This itinerary focuses on the best sights and walks during a slower visit -- a great introductory way to experience the diversity of the sacred Kumano region of Japan.

This highlight itinerary visits all three Grand Shrines (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha & Kumano Nachi Taisha), one each day, with short and scenic highlight walks around each shrine.

A traditional boat tour on the Kumano-gawa river leads to Shingu, offering an alternative perspective of the environment.

Overnight at three different hot spring villages in the mountains (Yunomine Onsen & Kawayu Onsen) and on the coast (Katsuura Onsen) while dining on delicious local cuisine.

Route: Osaka | Tanabe | Kawayu Onsen | Yunomine Onsen | Katsuura | Hongu | Nachisan | Osaka
Duration: 4 days & 3 nights (2.5 days with short walks)
Overnight: Kawayu Onsen, Yunomine Onsen, Katsuura Onsen
Overall Level: Highlight/Beginner
Type: Self-guided
Transportation: Train, Bus, Boat, Walk
Daily Luggage Shuttle: Available for all days.
Walking Difficult: Day 2=2, Day 3=1.5, Day 4=1.5
What is walking difficulty?
Recommended For: Those who want to experience the highlights of the Kumano Kodo with short walks focused in each of the three Kumano Sanzan Grand Shrines areas.

This highlight itinerary visits two Grand Shrines (Kumano Hongu Taisha & Kumano Nachi Taisha) with short and scenic highlight walks.

Overnight at a hot spring village in the mountains (Kawayu Onsen) and on the coast (Katsuura Onsen) while dining on delicious local cuisine.

This itinerary focuses on the best sights and walks in a compact time frame -- a great introductory visit to the sacred Kumano region of Japan.

Route: Kyoto/Osaka | Tanabe | Kawayu Onsen | Katsuura | Hongu | Nachisan | Osaka/Kyoto
Duration: 3 days & 2 nights (2 highlight walks)
Overnight: Kawayu Onsen, Katsuura
Overall Level: Shorter walks, beginner.
Type: Self-guided
Transportation: Train, Bus, Walk
Daily Luggage Shuttle: Available for all days.
Walking Difficult: Day 2=2, Day 3=1.5
What is walking difficulty?
Recommended For: Those wanting shorter highlight walks on scenic portions of the Kumano Kodo.

This itinerary focuses on the best sights and walks during a slower visit- a great introductory way to experience the diversity of the sacred Kumano region of Japan.

This highlight itinerary visits all three Grand Shrines (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha & Kumano Nachi Taisha), one each day, with short and scenic highlight walks around each shrine.

Overnight at three different hot spring village in the mountains (Yunomine Onsen & Kawayu Onsen) and on the coast (Katsuura Onsen) while dining on delicious local cuisine.

Route: Osaka | Tanabe | Kawayu Onsen | Yunomine Onsen | Katsuura | Hongu | Nachisan | Osaka
Duration: 4 days & 3 nights (2 days with short walks)
Overnight: Kawayu Onsen, Yunomine Onsen, Katsuura Onsen
Overall Level: Highlight/Beginner
Type: Self-guided
Transportation: Train, Bus, Walk
Daily Luggage Shuttle: Available for all days.
Walking Difficult: Day 2=2, Day 3=1.5
What is walking difficulty?
Recommended For: Those who want to experience the highlights of the Kumano Kodo with short walks focused in each of the three Kumano Sanzan Grand Shrines areas.

This highlight itinerary visits the two Grand Shrines (Kumano Hongu Taisha & Kumano Nachi Taisha) with short and scenic highlight walks with a local guide.

Overnight at a hot spring village in the mountains (Kawayu Onsen) and on the coast (Katsuura Onsen) while dining on delicious local cuisine.

This itinerary focuses on the best sights and walks in a compact time frame- a great introductory visit to the sacred Kumano region of Japan.

Route: Kyoto/Osaka | Tanabe | Kawayu Onsen | Katsuura | Hongu | Nachisan | Osaka/Kyoto
Duration: 3 days & 2 nights (2 highlight walks)
Overnight: Kawayu Onsen, Katsuura
Overall Level: Shorter walks, beginner.
Type: Partially-Guided (during the walking sections)
Transportation: Train, Bus, Walk
Daily Luggage Shuttle: Available for all days.
Walking Difficult: Day 2=2, Day 3=1.5
What is walking difficulty?
Recommended For: Those wanting shorter highlight walks on scenic portions of the Kumano Kodo.