open. The limiting factor is scarce lodging, not a permit.
How early should I book lodging?
For spring and autumn, 3–6 months ahead. The minshuku are tiny and fill fast.
Can I carry my own bags?
Yes, but most walkers use the luggage-shuttle between villages so they can hike light.
