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.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Kii Tanabe station Take JR Express train Kuroshio No3 which arrives at Kii Tanabe at 11:21. I will be on the same train.
- At the ticketing gate
DAY1 Kumano Hongu Taisha
This Shinto shrine enshrines the spirits of wood and water and is the first destination of the Kumano Pilgrimage
Kumano is also said to be a sacred site for resurrection, a lot of people have come to this shrine to pray for rebirth. Here, you can even ask for a special prayer (some donation required).
Kumano Hongu Taisha former site Oyunohara
This is the sacred place where the Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine stood until it was swept away by a flood in the 19th century.
A sacred atmosphere surrounded by rivers and forests envelops you.
Kumano Hongu World Heritage Center
We will learn about the UNSECO World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and the Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" at this educational facility.
Kawayu Hot Spring Resort "Midoriya"
We will stay overnight at Kawayu Hot Spring Resort Midoriya. This hotel features hot springs on a beautiful and quiet river bed.
Day 2 Kumano Kodo between Hosshinnmon Oji and Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine
We will start pilgrimage at 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 head to Kumano Hongu Shrine for another three hours. It is the 7km long final part of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route.
Ending Point
JR Kii Tanabe station
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee
Insurance
Food and beverages
Transportation
Accommodation
Ask for details
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.
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, Kyoto, Osaka and other places as I was 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.
If you need a good guide in the Tokyo area, I have a friend on GoWithGuide I can recommend you!
Joann T.
“This was a unique and very memorable tour.”
This tour was just amazing and I highly recommend Hiroyuki-san as a guide. Based on what information I had, Hiroyuki-san was able to track down my relatives. He then contacted them in a tactful and professional manner to see if they were interested in meeting me. They were, so he arranged for us to meet, handling numerous back-and-forth messages between me and the relatives beforehand. On the tour day he went with me to countryside, where my relatives are located. I had the opportunity to do a cemetery visit, and then spent some time chatting with my newfound family members. Hiroyuki-san patiently served as translator as my relatives and I learned about each other. He also helped to draw out a family tree for me. It was a very pleasant meeting. I never thought I would have the opportunity to meet any of my relatives in Japan, so it was an incredible experience that I will remember forever. Thank you so much, Hiroyuki-san!
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Hiroyuki T.
You were happy. The T family was happy. I-san was happy. Obasan was happy. Your ancestors at the graves were happy Everybody was happy. I did a good job, I am happy!
Alison B.
“Very informative”
Despite the pouring rain, we had a wonderful day and learned so much about Buddhism and Shintoism from Hiroyuki san. Thank you so much!
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Hiroyuki T.
Despite the rain, we had a wonderful time in Kyoto. Rain makes Kyoto more beautiful. I am glad you liked Kyoto, Eat Tohu next time!
Bruce C.
“Kyoto excellent guide”
We had an amazing day exploring Kyoto with Hiroyuki! He was incredibly patient and kind with our group of six, making sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying the experience. Hiroyuki took us to all the places we wanted to see and never made us feel rushed. He shared interesting insights about each location and made the day feel relaxed and enjoyable. It was the perfect balance of sightseeing and learning. If you’re visiting Kyoto and want a knowledgeable, friendly, and considerate guide, we highly recommend Hiroyuki. He truly made our trip special!
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Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind message, I also spent a pleasant day in Kyoto. I am very glad to see you liked Zen vegetarian lunch except Tohu. I will take to a Zen Tohu restaurant next time you come to Kyoto!
$781/ per group
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