World Heritage Kumano Kodo Hiking & Culture Immersion 3‑Day Tour（Including tour guide）
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Kumano Kodo
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3 days / 2 nights
Max People :4–8 pax
Pickup: Hotel
+6
3 days / 2 nights
Max People :4–8 pax
Pickup: Hotel
You are welcomed to book the tour from 1 participant. The minimum number of participants for this tour to operate is 4.
After your reservation is submitted, our tour operator will contact you as soon as possible to confirm tour availability, regardless of any automated confirmation email you may receive.
For safety and communication purposes during the trip, a reachable phone number is required for each participating group.
Cancellation Policies：Free cancellation ≥14 days; 30% charge for 7–13 days; 50% charge for 3-6 days; 100% charge ≤3 days.
For individual special needs, we will do our best to accommodate; but it is not guaranteed. After your booking being confirmed, please contact us for further details.
Child age 6 and under requires to use the car seat during the trip. We recommend to bring your own car seat/booster. Please contact us if you need help.
Overview
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
07:30 Depart from Osaka hotel (private car charter pick-up) *There are gentle stairs and stone paths, proper footwear is recommended.
07:30–10:00 Transfer to Tanize Suspension Bridge (Approx. 2.5h)
10:00–10:30 Visit Tanize Suspension Bridge
10:30-13:00 Transfer to Kumano Hongu Taisha (Approx. 1.5h), 【Lunch】on your own during the way
13:00–14:00 Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha
14:00–14:30 Transfer to the starting point of Kumano Kodo Hiking Trail (Hoshinmon-oji)
14:30-17:30 Kumano Kodo Hiking (Hoshinmon-oji—Oyunohara 7.5km, 3h)
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
09:00 Depart from Yunomine Onsen Inn
09:00–10:30 Transfer to Daimonzaka (Approx. 1.5h)
10:30–12:30 Kumano Kodo Hiking (Daimonzaka—Nachi Taisha, 2h)
12:30-13:30 【Lunch】Lunch on your own
13:30–15:30 Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, Nachi Falls
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
08:40 Depart from hotel in Shingu City
08:40–09:20 Transfer to Kumano River Boat Center
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.
11:30-12:00 Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha
12:00–13:00 【Lunch】Lunch on your own
13:00-13:30 Pick & visit one of the Kamikura Shrine or Shingu Castle Park
14:30-17:00 Drive back to Osaka (Approx. 4.5h)
Important Information
We will contact you via your provided contact information 2 days before your departure. If you do not receive any information, please check your email spam folder. If you still do not receive anything one day before the trip, please do not hesitate contacting us.
We only offer hotel pick-up and drop-off within the city area (Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto), if your hotel is out of the area, we are happy to drop you off at a terminal station or where you request within the city area (need to be informed in advance).
All travel itineraries do not include travel insurance. Outdoor activities involve certain risks and dangers. The company is not responsible for any physical damage or injury caused by accidents or unforeseen factors. We highly recommend to purchase your own insurance in advance.
Please arrive at the meeting location 10 minutes before the departure time. The bus will depart according to the schedule and will not wait for late arrivals. You cannot join the tour midway.
If your group does not meet the minimum participants, you will enjoy the tour with other guests. We will contact you in advance if it occurs. If the minimum participants are still not met by 10 days before the scheduled departure, the tour may be cancelled.
Please note that weekends, holidays, and event days may experience heavy traffic. The itinerary is for your reference and may be adjusted or shortened depending on actual conditions; also, there may be delays in arrival time due to traffic or other factors.
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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Choose Tour Date
Authentic Local Experiences — Designed for real cultural discovery.
Flexible Options — Change or cancel easily before the trip.
Trusted Japan-Based Operator — Licensed and experienced local travel company.
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?
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