(Walking distance: Approximately 3 km)

The journey 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.

*Accommodation: Within Shingu City

(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, and ascend closer to Kamikura Shrine. The rising tension and excitement as the group makes its way closer and closer to the 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: Within Shingu City

(Walking distance: Approximately 3 km)

On the final morning, we join local residents in cleaning the grounds of Kamikura Shrine. As we sweep the sacred precincts where the flames of ritual and the footsteps of worshippers still linger, the fervor and prayers of days gone by will quietly come alive once more.

Afterwards, we walk the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route along Koya-zaka slope guided by Tim. Walking this ancient path through the forest, you will feel the spirit of Kumano’s nature, faith, and pilgrimage still alive today.

The journey concludes with a special lunch at a restaurant featuring abundant local ingredients. We savor the flavors while reflecting on Oto Matsuri and our days in Shingu.

Three days immersed in 1,400 years of tradition. As travelers exploring this heritage, we hope you will share widely the experiences gained in Shingu.