Kumano Kodo Iseji Tour: 2 Days and 1 Night with Local Guide

Ise Jingu Grand Shrine

This shrine holds the title of the most sacred in Japan, brimming with historical, natural, and architectural allure. Since ancient times, billions have sought peace through prayer here. Ise Grand Shrine encompasses 125 shrines throughout Mie, with Naiku and Geku being the primary large shrines. Naiku is devoted to Amaterasu-Omikami (the deity associated with the Imperial family), while Geku is dedicated to Toyo'uke-no-Omikami (the provider of Amaterasu-Omikami's sacred food).

Okage-Yokocho

Established in 1993 near Ise Grand Shrine Naiku, Okage-Yokocho features buildings from the Edo and Meiji periods that have either been moved or recreated along the Iseji Route. Visitors can immerse themselves in the ambiance of the shrine street and explore traditional Ise culture. The area is filled with shops and eateries that offer local specialties, making dining around Okage-Yokocho a delightful way to experience the Yokocho fully.

Magose-toge Pass

This well-known mountain pass lies on the border of Kihoku town and Owase City. The stone pathway, regarded as the finest in the Kumano Kodo Iseji, winds through the Owase cypress forest. Numerous historical sites can be found here, including Yonaki Jizo, believed to possess mystical powers that soothe children’s cries at night, enhancing the Kumano Kodo atmosphere.

Making Wappa (at Nushikuma)

The traditional method of crafting a wappa involves 45 manual steps, performed by a single artisan, taking over a month to complete. The lacquer used is crafted from natural materials and is of exceptional quality, free from any additives.

Kumano Kodo Center

This stunning structure, built from local cypress, serves as the key orientation point for the Iseji Route. Through informative exhibits and high-definition visuals, visitors can discover the history, culture, and challenging mountain trails of this World Heritage site. It’s an ideal place to assess trail conditions and strengthen your spiritual connection to the "Path to Ise" before embarking on your adventure.

Matsumoto-toge Pass

Most of the roads feature beautiful cobblestone pathways, and at the pass surrounded by bamboo groves, you will encounter a life-sized Jizo statue welcoming you.

Onigajo

Onigajo is a massive rock wall formed through earthquake uplift, weathering, and wave erosion. Recognized as a national scenic beauty and natural monument, it is also part of a World Heritage site known as the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.

Hana-no-iwaya

The Hana-no-iwaya Shrine is described as the “stage of the national birth” in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), written in 720 during the Nara Period. This site holds significant meaning as “Kumano of the Caves,” a revered location from ancient times that predates the Kumano Sanzan worship, making it a fundamental place in the roots of the Japanese people.

Shishiiwa

Shishiiwa is a towering 25-meter-high rock formation resembling a colossal lion roaring towards the sea. It is recognized as a World Heritage Site, a natural monument, and a picturesque location.

Maruyama Senmaida

Located in the Maruyama district of Kumano City, this area features numerous small rice paddies known as Senmaida. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, it is often hailed as the finest terraced rice field landscape in Japan, comprising about 1,340 small rice paddies, each interwoven with the next.

Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine

This shrine is situated near the mouth of the Kumano River and is dedicated to the deity Hayatama. The grounds encompass “Gongenyama” in the background, “Mifunejima” and “Otabisho” on the Kumano River, as well as the “Nagi Tree,” a natural monument revered as a sacred tree located within the shrine.

Sandanbo

The Kumano River is acknowledged as a World Heritage site recognized for its significance as a river pilgrimage route. The transportation of daily goods was common, leading to the development of river boats like the “Sandanbo” during the Edo period. Enjoy a leisurely tour along the Kumano River on a “Sandanbo,” replicating the boats utilized in that era.

