What Makes This Tour Special?

Discover the spiritual and cultural heart of Japan on this immersive 9-day journey through Nagoya, Kumano Kodo, Koyasan, Kyoto, and Tokyo.

Walk along the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes with expert local guides, experience the peaceful atmosphere of sacred shrines and temples, and stay at a traditional Buddhist temple lodging in Koyasan.

This tour offers not only the opportunity to experience the spiritual journey of Kumano Kodo and Koyasan, but also the freedom to explore Tokyo and Kyoto at your own pace. This highly flexible tour allows you to enjoy independent sightseeing and visit the places that interest you most.

Combining spiritual heritage, scenic landscapes, traditional culture, and vibrant city life, this tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience of Japan.

※Prices may vary by season.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrive at Haneda or Narita International Airport and transfer to Nagoya

After arriving at Haneda or Narita Airport, you will transfer to Tokyo Station by public transportation.

Our Arrival Assistant will welcome you at the airport and guide you to Nagoya Station.

From Tokyo Station, transfer to the Shinkansen for Nagoya Station.

Lunch and Dinner on your own.

Day 2 — Half-day sightseeing in Nagoya and transfer to Kumano Kodo area

Meet up with English-Speaking tour guide at the hotel lobby.

Your one-day sightseeing tour around Nagoya will begin by chartered coach.

Visit Nagoya Castle
A symbol of the city and one of Japan’s most important castles.

Explore the reconstructed palace, historic exhibits, and the beautiful Ninomaru Garden.

Lunch break at Osu Shopping District
Enjoy local food such as miso katsu, kishimen noodles, or street snacks. Guests can also shop for souvenirs and visit Osu Kannon Temple nearby.

Lunch on your own.

Transfer from Nagoya to Kumano Kodo area by chartered coach (approx. 3h30m).

Day 3 — The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route – Day 1

Meet up with English-Speaking tour guide at the hotel lobby.

Start one-day sightseeing in the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route.

Please prepare comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking for these two days in Kumano Kodo.

A knowledgeable guide, known as a ‘narrator’ (‘Kataribe’ in Japanese) who is very familiar with the Kumano Kodo, will accompany you.

Daimonzaka
Starting at Daimonzaka is one of the popular trail areas, the beautiful and mossy cobblestones lasts for about 640 meters.

Seigantoji Temple, Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Nachi Falls
Beautiful wooden temple built in early 5th century. Kumano Nachi Taisha is one of the three grand shrines of Kumano. There is also the tallest waterfall in Japan “Nachi Falls”.

Lunch will be arranged. Go back to hotel.

Day 4 — The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route – Day 2 and transfer to Koyasan

Meet up with English-Speaking tour guide at the hotel lobby.

Hosshinmon Oji
Lunch box will be arranged.

Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine
Kumano Hongu Taisha is one of the three grand shrines.

You will be surprised not only historic but also sophisticated building techniques.

Approaching traditional and frequently used trail from Hoshshinmon Oji to shrine, is one of the popular way to visit there.

After finishing sightseeing Kumanokodo, let’s visit Koyasan where is a sacred mountain in Japan, located in Wakayama Prefecture, the center of Shingon Buddhism and stay at Shukubo.

Shukubo is the lodging for visitors, allowing them to experience a monastic lifestyle.

It is also known for its traditional vegetarian cuisine, called “Shojin ryori,” which reflects Buddhist principles.

Day 5 — One-day sightseeing in Koyasan

Meet up with English-Speaking tour guide at the Pilgrims lodgings.

Daimon Gate

Danjo Garan

Kongo Buji
Lunch will be arranged in Koyasan.

Okuno In
Koyasan is one of the greatest Buddhist centers in Japan and it is the World Heritage Site as well.

Standing in front of the 2-meter-high Daimon Gate, feeling the spiritual atmosphere the history of Koyasan, over 1200 years as well as into holy ground.

After sightseeing one-day sightseeing in Koyasan, head to Kyoto by bus.

Day 6&7 —Free at leisure in Kyoto

Enjoy free time to explore Kyoto at your own pace.

With famous attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Arashiyama, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kyoto offers countless opportunities to experience the beauty and traditions of Japanese culture.

Lunch and Dinner on your own.

Day 8 — Kyoto → Transfer to Tokyo

At the hotel lobby, meet up with English-Speaking tour guide and check-out together.

Head to Kyoto station from the hotel on foot.

Take on Nozomi Super Express and head to Shinagawa station from Kyoto station.

Before boarding Shinkansen, you can find delicious EKIBEN (Lunch box you buy at the station).

Lunch on your own at the Shinkansen.

Let’s enjoy pleasant scenery from the window with delicious local lunch.

Enjoy free time in Tokyo after arrival. Dinner on your own.

Day 9 — Transfer to Haneda or Narita International Airport

Meet up with English-Speaking tour guide at the hotel lobby and check-out together.

Head to Haneda or Narita International Airport by public transportation.

Depends on your flight time, please enjoy free at leisure in Tokyo.

Lunch and Dinner on your own.

End of the tour.

What’s Included

・3-star hotel accommodation with breakfast included

・Breakfast and dinner included during stays in Kumano Kodo and Koyasan temple lodging

・English-speaking guide

・Local expert guide in Kumano Kodo and Koyasan

・Transportation by chartered coach and Shinkansen Super Express

・Activities and admission fees listed in the itinerary

・Lunch and dinner during Kumano Kodo and Koyasan stay

Not Included

・Meals at sightseeing spots not mentioned above

・Arrangements during free days outside the hotel stay

・Guide, sightseeing, transportation, lunch, and dinner arrangements during free time