World Heritage Kumano Kodo Hiking & Culture Immersion 3‑Day Tour（Including tour guide）

Recommended by 97% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Kumano Kodo

+6

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3 days / 2 nights

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Max People :4–8 pax

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Pickup: Hotel

This private charter-car operates from 4 guests and up to 8 guests (Osaka hotel pick-up & drop-off).

At least one reachable phone number is required for each participating group.

Confirmation: We will send you final confirmation and guide & driver details 24-48 hours before departure.

Cancellation Policies：Free cancellation ≥14 days; 30% charge for 7–13 days; 50% charge for 3-6 days; 100% charge ≤3 days.

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary Details

Important Information

Overview

Step into Japan’s ancient spiritual heart on a 3-day journey through the sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. This itinerary offers a perfect balance of gentle hiking, cultural depth, and natural beauty — covering all three Kumano Grand Shrines: Hongu, Nachi, and Hayatama. Wander along moss-covered paths like Hoshinmon-oji and Daimonzaka, admire the spectacular Nachi Falls, and cruise the historic Kumano-gawa River once used by pilgrims. Along the way, relax in Yunomine Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring villages, and stay in comfortable local accommodations. With a private vehicle and English-speaking guide, this tour concentrates tradition, culture, and scenic landscapes in a 3-day retreat for you.

Our highlights are

Key highlights

World Heritage Pilgrimage – Walk along the sacred Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage trail steeped in history and spirituality.

Historic Onsen Stay – Relax at a traditional ryokan in Yunomine Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot spring villages.

Kumano Sanzan Shrines – Visit the revered three Kumano grand shrines: Hongu, Nachi, and Hayatama Taisha.

Kumano River Boat Ride – Experience a traditional river journey along the peaceful Kumano River, once used by ancient pilgrims.

Nature & Culture Fusion – Immerse yourself in the perfect blend of deep forests, sacred sites, and timeless Japanese culture.

What's Included

English-speaking guide

Charter vehicle for 3 days

Accommodation

Admissions (Kumano River Boat, Nachi Falls Observatory)

Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off within Osaka/Kyoto City

Meals (Day 1 Dinner, Day 2 Breakfast, Day 3 Breakfast)

Meals (All lunches, Day 2 Dinner)

Any personal expenses or tips

Travel insurance or accident insurance

Itinerary Details

Day 1

Journey into the Sacred Mountains

Private Transportation

Hiking

Accommodation (local onsen inn)

Dinner at hotel

<em>07:30</em> Depart from Osaka hotel (private car charter pick-up) *There are gentle stairs and stone paths, proper footwear is recommended.

07:30 Depart from Osaka hotel (private car charter pick-up) *There are gentle stairs and stone paths, proper footwear is recommended.

<em>07:30–10:00</em> Transfer to Tanize Suspension Bridge (Approx. 2.5h)

07:30–10:00 Transfer to Tanize Suspension Bridge (Approx. 2.5h)

<em>10:00–10:30</em> Visit Tanize Suspension Bridge

10:00–10:30 Visit Tanize Suspension Bridge

<em>10:30-13:00</em> Transfer to Kumano Hongu Taisha (Approx. 1.5h), 【Lunch】on your own during the way

10:30-13:00 Transfer to Kumano Hongu Taisha (Approx. 1.5h), 【Lunch】on your own during the way

<em>13:00–14:00</em> Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha

13:00–14:00 Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha

<em>14:00–14:30</em> Transfer to the starting point of Kumano Kodo Hiking Trail (Hoshinmon-oji)

14:00–14:30 Transfer to the starting point of Kumano Kodo Hiking Trail (Hoshinmon-oji)

<em>14:30-17:30</em> Kumano Kodo Hiking (Hoshinmon-oji—Oyunohara 7.5km, 3h)

14:30-17:30 Kumano Kodo Hiking (Hoshinmon-oji—Oyunohara 7.5km, 3h)

<em>17:45</em> Arrive & check-in at a local Yunomine Onsen Inn

17:45 Arrive & check-in at a local Yunomine Onsen Inn

Day 2

Spiritual Pilgrimage to Nachi Falls

Private Transportation

Hiking

Accommodation (local business hotel)

