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 Daitaiji Temple
- 10:15 Pick up Hongu Miya Sushi bento
- 10:25 Fushiogamiguchi
- 11:00 Fushiogami Oji
- 11:30 Hongu Taisha
- 11:50 Oyunohara, lunch
- 12:20 To Shingu
- 13:10 Hayatama Taisha
- 14:00 Daimonzaka 2-chome
- 14:30 Seigantoji Temple
- 14:45 Nachi Taisha
- 15:10 Three-storied Pagoda
- 15:45 Nachi Falls
- 17:14 Takimae bus stop
- 17:40 Kii-Katsuura
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Daitaiji Temple at 9:00, Fushiogamiguchi at 10:25, Fushiogami Oji at 11:00, Hongu Taisha at 11:30, Oyunohara, lunch at 11:50, To Shingu at 12:20, Hayatama Taisha at 13:10, Daimonzaka 2-chome at 14:00, Seigantoji Temple at 14:30, Nachi Taisha at 14:45, Three-storied Pagoda at 15:10, Nachi Falls at 15:45, Takimae bus stop at 17:14 and Kii-Katsuura at 17:40.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Nachi no Takimae／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus to Kii-Katsuura Station／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus by bus (630JPY); Kii-Katsuura to Shimosato by train (190JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 820JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kumano Sanzan Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
To visit the three grand shrines of Kumano Sanzan, a taxi was needed, so we arranged to use a taxi for five hours only. I parked my own car near Shimosato Shrine and took the taxi to Daitai-ji Temple. The person who made the booking and one other came out, and after a short while the rest of the guests got into the car and we set off. The guests reside in North America and share a house together, and though they work in various fields, they sometimes travel together. We picked up boxed lunches and started the walk from Fushiogami-guchi. The weather was fine, and the guests took photos and enjoyed the scenery as we walked. I gave an explanation at Fushiogami-oji, then we got into the waiting taxi and headed to Hayatama Taisha. Here I explained the history of the Kumano Kodo. One of the guests bought a wooden goshuin (seal stamp) book. We took the taxi and moved to Nachi, getting off at Daimonzaka 2-chome, which was as far as the taxi went, and then walked up Daimonzaka. By the time we walked along the main approach, it had become quite hot. At Seiganto-ji Temple one of the guests received a goshuin stamp, we paid our respects at Nachi Taisha, and along the path leading down to the waterfall I explained the Nachi Fire Festival. Thanks to the recent rain, Nachi Falls had a large volume of water, and everyone took photos of the falls and selfies with the waterfall in the background. We had planned to catch the 4:30 p.m. bus, but about 50 people were lined up and we could not board, so we did some shopping at nearby souvenir shops and took the bus that came after 5:00 p.m. The guests were going to have a meal in Kii-Katsuura, so I introduced them to a taxi, said goodbye, and ended the tour.
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 | Nachi no Takimae／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus～Kii-Katsuura Station／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus | 630JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kii-Katsuura～Shimosato | 190JPY |
| Total | 820JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Daitaiji Temple, Fushiogamiguchi, Fushiogami Oji, Hongu Taisha, Oyunohara, lunch, To Shingu, Hayatama Taisha, Daimonzaka 2-chome , Seigantoji Temple, Nachi Taisha, Three-storied Pagoda, Nachi Falls, Takimae bus stop and Kii-Katsuura.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 820JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Kiyoko is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Wakayama itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
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!!