GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
GoWithGuide
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
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Kumano Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

Discover Things to Do and Plan a Trip to Kumano, Japan with a Local Guide

Popular Kumano Tour Guides

Wakayama Tour Guide - Hiroyuki T.

Hiroyuki T.

4.96 / 5
(127 reviews)
Japan

Hi! I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am very good at cultural heritages. And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area. I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government. I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Osaka and other places in the Kansai area as I am a cultural heritage management and international relations professional. I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.                                                                                                                                  

Wakayama Tour Guide - Keiji H.

Keiji H.

5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan

I have traveled to more than 40 countries. I always have spent happy time with local people. To return their favor, I have become a Kumano Kodo guide to help tourists enjoy Kodos. I am a government certified guide and have guided over 50 international clients in 6 years. I can help you with Kumano expertise, risk management, and hospitality skills I am a plum farmer and make umeboshi now. So I would tell you stories of as well as Japanese farming and food. Only local guides help you finding spots to rest in today's weather, locating a clean public restroom, and choosing the best sashimi for the season. Most importantly, you can acquire useful information without having to glance at tiny screens, not with phones but with local guides.                                                                                                                                 

Wakayama Tour Guide - Kiyoko H.

Kiyoko H.

4.50 / 5
(4 reviews)
Japan

Hello, my name is Kiyoko. I am an English guide of Kumano Kodo. I live in Kushimoto, which is the most southern tip of Honshu (main island). I got my regional guide license in 2016. Since then, I have been practicing guiding Kumano Kodo in English. You will learn about ancient pilgrimage, shrines, temples, asceticism. You will be impressed by beautiful nature. You will also feel rejuvenated after walking Kumano Kodo. I want to share my experience with you.                                                                                                                                 

Wakayama Tour Guide - Yoko M.

Yoko M.

5.00 / 5
(3 reviews)
Japan

Hi&Konnichiwa! I am "YOKO" live in Katsuura Wakayama near Nachi Katsuura town, a spiritual place where a big waterfall is worshiped. I am a certified English tour guide of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. Walking in Kumano, listening to the sounds of birds singing and leaves whispering, you will have a chance to revitalize yourself and get some inspiration to take back home. My family grows organic rice, tea and vegetables.   I have had the good fortune to travel widely and experience a range of countries and cultures, including a trip to France, learning English in Florida, a working holiday in Australia, volunteer work in Bangladesh, and backpacking in India,etc. I love meeting and talking with people from all over the world. I like Yoga, hiking, traveling and snorkeling. I look forward to sharing the beauty of the Kumano pilgrimage routes with you, while also learning about your adventures!                                                                                                                                 

New Kumano Tour Guides

Hyogo Tour Guide - Noboru S.

Noboru S.

5.00 / 5
(13 reviews)
Japan

Hello, everyone! Welcome to Japan. My name is Noboru. I’m a national licensed guide. I was born in Osaka and spent my university student life in Kyoto. And now I have been in Himeji for over 35 years. These cities are in Kansai aea. So,I'm very much familiar with the sightseeing spots and attractions in the area, especially Himeji and its neighboring cities. If you are looking for someone to show you around the area, please join my tour. I will show you special local dishes in the area as well. Looking forward to seeing your smile soon.                                                                                                                                  

Wakayama Tour Guide - Hatsumi S.

Hatsumi S.

Japan

I am a tour guide for a world heritage site of Kumano kodo . You can see beautiful mountain range and seasonal flowers, get the fresh air and hear bird twittering . Also I'd like to show you Japanese culture and history by walking on ancient pilgrimage roads and visiting Shinto shrines. The nature of Kumano will help you to relieve daily stress and rediscover yourself. Why don't you enjoy walking in the beautiful nature and experiencing Japanese culture and history with me?                                                                                                                                 

Wakayama Tour Guide - Yasuo H.

Yasuo H.

4.50 / 5
(4 reviews)
Japan

I was born and grew up in Wakayama prefecture. Since I was very young, I walked and run by motorcycle and car in the mountain region of Kii peninsula (Wakayama). I learned the nature of Wakayama well it’s tenderness and danger. I wish to make the only one trip for my customers. There are many natural and historical sites in Wakayama because of its unique geographical nature and the longest history in Japan. You can enjoy various type of trip as ancient road walk, spectacular landscapes of the coastlines, suspension bridges, mountains and hot springs.                                                                                                                                 

Popular Kumano Private Tours

Kumano Kodo Daimon-zaka and Nachi  Waterfalls - from Osakacover image

Kumano Kodo Daimon-zaka and Nachi Waterfalls - from Osaka

Kumano
11 hours 20 min

Kumano is an important part of the World Heritage site “the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Kumano is in Wakayama Prefecture and I worked for Wakayama Prefectural Government as a general manager of Cultural Heritage Division and I was also in charge of the World Heritage Project. I know this sacred site very well.

