Discover Kamitonda

A walkable section of the Koza Kaido begins at Asso Station; several cycling routes from the Kamitonda Cycle Station KMICH also start in front of the station. This makes it easy to choose how to explore Kamitonda based on your specific travel interests: a historic trail and temple visits, circuit routes with named destinations, or a guided tour. The main differences are the route layout, the stops along the way, and—in some cases—the duration or elevation gain.

Hiking the historic Koza Kaido

From the Edo period to the mid-Meiji period, the Koza Kaido connected Tanabe and Koza via the shortest route. Traveling merchants and pilgrims on the Saigoku Pilgrimage used the trail. The approximately 80-kilometer section from Asso in Kamitonda to Koza is walkable. A walkable part of the route begins at Asso Station and follows the Ikuma River or one of its tributaries. While the historic route often has steep climbs, this riverside section has relatively little elevation change. Hiking the route includes visits to historic shrines and temples.

Around Asso Station, the Koza Kaido leads, among other places, to the Enkyoji temple complex. The shrines 櫟原神社 and 諏訪神社, as well as Hikogoro Park, are also mentioned in the area. These places add specific destinations around Asso to the route’s historic connections.

Cycling routes with different layouts

According to operator information from September 2026, the Kamitonda Cycle Station KMICH near Asso Station has eight electric-assist mountain bikes: four in small and four in standard size. The fleet may change. If a particular bike size is important for your plans, check availability in advance.

The beginner-friendly circuit around the Shirahama Yuzaki Peninsula starts in front of Asso Station. It crosses the “Post Office” bridge, passes Engetsu-tō and Shirarahama Beach, and covers 30.9 kilometers with 332 meters of elevation gain. Another KMICH circuit also starts in front of the station. It goes through the mountains of Kamitonda and the Sotoba Tunnel, follows the Hikigawa River, and runs along National Route 42 through Tsubaki in Shirahama. It then returns to Kamitonda. The two circuits therefore differ in their described destinations and routes.

For a challenging one-way cycling trip, also start in front of Asso Station. The route crosses the Ikuma Bridge and then follows a forest road along the upper reaches of the Hiki River, which is in Shirahama. KMICH therefore offers both circuit routes and a one-way route. A guided electric-bike tour starts at Asso Station and visits World Heritage sites in Kamitonda, including the ruins of Yagami Oji and Inabane Oji.

Guided hikes and bookable courses

If you would like to explore on foot with a knowledgeable local guide, the 口熊野かみとんだガイドの会 organizes guided hikes on the Kumano Kodo and in the Nanki-Kumano Geopark. The association has 22 local guides. Its listed contact location is KUMANO BASe at 2538 Asso.

Available formats include a seven-hour Ōhechi course from ¥15,000 and a one-day course to the World Heritage sites from ¥20,000. The duration and price make the two formats easy to compare; prices and booking conditions may change. Confirm the details before booking.

Discover more destinations: Kinokawa, Hidaka District, Gobō, Shingū, Kainan, Nishimuro District, Tanabe, Arida

For the broader travel overview: Wakayama Prefecture.