Kamitonda: Koza-Kaido and Cycling Routes

Kamitonda can be explored in different ways: on foot along the historic Koza-Kaido or on cycling routes that start at Asso Station. Temples, shrines, and guided activities complement the routes. When choosing a holiday rental, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: hiking, cycling, or a guided tour.

Walking the Koza-Kaido

A walkable section of the Koza-Kaido starts at Asso Station and runs along the Ikuma River or one of its tributaries. Compared with the frequent climbs along the historic route, this section has relatively little elevation gain. Visits to historic shrines and temples are among the sights along the way. This route combines physical activity with cultural stops.

From the Edo period through the middle of the Meiji period, the Koza-Kaido connected Tanabe and Koza along the shortest route. It was used by itinerant merchants and pilgrims on the Saigoku Pilgrimage. The walkable section from Asso in Kamitonda to Koza is about 80 kilometers long. This makes Asso both a starting point for the route and the start of a much longer historic trail. It is worth deciding early how much of the route you want to walk.

Around Asso Station, the route leads, among other places, to the Enkyōji temple complex. The shrines 櫟原神社 and 諏訪神社, as well as Hikogorō Park, are also listed in this area. Those interested in the history of the route can include these places as additional points of reference during their stay in Asso.

Cycling routes from Asso

Kamitonda Cycle Station KMICH is located near Asso Station. As of September 2026, the listed fleet comprised eight electric-assist mountain bikes: four in small size and four in standard size. Fleet size may change, so check availability before your ride. A route described as a beginner loop starts in front of the station and passes over the “Post Office” bridge, by Engetsu-tō, and along Shirarahama Beach. The loop around the Shirahama Yuzaki Peninsula is 30.9 kilometers long, with 332 meters of elevation gain.

Another KMICH cycling loop also starts in front of Asso Station. It goes through the mountains of Kamitonda and the Sotoba Tunnel, follows the Hikigawa, runs along National Route 42 through Tsubaki in Shirahama, and then returns to Kamitonda. A challenging one-way ride follows a different route from Asso: via the Ikuma Bridge, it follows a forest road along the upper reaches of the Hiki River, which is in Shirahama. The ride options therefore differ in whether they are a loop, return to Kamitonda, or follow a challenging one-way route. Route information may change, so check the details before setting out.

Guided tours and cultural heritage

The “口熊野かみとんだガイドの会” consists of 22 local guides and organizes guided walks on the Kumano Kodo and in the Nanki-Kumano Geopark. The listed contact location is KUMANO BASe at 2538 Asso. Listed options include a seven-hour Ōhechi course from ¥15,000 and a one-day course to World Heritage sites from ¥20,000. Prices and booking conditions may change, so check them before booking.

There is also a guided electric-bike tour starting at Asso Station and visiting World Heritage sites in Kamitonda. The listed stops include the ruins of Yagami Oji and Inabane Oji. If you are looking for a guided activity, you can compare this option with the self-guided cycling routes described here: the focus is on the cultural heritage sites visited, while each KMICH route is defined by its particular course and ride format.

Around Asso Station

The 2023-updated description of the “口熊野かみとんだ観光案内所” tourist information center at Asso Station lists the Kumano Berry shop, Kumano yamamomo juice and soda to take away, regional souvenirs, and products featuring the character “ひょうたんせんぱい.” Check opening hours before visiting.

When looking for a holiday rental, you can use the activities to help you decide: will the Koza-Kaido be the focus of your stay, will you concentrate on cycling routes with their different formats, or would you like to plan a guided walk?

Discover more destinations: Yuasa, Nishimuro District, Hidakagawa, Shingū, Arida, Wakayama, Hidaka District, Gobō

For the broader travel overview: Wakayama Prefecture.