Luxury Kumano Kodo Mountain to Sea & Ama Divers 9D8N, Guided

Served as the former Imperial capital of Japan for more than one thousand years, Kyoto remains the spiritual heart of Japan with atmospheric temples, sublime gardens, and traditional teahouses. As you stroll past the historically priceless houses survived from World War II, catch glimpses of geishas with their beautiful and intricate kimonos.

Spend the night in a beautiful traditional Japanese ryokan and getting ready for the Kumano pilgrimage journey next day.

The Kanamean Nishitomiya is one of the ryokans which have survived in the modern surroundings of downtown Kyoto owned by the fifth generation of hoteliers. The wooden architecture hosts only seven suites which lead to a little Japanese garden with seasonal flowers. As a Relais & Châteaux member, the ryokan offers Kyo Kaiseki following Japanese and Kyoto seasonal theme. You will experience the wonderful taste of Kyoto while savouring the culture, history & grace of life here.

Enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience at Kanamean Nishitomiya's on-site restaurant, which has been awarded with Michelin 1 star on seven consecutive year.

Room Style: Japanese Style

Bed Type: Futon

Bath: Private indoor/outdoor onsen

Toilet: Ensuite western style

Walk from Takijiri-oji to Takahara: Approx. 4 km (2.5 miles), 3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 430 m (1410 ft), Elevation loss: 200 m (656 ft)

Leave Kyoto by train and head to Kumano Kodo, a series of ancient pilgrimage routes, dating back to over 1,000 years, when Japan's imperial ancestors made pilgrimage trips from Kyoto. Located in the Kii Peninsula, the largest in Japan, the trails along Kumano Kodo are an incredible site for hiking.

Upon arrival to Kii-Tanabe Station, you are welcomed at tour information center next to the Kii-Tanabe station for a brief orientation on Kumano Kodo.

Catch the bus to the starting point of the pilgrimage and travel to Takahara with your guide. Takijiri-oji is a very important spot on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage route and one of the five major Oji shrines. It's the entrance to the abode of the gods and Buddhist paradises of rebirth.

Continue on a short but steep uphill walk from Takijiri to the ridge top settlement of Takahara, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Hatenashi mountain range.

The steepest part of the trail leads to Takahara Shrine, a Shinto shrine surrounded by ancient camphor trees that are about a century old. From the shrine, walk towards Takahara Village, known as "Kiri-no-Sato" (Village in the Mist) because the scenic mountain vistas are often blanketed with mist.

Tonight, find solace in the Kiri No-Sato Takahara Lodge (or other Guesthouse), a charming hillside hotel offering views of the Hatenashi mountain range. End your day with an organic meal crafted from locally sourced ingredients, embracing tranquillity for a peaceful night in this cosy retreat.

Walk from Takahara to Chikatsuyu: approx. 10 km (6 miles), 5-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 590 m (1935 ft), Elevation loss: 640 m (2099 ft)

After breakfast, meet your guide for today's hike. After about half an hour, pass by the small Takahara Pond and walk to Daimon-oji. Continue hiking up the mountain before arriving at Jujo-oji (elevation at 593m above sea level).

Climb up to the highest point around the teahouse named Uwadawa-jaya (688m above sea level). This is where the trail begins to descend, passing by Osakamoto-oji (388m above sea level) and Chikatsuyu-oji, crossing Kitano-bashi Bridge, and following the road to Nonaka-no-Shimizu, a source of potable water that also belongs to the Top 100 Famous Bodies of Water in Japan.

From Nonaka-no-Shimizu, continue trek uphill. Head towards the woods to see Tsugizakura-oji, the sub-shrine located at the top of the steep stairs leading into a thick forest of huge cedar trees that are believed to be almost a century old. Next to the entrance of Tsugizakura-oji, you'll find Toganoki-jaya, a replica of a traditional Japanese-style tea house.

Overnight in a guesthouse in the Nonaka or Chikatsuyu area.