Information about tour

• Place of departure and destination: From Kumano to Kumano
• Number of days of travel: 5 Days
• Means of transportation: Taxi/Hiking
• Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Minimum number of passengers to operate: 1
• Number of GUIDE: 1

Tour Operator Information

Company Name: H.I.S. Co., Ltd.
Department Name: Inbound Travel Sales Division DMC Department Chubu Team
Address: Dainagoya Building 16F, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, JAPAN, 450-6416
Tel: +81- 50-1752-8429
Registration No.: No. 724 by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency
Membership: Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

Contact Information

Department Name: Inbound Travel Sales Division DMC Department Chubu Team
Address: Dainagoya Building 16F, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, JAPAN, 450-6416
Tel: +81- 50-1752-8429
Opening hour: 10:00~18:00
(Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays)

General Travel Services Manager

Kaku Imamura
The Tour Operations Manager oversees transactions related to your travel at the sales office managing your travel arrangements. If you have any inquiries or concerns regarding the information provided by the staff about this travel contract, please feel free to reach out to the aforementioned Tour Operations Manager.

Please read and understand the Terms and conditions below.

• Travel Terms and Conditions: Domestic Package Tours
• Travel Agency Terms and Conditions: Section of Package Tour Contract

Highlights

• Discover concealed histories alongside a personal expert guide, turning your journey into a deep spiritual and cultural exploration.
• Embark on a unique, tranquil voyage along the Kumano River on a traditional Sandanbo, reminiscent of the routes taken by ancient pilgrims.
• From Ise Jingu Grand Shrine to Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, relish a meticulously designed itinerary linking Japan’s holiest locations in utmost comfort.

Itinerary

• Meet up with your English Guide at Nagoya Station
• Nagoya Station⇒Isuzugawa Station by Kintetsu Ise-Shima Liner(90min) Transfer to Ise Grand Shrine by private car(10min)
• The Inner Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine and Okage Yokocho: traditional street(Free time for lunch on the way)
• Transfer to Magose-toge by private car
• [with storyteller] Trekking of Magose-toge or Tsuzurato-toge *Depend on the season
• Check in the Hotel and Dinner
• Transfer to the Kumano Kodo Center by private car.
• Kumano Kodo Center
• [with storyteller] Trekking of Matsumoto-toge, Oniga-jo and Hanano Iwaya Shrine
• Lunch on the way of Trekking
• Sandanbō or Shishi-iwa and Maruyama Senmaida *Winter season: Shishi-iwa and Maruyama Senmaida
• Kumano Hayatama Grand Shrine
• Shingu Station⇒Nagoya Station by JR(3h20min)

Price Details

Included

• Lunch
• Dinner
• English guide
• Experience fees
• Admission fee
• Accommodation
• Breakfast
• Round-trip transportation
• Local guide
• Dinner on Day 1
• Morning on Day2
• Lunch on Day 2
• Experience fee for Sandanbo

Not included

• Expenses not mentioned
• Tips
• Lunch on Day 1

Important Information

Customer Guidelines:

Please refrain from consuming alcohol on the vehicle.

Kindly take all trash with you when leaving the vehicle. Please do not leave any trash on board.

Please ensure you arrive promptly at the designated meeting place.

Please be aware that weekends, holidays, and event days may experience high levels of congestion.

The schedule may be subject to sudden changes or shorter visit durations due to reasons such as traffic congestion.

Refunds will not be provided if you fail to arrive at the meeting location on time (no show).

In the event of a natural disaster, such as a typhoon, the tour will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued.

Wearing your seatbelt is mandatory while the bus is in motion due to legal regulations.

Smoking is strictly prohibited on the vehicle.

Please refrain from standing up while the vehicle is in motion.

If you accidentally leave any belongings on the vehicle, please be aware that they will be disposed of.

Please personally take responsibility for your valuables.

Note: These guidelines are provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Thank you for your cooperation.

Purchase Notice

• This is a private tour. Only your group will participate.
• If you want to change your schedule even on the tour day, your guide is always happy to help you.
• You can skip the spot where you don't go (※in this case we do not refund any fees) or change it with another place.
• If you add some new spots by your request, please pay the ticket fee on the spot. (Note that you may need to pay extra transportation fee)

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 21 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 8 and 20 day(s) before the activity date: 20% cancellation fee
• Between 2 and 7 day(s) before the activity date: 30% cancellation fee
• 1 day(s) before the activity date: 40% cancellation fee
• On the activity date: 50% cancellation fee