Can you walk the Kumano Kodo without a full week? A Malaysian couple's 4 days in The Star, and the 1-day option from Osaka

This week's news · Checked 2026-09-21

Short answer. Yes: they did four days, and guided one-day versions run from Osaka. The Star on 13 September 2026 ran a Malaysian writer's account of walking four days in April 2026 with his wife: starting at Koyasan (a temple town at 900 m), along the Nyonin Michi (the women's pilgrimage route), then the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo: Tsugizakura-oji, Hosshinmon-oji, Hongu Taisha, Nachi Taisha with its waterfall, and Hayatama Taisha. They walked with two local guides and stayed at onsen ryokan. Day two alone took about seven hours over two mountain passes. The article gives no costs.

What it means for you.

• This is not the Japan most Malaysians visit, which is the appeal: Wakayama, south of Osaka, forest and shrines, almost no shopping. A good second or third trip.
• Season: they went in April. Autumn (October–November) also suits walking; month-by-month temperatures are in [Japan weather by month](/japan-weather-by-month/). Seven hours a day is not for small children.
• Food: ryokan on this route serve traditional Japanese set meals. Ask about ingredients (dashi, mirin, meat) when you book, not when you arrive.
• Want to try one day first? An English-guided day tour from Osaka covers part of the trail and the three grand shrines: Kumano Kodo & Kumano Sanzan full-day tour from Osaka on Klook (free cancellation; check the RM price for your date. Checked 21 Sept 2026).

Affiliate links may be used; your price does not change. Source: The Star (English, 13 September 2026). Checked 21 September 2026.