Breakfast at hotel

<em>09:00</em> Depart from Yunomine Onsen Inn

09:00 Depart from Yunomine Onsen Inn

<em>09:00–10:30</em> Transfer to Daimonzaka (Approx. 1.5h)

09:00–10:30 Transfer to Daimonzaka (Approx. 1.5h)

<em>10:30–12:30</em> Kumano Kodo Hiking (Daimonzaka—Nachi Taisha, 2h)

10:30–12:30 Kumano Kodo Hiking (Daimonzaka—Nachi Taisha, 2h)

<em>12:30-13:30</em> 【Lunch】Lunch on your own

12:30-13:30 【Lunch】Lunch on your own

<em>13:30–15:30</em> Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, Nachi Falls

13:30–15:30 Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, Nachi Falls

<em>17:00</em> Arrive & check-in at Business Hotel in Shingu City

17:00 Arrive & check-in at Business Hotel in Shingu City

Day 3

River Journey & Historic Shrines

Private Transportation

River Boat

Admission included

Breakfast at hotel

<em>08:40</em> Depart from hotel in Shingu City

08:40 Depart from hotel in Shingu City

<em>08:40–09:20</em> Transfer to Kumano River Boat Center

08:40–09:20 Transfer to Kumano River Boat Center

<em>10:00–11:30</em> Board the boat and float down the Kumano River (Approx. 90min) *Kumano River Boat requires reservation; subject to the time of your booking or weather condition, the reservation is not guaranteed. Shingu Castle Park will be substituted.

10:00–11:30 Board the boat and float down the Kumano River (Approx. 90min) *Kumano River Boat requires reservation; subject to the time of your booking or weather condition, the reservation is not guaranteed. Shingu Castle Park will be substituted.

<em>11:30-12:00</em> Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha

11:30-12:00 Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha

<em>12:00–13:00</em> 【Lunch】Lunch on your own

12:00–13:00 【Lunch】Lunch on your own

<em>13:00-13:30</em> Pick & visit one of the Kamikura Shrine or Shingu Castle Park

13:00-13:30 Pick & visit one of the Kamikura Shrine or Shingu Castle Park

<em>14:30-17:00</em> Drive back to Osaka (Approx. 4.5h)

14:30-17:00 Drive back to Osaka (Approx. 4.5h)

Important Information

Pickup/Drop-off: Tokyo City/Osaka City/Kyoto City hotels only. If your hotel is outside the area, please contact us in advance.

Please be ready 10 minutes before pickup time. The vehicle cannot wait for late arrivals.

Traffic on weekends/holidays may affect timing. The itinerary order and stay time may be adjusted for safety and road conditions.

Child safety seat: required for children aged 6 and under (please bring your own or contact us for assistance).

Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase your own insurance in advance.

If your group does not meet minimum participants, you may enjoy the tour with other guests or the tour may be cancelled.

Japan Local Journeys OMAKASE Course

3-day Kumano Kodo tour from Osaka/Kyoto — Kumano Kodo hiking, Kumano three grand shrines, and local onsen stay providing combination of nature and culture experience.

Go to order

World Heritage Kumano Kodo Hiking & Culture Immersion 3‑Day Tour（Including tour guide）

Price:

$1,073.00

/ Person

Japan Local Journeys OMAKASE Course

3-day Kumano Kodo tour from Osaka/Kyoto — Kumano Kodo hiking, Kumano three grand shrines, and local onsen stay providing combination of nature and culture experience.

Go to order

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FAQs

Q1. Are all tours guided by an English-speaking guide?

A: Not all.
At Japan Local Journeys, some tours are guided by professional English-speaking guides, while others are operated as driver-only private transfers.

Our driver-only tours are designed for travelers who prefer privacy and flexibility — you’ll have a private car and driver, while our operation team provides real-time English assistance via WhatsApp.
Please check each product page to see whether an English-speaking guide is included.

Q2. What is a “driver-only private tour”?

Q3. Can the driver speak English?

Q4. Can I add an English-speaking guide to a driver-only tour?

Q5. What type of travelers choose driver-only tours?