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
- 8:50 Midoriya Front Desk
- 9:00 Depart by inn's shuttle car
- 9:20 Hosshinmon-oji
- 10:00 Mizunomi-oji
- 11:15 Fushiogami-oji
- 11:30 Fushiogami Teahouse
- 12:30 Sangenjaya
- 12:50 Scenic Viewpoint
- 13:15 Hongu Taisha
- 13:45 Oyunohara
- 14:45 Hongu Taisha-mae
- 15:50 Shingu Station
- 16:35 Kii-Katsuura
- 16:50 Rental Car
- 17:00 Nachi Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Midoriya Front Desk at 8:50, Hosshinmon-oji at 9:20, Mizunomi-oji at 10:00, Fushiogami-oji at 11:15, Fushiogami Teahouse at 11:30, Sangenjaya at 12:30, Scenic Viewpoint at 12:50, Hongu Taisha at 13:15, Oyunohara at 13:45, Hongu Taisha-mae at 14:45, Shingu Station at 15:50, Kii-Katsuura at 16:35, Rental Car at 16:50 and Nachi Station at 17:00.
Title: What Is a Private Kumano Kodo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Well before the tour, I had been discussing the itinerary and luggage transport with one of the guests, and by the morning of the tour day boxed lunches had arrived at the hotel front desk, where the guests were to leave their luggage and money. After greeting the guests and waiting, the rest of the group arrived, and after exchanging greetings we moved to Hosshinmon-oji using the lodging's shuttle service. There were already many tourists there. After explaining about the Kumano Kodo and the oji shrines, we started our walk. Everyone enjoyed the view of the mountain ridges and took photos of the sea of clouds. Just before Mizunomi-oji, perhaps because the path was wet, one of the guests slipped and fell. Fortunately there seemed to be no injury, but just to be safe they walked using a cane borrowed from within the group. We rested a little at the Forest Bed, talked about tea in the Otonashi area, took photos of Sanri Fuji, and arrived at Fushiogami. After explaining about the oji shrine and taking photos, we ate the boxed lunches we had brought. Everyone ordered shiso juice. One of the guests especially seemed to enjoy the juice. After that, I gave an explanation at Sangenjaya and we headed to the lookout point. The guest who had fallen in the morning had recovered and was walking briskly. We arrived at Hongu Taisha, and while some of the guests rested, the others bought amulets. After taking commemorative photos at Oyunohara, we boarded the bus bound for Shingu from in front of Hongu Taisha. We had planned to take the JR line from Shingu to Kii-Katsuura, but there was some traffic congestion in Shingu, so we could not catch the JR and moved to Kii-Katsuura by bus instead. Since they had reserved a rental car, we went there, confirmed the contract, and picked up the car. They kindly gave me a ride to my own car. The tour ended at Nachi Station. As we were heading in the same direction, I guided them to a supermarket for shopping and to their lodging at a temple. It was completely dark when we arrived, but I said goodbye to everyone and we parted ways.
Click here for more details: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike 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!!