Grand Shrines of Kumano
Discover the sacred heart of the Kumano region—where hot-spring rivers meet cedar-lined pilgrimage trails and waterfall shrines. You’ll walk a highlight section of the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo, soak in the Kawayu river onsen (hot spring), and explore all three grand shrines with expert local guidance.
Between hikes, dive into hands-on culture: craft traditional grass sandals (seasonal), sample local specialties, and unwind in a seaside onsen resort. Evenings bring chef-driven dinners and cozy guesthouses.
Most importantly, this journey brings you to all three of the Grand Shrines of Kumano (Hayatama Taisha, Hongu Taisha, and Nachi Taisha)—the ultimate purpose of pilgrimage to this sacred region for over 1,000 years.
TRIP DATES
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April 5 to April 9, 2026
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May 24 to May 28, 2026
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October 4 to October 8, 2026
Day 1
Nachi-Katsuura
Arrive on the coast and settle into your onsen resort. If time allows, rent a bike to explore the town (not included), stroll by the sea, or enjoy your first soak before meeting your fellow travelers and trip leader for dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Nachi-Katsuura seaside hot spring resort
Day 2
Nachi
Meet up with a local guide and visit Kumano Nachi Taisha (one of the three Grand Shrines). Start by hiking Daimonzaka—a historic, cobblestoned pilgrim slope shaded by giant cedars—up to the Nachi shrine area. Walk up to Seiganto-ji (a Buddhist temple beside the shrine with the iconic vermilion pagoda) and the Nachi Waterfall lookout. Enjoy lunch with a view and return to Katsuura for a relaxed evening in your resort hot springs. Rejoin your fellow travelers for a wonderful dinner together.
Hike: Daimonzaka to shrine precincts & viewpoints — ~2–3 km (1.2–1.9 mi), 45–90 min, steady uphill on ~300 stone steps; walking around the shrine/temple and waterfall paths is an additional ~400 stairs
Exclusive Experiences: Guided Daimonzaka, Nachi Shrine, & Waterfall pilgrimage walk
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation: Nachi-Katsuura seaside hot spring resort
Day 3
Nachi-Katsuura → Shingu
Transfer to Shingu for hands-on cultural experiences—today is devoted to culture and craft. Choose between two half-day cultural activities such as grass-shoe (waraji) making, Japanese calligraphy, tea ceremony and kimono/yukata lessons, or culinary workshops with local artisans. In the evening, visit Hayatama Taisha (your second of the three Grand Shrines). Afterward, there is an optional sunset hike to Kamikura shrine—an iconic viewpoint over Shingu and the sea. Enjoy dinner together at a wonderful local restaurant.
Hike: Kamikura shrine: ~0.5 km (0.3 mi) each way, 15–25 min up, ~120 m / 400 ft gain; very steep stone stairs
Exclusive Experiences: Hands-On Cultural Workshops
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation: Shingu guesthouse (shared guesthouse or Buddhist temple stay; upgrade to Kamikura Hideaway private house +$300, subject to availability)
Day 4
Hosshimon Shrine / Hongu / Shingu
Starting at Hosshimon shrine, walk alongside a local guide on a shady, scenic section of the Kumano Kodo. Stop by the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center for Dual Pilgrim recognition (for eligible guests who have also completed the Camino de Santiago). Then, ascend the many stairs to Kumano Hongu Taisha—your third and final Grand Shrine. Continue with your guide to the largest torii (⛩️) gate in the world. In the afternoon, take a bus to Kawayu River for natural river hot springing in the forest. Evening time, travel back to Shingu for a final dinner together.
Hike: Hosshimon-oji → Hongu — ~7–10 km (4–6 mi), ~3–4 hrs, mostly rolling forest path with gentle ascents/descents
Exclusive Experiences: Guided Kumano Kodo hike
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation: Shingu guesthouse
Day 5
Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast together in a local cafe before choosing your onward path:
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Option A: Conclude your tour in Shingu and depart by train.
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Option B: Extend your journey with two nights at a temple-stay in Koyasan
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Option C: Add a private guided hike or cultural experience before same-day departure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
