Luxury Kumano Kodo Mountain to Sea & Ama Divers 9D8N, Guided

Arrive in Kyoto. When you arrive at JR Kyoto station, you could take a taxi at JR Kyoto station. It takes about 12 mins by taxi to the hotel and the taxi rate is about 1200 JPY (approx. 15 AUD).

Served as the former Imperial capital of Japan for more than one thousand years, Kyoto remains the spiritual heart of Japan with atmospheric temples, sublime gardens, and traditional teahouses. As you stroll past the historically priceless houses survived from World War II, catch glimpses of geishas with their beautiful and intricate kimonos.

Spend the night in a beautiful traditional Japanese ryokan and getting ready for the Kumano pilgrimage journey next day.

The Kanamean Nishitomiya is one of the ryokans which have survived in the modern surroundings of downtown Kyoto owned by the fifth generation of hoteliers. The wooden architecture hosts only seven suites which lead to a little Japanese garden with seasonal flowers. As a Relais & Châteaux member, the ryokan offers Kyo Kaiseki following Japanese and Kyoto seasonal theme. You will experience the wonderful taste of Kyoto while savouring the culture, history & grace of life here.

Enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience at Kanamean Nishitomiya's on-site restaurant, which has been awarded with Michelin 1 star on seven consecutive year.

Room Style: Japanese Style

Bed Type: Futon

Bath: Private indoor/outdoor onsen

Toilet: Ensuite western style

Walking distance: 4 km. Time: 2.5 hrs Elevation: Takajiri-oji (82 m) - Lookout point (336 m) - Takahara Shrine (317 m)

Leave Kyoto by train and head to Kumano Kodo, a series of ancient pilgrimage routes, dating back to over 1,000 years, when Japan's imperial ancestors made pilgrimage trips from Kyoto. Located in the Kii Peninsula, the largest in Japan, the trails along Kumano Kodo are an incredible site for hiking.

Upon arrival to Kii-Tanabe Station, you are welcomed at tour information center next to the Kii-Tanabe station for a brief orientation on Kumano Kodo.

Catch the bus to the starting point of the pilgrimage and travel to Takahara with your guide. Takijiri-oji is a very important spot on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage route and one of the five major Oji shrines. It's the entrance to the abode of the gods and Buddhist paradises of rebirth.

Continue on a short but steep uphill walk from Takijiri to the ridge top settlement of Takahara, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Hatenashi mountain range.

The steepest part of the trail leads to Takahara Shrine, a Shinto shrine surrounded by ancient camphor trees that are about a century old. From the shrine, walk towards Takahara Village, known as "Kiri-no-Sato" (Village in the Mist) because the scenic mountain vistas are often blanketed with mist.

Overnight in Takahara in a boutique lodge.

The lovely houses have 3 bedrooms and private ensuite and bath. It's spacious and has comfortable sitting area, featuring both Japanese style and Western bedrooms. Beautiful antiques and art decorate the home. For the walkers prefect to have privacy, we can arrange to stay at our exclusive boutique houses (additional charge apply).

Room Style: Japanese/western style

Bed Type: Futon/twin

Toilet: Ensuite western style

Walking distance: 13 km. Time: 5-8 hrs

After breakfast, meet your guide for today's hike. After about half an hour, pass by the small Takahara Pond and walk to Daimon-oji. Continue hiking up the mountain before arriving at Jujo-oji (elevation at 593m above sea level).

Climb up to the highest point around the teahouse named Uwadawa-jaya (688m above sea level). This is where the trail begins to descend, passing by Osakamoto-oji (388m above sea level) and Chikatsuyu-oji, crossing Kitano-bashi Bridge, and following the road to Nonaka-no-Shimizu, a source of potable water that also belongs to the Top 100 Famous Bodies of Water in Japan.

From Nonaka-no-Shimizu, continue trek uphill. Head towards the woods to see Tsugizakura-oji, the sub-shrine located at the top of the steep stairs leading into a thick forest of huge cedar trees that are believed to be almost a century old. Next to the entrance of Tsugizakura-oji, you'll find Toganoki-jaya, a replica of a traditional Japanese-style tea house.

