This 9-day journey is designed for travelers who want to walk Japan’s ancient pilgrimage paths and experience the country at a slower, more reflective pace. Following the Kumano Kodo across the Kii Peninsula and finishing at Ise Jingu, the itinerary blends UNESCO World Heritage trails, sacred shrines, and restful nights in traditional inns.

Begin in Wakayama before setting out on the Nakahechi route, walking through quiet cedar forests from Takijiri-oji to Chikatsuyu and on to Kumano Hongu Taisha. Soak in the timeless waters of Tsuboyu at Yunomine Onsen, descend the Kumano-gawa River by boat, and stand before Nachi Falls beside the vermilion halls of Kumano Nachi Taisha. From there, follow the quieter Iseji route along the dramatic coastline at Onigajo and over the moss-covered stones of Magose Pass, before reaching the serene forests of Ise Jingu and a final night in vibrant Osaka.

With a dedicated English-speaking guide, luggage transfers along the trail, and carefully balanced walking days, this tour offers a comfortable and seamless way to experience one of the world’s few pilgrimage routes inscribed by UNESCO — especially ideal for travelers who want to walk with confidence, without carrying their bags or arranging the logistics themselves.

Why This Tour Stands Out

• Walk the Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage route, along both the Nakahechi and the lesser-known Iseji trails.
• Visit all three Kumano Grand Shrines as well as Ise Jingu, Japan’s most sacred shrine.
• Stay in a traditional minshuku and onsen ryokan, with kaiseki dinners and time in historic hot springs.
• A thoughtfully paced 9-day journey for travelers who want to experience spiritual Japan on foot with expert support throughout.

Tour Pricing

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.

Please note that prices may also vary during high-demand periods, including:
・March–April (spring season)
・Year-end and New Year holidays
・Obon holiday period (mid-August)
・Autumn foliage season
・Long holiday weekends

Final pricing will be confirmed based on travel dates and availability.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Wakayama

Relax at your hotel and settle in after arrival.

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Wakayama City

Day 2 | Chikatsuyu

• Begin the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Trail (approx. 10–11 km of walking)
• Walk from Takijiri-oji to Takahara
• Walk from Takahara to Chikatsuyu

Hotel: Minshuku in Chikatsuyu

Day 3 | Yunomine Onsen

• Walk from Chikatsuyu to Tsugizakura-oji (approx. 12 km of walking in total)
• Walk from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha
• Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha and Oyunohara (e.g. Japan’s largest torii gate)
• Ritual bath at Tsuboyu in Yunomine Onsen (e.g. a UNESCO-listed hot spring bath)
• Kaiseki dinner at your ryokan

Hotel: Onsen Ryokan in Yunomine Onsen

Day 4 | Kii-Katsuura

• Kumano-gawa River boat descent
• Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha
• Walk the stone-paved Daimonzaka slope (approx. 3 km of walking in total)
• Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls (e.g. Japan’s tallest single-drop waterfall)
• Sutra-copying experience
• Kaiseki dinner at your ryokan in Kii-Katsuura Onsen

Hotel: Onsen Ryokan in Katsuura Onsen

Day 5 | Kumano City

• Limited express train from Kii-Katsuura to Kumano City
• Explore the Iseji coast by private transfer
• Visit Onigajo (e.g. dramatic wind-carved sea cliffs)
• Walk the Matsumoto-toge Pass
• Visit Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine and Shishi-iwa (e.g. the Lion Rock overlooking the sea)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kumano City

Day 6 | Owase

• Local train to the Magose Pass trailhead
• Walk the Magose-toge Pass
• Optional ascent of Mt. Tengura-san (e.g. panoramic views over Owase Bay)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Owase

Day 7 | Ise

• Visit Ise Jingu Geku (Outer Shrine)
• Visit Ise Jingu Naiku (Inner Shrine)
• Explore Oharai-machi and Okage-yokocho

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Ise

Day 8 | Osaka

• Relaxing morning in Ise with views of the ocean and surrounding nature
• Limited express train from Ise to Osaka
• Free time in Osaka (e.g. Dotonbori, Osaka Castle or shopping in Shinsaibashi)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Osaka

Day 9 | Osaka

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 3 star hotels, a traditional minshuku and onsen ryokan
• Breakfast everyday
• Dinner at the minshuku and ryokan on Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4
• Public transportation
• Private transfers as specified in the itinerary
• All entry fees to sites, activities as specified

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Arrival airport transfer / 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.

This itinerary involves walking approximately 3 to 12 km per day on mountain trails with stone steps, slopes and uneven surfaces. A moderate level of fitness and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

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.