Walk from Tsugizakura-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha: Approx. 21.5 km (13 miles), 8-11 hours walking, Elevation gain: 960 m (3,250 ft), Elevation loss: 1440 m (4,720 ft)

Walkers can also choose to do one of the shorter courses by using local buses:
Option A: Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 2-3 hours walking
Option B: Doyukawa-bashi to Kumano Hongu Taisha, Approx. 17 km (11 miles), 6-9 hours walking, Elevation gain: 770 m (2550 ft), Elevation loss: 1170 m (3850 ft). Generally, we only offer the Option B walk by default due to limited local transportation at the trail end. Full walk is only for guests with advanced fitness level and fast walking pace. If guests wish do the Option A shorter walk, please let us know at time of booking.

Today’s hike starts with a slow ascent to Kobiro-toge pass and then a relatively downward trail to Kumano Hongu Taisha.

Starting at the accommodation, follow the trail that leads to the remains of the cherry tree called Hidehira-zakura, the starting point of today's hike. Continue walking along the paved road, going up and down a number of slopes, before arriving at the area near Kumasegawa-oji.

Then trek cautiously along an unpaved trail in the forest. Arrive at Jagata-jizo, which is believed to protect the travellers from evil spirits. Cross over Yukawagawa River and follow the trail to Mikoshi-toge pass. From this point up to Funatama Shrine, the trail will begin to descend, passing by the thick forests of cedar and cypress trees and crossing over Otonashigawa River.

For the next 2 hours, walk on a series of paved and unpaved roads, mainly following a descending trail before arriving at Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three ‘Grand Shrines of Kumano', standing on a small ridge line in the north of the Hongu village. The austere pavilions are made of wood with impressive cypress bark roofs; it's architectural style dating back over 800 years.

After visiting the shrine, transfer by local bus to Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest and most crucial hot spring resorts in Japan as it used to be the place where pilgrims cleansed themselves before praying at Kumano Hongu Taisha.

Your accommodation tonight is an wonderful traditional Ryokan run for generations since the Edo era. Ryokan Adumaya features eight hot baths. The largest bath looks the same as what it used to be since Taisho era. The Samashi bath is a 100% fontal hot spring, and it has medicinal benefits at a moderate temperature. After day's walking adventure, you can relax and enjoy Japan’s oldest hot spring which has been loved by famous Japanese poet Kyoshi Takahama as well as many other literary figures.

Enjoy a relaxing soak in a Japanese bath before or after your delicious, multi-course dinner.

Kogumotori-goe walk from Ukegawa to Koguchi: Approx. 13 km (8 miles), 4.5~6 hrs hours walking, Elevation gain: 670 m (2198 ft), Elevation loss: 690 m (2264 ft)

Enjoy your breakfast and set off an early departure for a full day walk from Ukegawa to Koguchi on the Kogumotori-goe section.

After a private transfer to the remote village of Koguchi, walk to Ukegawa through the Kogumotori-goe Pass. Koguchi is a tiny settlement nestled in the valley bottom and strategically positioned as the midpoint between the Kogumotori-goe and Ogumotorie-goe sections. Enveloped by verdant mountains, Koguchi offers a tranquil haven amid nature’s lush embrace. This moderate trail is filled with numerous highlights, culminating in the breathtaking view from Hyakken-gura. From this vantage point, gaze upon the expanse of Kumano mountains, the scenery dynamically shifting with the weather. Pause to inhale the invigorating mountain air, allowing it to refresh both your mind and body, enhancing the overall experience of your journey. Walk back to accommodation and indulge your hot spring lodge, followed by another delicious dinner

Ogumotori-goe walk from Koguchi to Nachisan: Approx. 14.5 km (9 miles), 8 hours walking, Elevation gain: 1260 m (4134 ft), Elevation loss: 930 m (3050 ft)

Enjoy your breakfast and set off an early departure for a full day walk from Koguchi south to the shrine-temple complex of Nachisan. This is the Ogumotori-goe section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, considered one of the most difficult sections on the Nakahechi route. Not technically difficult but some long climbs and descents often with cobblestone lined trails, which can be slippery, especially when wet.

The trail takes you up to the Ogumotorigoe Pass with a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. You will definitely lend a sense of accomplishment to the hard journey! It then descends to Nachi-san, the location of Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano and Nachi-taki waterfall.

Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three grand shrines, located halfway up Nachi Mountain, about 350 meters above sea level. It has its religious origin in the ancient nature worship of Nachi-no-Otaki falls. Nachi Falls, 133 meters high and 13 meters wide, is the tallest waterfall in Japan. Its water source is the surrounding broad-leaf evergreen primeval forest, a sanctuary that has been protected since ancient times, used for ascetic training by mountain monks who practice Shugendo, a mixed religion of foreign and indigenous beliefs.

You’ll take a bus to Katsuura Onsen on the coast (at your own expense). You’ll then board a ferry to Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima on a private island.

Your accommodation tonight is Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima. This luxury inn is lodged in a unique location by the seaside of a private island in Katsuura. It can be accessed by a 5-minute boat ride from Kanko Sanbashi, a tourist pier on the bay. This spectacular lodge features an open-air bath opposite the bay, where you can soak yourself and relax with gorgeous views of the mountains and listen to the rhythmic sounds of waves splashing on the shores.

Dinner tonight is exceptional, featuring a Japanese Kaiseki set menu bearing seasonal seafood delights fetched from the Pacific Ocean and ready to stun your taste buds.

Today is self-guided exploration with public transportation.

Indulge in a day of discovery as you traverse the serene landscapes of Mie Prefecture, where ancient forests meet rugged cliffs and the ocean whispers its timeless secrets. Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a ferry ride to Katsuura and a scenic train journey to Toba. Known for its pristine seafood and illustrious pearl cultivation, Toba invites you to experience the epitome of luxury. Settle into your opulent retreat, Oyado The Earth, nestled in a primeval forest atop cliffs that overlook the endless Pacific. Take in the grandeur of nature from the Earth Observatory, where the celestial dance of the stars, moon, and sun unfolds before you. Complete your day with a decadent Japanese kaiseki dinner, a culinary masterpiece that mirrors the beauty of your surroundings.

Today is a private tour with a private vehicle.

Discover the serene beauty and cultural treasures awaiting at these sacred destinations. Begin your day immersed in the spiritual tranquility of Ise Shrine, a revered masterpiece of Shinto culture hidden amidst lush, ancient forests. The air hums with reverence as you stroll through nature's green cathedral, leading to the breathtaking façade of the shrine, its pristine craftsmanship reborn every 40 years as a tribute to eternal renewal. This hallowed site entices visitors with its mystique, offering glimpses of divinity reserved for those who dare to seek serenity.

A short walk away, Okage Yokocho beckons with its nostalgic charm. Meander through alleyways lined with stunning Edo and Meiji-era architecture, where history feels touchably alive. Here, the delicate flavours of Ise converge in elegantly inviting restaurants, where specialties like delicately grilled eel or silken tofu tempt the palate in ways unforgettable.

Conclude your day with a visit to the Futami Okitama Shrine, an exquisite seaside sanctuary known for the symbolic beauty of the Husband-and-Wife Rocks. Bound by sacred rope and rhythmically kissed by ocean waves, this iconic pair whispers timeless tales of unity and devotion.

Return to your luxurious haven, where the warm, mineral-rich waters of an open-air spa await, providing pure indulgence as you gaze upon the untouched artistry of the surrounding nature.

Today begins with a serene morning, perfect for savoring the coastal beauty that surrounds you. After a leisurely breakfast, immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Ama divers—extraordinary women who have shaped the history and culture of the region. For centuries, these skilled divers have braved the local waters to harvest the finest treasures of the sea, a tradition that continues even today under careful regulation. Step into the rustic hut of an Ama, where you’ll be treated to a decadent seafood feast, grilled to perfection and infused with the essence of the ocean.

Following this unforgettable culinary experience, board a scenic train that winds its way through stunning landscapes, transporting you to the vibrant cities of Osaka or Tokyo. As the tour concludes, you’ll carry with you the flavors, stories, and coastal charm of this enchanting destination—memories to savor long after your journey’s end.

Distance and journey time (approximation):
Toba Station to Tokyo Station via Nagoya: approx. 4.5 - 5 hrs
Toba Station to Osaka: 2.5hrs

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.