Overnight in a boutique guesthouse in the Nonaka area.

Room Style: Japanese style

Bed Type: Futon

Toilet: Ensuite western style

Walking distance: 21.5 km (Shorter walking options can be arranged on request. You have options to walk 8 km or 17 km). Elevation gain: 960m Elevation Loss: 1440m

Today’s hike starts with a slow ascent to Kobiro-toge pass and then a relatively downward trail to Kumano Hongu Taisha.

Starting at the accommodation, follow the trail that leads to the remains of the cherry tree called Hidehira-zakura, the starting point of today's hike. Continue walking along the paved road, going up and down a number of slopes, before arriving at the area near Kumasegawa-oji.

Then trek cautiously along an unpaved trail in the forest. Arrive at Jagata-jizo, which is believed to protect the travellers from evil spirits. Cross over Yukawagawa River and follow the trail to Mikoshi-toge pass. From this point up to Funatama Shrine, the trail will begin to descend, passing by the thick forests of cedar and cypress trees and crossing over Otonashigawa River.

For the next 2 hours, walk on a series of paved and unpaved roads, mainly following a descending trail before arriving at Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three ‘Grand Shrines of Kumano', standing on a small ridge line in the north of the Hongu village. The austere pavilions are made of wood with impressive cypress bark roofs; it's architectural style dating back over 800 years.

After visiting the shrine, transfer by local bus to Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest and most crucial hot spring resorts in Japan as it used to be the place where pilgrims cleansed themselves before praying at Kumano Hongu Taisha.

Your accommodation tonight is an wonderful traditional Ryokan run for generations since the Edo era. Ryokan Adumaya features eight hot baths. The largest bath looks the same as what it used to be since Taisho era. The Samashi bath is a 100% fontal hot spring, and it has medicinal benefits at a moderate temperature. After day's walking adventure, you can relax and enjoy Japan’s oldest hot spring which has been loved by famous Japanese poet Kyoshi Takahama as well as many other literary figures.

Enjoy a relaxing soak in a Japanese bath before or after your delicious, multi-course dinner.

Room Style: Japanese style

Bed Type: Futon

Bath: Ensuite outdoor / indoor onsen

Toilet: Ensuite western style

Walking distance: 13 km Elevation gain: 670m Elevation Loss: 690m

Enjoy your breakfast and set off an early departure for a full day walk from Ukegawa to Koguchi on the Kogumotori-goe section.

Take a short bus ride to Ukegawa on the banks of the Kumano River (at your own expense). From Ukegawa, you head up to the Kogumotorigoe Pass before descending to the remote village of Koguchi. The trail is moderate with many highlights along this course. You'll be rewarded with an amazing view from Hyakken-gura. From the lookout point, see the surrounding Kumano mountain range, which consists of around 3,600 peaks. Take a deep breath of the mountain air here and refresh your mind and body.

Koguchi is a tiny settlement in the bottom of a valley surrounding by lush green mountains, the half way stopping point for trekkers between the Kogumotori-goe and Ogumotorie-goe sections.

Take a 30min free shuttle bus to your hot spring lodge, which is tucked away into the lush mountains on the beautiful Takata River. Explore along the river and have a swim if the weather is warm.

Take a hot shower and spend a healing moment. The hot spring at Takata Greenland is a simple alkaline hot spring that is said to be effective in relieving common ailments such as neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain, etc. Soaking in the blue-gray water of the hot spring in a pool made of rocks, while surrounded by the greenery and listening to the murmur of the rushing river and the chirping birds, is an experience of a lifetime. An indoor pool that uses Tendai Uyaku, the main ingredient in Jofuku's legendary Elixir of Life, is also available.

Room Style: Japanese/western style with shared toilet facility due to remoteness

Walking distance: 14 km Elevation gain: 1260m Elevation Loss: 930m

Enjoy your breakfast and set off an early departure for a full day walk from Koguchi south to the shrine-temple complex of Nachisan. This is the Ogumotori-goe section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, considered one of the most difficult sections on the Nakahechi route. Not technically difficult but some long climbs and descents often with cobblestone lined trails, which can be slippery, especially when wet.

