Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
Deep within the forested mountains of the Kii Peninsula lies the Kumano Kodo, one of only two pilgrimage routes in the world designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. For over a millennium, people from all levels of society—from emperors to commoners—have made the arduous journey to these sacred grounds in search of spiritual rebirth.
This meticulously planned 2-day tour offers a seamless, hassle-free way to experience the highlights of this ancient trail, complete with professional English-speaking guidance, comfortable transportation, and authentic local stays.
If you have a JR Pass, please select "People who have JR Pass". If not, please select "People who don't have JR Pass".
Options
People who have JR Pass
For those who have JR Pass
Pickup included
People who don't have JR Pass
For who don't have JR Pass
Pickup included
What's included
1night Hotel
Roudtrip cost ( Train ) from Osaka
English speaking guide
Dinner
Breakfast
Lunch
What to expect
Day 1: Kumanokodo Walking (Kurisugawa ⇒ Gyuba Douji )
Pass by
Meet with your guide at Kii-Tanabe Station
Kumano Kodokan
1h
Daimon Oji
There used to be a torii gate from Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine at this site. The name Daimon comes from the"big gate"of Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine. Dai means"big"and mon means"gate". There are other Daimon gate in the Kumano region.Koyasan's Daimon is a huge gate with guardian dieties. Daimon-zaka is a long slope leading up to the Nachi Grand Shrine gates. This oji is not as old as other ojis built in the Heian era. There seemed to have been shrine buildings at one time,but by the middle of the Edo era(1603-1868),all the buildings were gone. The curerent building was rebuilt in 1989. Beyond the building a small pagoda and a greenish-color stone monument are seen. This monument was built bu Kishu Domain which has become the present day Wakayama prefectural government.
Pass by
For generations, it has been cherished by locals and pilgrims alike as a guardian that watches over the safety and well-being of travelers walking the long pilgrimage route.
Takahara Kumano Shrine
30m
This shrine is the oldest existing shrine along the Kumano Kodo in the Nakahechi area. The deity of this shrine is said to have been transferred from Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine. The first recorded reference to this shrine occurred in 1109. The name of this shrine is seen in Kumano Gokoki, a travel journal written by Fujiwara Teika. According to his journal, he visited this shrine. The shrine is sometimes referred to as Takahara Oji although it is not an oji. The main building was built in the Kasuga Taisha shrine style in 1544. It is a beautiful vermilion color building with a cypress bark roof.
There are several giant, old camphor trees on the shrine grounds.
Takahara has been written about by poets through the ages. The area around Takahara holds beautiful views in all seasons. A local pageantry with people dressed in period costumes of a thousand years ago is held every year on November 3.
Day 2: Kumanokodo Walking (Hashinnmon Oji ⇒ Hongu Taisha)
Mizunomi Oji
1h
Mizunomi Oji is near the abandoned school grounds of Misato Elementary School. This oji has a long history.There is a legend about this area. The founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, Kobo Daishi, traveled all over this part of Japan looking for a place to establish Shingon Buddhism. He went to the south of the country of Kii near Nachi Falls and founded a temple called Amida-jiTemple. But, he was not satisfied with the place to establish his seat of religion and continued to look for a perfect place. He must have traveled this path many times until he chose Mt. Koya.
One day Kobo Daishi was walking in this area. He decided to take a rest at this place. He sat down and stuck his walking stick in the ground. Then, water is said to have gushed out. He must have been very happy to have fresh,delicious water while he rested.
Fushiogamioji
1h
We had our lunch at Fushi-ogami Oji rest house. Pilgrims could see Oyu-no-hara ( old Hongu grand shrine) here for the first time on Kumano-Kodo from Kyoto route. They were probably so excited and kneed down, bowed and prayed. This activity is the origin of this Oji and at the village name "Fushi-ogami".
The Site of Sangenchaya
30m
Take rest at here
1h
A long stone staircase leads to the sacred grounds of the Kumano Hongu Taisha located on a ridge surrounded by giant cedar and cypress trees. It is one of the Kumano Sanzan, three grand shrines of Kumano, and head shrine of over 3,000 Kumano shrines across Japan.
Tanabe
2h
Arrival Tanabe station.
Take local train to Shin-Osaka station about 2h20min
Additional information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Children younger than 12 years old are not permitted to participate on this course.
Luggage delivery service is not available.
Since this tour requires a lot of walking, we highly recommend bringing only a simple backpack and packing light. Please note that suitcases are not permitted.
The Kumano Kodo walk may be canceled on-site due to inclement weather or other unavoidable circumstances. Please be advised that refunds cannot be provided in these cases.
Please note that the walking route may also be adjusted on-site if your guide determines that proceeding is unsafe or too difficult due to bad weather or large luggage.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
