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.

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】

Log rafting anyone! Logging in the mountains of the Kii peninsula has been a major industry for centuries.  Before roads were built, logs were floated down the rivers connected as rafts.  The skills and techniques of these "logging river runners" have been preserved in the Kitayama village for over 600 years.

Now log rafts are used to transport thrill seekers through the scenic Kitayama Gorge, part of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park.  Log rafts are strictly checked for safety standards, while guests are required to wear life jackets at all times.

Have fun!

Months operating:

● May & June: Saturdays, Sundays and National holidays
● July, August, & September: Runs daily and National holidays. except Thursdays.


Operating Period: May 3 to September 30 2026.
*Reservations for this season will open on March 1 through Kumano Travel.

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!

Nanki Marine Leisure Service is a small business located in the tiny port of Ugui, between Shingu and Katsuura.  Fishermen in the area wanted to share the excitement of experiencing the beauty and power of the ocean they work on everyday with the local people and visitors alike.  This desire to share and explore led them to create whale watching tours.  The Kuroshio black current runs next to the southern tip of the Kii peninsula attracting a diversity of sea life, including whales and dolphins.  The fishing boats take guests out into this vast seascape in search of encounters with these awe-inspiring mammals.  Nature is impossible to control, but with the network of other fishermen in the area, chances are greatly increased to see dolphins and whales in their natural environment.  Free pick-up is available from accommodation in nearby Katsuura Onsen.

[Notice] Departure Time During Obon Holiday Period
From Saturday, August 9 to Sunday, August 17, 2025 the departure time will follow the weekend/holiday schedule 5:30 AM meet due to the Obon holiday.
Thank you for your understanding.


/// IMPORTANT ///
Nanki Marine Leisure Service can only accept reservations 30 days or less in advance.
(KUMANO TRAVEL can only accept requests 20 days or more in advance, so be advised of a short booking window.)
Thank you for your understanding.

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.

Nakata Foods has been involved in Tanabe’s ume industry for 120 years.

Our headquarters houses our large factories, which have viewing decks where you can see the production process for yourself. Come learn about ume cultivation and harvest, and find out how these amazing traditional foods are made.

We offer guided English tours or self tours (dependent on schedule). Both will give you a deeper understanding of the pillar of Tanabe’s agricultural industry.

Our spacious store is constructed from local lumber with traditional methods. There you can try samples of many kinds of umeboshi salted ume pickles and umeshu fruit liqueur, and then make your own ume syrup for juice or umeshu liqueur to take home!

Our campus also features an excellent art gallery where traditional art is displayed. Come see our rotating displays and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere.

Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba who was born in Tanabe City. After mastering traditional martial arts and undergoing even more rigorous spiritual training, he developed the art of Aikido.
Since its creation, Aikido has spread to about 140 countries and there are even more enthusiasts around the world than in Japan. In Aikido, students practice together regardless of age or gender. Aikido training is not a competition, but a practice where participants train their minds and bodies while exchanging techniques.

The instruction includes basic Aikido movements, ukemi falling techniques, and the peace-minded philosophy of Aikido.

Junichi Gomita, 5th Dan Aikido, is the instructor. He is the son of Seiji Gomita, a follower of Morihei Ueshiba, and the head of the Aikido Tanabe Dojo.

◆Notes◆

● Guests are required to sign a waiver release form in order to participate.
● The guide fee is additional and not included in the set experience price.
● A guide/translator is required unless otherwise indicated by guests.

Keyword:【Aikido/Martial Arts】