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Kumano Kodo Hongu Loop and Kumano Hongu Taisha
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.
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Hongu
I will meet you at your hotel in Hongu
In this tour we will walk the 14km long Kumano Kodo Hongu Loop. We will visit Kumano Hongu Taisha and its former site Oyunohara as well.
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Akagi Route which connects Yunomine Hot Springs and the Nakahechi Main Route
We will walk the 7km long Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Akagi Route for three hours. This route was frequently used after the 14th century.
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Nakahechi Main Route between Hosshinnmon Oji and Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Akagi Route merges into the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Main Route near 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 continue pilgrimage to Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine for another three hours. It is the 7km long final part of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route.
Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine and its former site Oyunohara
After walking 14km for six hours, we will arrive at Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine. This is one of the Three Shrines in Kumano and is the final destination of the Kumano Pilgrimage. The sacred atmosphere of the precincts will surround you.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Hongu
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Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
Insurance
Food and beverages
Tour Important Information
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.
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
Kumano Tour Reviews
Christina R.
Mt. Koya, Kumano and Kumano Kodo Three Days with car
“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!
Hiroyuki T.
(115 reviews)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!
“Great Day Out with Hiro”
We had a great day touring Osaka with Hiro! The weather was hot and humid, and Hiro adjusted the schedule as we went in order to minimise the impact on us, which was greatly appreciated. We visited a Shinto Shrine, watched a group briefly lift and carry a movable shrine (very impressive!), then headed off to sample savoury Japanese pancakes, cooked right at your table. That was a new and exciting experience. We visited Osaka Castle - Hiro is extremely knowledgeable in the history of the castle and of Japan/Osaka. From there we made our way to a lovely and serene traditional Japanese garden and some beautiful temples. And we saw hundreds of turtles! Hiro speaks excellent English, and as mentioned is expert in Japanese history and culture. He was very kind to us, and helped us make the most of the difficult weather. We can recommend Hiro without reservation, and he will make your Osaka experience so much better. Thank you Hiro - it was a pleasure meeting you and having you guide us!
Hiroyuki T.
(115 reviews)It was very nice meeting you yesterday. Yes, it was really hot and humid. I am used to this kind of weather, but it was a little tough even for me. I was glad that we all survived. The rainy season is about to end, after this comes very hot summer. It will be tougher for me. I know I have to take care of myself, and you too take good care of yourself. Thank you very much once again.
“Translation & tour”
Hiro is a very knowledgeable, patient, flexible & kind person. It was great having him around. We were lucky to have chose him.
Hiroyuki T.
(115 reviews)It was really nice visiting Sakai with you yesterday. Knife sharpening was new to me and I found it very interesting. I am going to add this to my tours. Thank you very much. I hope you could found 1000 sharpening stones today at the Kitchen Ware Street.
