Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage | Ancient Forest Hike & Sacred Grand Shrine Day Tour - Easy Grade（Including tour guide）

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Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage | Ancient Forest Hike & Sacred Grand Shrine Day Tour - Easy Grade（Including tour guide）

+4

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12h

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Max People: 4–8 pax

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Pickup: Hotel in Osaka City

This private charter-car tour 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 driver details 24-48 hours before departure.

Cancellation Conditions：Free cancellation ≧ 7 days; 50% charge for 6–3 days; 100% charge < 3 days.

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary Details

Important Information

Overview

Discover why Kumano Kodo is one of only two UNESCO-listed pilgrimage routes in the world. This expertly guided day tour is specifically chosen for its profound historical significance and breathtaking scenery, making it the perfect introduction to the UNESCO-listed Nakahechi route.

Our journey follows the most beautiful and accessible section: from Fushiogami-oji (prostrate worship) to the majestic Kumano Hongu Taisha. You'll walk through serene cedar forests, traditional mountain villages, and ancient stone-paved paths, eventually reaching Oyunohara, home to the world's largest Torii gate.

Accompanied by professional English-speaking guide, you will learn the deep legends of Shugendo (mountain asceticism) and the unique syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism that makes this region Japan's spiritual soul.

Our highlights are

Key highlights

Kumano Hayatama Taisha – Explore one of the revered Kumano Sanzan shrines, rich in mythology and centuries-old prilgrimage traditions.

The "Easy" Pilgrimage: Enjoy an authentic 1.5-2-hour walk on ancient stone-paved paths. It's an "Easy-Grade" hike, ideal for families or those seeking a relaxed cultural immersion.

Kumano Hongu Taisha – Discover the spiritual heart of the region, known for its majestic shrine architecture and deep culture significance.

Nature & Spirituality Combined – Immerse yourself in lush forests, sacred landmarks, and the serene atmosphere that has drawn pilgrims for over 1,000 years.

Private vehicle & Guide – Travel comfortably with a dedicated car and an expert guide, ensuring a seamless, insightful, and stress-free experience.

What's Included

English-speaking guide

Private charter vehicle

Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off within Osaka City

Lunch

Any personal expenses or tips

Travel insurance or accident insurance

Itinerary Details

12h

Kumano Kodo Easy Hike Day Tour

Private Transportation

Gentle hiking

<em>07:00</em> Depart from Osaka hotel (private car charter pick-up)

07:00 Depart from Osaka hotel (private car charter pick-up)

<em>07:00–11:00</em> Drive to Kumano Hayatama Taisha (approx. 4 hours)

07:00–11:00 Drive to Kumano Hayatama Taisha (approx. 4 hours)

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

11:00–11:30 Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha

<em>11:30–12:30</em> 【Lunch】Lunch at local restaurant

11:30–12:30 【Lunch】Lunch at local restaurant

<em>12:30–13:30</em> Transfer to the starting point of Hiking Trail

12:30–13:30 Transfer to the starting point of Hiking Trail

<em>13:30-14:30</em> Kumano Kodo Hiking (Fushiogami-oji—Kumano Hongu Taisha, 3.3km/2.1 miles, 1h)

13:30-14:30 Kumano Kodo Hiking (Fushiogami-oji—Kumano Hongu Taisha, 3.3km/2.1 miles, 1h)

<em>14:30-15:30</em> Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha

14:30-15:30 Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha

<em>15:30-19:00</em> Return back to Osaka (approx. 3.5 hours)

15:30-19:00 Return back to Osaka (approx. 3.5 hours)

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.

Kobe Beef & Seafood Course

A light hiking following the ancient pilgrimage route from Fushiogami-oji to Hongu Taisha, along the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo trail, a sacred day trip full of nature and spirituality is waiting for you.

Go to order

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage | Ancient Forest Hike & Sacred Grand Shrine Day Tour - Easy Grade（Including tour guide）

Price:

$302.00

/ Person

Kobe Beef & Seafood Course

A light hiking following the ancient pilgrimage route from Fushiogami-oji to Hongu Taisha, along the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo trail, a sacred day trip full of nature and spirituality is waiting for you.

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?

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage | Ancient Forest Hike & Sacred Grand Shrine Day Tour - Easy Grade（Including tour guide）

Overview

Our highlights are

Itinerary Details

Important Information

Reviews

Customer Reviews

Popular Departures

Popular Products

FAQs