Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike — Guide keiji
August, 2026
Hi, I’m Keiji Hashimoto, a Wakayama Licensed Local Guide Interpreter. Based in Tanabe City, Wakayama, I guide inbound travelers introduced through travel agencies in Tanabe, Osaka, and Tokyo, as well as guide-matching platforms such as Airbnb, GoWithGuide, and JTB Global Marketing. I mainly guide the Kumano Kodo and Koyasan and have been familiar with Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara.
Over the past eight years, I’ve worked more than 150 guiding days. On Airbnb and GoWithGuide, I’ve received a total of 30 five-star reviews (out of 5). For tours arranged through travel agencies, I typically don’t receive direct feedback from clients.
I decided to become an English guide on the Kumano Kodo because I truly love traveling myself. I’ve visited all 47 prefectures of Japan and traveled to more than 40 countries. During my travels, I’ve often been helped by local people and fellow travelers. Becoming a guide is my way of giving back, supporting visitors who come all the way to Kumano.
My main job is as a Nanko-ume (Japanese apricot) farmer, which makes it difficult to take long trips abroad. However, guiding international guests on the Kumano Kodo allows me to stay connected with global trends and perspectives.
The moments that make me happiest as a guide are when I’m sweating together with guests as we cross mountain passes, when I can sense what they need and solve problems almost without words, when we share a firm handshake at the end of the tour, and when I receive emails or letters from them after they return home. Those are the times I truly feel glad to be a guide.
I look forward to seeing you and sharing wonderful time with you.
Thank you.
This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:10 Meet at the guesthouse→8:37 Board the bus at Kii-Tanabe Station→9:15 Start walking from Kurisugawa→10:00 Stop by Takahara Shrine at Takahara-oji→12:00 Get a stamp at Jujo-oji→13:30-14:30 Long lunch at Roadside Station Gyuba-doji→15:10 Rest at a cafe in Chikatsuyu→16:00 Board the bus at Chikatsuyu→17:15 Return to Kii-Tanabe Station and disband
What Is a Private Kumano Kodo Hiking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private hiking tour along the Kumano Kodo for guests visiting Japan for the first time. The guests had an interest in Japanese anime and music, and in addition to Tokyo and Kyoto, a travel agency had recommended the Kumano Kodo for its rich nature and history. During the tour, I was able to talk about a wide range of topics, including the history and origins of the Kumano Kodo, the relationship between Buddhism and Shinto, how to worship at shrines, and the recent situation of forestry in the area. Although the guests did not have extensive hiking experience, they enjoyed the 14-kilometer trail at a relaxed pace. Since the guests mentioned a love of fish dishes, I recommended an izakaya near Kii-Tanabe Station, and the next day I received feedback that it had been delicious.
Click here for more details: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Kii-Tanabe Station／Meiko Bus～Kurisugawa／Meiko Bus | 1,100JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Chikatsuyu-oji／Ryujin Bus～Kii-Tanabe Station／Ryujin Bus | 1,410JPY |
| Total | 2,510JPY | ||
Hi, I’m Keiji Hashimoto, a Wakayama Licensed Local Guide Interpreter. Based in Tanabe City, Wakayama, I guide inbound travelers introduced through travel agencies in Tanabe, Osaka, and Tokyo, as well as guide-matching platforms such as Airbnb, GoWithGuide, and JTB Global Marketing. I mainly guide the Kumano Kodo and Koyasan and have been familiar with Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara.
Over the past eight years, I’ve worked more than 150 guiding days. On Airbnb and GoWithGuide, I’ve received a total of 30 five-star reviews (out of 5). For tours arranged through travel agencies, I typically don’t receive direct feedback from clients.
I decided to become an English guide on the Kumano Kodo because I truly love traveling myself. I’ve visited all 47 prefectures of Japan and traveled to more than 40 countries. During my travels, I’ve often been helped by local people and fellow travelers. Becoming a guide is my way of giving back, supporting visitors who come all the way to Kumano.
My main job is as a Nanko-ume (Japanese apricot) farmer, which makes it difficult to take long trips abroad. However, guiding international guests on the Kumano Kodo allows me to stay connected with global trends and perspectives.
The moments that make me happiest as a guide are when I’m sweating together with guests as we cross mountain passes, when I can sense what they need and solve problems almost without words, when we share a firm handshake at the end of the tour, and when I receive emails or letters from them after they return home. Those are the times I truly feel glad to be a guide.
I look forward to seeing you and sharing wonderful time with you.
Thank you.