About this Tour
This tour takes you from Nagoya to Osaka while exploring the ancient Kumano Kodo Iseji pilgrimage route on the Kii Peninsula — a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history and natural beauty. You’ll visit the sacred Ise Grand Shrine, walk historic forest trails and mountain passes along the Iseji pilgrimage path just as pilgrims did for centuries, enjoy traditional lodging and local meals, take part in unique cultural experiences like purification rituals and folk dances, and finish at the powerful spiritual sites around Nachi Falls and Kumano.
After your Japanese guide meets you at Nagoya station, you will travel by train and local bus to the Grand Shrine of Ise, the most important shrine in Japan. After enjoying lunch in the historic districts of Oharaimachi and Okage Yokocho that lead up to the shrine, you will visit the shrine itself, a solemn and sacred destination for pilgrims with more than 2,000 years of history. There, you can witness a kagura, a dance dedicated to the gods. Next, let's get you checked into your accommodations for the night, one that dates back over 200 years. Here, you will have some time to learn more from your guide about the Iseji route, which is one of the many ancient traditional pilgrimage routes of the Kumano Kodo that weave through the sacred Kii Peninsula. For a special treat following the multi-course Japanese dinner, locals will teach you the Ise Ondo, perhaps the most famous folk song and dance in Japan, which generations of pilgrims returning home from Ise Shrine have called the easiest souvenir to carry.
Continue exploring the sacred sites around Ise, deepening your understanding of Shinto traditions and the spiritual significance of this ancient pilgrimage route.
Take on the challenging but rewarding Yakiyama-toge Pass, one of the most scenic sections of the Iseji route. Hike through dense forest trails before descending to the beautiful Mikisato Beach along the Pacific coastline.
Traverse the historic Matsumoto-toge Pass and visit ancient shrines hidden among towering cedar trees. End the day at the dramatic Kamikura Shrine, perched on a cliff face with breathtaking views of the coast below.
Walk the Daimon-zaka stone staircase through ancient cedar groves to reach the sacred Nachi Taisha Shrine and Seiganto-ji Temple. Witness the awe-inspiring Nachi Falls, Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall at 133 meters, and participate in a traditional purification ritual.
Enjoy a final morning in the Kumano region before transferring to Osaka. Reflect on the journey and the spiritual experiences that have enriched your understanding of Japan's sacred heritage. Arrive in Osaka by late afternoon.
Travel Conditions
Start: Nagoya Station at 09h00
End: Shin-Osaka Station at 18h00
Number of Days: 6 days, 5 nights
Minimum number of participants: 4
Included
- English-speaking guide (Day 1: 09h00 ~ Day 6: 18h00)
- Local guide (Day 3)
- 5 nights’ accommodation including Japanese-style rooms in hotels and ryokans (including all taxes)
- 5 breakfasts, 5 dinners
- Luggage transport for one piece of luggage per person (Iseshi Station to Asakichi Ryokan, Owase to Kumano, Kumano to Shingu, Shingu to Nachi)
- Transportation IC card (worth 3000 yen)
- Train ticket from Kii-Katsuura to Shin-Osaka
- All activities listed on the itinerary (Ise Jingu Kagura, Ise Ondo, snack bar experience, mandala story telling)
- Private vehicle: Hotel in Ise to hotel in Owase, hotel in Owase to the trailhead, Mikisato Station to hotel in Kumano-shi
Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Drinks during meals
- Personal expenses
Accommodations
Ise: Asakichi Ryokan or similar
Owase: Hotel Viora or similar
Kumano: Hotel Nami or similar
Shingu: Hotel New Palace or similar
Nachi Katsuura: Kyukamura Nanki Katsuura or similar
