Experience Kumano on the river! For over 1000 years pilgrims have been making the journey to Kumano. 

The Kumano-gawa River was a vital section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route between Kumano Hongu Taisha in Hongu, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu. Visitors are able to journey in traditional wooden flat-bottom boats (with modern motor) as pilgrims have been doing for centuries.  This is a unique and fun way to get a river view perspective of Kumano’s spiritual landscape.

Boat Tour Schedule
● March 1st to November 30th departures (90 minutes tour)
Morning     10:00 ~ 11:30
Afternoon   14:30 ~ 16:00

◆ IMPORTANT NOTICE ◆
Sorry, closed from December 1 to February 28.

The Wakayama Local Guide Association is a local organization founded in 2006 with the goal of introducing both Japanese and international visitors to the Kumano region. The association consists of licensed English-speaking guides who are well versed in the history, culture, religious traditions, and natural environment of Kumano.

All guides undergo a careful selection process upon joining, including interviews and on-site assessments. They then complete training that includes classroom study, field instruction, and practical evaluation.

Exploring the Kumano Kodo with a local guide offers deeper insight into the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage routes, as well as the culture and daily life of the communities along the way. Guides share local knowledge and perspectives that help visitors better understand the unique character of the region.

Joining a guided walk is also a meaningful way to support the local community while traveling responsibly. The Wakayama Local Guide Association is committed to helping visitors experience Kumano safely and in a way that respects its cultural and natural heritage. 

● ABOUT PRICING ●

The Standard Rate applies during January, February, June, July, August, September, and December.
The Peak Season Rate applies during March, April, May, October, and November.

Keyword: 【Local Guides】

Local package tours are a great way to experience the area. 

We do all of the planning, so you can do all of the enjoying!

Looking for a bit more freedom? Please visit the model course page to customize your own visit.

If you are a travel agent, please contact us for more information.

Keyword: 【Set Package】

Kumano TREK is a friendly group of local guides dedicated to the region and introducing the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route to international visitors.  They enjoy walking and sharing stories with guests. 
The members say, "Please enjoy your visit to the Kumano Kodo with us!"

The Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus sightseeing bus is a convenient way to visit the main sites of Kumano. 

There are two routes available.  One makes a circuit of the three Kumano Sanzan shrines: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and the Kumano Nachi Taisha. 

The other is a shorter route that focuses on Nachisan: Kumano Nachi Taisha, the Daimon-zaka section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, and Nachi falls. 

These tours are great options for those who want to see the sites in an efficient way.

Walking around Kumano Hongu Taisha grand shrine with Traditional Kimono makes for an unforgettable memory of your trip to Kumano. Tsubo-shozoku is a style of Kimono of court noble women, beautiful and eye catching traditional costume from centuries past.  For men, Kimonos that are richly embroidered such as Hitatare of Samurai 武士の直垂, or hunter-clothes of court nobles 公家の狩衣 are available. Dress-back-in-time with a traditional kimono experience with the Kumashiroya company!

Looking for an activity in the coastal fishing port of Katsuura in southeastern Wakayama?  Wanting to view the dramatic, rocky coastline dotted with beautiful islands closeup? 

Yes! Then the Ki-no-Matsushima Cruising is for you! 

This boat ride weaves in and out of the rugged Pacific coastline starting and finishing at the Katsuura port with a stopover in neighboring Taiji.

What is the Kumano Kodo and the Iseji Route

The Kumano Kodo is a network of mountain paths connecting four major religious centers in Japan, Kumano Sanzan, Yoshino, Koya-san, and Ise Jingu. While recently many people have become familiar with the Nakahechi Route of the Kumano Kodo which connects the three Kumano grand shrines with Kyoto and Osaka, the Iseji Route was also very important historically and is now considered one of Kumano's best keep secrets!

The Iseji route connects Ise Jingu with Kumano and was most popular among merchants, commoners, and beggars from about 400 to 150 years ago.

The Iseji route is one of Kumano’s best-kept secrets. Most of these routes offer ancient stone-paved paths with a rich history and spectacular mountain and ocean views. It is the relatively unbeaten path of Kumano! Come see this jewel while it is still pristine.

About the Kodo Walkers

The Kodo Walkers is a group of English Kumano Kodo guides who have the knowledge and passion to provide you with an unforgettable visit to our area.

Our group has been walking the routes and studying their rich history and stories since 2004. We can tell you about the locals, our way of life and major historical figures who have come to visit, stories that really add a whole new dimension to your stay here.

Our local guides hope to be your ambassador to the Iseji, the Kumano region, and beyond while you are here. Please come and discover the beauty of the Iseji.

Mikisato E-gumi is a friendly sea kayaking outfitter based in Mikisato near Owase city in Mie Prefecture along the Iseji route of the Kumano Kodo.  Mikisato is a small beach settlement located in the upper reaches of a large bay on the rugged coastline of the Kii peninsula.  It is in this dramatic location that Mikisato e-gumi offers sea kayak activities for beginners and experienced paddlers.  A unique adventure is the “Kumano Kodo Ocean Trail Pilgrimage Sea Kayaking Experience” which retraces the waterway route that pilgrims took through this bay.  This is a unique way to actively enjoy a special aspect of the Kumano Kodo with a bilingual English-speaking guide.