Kumano Kodo Daimon-zaka and Nachi Waterfalls - from Wakayama
Joined 2019
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
TBD
Pick up
In this tour, we will make a pilgrimage on Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route Daimon-zaka to Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine, Nachi-san Seigantoji Temple and Nachi Waterfalls.
Shintoism, a religion unique to Japan, is rooted in nature worship. People feared and worshiped nature, which brings both blessings and calamities to them as gods and goddesses. The mountainous Kumano is full of natural wonders. Nachi waterfalls which is 133m high was a wonder for ancient people, people worshipped the waterfall itself as a goddess. As Shinto was organized, people built a shrine here. It is the origin of Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine.
Kumano Kodo Daimonzaka Pilgrimage (1.5km 1hour)
Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine
Nachi-san Seigantoji Temple
Nachi Waterfalls
Ending Point
TBD
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee,
Insurance
Transportation approx JPY16,000 per person for round trip plus the same amount for guide
Lunch for guests and guide
Tour Important Information
Tours are NOT covered by insurance. Make sure to be covered by your own insurance.
Please be NOTED that the price does NOT include transportation cost for both clients and GUIDE.
Transportation fare; approx JPY16,000; JPY14,200 FOR GUIDE
Lunch and dinner are also NOT included in the guiding fee.
Direct payment will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
As this is a walking tour, comfortable shores are recommended. In this tour we will make a pilgrimage to Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine for 1.3km for 1 hour. The Daimon-zaka is a short (600m long and 267 steps) but scenic cobblestone staircase that runs from the valley bottom to the Nachisan Shrine-Temple complex. And we will walk on another 467 steps approach to Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2019
About Tour Guide Hiroyuki T.
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.
Reviews
Mandy R.
“Excellent Guide - Koyasan ”
Hiro was a very knowledgeable guide. He explained the very well the history and central tenants of esoteric Buddhism. All new information for us. He was punctual and answered all our messages in a timely manner. We loved our time exploring this very beautiful and tranquil village. We were also very appreciative of his help navigating the train system. He was very kind helping us with this, in fact he went out of his way to assist. The whole experience felt genuine and authentic. Thank you Hiro for introducing us to Esoteric Buddhism. You did it with grace and charm. Mandy and Shane
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was really nice spending time with you at Koyasan. The ceremony we saw was a ceremony for the new head priest. It is really rare to see it. We were blessed by Buddha and Kukai.
Brigitte S.
“Memorable Osaka ”
If you're looking for a fantastic tour guide in Osaka, look no further than Hiroyuki! We had the pleasure of spending a day with him, and it was an unforgettable experience. Hiroyuki met us promptly at 7:30 a.m. at our hotel, ready to make the most of our short 5-hour window in the city before we had to head back to Kobe for our cruise sailaway. He not only ensured we had a fantastic time but also took pictures of our group at various locations, ensuring we left with great memories. He knew all the "very best picture points" (VBPP) and helped us capture stunning photos that we'll cherish. Hiroyuki is also a great historian, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the places we visited - Osaka Castle, Shitennō-ji Temple, Jodo Garden, and Kuromon Market. At the market, he shared a tip on how to identify the stores that sold authentic Japanese goods! He also taught us the proper way to wash our hands before entering a temple, showcasing his deep knowledge of Japanese culture and traditions. Although we didn't have time to visit Dotonbori and other places due to the limited schedule, it just means we’ll have to return to Osaka to explore some more. Hiroyuki was aware of our ship’s departure time; he took the train with us back to Kobe making sure we got on our cruise ship with plenty of time before sail away. Hiroyuki made our brief stay in Osaka memorable. His professionalism, patience, and in-depth knowledge made him an outstanding guide. Highly recommend him to anyone looking to experience Osaka in a meaningful way!
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It is very good to know that you enjoyed my Osaka tour. Yes, you are right. We didn't have enough time to visit many places in Osaka. There are many attractive places in the Osaka Area as well, Nara, Himeji, Mt. Koya and others. Come back to Osaka in the near future. I will be looking forward to seeing you again. Hiro
Rupal V.
“2 Days in Kyoto ”
Our special thanks to Hiro for a wonderful 2 days spent in Kyoto… he was very patient and adjusted well to the needs of our group, and shared his extensive knowledge ( great insights in to the various religions and practices, shrines & temples and various customs) and gave us a great flavour of Kyoto with visits to Kinkakuji Golden pavilion, Ryoan-ji rock garden, Arashiyama bamboo forest and surrounding area, Nishiki market, Sanjusangen-do temple, sake museum, Byodo-in temple, and Fushimi Inara Shrine. We highly recommend him.
Hiroyuki T.
We had cold days but it was really nice spending time with you in Kyoto. Thank you very much. It is always nice spending time with those who show respect to Japanese culture. Thank you very much for beautiful pictures as well. How many pictures did you take by the way ? Pictures are nice to remember things. I will always remember you with these pictures. Hiro
$400/ per group
More tours by Hiroyuki T.
Osaka Highlights, Best for the first timer
There are a lot of places to visit, a lot of things to do in Osaka. From historical sites to food venders hopping. CHOOSE 3-4 places you want to visit from the list below and let me know. I will customize a tour for you.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyma to feel the profundity of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.
Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
In Nara, eight Buddhism temples and Shintoism Shrines are included in the World Heritage as “Historic Monuments in Ancient Capital of Nara” as those represent close cultural exchanges between Japan and China, and even Hellenism culture in the 8th century. On this tour we will visit three of them in a day from Osaka.
One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
Mt. Koya is a very important part of the World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Mt. Koya is in Wakayama Prefecture and I used to work 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 mountain very well.
Other Popular Nature & Outdoor Tours in Kumano
Daimonzaka, Nachi Taisha, Seigantoji, Nachi Waterfall
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 Entance Course, NYTimes Must Travel Experience
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 !
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.
Visit Daimonzaka, Nachi Taisha, Seigantoji, Nachi Waterfall
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.