Take on a defining journey through time in Aman Tokyo, a five-star luxury hotel perched atop the imposing Otemachi Tower in the prestigious financial district of Otamechi. This resort spans a fine yarn revealing the complex and intelligent architecture of the Japanese minimalist setting and encompassing wonders in all its glory. Relax and unwind in generously spaced rooms bedaubed with simplistic and affluent settings. Admire views of the city complex architecture as they come to life from above with iconic landmarks including the Imperial Palace Garden, the skyscrapers of Shinjuku, Mt Fuji on the horizon, and beyond, on sight from your room. Aman Tokyo’s rich culinary heritage is a true wonder to uncover. Fine dine here like nowhere else with thoughtfully curated meals offering a wide range of culinary immersion spanning across the simplicity of Italian cuisine, the exquisiteness of Japanese Edomae tradition to the artful creation of French pastry masterpieces. At Aman Tokyo, the experience is never complete without a soothing treatment at the luxury Aman Spa sprawling lights and intense spirit. A stay here, is your gateway for easy access to all points of interest in the city including Senso-ji Temple and the renowned Ginza shopping district.

* The accommodation rating and pricing is a guide only, reviewed by Onlyluxe Travel Experts. Please note that pricing can change at any time. Please contact us for exact pricing and more information.

Route: Kyoto - Kumano Kodo - Ise Shima - Osaka

Step into a world of exquisite tranquillity and ancient mysticism as you embark on a luxurious pilgrimage along the legendary Kumano Kodo. This tailored pilgrimage takes you from the spiritual heart of Kyoto to the stunning shores of the Pacific, immersing you in Japan's sacred heritage and breathtaking traditions. Trek the Kumano Kodo, the only UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage route alongside Spain’s Camino de Santiago. Discover the fascinating culture of Ama diving, explore the mountainous Kii Peninsula with its rich pilgrimage history, soak in isolated hot springs, and experience the warmth of countryside hospitality. To elevate your journey, indulge in an unforgettable culinary experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Kyoto. This tailored adventure seamlessly blends tradition, nature, and luxury for an unparalleled experience.

Your adventure begins with an opulent stay in a luxury Ryokan, a member of Relais & Châteaux, where you will savour a Michelin-starred culinary experience that sets the tone for the refinement that lies ahead. Departing from Kyoto Station, aboard the Limited Express Kuroshio train, glide along the scenic landscapes of the Kansai region, where verdant hills and glimpses of the shimmering ocean impart a sense of tranquility. Within approximately three hours, you’ll arrive in Kii-Tanabe, the perfect entry point to the revered Kumano Kodo trail. For an extra touch of refinement, consider upgrading to the Green Car class, ensuring a luxurious and restful beginning to your unforgettable trek.

The Kumano Kodo, once reserved for emperors and samurai warriors, now welcome discerning travellers seeking inspiration, connection, and serenity. As you traverse this ancient path, the carefully marked trails guide you through the mountainous Kii Peninsula, where verdant forests meet tranquil villages. Each step transports you closer to Japan’s spiritual core, offering a perfect balance of challenge and reward. Whether it’s the scenic vista at Hyakken-gura along the moderate Kogumotori-goe pass or the captivating endurance of the Ogumotori-goe trail’s ascents and descents, each moment is steeped in awe and wonder.

This indulgent pilgrimage presents the opportunity to visit two of the revered Kumano Grand Shrines, Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha. These sacred sites encapsulate the tranquillity and reverence that have made the Kumano region a beacon for spiritual seekers for over 1,200 years.

Experience the essence of Japanese hospitality with our hand-picked accommodations along the journey. Stay at Kanamean Nishitomiya in Kyoto, a sophisticated Ryokan that blends timeless elegance with the heart of Japanese hospitality. Unwine at Fujiya Ryokan in Kawayu Onsen or Ryokan Adumaya in Yunomine Onsen, where centuries-old traditions from the Edo era meet the charm of a historic hot spring village. Bask in tranquility at Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima, an exclusive private island retreat surrounded by nature, featuring soothing hot springs and serene views. Conclude your journey at Oyado The Earth, a stunning cliffside Ryokan overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where the sound of waves provides the ultimate backdrop for relaxation. Each stay offers a unique blend of culture, comfort, and rejuvenation.

Throughout the pilgrimage, savour authentic local cuisine prepared with care and passion, offering a sensory exploration of the region. Each meal becomes a highlight, showcasing the flavours and traditions of Kumano’s culinary heritage.

With every detail thoughtfully handled, you’ll enjoy pack-free walk. Your luggage will be seamlessly transported to each destination, leaving you free to carry only a day pack as you explore. Round-trip train tickets and trail transfers are included to ensure seamless transitions along your route.

The Kumano Kodo luxury pilgrimage is not just a walk—it is a curated gateway to Japan’s soul. This is an experience that marries the ancient with the exclusive, the spiritual with the indulgent. Return from this enriching voyage invigorated, inspired, and forever connected to Kumano’s natural beauty and rich history. Elevate your discovery. A once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage awaits.

Kumano Kodo walk can be customised to suit your requirements, e.g. changing guided to self guided.

Orientation for Kumano Kodo Walk

The local staff will give you an orientation of the tour when you arrive at Kii-Tanabe station. The staff will supply you with maps, bus timetables and brief you on your itinerary. The staff will explain cultural elements such as how to use a bath and purchase bus tickets if need be as well as answer any last minute questions.

Dual Pilgrim

This walk is qualified for "Dual Pilgrim". We provide official Dual Pilgrim Credential - a type of passport for pilgrims. It is used to collect stamps along the trail as a record of the walk. There are two sides, one for the Kumano Kodo and one for the Way of St. James.Please read the details in the section of Dual Pilgrim at the bottom of this page.

Why Choose Us

- We provide official English map (the best map).

- We provide official Dual Pilgrim Credential.

- We offer a pre-walk briefing at our local representative’s office.We arrange daily luggage transfer. Your luggage will be transferred to the next accommodation. You only need to carry a daypack for the walk.

Dates or itinerary don't fit?  We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.

This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points. 

Relish a memorably remarkable sabbatical sojourn in one of Nippon’s glamorous hot springs ensconced in the town of Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. Roosted about 90 km southwest of Tokyo, the Hoshino Resort Kai Hakone is a sanctum graciously muddling time-transcending designs, expressed in intricately fashioned, historical crafts, and the contemporary with satisfactory awe. The resort, enveloped by a superfluity of diverse plant species creating an exuberant forest, is balkanized into 32 guest rooms bestowed with the most recent of furnishings, with interior décors, albeit culturally featuring Hakone parquetry. All rooms provide mind-capturing river views and are equipped with therapeutic, body-rejuvenating, lined-with-ancient-hinoki-cypress, thermal baths sustained by a 1,200- year-old onsen. Dine intrepidly consuming body-nourishing kaiseki delicacies from breakfast to dinner. Revisit history at this sanctuary as you learn about the intriguing, cultural wonder of Hakone parquetry. Get pleasantly pampered with therapeutic massages by nationally certified staff at the spa. With the resort as a base, venture into the environs discovering new fascinations at local attractions such as the Hakone Shrine, Lake Ashi, the much-acclaimed, iconic Mount Fuji and so much more than your imagination beckoned.

* The accommodation rating and pricing is a guide only, reviewed by Onlyluxe Travel Experts. Please note that pricing can change at any time. Please contact us for exact pricing and more information.