Kumano Kodo Entance Course, NYTimes Must Travel Experience
Joined 2022
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 !
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Takijiri
Meeting point
Kii Tanabe City is the entrance to the Kumano Kodo. Buses depart from in front of the station to Takijiri Oji, the trail head.
Takijiri
At takijiri, you can learn about the history of the Kumano Kodo at the museum, visit shrines like ancient pilgrims, and begin walking the Kumano Kodo.
Takahara
The venerable Kumano Takahara Shrine is located at the entrance of the village. The village is a series of traditional Japanese houses. Visitors can take a break while enjoying the magnificent view of the Kii Mountains. For those who want to relax, it is possible to stay overnight at Takahara!
Chikatsuyu
Down the mountain is Chikatsuyu, where the Emperor's pilgrims stayed in the past. Have a cup of coffee and relax. Lodging is also available here.
Tsugisakura
Surrounded by large cedar trees, there is a spring in Nonaka that moistens travelers who are tired from walking.
Ending point
Tsugisakura area
Ending Point
Tsugisakura
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
transportation fee (you and the guide), lunch, dinner, entrance fee
Tour Important Information
Guides will provide safety advice, but cannot guarantee your safety. Please protect yourself from accidents and take out insurance.
The price does not include transportation cost for both clients and guides or lunch/dinner are.
This is a middle-level walking tour, then, if you are not confident about your physical strength, Ⅰ recommend you to shorten the course. or to choose easier courses
I would be happy to walk with you at locations and time other than those listed for your convenience.
The Nakahechi pilgrimage route starts from the western coast of the Kii Peninsula and traverses east into the mountains towards the Kumano grand shrines. It is the most popular route for pilgrims from western Japan. Starting in the 10th century, the Nakahechi route was extensively used by the imperial family on pilgrimage from Kyoto. This trail has traditional lodgings in isolated villages along the way and is excellent for multi-day walks.
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 2022
About Tour Guide 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.
Reviews
Delores W.
Visiting the Origins of Overseas Migration, MIhama Town, Wakayaka
Customized
“Mio, Wakayama- tour Canada history”
Keiji was an excellent guide to the village of Mio. He had done research on which trains and buses beforehand. He also found out information and contacted the museum and townhall for me prior to my arrival. He translated the entire time and was very helpful with my many questions. Highly recommend him.
Keiji H.
This was my first time to attend a meeting, in which my Canadian customers and a museum president tried to research their family history in Japan, and assist in communications among the attendants. I think I learned how to identify important topics and documents necessary, and communicate with the attendants beforehand. Delores and her partner were so kind and flexible that we did not have serious troubles with transportation logistics or meeting procedures. Thank you again for giving me this great opportunity. I would be happy to help them find their family histories in the future, as well.
Alban D.
Kumano Kodo, Aug13-14, for Alban-san's group
Customized
“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.
Keiji H.
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.
$95/ per group
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 Daimon-zaka and Nachi Waterfalls - from Osaka
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
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 Hongu Loop and Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine
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.