FROM$322/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Hiroyuki T.
Hiroyuki T.
4.96 / 5
(127 reviews)
Kumano Kodo Entance Course, NYTimes Must Travel Experiencecover image

Kumano Kodo Entance Course, NYTimes Must Travel Experience

Kumano
7 hours

Since the Kumano Kodo was registered as a World Heritage site, people from all over the world have come. You will feel like you have time-traveled back in time and enjoy beautiful mountain paths in Japan. The walking guide includes; - Explanation of historical highlights - Q&A about Japanese culture and society that you want to know - Walk time management and crisis management (where possible) - First aid and ambulance arrangements in case of emergency - Having fun with me !

FROM$102/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Keiji H.
Keiji H.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Daimonzaka, Nachi Taisha, Seigantoji, Nachi Waterfallcover image

Daimonzaka, Nachi Taisha, Seigantoji, Nachi Waterfall

Kumano
5 hours

In this course, we will Walk Daimonzaka, visit Nachi Taisha, Seigantoji and Nachi Waterfall. You will learn about the history of Kumano Kodo and the ancient pilgrimage to Kumano Sanzan while walking. These spots are also great photo shooting points. You can try Tainai Kuguri, visit Pagoda by paying extra fees.

FROM$102/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Kiyoko H.
Kiyoko H.
4.50 / 5
(4 reviews)
Kumano Kodo Walking 《world heritage sight》cover image

Kumano Kodo Walking 《world heritage sight》

Kumano
4 hours 30 min

Kumano is an isolated sacred site of healing and revitalization. Many people have been visiting and walking Kumano since a thousand years ago. I will show you Japanese beautiful nature, history of Japanese Shinto and Buddhism coexisting for a long time . I'd like you to enjoy walking Kumano kodo and experience how Japanese people have been living with the mixture of nature and religion.

FROM$136/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Hatsumi S.
Hatsumi S.

New Kumano Private Tours

Kumano Kodo Takijiri Oji - Takahara Jinjacover image

Kumano Kodo Takijiri Oji - Takahara Jinja

Kumano
3 hours 30 min

You will hear the highlights of Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and Kumano Sanzan. Then you will walk the pilgrimage route after praying at Takijiri Oji toward Takahara Jinja Shrine. It will be a good initiation for your pilgrimage walk.

FROM$116/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Kiyoko H.
Kiyoko H.
4.50 / 5
(4 reviews)
Overnight trip to Kumano Kodo and Kumano Hongu Taishacover image

Overnight trip to Kumano Kodo and Kumano Hongu Taisha

Kumano
2 days

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.

FROM$613/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Hiroyuki T.
Hiroyuki T.
4.96 / 5
(127 reviews)
Three days tour in Kumanocover image

Three days tour in Kumano

Kumano
--

This tour is visiting Kumano sanzan area including Kumano Kodo walking, Kumano river cruise, visiting scenic sites and cultural and historical sites and experience for Tuna.

FROM$552/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yasuo H.
Yasuo H.
4.50 / 5
(4 reviews)
Mt. Koya,  Kumano and Kumano Kodo Three Dayscover image

Mt. Koya, Kumano and Kumano Kodo Three Days

Kumano
3 days

Mt. Koya is a sacred site for Buddhism which was founded in India and brought to Japan in the 6th Century. Kumano is a sacred site for Shintoism which is rooted in the nature worship in Japan. And Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes connect these sacred sites. On this tour, we will visit Mt. Koya(Danjo Garan, Honzan, Okuno-in) and Kumano (Hongu, Hayatama and Nachi Grand Shrines, and Nachi Waterfalls), and we will walk on Kumano Kodo Daimon-zaka Pilgrimage Route.

