Mt. Koya is a sacred site for Buddhism which was founded in India and brought to Japan in the 6th Century. Kumano is a sacred site for Shintoism which is rooted in the nature worship in Japan. And Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes connect these sacred sites. On this tour, we will visit Mt. Koya(Danjo Garan, Honzan, Okuno-in) and Kumano (Hongu, Hayatama and Nachi Grand Shrines, and Nachi Waterfalls), and we will walk on Kumano Kodo Daimon-zaka Pilgrimage Route.
Nankai Namba Station
We will be staying at a temple which offers accommodation for pilgrims.
TBD
On the first day, I will meet you at your hotel in Downtown Osaka or Wakayama around 9: 00am.Then, we will move to Koyasan by train. We will visit Danjo Garan Temple Complex where Kukai, the founder of Koyasan tried to express the world of Mandala by arranging temples and halls on the ground, Kongobuji Honzan which is the headquarters of the 3,000 Shingo Buddhism temples around the world and Okuno-in Inner Sanctuary where Kukai continue meditating surrounded by 400,000 grave stones. Feel sacredness and holiness of Koyasan.
You will stay in Shukubo Temple. Koyasan vegetarian food will be served for dinner at Shukubo Temples.
On the morning of the second day, you will take part in a Buddhism fire service and/or ritual at your shukubo. After Koyasan vegetarian breakfast, we will move to Kumano by bus.
After arriving at Kumano Hongu, will visit Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine and its former site Oyunohara. Then, we will move to Kumano Shingu. We will stay overnight in Shingu on this day.
On the third day, we visit Kumano Hayatama Grand Shrine and/or Kamikura Shrine before moving to Kumano Nachi. Please be noted that we will walk on 538 irregular stone-step stairs to Kamikura Shrine. After arriving at Kumano Nachi, we will walk on the Kumano Kodo Daimonzaka.The Daimon-zaka is a short (600m long and 267 steps) but scenic cobblestone staircase that runs from the valley bottom, to the Nachisan Shrine-Temple complex.
And we will walk on another 467 steps approach to Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine and Nachisan Seigantoji Temple. Then, we will visit Nachi Waterfalls. The Waterfalls itself is a manifestation of a Shintoism deity.
We will take a train to Osaka, we will be back in Osaka around 8:00pm
Kumano is located in Wakayama Prefecture, I used to work for Wakayama Prefectural Government as director of Cultural Heritage Management Division, and I was in charge of the Kumano World Heritage Project.
I have a lot of knowledge and information on Kumano. I know why and how Kumano had become so sacred and why Kumano and pilgrimage to Kumano have been so popular. You can learn a lot about Kumano on the spot.
guiding fee
Insurance,
Accommodation (you and guide) ; price varies depending on the day of stay and booking. Ask for details.
Lunch, dinner (you and guide),
Entrance fee (you and guide) approx JPY1,500 per person
Tranportation cost
Only available April 1 - November 30 Ask for availability BEFORE booking
Tours are NOT covered by insurance. Make sure to be covered by your own insurance.
Entrance fees, lunch, dinner and accomodations (YOU and GUIDE) are NOT included in the guide fee.(shukubo temples are available in Koyasan and hotels with hot springs are available at Katsuura, ask for details)
Direct payment will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
ONLY available April 1- November 30
Ask for availability BEFORE booking
Kiroyuki was so knowledgeable about the area and gave us historical background on everything. He listened to what we were wanting to experience and made sure he provided it for us. He was very patient and considerate with my health conditions as well. He went above and beyond by helping us navigate the trains and cab. He helped us purchase train cards and download the best app to get cabs. He spoke really good English and was familiar with American customs. We had an amazing time thanks to him.
Hiro was fantastic. I felt like I was in my own college class. He made history come to life. If you are looking for the best guide he is your man. Thanks Hiro for two adventure full days. Best. George.
George san, Thank you very much for everything. I had wonderful two days with you in Kyoto. By the way, Osaka is a place to enjoy its culture. And Nara, Mt. Koya and Himeji Castle are easy to access from Osaka. You can make a one day trip to Hiroshima as well. I hope you will have a wonderful time in Osaka as well. And enjoy the SHOW!
We spent our first day in Nara with Hiroyuki, who gave us an exceptional tour of Nara Park and its breathtaking shrines and temples. Hiro is incredibly knowledgeable, answering all our questions with fascinating details, and his decades of experience as a tour guide truly shine through. He is also very accommodating, patient, and speaks good English. We couldn't have asked for a better guide to introduce us to Nara's rich history and culture. Thank you Hiro O.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It was really nice meeting such a nice couple like you. Yes, you asked me a lot of questions and liked your questions. I hope you liked my answers as well. Take good care of yourself and enjoy rest of your days in Japan.
Hiro was a fantastic tour guide, showing us all the sites of Osaka. He was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with all of our questions. We cannot say enough good things about our experience with him. Thank you!
Thank you very much for your kind words. I hope you had a good time in Osaka yesterday. By the way, how is your knee? Are you okay? Have you heard that JR had made a cancellation announcement? I hope that everything will go well with you.