On this tour, we will visit Kumano Hongu to walk the Kumano Kodo and to pray at Kumano Hongu Taisha.
On the first day, we will visit Kumano Hongu Taisha which is one of the Three Shrines in Kumano and its former site Oyunohara.
We will stay overnight at a peaceful hot spring resort which is just next to a beautiful river. This hotel’s main feature is the hot spring on the river bed.
On the second day, we will walk to final part of the Kumano Kodo for 3 hours to Kumano Hongu Taisha.
JR Kii Tanabe station Take JR Express train Kuroshio No3 which arrives at Kii Tanabe at 11:21. I will be on the same train.
This Shinto shrine enshrines the spirits of wood and water and is the first destination of the Kumano Pilgrimage
Kumano is also said to be a sacred site for resurrection, a lot of people have come to this shrine to pray for rebirth. Here, you can even ask for a special prayer (some donation required).
This is the sacred place where the Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine stood until it was swept away by a flood in the 19th century.
A sacred atmosphere surrounded by rivers and forests envelops you.
We will learn about the UNSECO World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and the Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" at this educational facility.
We will stay overnight at Kawayu Hot Spring Resort Midoriya. This hotel features hot springs on a beautiful and quiet river bed.
We will start pilgrimage at Hosshinmon Oji. Oji is a small shrine which enshrines Kumano Deities. There are ninety-nine Oji along the Kumano Kodo. Hosshinmon Oji is one of the five most important Oji.
After praying at Hosshinmon Oji, we will head to Kumano Hongu Shrine for another three hours. It is the 7km long final part of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route.
JR Kii Tanabe station (16:10)
guide fee
Insurance
Food and beverages
Transportation
Accommodation
Ask for details
As we will walk a lot, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Tours are NOT covered by insurance. Make sure to be covered by your own insurance.
Food and drinks are NOT included.
Kiroyuki was so knowledgeable about the area and gave us historical background on everything. He listened to what we were wanting to experience and made sure he provided it for us. He was very patient and considerate with my health conditions as well. He went above and beyond by helping us navigate the trains and cab. He helped us purchase train cards and download the best app to get cabs. He spoke really good English and was familiar with American customs. We had an amazing time thanks to him.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was a very hot mid-summer day. We had a record-breaking hot summer this year in Japan. It is raining today, and the weather forecast says that today in the last summer day here. Please take care of yourself and come back to Japan in spring or fall next time. Many thanks to you. Best wishes, Hiro
Hiro was fantastic. I felt like I was in my own college class. He made history come to life. If you are looking for the best guide he is your man. Thanks Hiro for two adventure full days. Best. George.
George san, Thank you very much for everything. I had wonderful two days with you in Kyoto. By the way, Osaka is a place to enjoy its culture. And Nara, Mt. Koya and Himeji Castle are easy to access from Osaka. You can make a one day trip to Hiroshima as well. I hope you will have a wonderful time in Osaka as well. And enjoy the SHOW!
We spent our first day in Nara with Hiroyuki, who gave us an exceptional tour of Nara Park and its breathtaking shrines and temples. Hiro is incredibly knowledgeable, answering all our questions with fascinating details, and his decades of experience as a tour guide truly shine through. He is also very accommodating, patient, and speaks good English. We couldn't have asked for a better guide to introduce us to Nara's rich history and culture. Thank you Hiro O.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It was really nice meeting such a nice couple like you. Yes, you asked me a lot of questions and liked your questions. I hope you liked my answers as well. Take good care of yourself and enjoy rest of your days in Japan.
Hiro was a fantastic tour guide, showing us all the sites of Osaka. He was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with all of our questions. We cannot say enough good things about our experience with him. Thank you!
Thank you very much for your kind words. I hope you had a good time in Osaka yesterday. By the way, how is your knee? Are you okay? Have you heard that JR had made a cancellation announcement? I hope that everything will go well with you.