FROM$1,076/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Hiroyuki T.
Hiroyuki T.
4.96 / 5
(127 reviews)

Day Trips from Kumano

Kumano Tour Reviews

Kumano Kodo with Keiji-san

We have a great time with Keiji-san in Kumano Kodo who guided us over 2 days in this spectacular environment. He took care of all logistic, was alway on spot with timing and managed to get us to see and enjoy all major sites. Keiji-san is fundamentally a kind person and took great care of us. He highly recommend Keiji-san as a guide and will look forward to seeing again in few years for a repeat.

Alban D.

Thank you for giving me a great opportunity to enjoy 2 days in Kumano Kodo. Even though it was extremely hot and humid, every one finished all itineraries and listened to my explanation carefully. The parents of this group did a great job leading their children kindly, and the children understood Japanese costumes and behaved in good manners at temples and shrines. While eating and resting, we talked about not only Kumano Kodo things but also French/Japanse culture things, which made me more interested in France. Alban, leader of the group, and I contacted me February of 2024 and started planning this Kumano Kodo trip(the trip was held August of 2024). Our communication via Internets was smooth and comfortable, therefore, I could suggest him walking courses and sightseeing spots, which were suitable for the group. I look forward to seeing them again, preferably, in spring/autumn, when we can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn mountain leaves.

Christina R.

Christina R.

5 / 5
Jul 19, 2024

Mt. Koya, Kumano and Kumano Kodo Three Days

Kumano
3 days

A Perfect Private Tour

Hiro is a wonderful, thoughtful, and considerate guide. I requested a custom 3-day tour starting on Mt Koyasan and concluding in Wakayama. Hiro rented a car and promptly picked me up at the temple I was staying at and we were off on our adventure. Hiro was a cautious and careful driver and I always felt safe. We headed to my first requested destination- a marvelous boat ride at Dorokyo Gorge. Next, Hiro arranged the perfect accommodation for me at an onsen resort in a room with a stunning view of the river. The following day we walked a portion of the Kumano Kodo trail and I very much appreciated that Hiro let me walk at my pace and enjoy the time on the path. Hiro also took me to several shrines, was knowledgeable about them all, and answered all my questions. I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible ocean view of my second accommodation. It was awesome! On our final day, we started to walk the final part of the Kumano Kodo leading to Kumano Nachi Taisha and the falls but the heat and humidity were just too much for me and I could not go any further. Hiro said, "It's okay, I have an escape." We were able to stop after just a few more stairs and he went back to the parking area, got the car, picked me up, and drove to the final shrine and falls. I was so grateful! After a beautiful visit to the falls, Hiro drove me back to Wakayama, walked me into the train station, helped me purchase my ticket, and ensured I headed to the correct platform to get me back to Osaka. Hiro is a great guide and I would not hesitate to hire him again!

Christina R.

Thank you very much for your kind words. It was really nice to visit sacred site Kumano with you. It's always nice to travel with a person who understands the value of Japanese culture and pay respect to our religions. Please come back to Japan someday, there are a lot more to see and to experience. And thank you very much for protecting me from a snake!

Wonderful Walking Tour with Kiyoko

I had a great time walking with Kiyoko. The weather was perfect, the scenery spectacular and accompanied by a kind and knowledgeable guide. Kiyoko was very well prepared, friendly and interesting. I had wanted to visit this area for a long time and Kiyoko could provide history, context and make it meaningful, beyond just what I was seeing with my eyes. I would highly recommend anyone wanting to visit Kumano, Nachi Falls etc, to consider spending some of your time with Kiyoko. There is no substitute for a local guide. Thank you Kiyoko!

Simon W.

Simon, thank you very much for your great feedback. I appreciate your warm comment. It was my pleasure that I could be your guide today. You have been dreaming of visiting Nachi waterfall for a long time. It was a great honor for me that I could walk with you when your dream came true. I wish you would have great experiences during the rest of your stay in Japan. Please come back someday!

Kumano Private Tour Guide

Whether it’s your first time to Kumano or you are back to discover more, a good tour guide can make all the difference. Enjoy the best of what Kumano has to offer, without all the fuss of planning everything by yourself! You can pick your favorite itinerary from the Kumano tours offered by our local guides, but feel free to ask for customizations based on your preferences. We want to help travelers get the most out of their trips, and we believe a good tour with a local guide is the best way to ensure that. There is so much to see and do in Kumano, and the best way to get the most out of your time there is to have a local expert with you. GoWithGuide is committed to delivering unforgettable tour experiences, so let us help you create your next favorite memory.

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