This 9-day journey is designed for travelers who want to see a different side of Japan — one shaped by sacred mountains, coastal towns, and summer festivals. Beginning in the Kumano region and ending in Kyoto, the itinerary moves at a gentle pace through local areas that most visitors never reach, while still including the timeless highlights of Kansai.
Begin in Nachikatsuura, where you’ll visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kamikura Shrine before watching the Kumano Fireworks Festival light up Shichirimihama Beach. Walk the stone-paved Daimon-zaka path of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route to Kumano Nachi Taisha and the serene Nachi Falls, then continue to Ise to stand within the sacred forest of Ise Jingu and wander the old streets of Okage Yokocho. From there, travel on to Kyoto for the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, the golden Kinkaku-ji, the vermilion gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, and a yukata stroll through Gion — with a day trip to Nara and its friendly deer along the way.
With three nights in traditional onsen ryokan, kaiseki dinners, a dedicated English-speaking guide, and a free day in the Toba and Ise area to follow your own interests, this tour offers an unhurried and comfortable way to experience rural Japan alongside its most iconic cultural sites — ideal for travelers who want to go beyond the usual route without giving up expert support.
Why This Tour Stands Out
- Experience the Kumano Fireworks Festival, one of the most spectacular summer festivals along the Kii Peninsula.
- Explore local areas rarely visited by international travelers, including the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and the Toba and Ise coast.
- Stay three nights in a traditional onsen ryokan with kaiseki dinners, then continue to Kyoto for the region’s most iconic sights.
- A perfect choice for travelers who want to discover rural Japan with the confidence of a knowledgeable guide.
Tour Period
Aug 16, 2027 – Aug 24, 2027
Tour Pricing
| Group Size | Price (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| 2 | JPY 622,000 (USD 3,888) |
| 4 | JPY 459,000 (USD 2,869) |
| 6 | JPY 413,000 (USD 2,581) |
Tour prices do not include airfare, guide tips, meals, or transportation to/from airports.
*Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 160 JPY
Group size is flexible—please contact us for details.
Final pricing will be confirmed based on travel dates and availability.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Nachikatsuura
Arrive at Kansai International Airport and transfer to the Kumano area by private van (approx. 3 hours). Relax at your hotel and settle in after arrival.
Hotel: Onsen Ryokan in Nachikatsuura
Day 2 | Nachikatsuura
- Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kamikura Shrine
- Transfer by train to Shichirimihama Beach
- Kumano Fireworks Festival at Shichirimihama Beach (*weather permitting)
Hotel: Onsen Ryokan in Nachikatsuura
Day 3 | Nachikatsuura
- Walk the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route (e.g. the stone-paved Daimon-zaka path)
- Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha and Seiganto-ji Temple
- Visit Nachi Falls
- Kaiseki dinner at the ryokan
Hotel: Onsen Ryokan in Nachikatsuura
Day 4 | Ise
- Limited express train from Nachikatsuura to Ise (approx. 3 hours)
- Visit Ise Jingu Naiku and Okage Yokocho
- Kaiseki dinner at the ryokan
Hotel: Ryokan in Toba / Ise
Day 5 | Ise
- Free day (e.g. Mikimoto Pearl Island, an Ama Hut experience, a tea ceremony and wagashi experience, or the Toba Bay nightly summer fireworks)
- Kaiseki dinner at the ryokan
Hotel: Ryokan in Toba / Ise
Day 6 | Kyoto
- Private van from Ise to Kyoto (approx. 2.5 hours)
- Explore Arashiyama Area (e.g. Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple and Togetsukyo Bridge)
- Visit Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion
Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto
Day 7 | Kyoto
- Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Explore Kiyomizu Area (e.g. Kiyomizu-dera and the Higashiyama streets)
- Yukata rental and stroll through Gion District
Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto
Day 8 | Kyoto
- Day trip to Nara by train
- Visit Nara Park (e.g. meet the free-roaming deer)
- Visit Tōdai-ji and Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- Explore Naramachi Shopping Street
Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto
Day 9 | Kyoto
Check out from your hotel and transfer to Kansai International Airport.
If you’d like to extend your stay, add experiences, or arrange hotels only without a guide, we’re happy to customize your plans.
Inclusions
- Private tour
- Dedicated English-speaking guide (Day 2 to Day 8)
- 9 days itinerary
- 8 nights accommodation in traditional ryokan and 3 star accommodation
- Breakfast everyday
- Kaiseki dinner on three nights at the ryokan
- Arrival transfer from Kansai International Airport to the Kumano area by private van
- Transportation as specified (mix of private van, taxi and train)
- All entry fees to sites, activities as specified
- Kumano Fireworks Festival viewing
- Yukata rental in Gion
Exclusions
- International airfares
- Departure airport transfer
- Visas
- Tipping
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Important Notes
If your inquiry is made within three months of your desired arrival date, the above prices may not apply. In such cases, we will provide a custom quotation based on availability and travel conditions.
The Kumano Fireworks Festival is held on a fixed date each August, so this itinerary is scheduled around the festival. The event may be postponed or cancelled due to weather conditions. Please also note that a tour guide is not arranged on Day 1 and Day 9.
Tell Us More, and We’ll Find the Best Plan for You
Interested in this 9-day package? Contact us anytime to begin planning your trip.
If you would like to extend your stay or add more experiences, we can arrange additional days, activities, or accommodations upon request.
We also offer fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and travel style. To learn more, check out Tailor-Made Tour by ENJYU JAPAN.
