Sights and Walks of Sacred Kumano - 4 days | Highlight/Beginner
Local Package Tours
Description
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 village in the mountains (Yunomine Onsen & Kawayu Onsen) and on the coast (Katsuura Onsen) while dining on delicious local cuisine.
Price
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1 guest(s)
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2 guest(s)
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3 guest(s)
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4 guest(s)
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6 guest(s)
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7 guest(s)
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8 guest(s)
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9 guest(s)
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10 guest(s)
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Tour Overview
Visit all three Grand Shrines, one each day, with short and scenic highlight walks.
Float down the Kumano River in a traditional boat as part of your pilgrimage.
Overnight at three different hot spring villages while dining on delicious local cuisine on the Kumano Kodo.
Join us for this once-in-a-life-time journey and make your visit to Kumano truly unique!
WHEN | Year-round *Traditional boat tour available only from March to November |
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ROUTE | Osaka | Tanabe | Kawayu Onsen | Yunomine Onsen | Katsuura | Hongu | Nachisan | Osaka |
DURATION | 4 days & 3 nights |
OVERNIGHT | Kawayu Onsen, Yunomine Onsen, Katsuura |
ROOMS | Twin shared |
PRICE | Deduct 4,300 yen/ per person when the traditional boat tour is not available |
OVERALL LEVEL | Highlight/Beginner |
TYPE | Day guided. |
DAILY LUGGAGE SHUTTLE | Available for all days. |
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. |
Day guided by Kumano Kodo local guides
Official Kumano Kodo Guide Book
3 Nights of accommodation
3 Suppers, 3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunches
Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest)
Transportation according to itinerary during the tour from arrival at Kii-Tanabe station to departure at Kii-Katsuura station.
Train tickets to Kii-Tanabe before tour and train ticket from Kii-Katsuura at end of tour
Transporation not included in the itinerary
Miscellaneous personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, shopping, etc.
Travel insurance (please purchase this before your trip)
● The Kumano Kodo is a mountain trail with sections unpaved, uneven surfaces of dirt, roots and cobblestones. Please wear appropriate footwear.
● For clothes it is best to bring layered clothes, such as a fleece jacket and an outer shell. Snow is rare in the mountains of the southern Kii peninsula, but if there are chances of freezing overnight. More weather information.
● Some accommodations have shared facilities such as hot-spring baths. Here is a detailed overview on how to take a Japanese bath
● Tour itinerary may change depending on local circumstances and/or weather.
Any questions? Contact us!
- DAY 1
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Train from Osaka/Kyoto to Kii-Tanabe (~3 hr)
Pick-up tour documents at Tanabe Tourist Information Center
Drop off bags KUMANO TRAVEL Support Center for luggage shuttle to accommodation
Bus from Kii-Tanabe to Kawayu Onsen (~2 hr)
Stay in Kawayu Onsen (Fujiya Ryokan, Kawayu Midoriya, or similar)
- DAY 2
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Meet guide at your accommodation
Bus from Kawayu Onsen to Hosshinmon-oji (~30 min)
Walk Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (~7 km, ~3 hrs)
Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha and Oyunohara
(ALTERNATIVE 1) Bus from Hongu to Yunomine Onsen (~20 min)
(ALTERNATIVE 2) Walk from Kumano Hongu Taisha to Yunomine Onsen (~2 km, 1~2 hr)
End of guide service
Stay in Yunomine Onsen (Ryokan Adumaya, Ryokan Yunomineso, or similar)
- DAY 3
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Bus from Yunomine Onsen to Boat Tour Center (~40 min)
Traditional Boat Ride on Kumano-gawa River (~1.5 hr)
Meet guide at the end of the traditional boat trip in Shingu.
Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha
Walk Kumano Hayatama Taisha to Kamikura-jinja (~3 km, 1~2 hr)
End of guide service
Bus from Shingu to Kii-Katsuura (~20 min)
Stay in Katsuura (Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima or similar)
- DAY 4
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Meet guide at your accommodation
Bus from Kii-Katsuura to Daimon-zaka (~20 min)
Walk Daimon-zaka to Kumano Nachi Taisha (~1.5 km, ~1 hr)
Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha
(OPTION) Exclusive Seasonal Tour of Hidden Nachisan (~4 km, ~5 hr)
Bus from Nachi to Kii-Katsuura (~30 min)
End of guide service
Train from Kii-Katsuura to Shin-Osaka
Itinerary Map

Highlights

Eat local cuisine
Immerse yourself in Japan’s country side culinary traditions.
Stay in a diversity of accommodations
From hot spring Japanese inns in the mountains, to family run guest houses along the pilgrimage route: There is a diversity of authentic lodging along the way
Day Guided
Journey with Kumano Kodo local guides.
Soak in Yunomine Onsen
Japan’s spiritual hot spring on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route with over 1800 years of history.