The trail takes you up to the Ogumotorigoe Pass with a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. You will definitely lend a sense of accomplishment to the hard journey! It then descends to Nachi-san, the location of Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano and Nachi-taki waterfall.

Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three grand shrines, located halfway up Nachi Mountain, about 350 meters above sea level. It has its religious origin in the ancient nature worship of Nachi-no-Otaki falls. Nachi Falls, 133 meters high and 13 meters wide, is the tallest waterfall in Japan. Its water source is the surrounding broad-leaf evergreen primeval forest, a sanctuary that has been protected since ancient times, used for ascetic training by mountain monks who practice Shugendo, a mixed religion of foreign and indigenous beliefs.

Take a bus to Katsuura Onsen on the coast (at your own expense) and take a ferry to your accommodation tonight at Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima.

Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima is a seaside hot spring resort located on a private island surrounded by the sea in Katsuura, with a 5-minute boat ride from the pier. It features a large Open-air Bath "Chomon no Yu" overlooking the bay where you can relax while listening to the sound of the waves and watching the sunset over the mountains.

Enjoy a Japanese style Kaiseki set menu featuring fresh and seasonal seafood natured in the Pacific Ocean.

Room Style: Japanese style

Bed Type: Futon/twin beds

Bath: Ensuite indoor

Toilet: Ensuite western style

Today is self-guided exploration with public transportation.

After having breakfast, catch a ferry back to Katsuura and train to Toba, located in the neighbouring Mie Prefecture.

Mie Prefecture clings to a crinkled coastline on the Kii Peninsula, bounded by primeval forests. The area is well-known for producing some of the freshest seafood in Japan and pearl cultivation.

Arrive at Toba and check in your luxury accommodation where you'll stay for two nights. Located at the northeastern end of the Shima-hanto Peninsula in Mie Prefecture, Oyado The Earth rests in a primeval forest and sits along cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

There is Earth Observatory at your accommodation. From the observatory deck, you can soak up the high noon sun, gaze upon the seemingly infinite ocean, ponder the stars and moon in the middle of the night, and give homage to the rising sun.

Enjoy an amazing Japanese kaiseki dinner.

Room Style: Japanese/western style

Bed Type: Futon/twin beds

Bath: Private indoor/outdoor onsen

Toilet: Western style

Visit the famous Ise Shrine, one of the most sacred areas for the Shinto religion and a favourite pilgrimage destination for Japanese people. The shrine, completely rebuilt every 40 years, is located in the middle of a beautifully forested area and requires a walk on a path across the woods in order to be reached. Only the shrines façade can be seen, as the rest of the facilities are considered too sacred to be visited by commoners and most of them can only be accessed by the Emperor.

Take a short walk to the picturesque district of Okage Yokocho. Within its 3.2 acre site, Okage Yokocho has a beautiful array of architecture dating from the Edo and Meiji periods thereby creating a delightful and historical atmosphere.

Stop for lunch at one of the elegant Japanese-style restaurants offering refined specialties, such as freshly prepared tofu or grilled eel, and a variety of other local products. Lunch at guest's own arrangement.

Continue your journey to Futami Okitama Shrine, known for its Husband-and Wife Rocks (Meoto-iwa), two curious outcrops standing in the sea connected by a sacred straw rope when they are symbolically wed each year.

Return to your luxury resort and enjoy the open air hot spa designed to frame the view of nature.

Room Style: Japanese/western style

Bed Type: Futon/twin beds

Bath: Private indoor/outdoor onsen

Toilet: Western style

Today after breakfast, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful coastline.

Learn all about the life of Ama divers - the women who made the prefecture famous by diving for centuries in the local waters to catch the best marine products. Still today, Ama divers practice fishing, although their activity is strictly regulated.

Visit the hut of an Ama, who will prepare a beautiful grilled seafood meal.

After lunch, take a scenic train journey to Osaka or Tokyo. Tour ends.

Distance and journey time (approximation):
Toba Station to Tokyo Station via Nagoya: approx. 4.5 - 5 hrs
Toba Station to Osaka: 2.5hrs

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.