Private Tour
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English-speaking l tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore the Kumano Kodo!
The Kumano Kodo is an ancient network of pilgrim trails dating back more than 1000 years connecting historic shrines and temples running through the mountains of the Kii Peninsula. The most popular route, Nakahechi, along which past emperors traveled, crosses the width of the Peninsula from Tanabe town on the west coast to Shingu and Nachi-Katsuura towns on the east. Hikers of all levels can enjoy quiet mountain hamlets and onsens.
Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize an 8hour tour that's best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Meet up with guide on foot at a meeting point
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Private Vehicle
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
What To Expect
Kumano Kodo
Kumano Kodo (熊野古道, Kumano Kodō) refers to a network of pilgrimage trails through the southern Kansai region. The Kodo ("old ways") are a key part of the region's UNESCO designation, and have been in use for over 1000 years. They are the only pilgrimage routes besides the Camino de Santiago to be designated a world heritage site. The pilgrimage routes developed as a way for people to move between the sacred areas on the Kii Peninsula. At the center of this religious area are the three Kumano shrines: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha, collectively known as Kumano Sanzan. By the 12th century, the Kumano Sanzan were well known shrines in Japan, drawing pilgrims from Kyoto, Osaka and beyond. More than just a means to reach the three shrines, the pilgrimage trails were designed to be a religious experience in themselves and often pass through difficult, even dangerous, mountain terrain.
Kumano Nachi Taisha
Kumano Nachi Taisha (熊野那智大社) is one of the three Kumano shrines, situated a few kilometers inland from the coastal hot spring resort of Katsuura. The shrine is part of a large complex of neighboring religious sites that exemplify the fusion of Buddhist and Shinto influences that is particular to the Kumano region. The site also boasts the tallest waterfall in Japan. The veneration of the Kumano shrines as holy sites of Shintoism predates Buddhism's introduction to Japan in the mid 6th century. Once Buddhism arrived in Kumano it took root quickly, and rather than competing with the indigenous religion for religious authority, it began a long process of harmonious mixing. A product of this congenial relationship can be seen at Nachi Taisha. Directly beside the eminent shrine is the Buddhist temple Seigantoji. In fact, for most of their history the buildings were not even under separate control and functioned as one religious institution. The buildings of both the shrine and the temple are impressive, and among the buildings of Seigantoji there is a three-story pagoda.
Options
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This is a truly magical...
Ida F,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a truly magical day trip to take and a must visit if you’re in Japan. Our guide Kiyoko was so knowledgeable about everything in the area as well as its history and really made the excursion special for us. From the scenery , the trek itself, to the photos we took capturing the beauty of nature in Kumano Kodo, this is a priceless experience that’s absolutely worth treating yourself to while in Japan that you’ll never forget.
Wonderful guide and magical scenery and locations.
andrewgT8079NS,
May 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful, interesting and very helpful guide Hira. Our hike along the trail was tailored to our level of experience. Our guide showed us many beautiful and magical scenic locations around the Kumano Kodo trail.
Had a great time. Guide...
Sofia N,
Apr 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a great time. Guide very helpful and great at telling the history about the places we visited. And showed some local locations.
Kumano Kodo Nachi Falls Shrine Tour
mango575,
Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yoko is an awesome tour guide and so knowledgeable!! She gets our full recommendation 200 percent!!!! Yoko took us to so many amazing places in one day!!! She is always so thoughtful, thinking about everyone on the tour and if they are happy and comfortable!!
Tour guide was caring,...
Joseph S,
Oct 10, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide was caring, even showed up to make sure I got to my hotel. Arrived in time, as did i and she took me on an unforgettable long walking, body sweating, feet hurting, leg tiring hike (a good thing). I like when I'm able to try tons of walking to prove I can accomplish the task with little effort because hiking is something I do very rarely. We visited shrines, and little deity statues and the guide had knowledge on the story behind every location. She was awesome and I would happily attend more
An Absolute Pleasure
jessliona,
Aug 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kiyoko is an absolute sweetheart—so friendly, so curious, and so witty! My experience of Kumano Kodo would have felt quite dim without her company! As we walked through the serene countryside and mystical forests along the pilgrimage route, Kiyoko and I talked about anything and everything—Japanese politics, history, folklore, pop culture...you name it! So enriching, so immersive, and at times so, so funny. Would love to experience more of Kumano Kodo with Kiyoko next time—I hear Nachi is stunningly beautiful!
All three shrines and temples in one day
Zamentor,
May 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kiyoko came very well prepared. She had maps, photos, history lessons and two World Heritage Pilgrimage Passport booklets to record our visits. We had opted for an additional charge for a full day cab to transfer us between sites, and we walked as much of the trail as we could manage during the day. It was very good to have a facilitator to arrange a preview of the Kumano Kodo trail. In the future when we return for a multi-day pilgrimage, we will know first hand what to expect and where to go. Kiyoko was very familiar with the trails and gave us a great overview and history. She was a great photographer and interpreted the signage along the trail routes. Kiyoko was pleasant and upbeat and we enjoyed her company very much.
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Operated by Japan Guide Agency