Kumano Kodo Nakahechi
~2 days · 22.3 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi is known for
The imperial pilgrimage route across Japan's Kii Peninsula, climbing from Takijiri-oji through mossy cedar forest and mountaintop hamlets to the grand shrine at Kumano Hongu Taisha.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 279 ft to 2,175 ft over 22.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 9.3 mi · 42%
- Downhill 9.4 mi · 42%
- Flat 3.7 mi · 16%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi scores 36/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi take?
Most backpackers hike the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 22.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi?
The Kumano Kodo Nakahechi climbs roughly 7,474 ft total — about 335 ft per mile, topping out near 2,251 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.