6 DAYS ANCIENT KUMANO KODO TRAIL
Mt. Koya, Kumano Kodo & Ise
Outdoor & Adventure, Off the Beaten
The Kumano Kodo Trail has for more than a thousand years been walked by Japanese pilgrim from all walks of life.
We have carefully selected the most beautiful sections of the trail where you will indulge in Japanese culture and tradition, understand the Sacred Shinto religion and enjoy some of the loveliest sceneries. Experience a stay in Mt. Koya temple lodging and conclude with a glimpse of the outstanding costal retreat at Ise Peninsula.
Arriving in Osaka, we drive 70km/1.5h to Mt. Koya, the centre of Shingon Buddhism at a forest-clad slopes. Visit Danjo Garan and Kongobuji Temples followed by overnight at a quaint temple lodge with vegetarian food.
Start with an enchanting morning prayer ritual with local monks reciting Rishu Kyo sutra. Descend 120km/2h to the starting point of the Kumano Kodo’s Nakaheichi route. Hike from Chikatsuyu-oji to Tsugizakura-oji (4.2km/2h) following a mountain trail passing Takahara and Chikatsuyu villages. A further 20km/1.5h drive brings us to Kawayu hot spring area.
Today, we follow Kumano Kodo’s Kohechi route from Hosshinmon Gate to Kumano Hongu Grand Shine (7.5km/3h). This area is known for its bright green spring trees which turn deep red in autumn. Walk through a small village into the precincts of Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine. This afternoon, we enjoy an adrenaline-filled water jet riding in Dorokyo Gorge, designated as one of Japan’s special monuments of scenic beauty blessed with steep cliffs, emerald waters and unique rock formations.
Set off 30km/0.5h to Shigu to visit Hayatama Taisha Shrine, one of Kumano’s three most important shrines. Continue into Kumano Kodo’s Nachi Taisha route (1.5km/1.5h) from Daimon-zaka slope lined with centuries-old camphor tress and bamboo groves. From the valley base, we head to Nachi waterfall where we find the bright red Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine next to the tranquil Seiganto-ji Temple. Thereafter, we drive 10km/0.5h to the coastal town of Nachikatsuura
Drive 150km/2.5h to Ise. Visit Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines and designated as a National Treasure. Continue to Okage Tokocho Street where its Ise Tsumairi-styled buildings meet Western-styled Kuwanashi buildings. Enjoy leisure afternoon time at hotel to enjoy the beautiful view.
Visit Futami Okitama Shrine, a couple rock side by side in the sea. After delicious seafood lunch at the popular Ama-goya restaurant with its signature Ise Lobster (own expense, reservation recommended).
Thereafter, depending on flight times, we transfer 220km/3h to Osaka’s Kansai International Airport or 179km/2.5h to Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport for your flight home.
Ekoin Temple Mt Koya • Kawayu-Onsen Midoriya • Hotel Urashima Nachikatsuura • Toba Grand Hotel Ise
Mt. Koya
Located in the peaceful Mt. Koya area, this modest quaint temple lodging serves vegetarian food.
(Refurbished: 2018; Rooms: 10)
Kawayu
Located in a river valley considered as home of the gods since ancient times, this onsen hotel features classical Japanese-styled rooms and open-air bath located on the river bed.
(Refurbished: 2008; Rooms: 60)
Nachikatsuura
Standing right on the coast, this hotel features six different types of complimentary hot spring baths, the most impressive of which is the natural cave open-air bath with views of the Pacific Ocean.(Refurbished: 2015; Rooms:731)
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Ise
Perched on a hill overlooking the quiet Obama Bay in Toba, this hotel boasts magnificent ocean views from the lobby and guest rooms. Japanese cuisine and buffet meals feature fresh, locally sourced seafood. Guests can relax in the large communal baths or the open-air hot springs while enjoying views of the Toba Bay
(Opened: 2018; Rooms: 87)
Ekoin Temple Mt Koya • Kawayu-Onsen Fujiya • Hotel Nakanoshima Nachikatsuura • Oyado The Earth Hotel Ise
Mt. Koya
Located in the peaceful Mt. Koya area, this modest quaint temple lodging serves vegetarian food.
(Refurbished: 2018; Rooms: 10)
Kawayu
Boasting hot spring baths and river views, Kawayu Onsen Fujiya is a historic onsen situated near the Kumano pilgrimage route. Sophisticated Japanese multi-course meals are served here.
(Refurbished: 2008; Rooms: 31)
Nachikatsuura
Surrounded by the graceful ocean with emerald-green hue, this hotel offers spacious Japanese-styled rooms with ocean views. Guests can soak in the outdoor hot spring baths.
(Refurbished: 2008; Rooms: 139)
Ise
Seated on Ise-Shima National Park with 178,512sqm space, this boutique hotel only welcomes guests above 12 years old. An ideal base to visit Ise-jingu shrine, natural hot spring directly flows into the open-air bath in each room. (Refurbished: 2011; Rooms: 16)
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Upgrade Cat. 2 hotel in Ise to
A rustic ryokan-inspired retreat on the shores of Ago Bay where Japan’s ancient hospitality finds its contemporary expression and rejuvenative wellness experiences.
(Opened: 2016; Rooms: 24)
Kindly call us at (65) 6219 1359 if you require any immediate assistance.
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