Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day by Car — Guide Kiyoko
September, 2024
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
- 9：00 Hotel Kii-Tanabe, pick up guests by taxi
- 10：00 Arrive at Gyuba Doji-guchi,
- 10：00 Start walking
- 11：00 Board taxi at the point down from the Hashiori Pass rest area
- 11：40 Lunch at Shimoji in Hongu
- 12：00 Hongu Taisha, Oyunohara
- 12：50 Hayatama Taisha
- 14：50 Daimonzaka 2-chome to 3-chome
- 15：00 Visit Seiganto-ji Temple
- 15：15 Nachi Taisha
- 15：30 Nachi Falls
- 16：00 Board taxi at the parking lot in front of the falls
- 16：40 Hashigui-iwa Rocks
- 17：00 Kushimoto Station, see off
What Is a Private Kumano Kodo and Nachi Falls Taxi Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
I parked at the taxi company's lot and, since it was my first time visiting this Hotel, I set out a little early and arrived around 8:30. The group of guests numbered five, and one of them was not feeling well and would not be walking. We departed at 8:40, but one of the guests had forgotten a JR Pass and returned to the Hotel, so we set off again at 9:00. The driver was very experienced and adjusted the timing, so we arrived at Gyuba-doji-guchi as planned. I gave an explanation at Gyuba-doji and we took photos from the Hashiori-toge rest area. Since some of the guests walked slowly and we were running behind schedule, we postponed the visit to Hongu Taisha and had lunch at a local eatery first. We then visited Hongu Taisha and took a group photo at Oyunohara. By taxi we went to Hayatama Taisha, where we worshipped and I gave a brief explanation of the history of the Kumano imperial pilgrimages. We then took a taxi to Nachi. We got out of the car at Daimon-zaka 2-chome and took a group photo at 3-chome. By taxi we went to Seiganto-ji and Nachi Taisha, where I explained a little of the history of Nachi and about the Yatagarasu three-legged crow. At a nearby souvenir shop, everyone bought soft-serve ice cream and souvenirs. We moved by taxi to the area in front of the falls and went to Nachi Falls. Each of the guests took photos, collected stamps, and some paid 300 yen to visit the worship hall. After that we boarded a taxi and moved to Hashigui-iwa. The guest who had not been feeling well was also able to get out, and everyone took photos together and enjoyed the scenery. We moved by taxi to Kushimoto Station and the guiding ended. At the request of one of the guests, I found an eatery near Kushimoto Station, and I was kindly invited to join and treated to a meal. Although one of the guests was not feeling well and did not take part in the walk, the driver made adjustments and we were able to carry out the tour almost exactly as planned.
Click here for more details: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello, my name is Kiyoko. I have been a local English guide since 2016. I have studied the history and folklore at a local guide club and have an experience of guiding guests from various countries. I am good at Takijiri Oji-Takahara Jinja, Hosshinmon Oji-Hongu Taisha and Daimonzaka-Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji, Nachi Fall. Besides Kumano, I can guide Koyasan, Okunoin, Kongobu-ji, Danjo Garan, Niutsuhime Jinja and Jison-in. I have been to Koyasan 30-40 times . My aim is sharing a great time with guests while guiding. See you in Kumano or in Koyasan.
May 23, 2026
Cecile_V
Viator review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
A great and manageable hike with Kiyoko!
This is…
May 23, 2026
Cecile_V
Viator review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
A great and manageable hike with Kiyoko!
This is a perfect 5 mile-hike for those who only can spend one day on the Kumano Kodo. Our guide was Kiyoko, and we chose to walk from Hosshinmon Oji to Hongu Taisha. Kiyoko was friendly and knowledgeable, and provided many explanations about the history of places we walked through and of the Oji shrines and monuments we passed on the way. The forest is magnificent. She made this hiking trip truly special with her kindness and her experience. Thank you Kiyoko!
Apr 20, 2026
rosesinthorns
Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
The best way to experience the Kumano Kudo in…
Apr 20, 2026
rosesinthorns
Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
The best way to experience the Kumano Kudo in one day
I booked a private tour of the Kumano Kudo trail due to having a short time (1 full day), wanting to avoid coordinating local bus schedules, and wanting to learn from a local person who also speaks English. Kiyoko was absolutely invaluable! She was organized, flexible, knowledgeable, and kind. She coordinated all of the transportation and points of interest while continually lending us a locals perspective and knowledge of these beautiful, historic places. 100% worth the money and I think truly the best way to experience the Kumano Kudo trail if you have a short time.
Mar 26, 2026
22luisandr_sm
Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle
Amazing experience in Kumano kodo
Kiyoko was amazing. We are…
Mar 26, 2026
22luisandr_sm
Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle
Amazing experience in Kumano kodo
Kiyoko was amazing. We are very greatful for everything she did and prepared for us. She got in touch well in advance to make sure she could design an itinerary that was suited to our needs and desires, and boy! She did an outstanding job! We saw and experienced everything we wanted.
And about Kumano Kodo, well it is just breathtaking. We’ll come back to explore more of what it has to offer.
Apr 4, 2025
robrP6297MQ
Beautiful Tour with detailed Tour Guide!!
Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle
We had a great…
Apr 4, 2025
robrP6297MQ
Beautiful Tour with detailed Tour Guide!!
Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle
We had a great tour guide who helped in so many ways in preparation before the trip,
during the trip, and afterwards! Kiyoko was great and we would 100% book her again!!