Solo Hiking Kumano Kodo – 4 Days – 75 KM – Nakahechi Route – Japan Adventure Travel 4K HDR

Solo Hiking Kumano Kodo – 4 Days – 75 KM – Nakahechi Route – Japan Adventure Travel 4K HDR

Nestled in the lush, misty mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, the ancient Kumano region is the spiritual heartland of Japan. For centuries, this rugged and verdant landscape has been revered as the abode of the gods, offering a sacred space for reflection, connection, and renewal. At the core of this UNESCO World Heritage site lies the Nakahechi trail—a historic pilgrimage route with over 1,000 years of history.

Join me as I embark on a 75 km journey over four days, tracing the footsteps of countless pilgrims along the Kumano Kodo. This adventure was a profound exploration of nature, spirituality, and endurance, and I can’t wait to share every moment with you.

Day 1: Starting at Takijiri around 11:00 am, I made my way to Chikatsuyu by 4:00 pm. The trail was gentle, allowing me to ease into the rhythm of the pilgrimage.

Day 2: A true test of my stamina, I covered nearly 30 km in 10 hours, trekking from Chikatsuyu to Yunomine Onsen via the historic Kumano Hongu Taisha. Though exhaustion threatened to take over, the serene landscapes and sacred atmosphere kept me moving forward.

Day 3: After a restful night in Yunomine Onsen, I continued the pilgrimage from Ukegawa to Koguchi, passing through tranquil forests and remote trails. My stay at Koguchi Shizen-no-Ie, an old school now used for lodging, was a highlight.

Day 4: The journey culminated with a trek from Koguchi to the awe-inspiring Kumano Nachi Taisha, home to Japan’s tallest waterfall, Nachi-no-Otaki. Sharing the trail with fellow pilgrims made the experience even more memorable, and the breathtaking views at the end were a fitting reward for the journey.

Through the Kumano Kodo, I experienced the perfect blend of nature’s grandeur, spiritual peace, and cultural richness. From the ancient shrines to the warmth of local hospitality, this journey was more than a hike—it was a transformative adventure.

0:00 Day 1
10:00 Day 2
30:00 Day 3
40:00 Day 4
27:38 Photos

Videos were shot on a GoPro Hero 11 Black in 4k resolution at 60 fps with 10-bit color and 120 Mbps, using the Linear Horizon Lock mode. Images were captured on an iPhone 14 Pro, and the final edit was made using LumaFusion on an iPad Air M1. The final export was in 4k resolution, 60 fps HLG at 56 Mbps. Your feedback on the video production would be greatly appreciated.
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