Kumano Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

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.

Kiyoko H.

4.50 / 5

(4 reviews)

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.

Keiji H.

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.

Noboru S.

5.00 / 5

(11 reviews)

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.

Yasuo H.

4.50 / 5

(4 reviews)

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.

Hatsumi S.

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?

Yoko M.

5.00 / 5

(3 reviews)

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!

Popular Kumano Private Tours

Daimonzaka, Nachi Taisha, Seigantoji, Nachi Waterfall

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.

Kumano Kodo Daimon-zaka and Nachi Waterfalls - from Osaka

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.

Visit Daimonzaka, Nachi Taisha, Seigantoji, Nachi Waterfall

3 hours 30 min

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.

Three Shrines in Kumano and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route-with a rent-a-car

9 hours

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. I will drive a rent-a-car for you.

Mt. Koya, Kumano and Kumano Kodo Three Days with car

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. I will drive a car for you

FROM$1,022/ per group

Hiroyuki T.

4.94 / 5

Kumano Kodo Hongu Loop and Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine

8 hours

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.

Kumano Kodo Walking 《world heritage sight》

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$129/ per group

Hatsumi S.

Kumano Kodo Hongu Loop and Kumano Hongu Taisha

View All Kumano Private Tours

7 hours

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.

New Kumano Private Tours

Kumano Kodo Entance Course, NYTimes Must Travel Experience

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$97/ per group

Keiji H.

Affordable Sushi/Sashimi with Locals at Kii-Tanabe

2 hours 30 min

According to Japanese joke, "Walk Kumano Kodo and eat Japanese cuisine and then die". Fish in Tanabe, entrance of Kumano Kodo, are shipped directly from local fishing ports. Not only delicious, but reasonable price. You can enjoy delicious food and chat with friendly locals and a government-approved guide. You can save your budget more than guide fees because a guide because he will take you to a special izakaya, Japanese bars, that only the locals know.

FROM$13/ per group

Keiji H.

Three days tour in 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.

Day Trips from Kumano

Wakayama

Mount Koya

Mie

Kumano Tour Reviews

Simon W.

5 / 5

Mar 27, 2024

Visit Daimonzaka, Nachi Taisha, Seigantoji, Nachi Waterfall

3 hours

Mar 27, 2024

“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!

Kiyoko H.

(4 reviews)

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!

Stephanie C.

5 / 5

Jan 21, 2024

Kumano Kodo Daimon-zaka and Nachi Waterfalls - from Osaka

13 hours 30 min

Jan 21, 2024

“Kumano Kodo Tour”

I had a fulfilling and fun tour experience with Hiroyuki-san! He was very knowledgable about the culture of the routes & temples. The hike up Daimon-zaka was alittle tough (due to my lack of stamina) but Hiroyuki-san was very kind and told me to take my time and took breaks inbetween. He also recommended one of best tuna restaurants by the port which was awesome. Overall, it was a pleasant experience and I look forward to meeting him again.

Hiroyuki T.

Stephanie-san, It was really nice meeting you yesterday. I was thinking about the tour last night after coming home. It was very good to know that you wanted to come to Nachi for a long time. The waterfalls, the shrine and the temple and the pilgrimage routes were so beautiful. But we walked the uphill stairs. Are your legs and feet okay now? Yes, see you later. Let’s walk the whole pilgrimage routes. You don’t want to walk uphill anymore? Alright, I will see you next time somewhere flat.

Lisa L.

5 / 5

Nov 13, 2023

Kumano Kodo Daimon-zaka and Nachi Waterfalls - from Osaka

15 hours

Nov 13, 2023

“Amazing tour of Kumano and Nachi falls”

This tour was absolutely amazing! Kumano pilgrimage trail and Nachi falls are absolutely stunning. Hiroyuki was an amazing guide who had a lot of knowledge about the area and history of the trail. Highly recommend this tour with Hiroyuki.

Hiroyuki T.

Thank you very much for your kind words. It was very nice meeting you two yesterday. Kumano is far but it is worth visiting, isn't it? You will definitely like Mt Koya, too. Please come back to Japan sometime soon to visit Mt Koya. Happy birthday to US!!!

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