This was a really incredible experience! Probably my favourite stay in Japan so far. I was hiking from Chikatsuyu and got my dates mixed up, so I arrived earlier than my reservation but the owners were very friendly and understanding, and had a room ready for me immediately. I was completely exhausted after the 25km hike that day and it felt so good to just be able to walk a few metres to where I would stay. The rooms were very clean, with tatami mats and SUCH a comfy futon. Since most people decide to bus to Yunomine I had the entire house to myself. I HIGHLY recommend staying here instead. Most restaurants close at 5pm but the owners will prepare you a very reasonably priced dinner if asked. There are public baths right in Hongu town if you need a hot soak, or a bathtub in the house if you are staying there alone! I did the short 2.2 km walk to Yunomine Onsen the next day and spent a lovely morning there before returning to Hongu to give myself more time to explore the shrines and the museum. A great day off in my Kumano Kodo pilgrimage! A word of warning: the cafe where you check in closes around 5pm, like every other restaurant in town. Be prepared to call the owners! There is a payphone immediately as you come out of Hongu Taisha if you don’t have a SIM card.…
Great spot to stay while hiking the Kumano Kodo. Right near Kumano Hongu. Katsu made us very welcome, very clean and comfortable. Few minutes walk to the hot springs Onsen which was perfect after hiking all day.
We stayed in the B&B cafe side and in our return on the backpackers. Katsu and co are very helpful and accommodating (no pun intended). Food at the cafe is fresh and hearty. Great breakfast. We also did a kayaking trip which was fantastic
The location is wonderful just near the Hongu Taisha Shrine. The view of my room was facing the river so it was beautiful. The facilities are good. They also provide free coffee and tea and snacks. The kitchen can also be used for some basic cooking. The owner also operates the cafe just across the road and even when they close for the day, they would prepare food for their guests when required as there isn't any restaurants open till late. The owner is very responsive to queries and also offers good advice on the itinerary. I would recommend it to people visiting Kumano Hongu Taisha or people hiking the Kumano kodo.
Had a great deal of fun staying at kumano backpackers when I was hiking the kumano kodo in April during the sakura season. Place was warm, friendly, clean and a place where good conversations and cheer can be found. Katsu who speaks great english, is very informative, friendly and I had no issues sending my bag over in advance to kumano backpackers, as I made my way from Kii-Tanabe. Location wise, it is close to Kumano Hongu and Taisha Kyushachi Oyunohara (large tori gate!) which is great for morning walks. The sakuras were blooming when I visited so I thought it was particularly beautiful. One of the days I took a river kayaking day trip with Katsu (he runs kumano experience besides kumano backpackers), and that was one of the highlights of my trip - simply simply awesome. There was a light drizzle, and it was simply the best weather as the entire river was shrouded in mist, and it feels like entering a watercolour or chinese painting as you paddle thru. Definitely if you have the opportunity and like the water, why not consider viewing the Kumano River from a different angle?…
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Listing