GROUP ADVENTURES
Small group tours on select dates
Our Signature Kumano Group Tours
Join our intimate small-group hiking tours and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and deep cultural heritage of Japan’s sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. Designed for travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, our tours go beyond the trail—connecting you with local guides, storytellers, and traditions that make this region so special.
With expert guidance, comfortable accommodations, and seamless logistics, you’ll hike through ancient cedar forests, hidden shrines, and charming villages, all while gaining a deeper understanding of Japan’s spiritual and cultural history.
Inquire about upcoming departures
Model Tours
We offer a limited number of highly rated itineraries
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Tour
On our popular Kumano Kodo tour you'll spend 3 days hiking the trail, some with an English-speaking guide and some on your own. Along the way we'll open doors to amazing experiences like calligraphy class with a renowned artist, personalized tea ceremony, and more.
Wakayama Hidden Nature Tour
Find a perfect balance of activity and relaxation on the undiscovered coast of Wakayama! Travel by e-bike or local train to gain access to reservation-only geological wonders on the ocean, plunge into waterfall pools, and harvest and cook local foods together. End your day with a massage from a local provider. Or if you like, just kick your feet back on a sandy beach or in your relaxing guest house.
*Itinerary is under construction. Details will be available soon!*
Specialty Tours
These tours combine our standard group tours with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities such as the Oto nighttime fire festival. Our concierges will guide you through the preparation and take you on a journey that only a handful of people can say they've been on!
Trip Overview
Below you'll find a sample itinerary of our Kumano Kodo Group Tour
5 Days / 4 Nights
Max Group Size of 8
Intermediate Hiking Level
Locally-Owned Guesthouses and Hot Spring Resorts
Highlights
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Kumano Hongu Taisha – Visit the majestic grand shrine nestled in the heart of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network, home to Japan’s largest torii (⛩️) gate.
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Kumano Nachi Taisha – Experience the serene beauty of this shrine overlooking Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest single-drop waterfall.
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Guided Hikes on the Kumano Kodo – Walk alongside experienced local guides who share their deep knowledge of the trail’s rich cultural and spiritual history. Hiring local guides not only enhances your understanding of the sacred pilgrimage routes but also supports the local community.
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Relax in Natural Hot Springs – Soak in rejuvenating hot springs after a rewarding day on the trail, perfect for easing tired muscles.
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Exclusive Cultural Experiences with Local Experts – Engage in hands-on activities with local artisans, craftsmen, farmers, and chefs — experiences that are only possible with the guidance of those deeply rooted in the community. Enjoy genuine cross-cultural exchange with locals who are passionate about sharing their traditions, stories, and way of life with travelers from around the world.
Inclusions
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All meals (6 breakfasts, 6 dinners, 5 lunches)
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Guidance and support from our knowledgeable, English-speaking Trip Managers throughout the journey
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Local guides with specialized knowledge of the Kumano Kodo, including its shrines, temples, and other sacred sites
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Additional guides and experts from the region who host Kumano Adventures exclusive cultural activities (these will differ depending on your departure dates, but you can see examples of them here)
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Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
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Luggage transportation
Exclusions
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Flights
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Transportation to and from your Kumano Adventures trip start and end locations
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Drinks, meals, and activities not included in your itinerary
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Trip insurnace for dates of travel (minimum $200,000 USD coverage for medical, evacuation, and repatriation)
Note that gratuities are neither included nor excluded because tipping is not customary in Japan.
Day 1
Take a scenic coastal train ride, hugging the shoreline with sweeping views of the Pacific, until you arrive at the end of the line in Shingu. We'll start the journey by visiting Hayatama Taisha, one of the three sacred Grand Shrines of the Kumano Kodo, nestled where river and sea meet. In the evening, savor a thoughtfully prepared dinner at one of the region’s most beloved local restaurants, then unwind at a charming guesthouse run by welcoming locals who call this sacred place home.
Day 2
Day two takes you deeper into Kumano’s heartland. After breakfast from a local bakery, we begin our journey at the Hosshinmon-oji trailhead alongside a local guide. This 2-hour section of the pilgrimage route winds through serene cedar forests. Our walk culminates at the revered Hongu Grand Shrine, a spiritual treasure marked by its towering torii gate.
