Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Tour: Discover Ancient Trails and Sacred Sites with a Licensed Guide
5.0
5 Ratings
Tanabe
Embark on a Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Tour and explore ancient trails and sacred sites with a licensed guide. Discover the rich history and breathtaking views of the Kii Peninsula.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Michi-no-Eki - Kumano Kodo (紫野古道, 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.

What's Included
  • Private transportation for convenience and comfort
  • Dedicated private driver for personalized travel
  • In-vehicle air conditioning to ensure a pleasant journey
  • Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off service
  • Insightful touring with a licensed local guide
  • All parking fees included for hassle-free access
What's Not Included
  • Other personal expenses
  • Entrance fee (for yourself)
  • Lunch
Additional Information

This is the ideal pick for time-tight travelers wanting to discover lots of Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage highlights in a day. An ancient network of pilgrim trails dating back more than 1000 years connecting historic shrines and temples running through the river and deep mountains..all set to the backdrop of Kii Peninsula.

The Kumano area has been considered a sacred site since prehistoric times. There are three major shrines in Kumano. Together, they are known as the Kumano Sanzan; each enshrines one of the area’s mountains, and under the influence of Buddhism came to be worshipped as the three deities of Kumano.

Your guide and driver will fully support your Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage tour. We assure you will spend plenty of time with sacred breathtaking views.

Note*: Tour details has a possibility of change depending on the traffic conditions. Please feel free to ask us if you have any special request for your itinerary. We will do our best to meet your request.

Location
Kii-Tanabe Station
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(5 Ratings)
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Alvin_m
Mar 9, 2024
Great experience in Kumano - We did our tour with Hira. Hira did a great amount of preparation in advance and provided us with detailed plans in advance. We really appreciated his responsiveness and planning here. During the trip, he was very kind and attentive. We really enjoyed our time in Kumano.
Review provided by Viator
Mobile22510691433
Feb 26, 2024
Great views - Great day trip to see the area. Beautiful nature and structures on this tour. The guide was so sweet. Took care of us. We went to Nachi falls among other temples and shrines. Yuki Took us to lunch at a tasty place. Although it was pouring, we still saw amazing things.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dan_m
May 24, 2023
Amazing Day at Kumano Kodo - We had an incredible day with Mr Hira. He took us to amazing places we would never have found on our own. Most fun was the River bed onsen but all of the day was great. He tailored the day completely around our interest and was so incredibly kind. Just a wonderful day.
Review provided by Viator
Scottfromindiana
Apr 1, 2023
Best Way to Experience Shrines and Trail in a Single Day - My wife and I were visiting our daughter who is in Japan to teach English. The three of us made an itinerary to visit many places, temples, and shrines in Japan, and the three main shrines of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail were on our must-see list. Unfortunately, we only had one full day to accomplish this so I booked this tour even though there were no reviews for it at the time. I am so glad I did. We took the train to JR Kii-Katsuurra station and stayed at an Airbnb not far from the station. Kiyoko, our tour guide, arranged for a taxi, which is included in the price, to pick us up at our doorstep. The taxi was an SUV with a very friendly driver. They supplied both umbrellas and walking sticks. The shrines are actually some distance apart so it was so much more relaxing not to have to worry about figuring out bus schedules or routes or parking. Kiyoko was knowledgeable, spoke English, and knew exactly where to take us including a 40-minute hike on the actual trail. She timed it perfectly so we ended up at a restaurant where had a delicious lunch before resuming our adventure. If your time is limited and you want to make the most of it, I highly recommend this tour,
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 7 guests
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May 2024
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