Camino de Santiago vs. Kumano Kodo: Differences & Similarities
Across two continents lie two of the world’s most storied pilgrimage routes: Spain’s Camino de Santiago and Japan’s Kumano Kodo. Completing both is known as the “Dual Pilgrimage.”
They may seem worlds apart—one winds through medieval villages, coastal cities, and remote mountainscapes on its way to Santiago de Compostela, while the other climbs through misty cedar forests to sacred Shinto shrines deep in Japan’s Kii Peninsula mountains—and yet, they are spiritually connected.
In fact, Spain’s Camino de Santiago and Japan’s Kumano Kodo are the only two pilgrimage routes in the world designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Pilgrims who complete both paths can receive a special “Dual Pilgrim” recognition from local authorities in Spain and Japan.
But how does each route compare, and why do so many walkers feel called to experience both?
History of the Dual Pilgrimage
Both pilgrimage routes are over a thousand years old. The history of the Camino de Santiago dates to the 9th century when Christian pilgrims traveled across Europe via various routes to Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of St. James lies. A century later—on the other side of the world—the Kumano Kodo took shape when Japanese emperors and aristocrats journeyed through the mountains to worship at the three Grand Shrines of Kumano: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, and Nachi Taisha.
Though rooted in different religions—Christianity and Shinto-Buddhism—both pilgrimages share core themes: the desire to move through the landscape slowly in the spirit of humility, and often to reflect in nature and gain a sense of spiritual renewal.
Walking either pilgrimage path is transformative. Walking both deepens that transformation.
Camino vs. Kumano Kodo: How They Compare
Routes, Terrain & Atmosphere
There are various Camino de Santiago routes to choose from, with the Camino Francés being the most popular. This trail covers nearly 500 miles across northern Spain, though many walkers (including those on our own 9-day Camino Frances journey) don’t complete the entire distance and instead focus on the finest sections of the route. The terrain shifts throughout the journey: rolling farmland and vineyards give way to wheat fields and medieval town squares, and the occasional mountain pass is paired with relaxing moments at trail-side cafes and albergues. The Camino is more communal, with strangers offering you a warm “buen Camino” as you pass.
The Kumano Kodo also has various routes to choose from, with the Nakahechi (Imperial Route) being the most well-traveled. This trail covers roughly 50 miles—shorter in distance, but steeper and more demanding underfoot. Our 13-day Kumano Kodo journey combines portions of the Nakahechi and Iseji routes, as well as time in Kyoto, allowing our travelers to experience two variations of this iconic trail. Stone-paved forest paths climb through dense cedar groves, past moss-covered steps and small roadside shrines, with mountain ridgelines unfolding above. You may walk for hours without passing a village. The atmosphere is quiet and more reflective—a silent nod from another pilgrim, the sound of a waterfall somewhere below the trail. Where the Camino builds community, the Kumano Kodo deepens solitude.
Difficulty Level
The Camino Francés stretches 500 miles from beginning to end, making the goal of finishing the entire path a test of endurance. The Kumano Kodo, though much shorter, tests your balance and strength as it experiences steeper ascents and descents on uneven terrain.
People of varying fitness levels complete the Camino, especially when walking shorter sections. The average hiking day varies, but you can expect long distances of 12 to 15 miles daily but moderate grades, trails that are well-marked and accessible, and lots of resupply and lodging options along the route.
The Kumano Kodo can feel more physically intense day-to-day, even though the total mileage is shorter. Each day you might walk shorter distances but with steeper ascents and descents. The trail features more rugged and uneven footing, and you can expect frequent stone steps and forest paths.
Culture Along the Way
The Camino is legendary for its social aspect. You’re likely to see others on the trail on any given day, and many pilgrims form lasting friendships along the way.
The Kumano Kodo is quieter and more introspective. Even when walking with others, the atmosphere feels reverent and serene.
Camino or Kumano: Which Should You Walk First?
Many pilgrims who complete the Camino or Kumano find themselves wondering, What’s next? There’s no wrong answer, and plenty of walkers have done each route first. Choose to walk the Camino first if you enjoy social interaction, want a longer-distance journey, love European history and village life, or prefer moderate grades over steep climbs. Choose to walk the Kumano Kodo first if you seek a quieter, more meditative atmosphere, enjoy Japanese culture and cuisine, want a shorter but steeper trek, or prefer mountain trails and forest immersion.
Walking the Camino and Kumano Kodo with Wilderness Travel
We have been crafting award-winning hiking and cultural adventures for 45+ years, and offer two unique journeys for those who want to experience the best portions of these legendary pilgrimages. Our Trip Leaders—many of whom have guided these routes for decades—bring the history, traditions, and hidden details of each pilgrimage alive in ways no self-guided walk can replicate. One of the greatest joys of joining a guided tour is that you don’t have to worry about any of the logistics—from accommodations to restaurants to private transfers between hikes, our team ensures you get the most out of each journey. Here is a brief preview of each trip.
Pilgrim’s Way: El Camino de Santiago
WT’s Pilgrim’s Way: El Camino de Santiago begins in historic Burgos and follows the absolute best portions of the trail across northern Spain, bypassing busy urbanized and industrial areas and focusing instead on the stunning landscapes and most venerated sections of the route, all the way to Santiago de Compostela. Some benefits of joining our Camino journey are:
Japan: Hiking the Kumano Kodo to Kyoto
Across the world is Wilderness Travel’s Japan: Hiking the Kumano Kodo to Kyoto, where travelers hike mist-shrouded trails in a sacred landscape on the classic Nakahechi Route, then head to the less-traveled Iseji Route for hikes across the mountains and coasts of the Kii Peninsula. You’ll visit revered Buddhist and Shinto shrines, visit sleepy mountain hamlets, enjoy the beauty of rural Japan, and stay in a wonderful mix of western and traditional style hotels. Some benefits of joining our Kumano Kodo journey are:
Frequently Asked Questions
The difference between the Camino de Santiago and the Kumano Kodo lies in their terrain, length, culture, and atmosphere. The Camino de Santiago is a Christian pilgrimage route crossing northern Spain, traditionally ending at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. The Kumano Kodo is a network of Shinto-Buddhist pilgrimage trails in Japan’s Kii Peninsula.
While neither the Camino nor the Kumano Kodo are undeniably harder, the Kumano Kodo is steeper and more rugged, making it feel more physically challenging, while the Camino is generally longer but less steep overall.
The Dual Pilgrim recognition is a special certificate that people who complete designated sections of both the Camino de Santiago and the Kumano Kodo can apply for, issued jointly by the relevant authorities in Spain and Japan. It’s a formal acknowledgment that these two routes, separated by a continent, are part of the same tradition.
The Camino de Santiago is more crowded, especially in parts of the popular routes as you get closer to Santiago de Compostela, and it sees significantly more walkers annually. The Kumano Kodo is generally quieter and less crowded.
