News & Topics
- May/28/2025
- Reserve JR Kuroshio Seats in AdvanceThere has been a significant increase in demand for southbound JR Kuroshio limited express train tickets from the Osaka area to Kii-Tanabe Station due to a surge in domestic travel to a local zoo and theme park near Tanabe whose popular pandas are returning to China soon, causing them to sell out early.It is recommended to purchase these seats in advance, particularly for morning departures, as it has been harder to secure them last minute. This is highly recommended for guests planning to hike on the day they arrive, or have reserved daily luggage shuttle.Weekend trains are especially affected.NOTE: Kuroshio seats are reserved seating only.
- Jan/09/2025
【Updated Reservation Site Operation Hours】
Thank you for visiting our site! The KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation Site is currently operating with set operational times.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
【Booking Times】
Daily 9:00 to 17:00 (Japan Standard Time)
Only during this time frame the KUMANO TRAVEL site is open for reservation requests.For current users access to your MyPage, including MyChat, changes and cancellations are possible anytime with no closure period.
NOTE: We cannot receive any last-minute reservation requests by e-mail or phone.
- Oct/21/2024
- Please Book in Advance
Currently, there is no last-minute onsite booking office at the Kii-Tanabe Station area.
The KUMANO TRAVEL Travel Support Center has been closed since the pandemic.
Reservations should be made at least 20 days in advance through the online KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation System.
Reservations cannot be taken by email or over the phone.
Luggage storage and general tourist information are still available at the TANABE Tourist Information Center next to JR Kii-Tanabe Station. Business hours: 9:00-18:00, every day, year-round.
Thank you for your understanding.
- Oct/21/2024
- Processing Times
Please note that we are currently experiencing an extremely large volume of reservation requests, therefore processing times are taking longer than normal and may take up to 30 days. We will make every effort to process reservations and prioritize the reservation process depending on the reservation received date and traveling date.
KUMANO TRAVEL does not make reservations in real time because we do not hold or stock rooms as many of the accommodations in our community are small, family-owned establishments that do not use computers often.The fall season 2023, September through November, (especially October) is very busy in the smaller communities, such as Takahara, Koguchi, etc. Here is an article to walk the Kumano Kodo while staying in places with more lodging capacity.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this recovery period. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
- Aug/23/2024
- Koyasan Village Bus Route Detour
Bus access to some temples will be affected by a road closure and detour in Koyasan Village from August, 26, 2024.
Koyasan Bus Detour Details >>
- Jan/13/2023
- Notice of Office HoursOur office hours are weekdays 9:00 to 17:00 (Japan Standard Time), closed weekends and national holidays. All requests received outside of working hours will be processed the following workday as will responses to email chat.Thank you for your understanding.
