At Asso Station in Kamitonda, trails and cycling routes open up different sides of the area: explore on foot along a section of the historic Koza-Kaido, or cycle a loop or one-way route. Guided hikes and cycling tours are also available. To plan your visit, first decide whether you want to focus on historic sites on foot, a cycling route, or a guided experience.

Koza-Kaido: History and Trails from Asso

From the Edo period through the middle of the Meiji period, the Koza-Kaido connected Tanabe and Koza by the shortest route. Traveling merchants used this historic road, as did pilgrims on the Saigoku Pilgrimage. The approximately 80-kilometer section from Asso in Kamitonda to Koza is walkable. This distance gives an idea of the broader route; the trail starting at Asso Station is a specific entry point.

The walkable section of the Koza-Kaido runs alongside the Ikuma River or one of its tributaries. Compared with the frequent climbs found on other parts of the historic route, it has relatively little elevation gain. Visiting historic shrines and temples is part of the experience along the way. Near 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 mentioned in this area.

Two scales of travel come together here: the extensive, approximately 80-kilometer section between Asso and Koza, and the riverside trail starting at the station. For those interested in the history of transportation and pilgrimage routes, the Koza-Kaido offers a connection to both perspectives.

Cycling Routes from Asso Station

The Kamitonda Cycle Station KMICH is near Asso Station. As of September 2026, its fleet comprised eight electric-assist mountain bikes: four in small size and four in standard size. Fleet size may change. A beginner-friendly loop starts in front of the station and passes Engetsu-tō and Shirarahama Beach via the “Post Office” Bridge. The loop covers 30.9 kilometers with 332 meters of elevation gain.

Other KMICH routes differ in their format and course. One cycling loop also starts in front of the station, passes through the mountains of Kamitonda and the Sotoba Tunnel, follows the Hikigawa River, and runs along National Route 42 through Tsubaki in Shirahama before returning to Kamitonda. The challenging one-way tour starts in front of Asso Station, crosses Ikuma Bridge, and then follows a forest road along the upper reaches of the Hiki River, which is in Shirahama. Route details may change; check route information before setting out.

The beginner-friendly loop described here is specified by distance and elevation gain. The other loop is described primarily in terms of its course through Kamitonda and Shirahama, while the one-way tour is explicitly described as challenging.

Guided Tours and Local Information

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

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. Alongside the self-guided cycling loops described above, this offers a guided option that names two of the sites.

The “口熊野かみとんだ観光案内所” tourist information center is at Asso Station and includes the Kumano Berry shop. It sells Kumano Yamamomo juice and soda to take away, as well as local souvenirs and products featuring the character “ひょうたんせんぱい.” Check opening hours and arrangements before visiting.

When planning a trip to Kamitonda, it is worth weighing up in advance whether to explore the Koza-Kaido on foot, go cycling, or choose a guided experience.

Discover more destinations: Yuasa, Kainan, Hidaka District, Shingū, Nishimuro District, Hidakagawa, Tanabe, Arida

For the overview of the wider area: Wakayama Prefecture.