Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
Things to know
About the Activity
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore the Kumano Kodo! The Kumano Kodo is an ancient network of pilgrim trails dating back more than 1000 years connecting historic shrines and temples running through the mountains of the Kii Peninsula. The most popular route, Nakahechi, along which past emperors traveled, crosses the width of the Peninsula from Tanabe town on the west coast to Shingu and Nachi-Katsuura towns on the east. Hikers of all levels can enjoy quiet mountain hamlets and onsens. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.8 hours
Private Tour
Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Travel Date
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Travelers
Inclusions & Exclusions
Meet up with guide on foot at a meeting point
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Private Vehicle
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
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Travel Itinerary
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Locations in the itinerary
1
Kumano Kodo
Nachikatsuura-cho, Japan, 649-5313Kumano Kodo (熊野古道, Kumano Kodō) refers to a network of pilgrimage trails through the southern Kansai region. The Kodo ("old ways") are a key part of the region's UNESCO designation, and have been in use for over 1000 years. They are the only pilgrimage routes besides the Camino de Santiago to be designated a world heritage site.
The pilgrimage routes developed as a way for people to move between the sacred areas on the Kii Peninsula. At the center of this religious area are the three Kumano shrines: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha, collectively known as Kumano Sanzan.
By the 12th century, the Kumano Sanzan were well known shrines in Japan, drawing pilgrims from Kyoto, Osaka and beyond. More than just a means to reach the three shrines, the pilgrimage trails were designed to be a religious experience in themselves and often pass through difficult, even dangerous, mountain terrain.2 hours • Admission Ticket FreeView Location2
Kumano Nachi Taisha
1 Nachisan, , Nachikatsuura-cho, Japan, 649-5301Kumano Nachi Taisha (熊野那智大社) is one of the three Kumano shrines, situated a few kilometers inland from the coastal hot spring resort of Katsuura. The shrine is part of a large complex of neighboring religious sites that exemplify the fusion of Buddhist and Shinto influences that is particular to the Kumano region. The site also boasts the tallest waterfall in Japan.
The veneration of the Kumano shrines as holy sites of Shintoism predates Buddhism's introduction to Japan in the mid 6th century. Once Buddhism arrived in Kumano it took root quickly, and rather than competing with the indigenous religion for religious authority, it began a long process of harmonious mixing.
A product of this congenial relationship can be seen at Nachi Taisha. Directly beside the eminent shrine is the Buddhist temple Seigantoji. In fact, for most of their history the buildings were not even under separate control and functioned as one religious institution. The buildings of both the shrine and the temple are impressive, and among the buildings of Seigantoji there is a three-story pagoda.30 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location3
Nachi Mitaki Falls
Nachiyama, , Nachikatsuura-cho, Japan, 649-5301The Nachi Falls is the tallest waterfall in Japan as single uninterrupted drop of 133 meters, with a depth of 10 meters and one ton of water dropping down the cliff every second. The falls is counted as one of the Three Major Waterfalls in Japan and designated as the place of scenic beauty of Japan. The falls also forms a part of the "Sacred Site and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" UNESCO World Heritage Site.30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location4
Kumano Hayatama Taisha
1 Shingu, , Shingu, Japan, 647-0081Kumano Hayatama Taisha (熊野速玉大社) is one of Kumano's three important shrines. It is located in Shingu City on the southeast coast of the Kii Peninsula. Together with the other two shrines, Hongu Taisha and Nachi Taisha, Hayatama Taisha holds an important place in Japanese mythology.
While the buildings were rebuilt recently, Hayatama Taisha has occupied the same spot on the Kumano Riverbank since at least the 12th century. In addition, religious artifacts that date back to the 3rd century are evidence that the area has been a site of worship for much longer. In fact, a Shinto creation myth claims that three kami (Shinto deities) descended to earth on a rock not far from the shrine.30 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location5
Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine
Hongucho Hongu, , Tanabe, Japan, 647-1731Kumano Hongu Taisha (熊野本宮大社, Kumano Hongū Taisha) is one of the Kumano region's three famous shrines. As well as enshrining its own deity, Hongu Taisha also enshrines the deities of the other two Kumano shrines, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha, and the sun goddess Amaterasu. It serves as the head shrine of over 3000 Kumano shrines across Japan.
Reference to Hongu Taisha was first documented in the 9th century, which the establishment of the shrine must have preceded substantially. Due to floods in 1889, the shrine was moved from its original location at Oyu no Hara to its present site one kilometer away. In front of Oyu no Hara stands the biggest torii gate in the world, which, at 33 meters tall, dwarfs visitors passing under it.30 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView LocationMeeting and Pickup
Starting point
End point
Pickup details
Customers must make their own way to and meet at the start point- Travelers CANNOT choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
Additional Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Language And Guide
Tour Guide Available In
- Japanese
- English
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticketCancellation & Refunds
Cancellable up to 24 hours before the travel date (local supplier time) for a full refund. A 100% cancellation penalty applies for cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the start time.- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Suplier may cancel the activity on account of bad weather conditions.
- Cancel at least 1 day before activity starts in Asia/Tokyo time to receive 100% refund.
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No reviews found!Operated by Japan Guide AgencyCreated on 05 Feb 2020Created on 11 Oct 2024
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