3 DAYS
KUMANO KODO & NAKABEJI
Highlights | Sample Itinerary
Highlights
3 DAYS
KUMANO KODO & NAKABEJI
Immerse yourself in Wakayama's spiritual heart with this 3-day adventure. Soak in the natural beauty of Hongu Onsenkyo. Later, embark on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, trekking through ancient cedars and visiting Kumano Hongu Taisha, a UNESCO-listed shrine. Scaling the majestic Daimon-zaka steps to Nachi-no-Otaki, Japan's tallest waterfall. Witness the harmonious blend of temple architecture and cascading waters at Seigantoji Temple, savoring the spiritual essence of this captivating region.
Sample Itinerary
*** It's recommended to make reservations far ahead of your arrival date due to the limited number of hotels and rooms.
DAY 1: HONGU ONSEN-KYO ARRIVAL
Today you will embark on the JR Shinkansen to arrive at Kii-Tanabe Station. Then, transfer to the bus to travel to the Honmiya area of Hongu Onsenkyo. The Hongu Onsen-kyo area is made up of three hot spring hamlets: Yunomine Onsen, Kawayu Onsen, and Wataze Onsen. The journey will take around two hours. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and prepare for your Kumano Kodo hiking tomorrow.
DAY 2: KUMANO KODO PILGRIMAGE
Today, let's wake up for a hearty breakfast before heading to the closest bus stop of your stay-in accommodation to travel to Prince Shinshinmon for hiking.
Upon arrival, start hiking from Prince Shinshinmon. Located in Hongu-cho, Prince Shinshinmon is said to have renewed the spirit of worship. Continue walking to Kumano Hongu Taisha, which is said to be originally located at Oyunohara, a sandbank at the confluence of the Kumano and Otonashi Rivers. Legend has it that the Kumano deities, in the form of three moons, descended into the branches of a giant oak tree in this clearing. All of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes lead to this sacred site. Later on, reaching Daisaihara, a large tent was set up at a location about 700 meters away from the main shrine of Kumano Hongu Taisha. Kumano Hongu Taisha was there until it was washed away by the flood in 1902.
After the long hike, walk to the Kii-Katsuura Station for your bus to Katsuura for an overnight stay.
DAY 3: KUMANO KODO PILGRIMAGE - DEPARTURE
After breakfast, make your way to the Kii-Katsuura Station for the bus to Daimon-zaka, an impressive cobblestone staircase slope that runs from the base of the valley to Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, and Nachi waterfall. It is lined with centuries-old Japanese cedars (cryptomeria), cypresses, camphor trees, and bamboo groves. Daimon-zaka means “large gate slope” referring to a gate that once stood nearby. Follow the pilgrimage route to Kumano Nachi Taisha, a Shinto shrine located halfway up Nachi Mountain with religious origin in the ancient nature worship of Nachi-no-Otaki. Visit Seigantoji Temple, the brilliant red three-story pagoda of Seigantoji Temple is a striking example of a man-made structure in synergy with the natural environment. Enjoy the beauty of the evergreen primeval forest with an awe-inspiring 133-meter drop of Nachi Falls before reaching your bus station close by for your bus back to Kii-Katsuura Station. Upon arrival, take your JR Shinkansen from Kii-Katsuura Station to reach your destination. The tour ends here.
DAY 1: HONGU ONSEN-KYO ARRIVAL
Today you will embark on the JR Shinkansen to arrive at Kii-Tanabe Station. Then, transfer to the bus to travel to the Honmiya area of Hongu Onsenkyo. The Hongu Onsen-kyo area is made up of three hot spring hamlets: Yunomine Onsen, Kawayu Onsen, and Wataze Onsen. The journey will take around two hours. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and prepare for your Kumano Kodo hiking tomorrow.
DAY 2: KUMANO KODO PILGRIMAGE
Today, let's wake up for a hearty breakfast before heading to the closest bus stop of your stay-in accommodation to travel to Prince Shinshinmon for hiking.
Upon arrival, start hiking from Prince Shinshinmon. Located in Hongu-cho, Prince Shinshinmon is said to have renewed the spirit of worship. Continue walking to Kumano Hongu Taisha, which is said to be originally located at Oyunohara, a sandbank at the confluence of the Kumano and Otonashi Rivers. Legend has it that the Kumano deities, in the form of three moons, descended into the branches of a giant oak tree in this clearing. All of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes lead to this sacred site. Later on, reaching Daisaihara, a large tent was set up at a location about 700 meters away from the main shrine of Kumano Hongu Taisha. Kumano Hongu Taisha was there until it was washed away by the flood in 1902.
After the long hike, walk to the Kii-Katsuura Station for your bus to Katsuura for an overnight stay.
DAY 3: KUMANO KODO PILGRIMAGE - DEPARTURE
After breakfast, make your way to the Kii-Katsuura Station for the bus to Daimon-zaka, an impressive cobblestone staircase slope that runs from the base of the valley to Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, and Nachi waterfall. It is lined with centuries-old Japanese cedars (cryptomeria), cypresses, camphor trees, and bamboo groves. Daimon-zaka means “large gate slope” referring to a gate that once stood nearby. Follow the pilgrimage route to Kumano Nachi Taisha, a Shinto shrine located halfway up Nachi Mountain with religious origin in the ancient nature worship of Nachi-no-Otaki. Visit Seigantoji Temple, the brilliant red three-story pagoda of Seigantoji Temple is a striking example of a man-made structure in synergy with the natural environment. Enjoy the beauty of the evergreen primeval forest with an awe-inspiring 133-meter drop of Nachi Falls before reaching your bus station close by for your bus back to Kii-Katsuura Station. Upon arrival, take your JR Shinkansen from Kii-Katsuura Station to reach your destination. The tour ends here.
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