6 DAYS ANCIENT KUMANO KODO TRAIL

Arrival in Osaka

Upon arrival at Oaka’s Kansai International Airport, you would be met and transferred ~2 hours to Mount Koya.

Visit Danjo Garan & Kongobuji Temple

Discover Mount Koya, the centre of Shingon Buddhism and one of the most important religious sites in all of Japan. Explore Koyasan’s Danjo Garan temple complex, the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism, before continuing to the Kongobuji Temple, the head monastery of the Buddhist sect.

If you’d like, you may embark on a traditional rickshaw tour of Mount Koya at additional cost. Hosted by Ryochi Takai, a native of Koyasan who speaks fluent English, discover the charms of Koyasan at a leisurely pace.

Protection Prayer Experience at Rengejo-in Temple (Private Basis)

In the morning, partake in a protection prayer experience at Rengejo-in temple of the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist sect at additional cost. Held at ~10am, this is a unique opportunity to experience key practices in Buddhist spiritual training.

Embark on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail

From Mount Koya, drive ~2½ hours to the start of the Nakahechi Route to begin your hike of the Kumano Kodo trail. Nakahechi is the main route that links the three Grand Shrines of Kumano and has a history of over 1,000 years. Hike from Chikatsuyu Oji to Tsugizakur Oji (Distance: 4.2km; Time taken: ~2 hours), following in the footsteps of emperors and nobles who walked the same path from Kyoto in the past.

The Kumano Kodo is one of two pilgrimage trails you can collect stamps as you trek, the other being the Camino de Santiago in Spain, after which you’ll be awarded the title of “Dual Pilgrim”.

Drive to Kawayu Onsen Area

Finishing the hike at Tsugizaka Oji, we drive ~40 minutes to the Kawayu Onsen area to rest.

Kohechi Route: Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha

Today, we begin our hike from Hosshinmon-Oji to the Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine (Distance: ~7.5km; Time taken: ~3½ hours). Hosshinmon Gate is known as the “gate of awakening of the aspiration to enlightenment” and marks the outermost entrance to Kumano Hongu Taisha’s sacred precincts. Look out for intricate folk-art word carvings, terraced fields, and tea plantations. In autumn, the forest turns a beautiful warm orange and deep red.

Dorokyo Gorge River Boat Cruise (Shared Basis)

In the afternoon, head to Dorokyo Gorge, where we enjoy a scenic ~40-minute river boat cruise down the gorge and Kitayama River. Part of the vast Yoshino-Kumano National Park, the gorge features 31 km of jagged ravines and steep cliffs above crystalline emerald waters. Thereafter, drive ~40 minutes back to Kawayu Onsen.

Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha

In the morning, drive ~50 minutes to Shingu city to visit the Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine. Located at the mouth of the mighty Kumano-gawa River, the nature in and around the shrine is an important part of its sacred precincts, and you can visit an 800-year-old Nagi-no-Ki tree on its grounds.

Hike from Daimon-zaka to Nachi waterfall & Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha

Thereafter, drive from Kumano Hayatama Taisha to the Daimon-zaka slope, where we begin our hike to the Nachi waterfall (Distance: ~2.2km; Time taken: ~3½ hours).

Lined with centuries-old Japanese cedars, cypress, and bamboo groves, the Daimon-zaka path is an excellent way to explore the pilgrimage route, and you may even rent Heian period kimonos nearby for memorial photos. Arriving at Nachi waterfall, marvel at the iconic bright red Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Nachi Seiganto-ji Temple. Continue ~20 minutes to Nachikatsuura to rest for the night.

Visit Ise Grand Shrine

Drive ~3 hours to the Ise Grand Shrine, also known as the Ise Jingu Shrine. Regarded as one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, the impressive complex is believed to be the “Soul of Japan”. It comprises 125 Shinto shrines centred around two main temples, dedicated to the solar goddess Amaterasu and goddess of food, housing, and clothing Toyo’uke.

Explore Okage Yokocho town

Continue to Okage Yokocho, a vibrant town near Ise Jingu lined with traditional buildings that date back to the Edo and Meiji period. Find traditional Japanese confections, restaurants, and souvenir shops with handicrafts unique to Ise-shima.

Visit Futami Okitama Shrine

After breakfast, drive ~1 hour to the Futami Okitama Jinja Shrine (wedded rocks), famous for a pair of large and small rocks side by side in the ocean. You may opt for a delicious seafood lunch at the popular Ama-goya restaurant for a taste of the signature Ise Lobster. (At your own expense, reservation recommended).

Transfer: Hotel to Airport

Transfer ~3½ hours to Osaka’s Kansai International Airport or ~3 hours to Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport for your flight home.