This course of Kumano Kodo is easy to access from Wakayama City and even from Osaka City. We will walk up and down Kumano Kodo Fujishiro-zaka from Fujishiro Shrine to Fujishiro Pass of altitude of 250m. Beyond Fujishiro Shrine is the holy site of Kumano, and Kumano Kodo Fujishiro-zaka is blessed with beautiful legends.
At JR Kainan Station, Wakayama Station or at your hotel in Osaka
It is said that beyond this shrine which stands at the entrance of Kumano Kodo Fujishiro-zaka is the holy site of Kumano. Stands on the premise is the First Torii Gate of Kumano. Although this is a Shintoism shrine, it also enshrines Buddhism Buddhas. I will explain why at the shrine.
Small statues of Jizo Buddha stand on this two-kilometer-long pilgrimage route for every 109 meters. Kumano pilgrims walked up this slope stopping and praying for Buddha for every 109m.
This Buddhism temple that stands at Fujishiro Pass is dedicated to Jizo Buddha who protects children and travelers, and is designated as an important cultural property.
At JR Kainan Station
guide fee
Insurance
Transportation fare, food and drinks
Extra charge 3,000JPY to meet you in Osaka
Ask for details
As this is a WALKING tour and we will walk up and down an unpaved long slope, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Tours are NOT covered by insurance.
Extra charge 3,000JPY to meet you in Osaka
I used to work for a prefectural government as a director of Cultural Heritage Management Department. I have a lot of knowledge on cultural properties and the World Heritage sites in Japan. I will give an intellectual guidance to you based on my knowledge and experience.
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.