In the afternoon we'll walk another hour, put on our bathing suits, and soak in the mineral-rich river hot springs of Kawayu Onsen. We’ll then head back to Shingu for another incredible dinner before turning in for the night.
Day 3
Day three is dedicated to meaningful cultural immersion. The specific experience will vary depending on your travel dates—you might find yourself learning traditional woodworking from a master craftsman, harvesting rice alongside local farmers, or practicing the art of tea ceremony with an expert. Every activity is handpicked to encourage authentic exchange and connection with Kumano’s people and traditions.
These encounters are never scripted or mass-produced. Instead, we strive to foster genuine moments shared with local artisans, performers, and craftspeople excited to welcome you into their world, and in the spirit of a true cross-cultural exchange, learn about yours. Your presence helps breathe new life into local traditions, and in return, you’ll be welcomed into a cultural moment that’s just as enriching for your hosts as it is for you.
Example Experiences: Straw Weaving & Temple Tea Ceremony
Join us for two rare and meaningful experiences available only on select Kumano Adventures departures.
You’ll take part in a hands-on straw weaving lesson led by one of the last remaining artisans in Kumano who still practices this ancient craft. She is one of the few people capable of making traditional straw sandals used in a sacred fire festival, where men ascend a steep, ancient stone path with flaming torches and descend again in a powerful nighttime ritual. For our journey, you'll craft a circular woven charm—a symbol of Kumano—to carry home or tie to your hiking backpack as a keepsake.
You'll also be welcomed into a quiet local temple for an intimate tea ceremony. Surrounded by the stillness of nature and guided by a gentle local host, you'll share in this serene tradition of mindfulness and hospitality, leaving refreshed in body and spirit.
Days 4-5
Your final full day culminates at the majestic Nachi Grand Shrine, where Japan’s tallest waterfall cascades dramatically in the background. With a local guide, uncover the shrine’s rich history or opt for the scenic hike along the ancient Daimonzaka path, shaded by towering cedar trees. In the afternoon, enjoy free time wandering the charming streets of seaside Nachi-Katsuura town and relaxing in your onsen resort before a final dinner of fresh tuna from Japan's largest tuna auction house, located a stone's throw away.
The morning of day five you bid farewell to Kumano and catch your train back to the Kansai area or Tokyo, carrying the warmth of newfound connections and the unforgettable spirit of Japan’s hidden heartland with you.
Transparency
At Kumano Adventures, we want to ensure this experience aligns with what you're looking for. Each of our trips is thoughtfully designed, and this one has its own distinct pace, focus, and level of activity.
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Accommodations: In many traditional Japanese inns, you'll sleep on a futon (cushoned mat) laid out on a tatami (woven straw) floor. While it may be different from what you're used to, many guests find it to be a cozy and restful experience. If you have concerns about comfort or mobility, please let us know—we’re happy to discuss options to help you rest well.
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Meals: A typical Japanese meal includes a variety of small dishes featuring seasonal vegetables, seafood, and meat—often with a special emphasis on seafood and beef. Unlike in many Western restaurants, substitutions are not commonly offered, and menus are often fixed with limited options for customization. It’s important to know that traditional Japanese cuisine may not easily accommodate celiac or strictly vegetarian diets.
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Hot springs: In Japan, hot spring bathing is traditionally done without bathing suits and is typically enjoyed nude in gender-separated baths. For those who prefer more privacy, many facilities offer the option to reserve private hot spring rooms, where you can relax in comfort on your own or with a travel companion. Your trip manager can help you reserve space.
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Itinerary Changes: While we do our best to stick to the planned itinerary, sometimes unexpected changes come up—due to weather, local circumstances, or the availability of our partners on the ground. When that happens, we’ll let you know as soon as we can. Our priority is always to provide you with the best experience possible, even if that means adjusting plans along the way.
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Minimum Group Size: To ensure the best experience for everyone, our Signature Tours require a minimum of 6 confirmed participants to run. If we do not meet this minimum, we’ll notify you as early as possible and issue a full refund of any payments made. You can book with confidence knowing that if the tour doesn’t go ahead due to low enrollment, you’ll get 100% of your money back.
ARE YOU READY TO BEGIN?
Secure your spot below—spaces are limited to 8 and fill up quickly!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at letsgo@kumanoadventures.com.