*Private Sample Tour (Customizable)

The journey begins from Kyoto to Ise, the spiritual center of all shrines across Japan. In Oharaimachi, the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603–1868) still lingers, with rows of traditional wooden buildings, souvenir shops, and eateries welcoming pilgrims. Stepping into the sacred forest of Ise, you feel the quiet air purify and calm your heart. Here, you can witness Kagura, a ritual dance and music performance offered to entertain the deities—a tradition passed down since ancient times to pray for bountiful harvests and protection from calamities. Thus begins a spiritual journey that continues from Ise to Kumano.

* Accommodation: Shima Kanko Hotel The Classic or Similar
Shima Kanko Hotel The Classic is a historic resort known for its chic, classical ambiance and stunning views of Ago Bay. It also features the renowned “La Mer The Classic” restaurant, famous for its signature seafood French cuisine, and was the main venue for the G7 Ise-Shima Summit..

*Private Sample Tour (Customizable)

(Walking distance: Approximately 5.2 km )

Magose-toge Pass is one of the most beloved sections of the Iseji route of the Kumano Kodo. The path is paved with heavy natural stones that have protected it from the torrential rains of Owase, one of Japan’s wettest regions, for centuries.The moss-covered stones and towering cedars create a serene atmosphere that preserves the very same scenery once seen by travelers of the Edo period (1603–1868), making it one of the most iconic landscapes along the ancient pilgrimage route.

* Accommodation: Kappou-no-yado Misuzu or Similar
Kappou no Yado Misuzu is a unique minshuku featured in the Michelin Guide, renowned for its authentic “Fisherman’s Cuisine” made with fresh seafood from the Kumano-nada Sea.
The chef personally sources the day’s catch, offering guests a truly local and heartfelt dining experience.

*Private Sample Tour (Customizable)

(Walking distance: Approximately 7.4 km)

The Hadasu-no-Michi, constructed during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), is the oldest section of the Kumano Kodo Iseji route. Following the large stones of this ancient path, you come upon a life-sized Jizo statue standing quietly within a bamboo grove at the mountain pass.Continuing on to Matsumoto-toge Pass, you are rewarded with a sweeping view of Shichirimihama, the most scenic stretch of the Iseji route. Standing before the vast expanse of the sea, you can sense the devotion of those who once worshiped nature itself as divine.

* Accommodation: World Heritage Resort Kumano Club or Similar
Kumano Club is an all-suite, all-inclusive luxury resort nestled in the rich nature surrounding the World Heritage site of Kumano.Guests can enjoy tranquil open-air baths enveloped in silence and savor exquisite dishes made with an abundance of seasonal ingredients from the Kumano region, along with unique experiences like stargazing.

*Private Sample Tour (Customizable)

(Walking distance: Approximately 5 km)

Maruyama Senmaida, Japan’s largest terraced rice field, consists of around 1,340 small paddies layered beautifully along the mountainside. Changing its appearance through the seasons, lush green in summer, golden in autumn, and shimmering like a mirror in spring, it captivates all who visit.This landscape, shaped by both people and nature, embodies the prayers and daily lives of those who have long worked to preserve the land.

* Accommodation: World Heritage Resort Kumano Club or Similar

*AM: Private Sample Tour (Customizable) / PM: Join-in Tour

(Walking distance: Approximately 3 km *Kamikura Shrine: 538 stone steps)

This day begins with a special briefing session. It opens the door to the sacred world passed down in this land, touching on the origins and spirituality of the Oto Matsuri, which boasts a history of 1,400 years.First, we visit the workshop of artisans who weave the straw sandals essential to the festival. As you experience the craft of twisting rope by hand and listen to the artisans’ stories about their lifelong support of the sacred rituals, the weight of the festival and the people’s devotion come alive. Afterwards, we ascend the stone steps of Kamikura Shrine, the stage for the festival, wearing these straw sandals. A local guide who participates in the festival shares its traditions and rituals, allowing you to feel the layers of time accumulated on each stone step.In the evening, enjoy an exchange dinner at a local izakaya. Conversations with those who hold the Oto Matsuri, dear will forge irreplaceable bonds of connection. rsations with those who hold the Otomatsuri dear will forge irreplaceable bonds of connection.

* Accommodation: Hotel New Palace or Similar

*Join-in Tour

(Walking distance: Approximately 7 km)

On the day of the sacred ritual, the pilgrimage journey begins with a visit to Kumano Hayatama Grand Shrine, one of the Kumano Sanzan. Participants then gain a special opportunity to witness the preparation of the unique sacred offering “kagari goku,” rarely seen by the public, experiencing its profound sanctity. At noon, a special bento box themed around “white foods,” symbolic of the Oto Matsuri, is served. The array of pure white dishes reflects the festival’s spirit of purity.In the afternoon, attendees observe the solemn misogi purification ritual, cleansing body, mind and spirit for the festival. They then closely follow the participants as they don white ceremonial clothes, visit the three shrines. The rising tension and excitement as the group makes its way closer and closer to Kamikura Shrine offers a glimpse into the festival’s essence.As darkness envelops the fading mountains, the Oto Matsuri procession begins to illuminate the sacred mountain with its divine light. This sacred spectacle stands as a testament to a faith passed down for over a thousand years.In the evening, we partake once more in the “white foods,” deeply uniting ourselves with the festival’s pure spirit.

* Accommodation: Hotel New Palace or Similar

*AM: Join-in Tour / Late PM: Private Sample Tour (Customizable)

(Walking distance: Approximately 3 km)

The morning begins with joining local residents to help clean the grounds of Kamikura Shrine. As you sweep the sacred precincts where the flames of ritual and the footsteps of worshippers still linger, the echoes of devotion and prayer quietly come alive once more.Afterwards, walk the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route along the Koya-zaka Slope, guided by Tim. Traversing this ancient forest path, you will sense the enduring presence of Kumano’s nature, faith, and spirit of pilgrimage.The journey concludes with a special lunch featuring local ingredients, where you can savor the flavors of the region while reflecting on the Oto Matsuri and your days in Shingu. Over three days, you have experienced the living traditions woven through 1,400 years, feeling, preserving, and sharing the spirit of Shingu. This irreplaceable time will surely remain in your heart.After completing the Koya-zaka Trail, you will meet your next guide and begin a new private journey that continues toward Nachikatsuura.

* Accommodation: Nakanoshima or Similar
Hotel Nakanoshima is a secluded island hotel in Katsuura, offering a private escape accessible only by boat.Guests can relax in natural hot springs with open-air baths overlooking the sea and enjoy exquisite kaiseki cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients from the Kumano region.

(Walking distance: Approximately 4 km)

As the journey draws near its end, you visit Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, the sacred heart of Nachi. After a formal purification ceremony, you prepare to enter the divine realm of the shrine. Accompanied by a special guide, walk through the untouched Nachi Primeval Forest, normally closed to the public, to explore the waterfalls hidden deep within the sacred grounds.

Next, visit Nachi Waterfall, the symbol of the Kumano faith. With a drop of 133 meters (436 feet), this magnificent cascade has been revered since ancient times as the divine embodiment of Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine.

The spiritual journey that began in Ise now finds its fulfillment in the holy land of Kumano.

Accommodation: Nakanoshima or Similar

The journey concludes with a glimpse into the lives of people who live in harmony with the sea. At the fish market in Nachikatsuura, the dynamic tuna auctions echo with the shouts of fishermen, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Japan’s leading tuna port. Through this journey, after walking the sacred path of prayer, witnessing this scene of the ocean’s blessings offers a powerful reminder of the deep connection between people and nature. After observing the auction, you take an express train to Osaka, where the tour comes to an end.