KUMANO TRAVEL

Ryochi Takai was born and raised in Koyasan. His love for the surrounding natural beauty in the mountains led to many years of hiking the surrounding trails. His grandfather, father and brother are both priests in Koyasan, providing him with a unique insight into the spiritual practices on the mountain as well. He spent over 3 years in England, polishing his English skills and expanding his global knowledge. With a desire to return home and help introduce more people to the land he loved since childhood, 2012, he founded Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu, the first such lodging in Koyasan. He balances a long-time passion for music with the quiet peace of the surrounding forests and enjoys giving more people the opportunity to enjoy these mountains and the deep history and sacred treasures within them. He leads various excursions in the area and his local knowledge helps many tourists come to a deeper appreciation of the heritage hidden throughout the region.

Wakayama Local Guide Association is a local group founded in 2006 with the goal to introduce both Japanese and Non-Japanese alike to the Kumano region.  Wakayama Local Guide Association has registered licensed English speaking guides well versed in the history and culture of the area.  Using a local guide makes a visit to the area richer and more fulfilling.  It is also a great way to travel responsibly by supporting the local community.  Be open to the feeling of Kumano, through the eyes of local with a passion for their home!  Please contact us for more information about arranging guide services.

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!"

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 freedome, please visit the model course page to customize your own visit.

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

CrossRhodes Kumano Journeys’ native-English-speaking, licensed guide will introduce travelers to people, experiences and sacred sites of this World Heritage-designated, ancient, spiritual heart of Japan known as the “Kumano Kodo”.

With 20 years living, working and exploring the rural countryside, guide and English guide-trainer Mike Rhodes will share the lore and natural beauty of his adopted home.

Experience the culture, walk the millennial pilgrimage, explore ghosts and ruins, taste the warm heart and fresh air of Kumano.

The path to Kumano has been a lifelong story of destiny for Alena Eckelmann.  Originally from Germany she has lived in London and Tokyo before making the move to the mountains of Kumano.  Her portfolio of experiences is extensive but her passion for the spiritual landscape of Kumano is boundless.

She has lived and guided on the Kii Peninsula in English and in German since 2010 while working at a Kyoto-based tour operator full-time for 5 years in tour planning, coordination and guiding.

Her main interests for guiding are walks, hikes, experiences and retreats focused on nature and spirituality on the Kii Peninsula, covering all three sacred sites enlisted as the UNESCO Heritage property “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”: Kumano, Koyasan and Yoshino, and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails that connect them.

Her special areas of expertise are:
•    Koyasan and Shingon Buddhism (Guide License by Kongobuji Temple 2019)
•    Yoshinoyama and Shugendo (Tokudo at Sakuramotobou Temple 2016)
•    Forest Therapy (Guide License by Japan’s Forest Therapy Society 2014)
•    Kumano Sanzan and Kumano Kodo (Guide License by Wakayama Prefecture 2013)

Please join Alena for an enjoyable and enriching journey through Japan’s spiritual heartland!