Wakayama in One Day: Takijiri Kodokan — Guide Kiyoko
November, 2025
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, meet the guests
- 9:40 Takijiri Kodokan
- 10:00 Visit Takijiri-oji, walk
- 10:30 Move to forest road intersection, resume walk
- 11:00 Takahara Shrine
- 11:30 Takahara Rest Area
- 11:50 Lunch
- 12:15 Move to Nachi
- 14:20 Seiganto-ji Temple
- 14:40 Nachi Taisha Shrine
- 15:15 Nachi Falls
- 15:40 Move to Kii-Tanabe
- 16:10 Hashigui Roadside Station
- 17:30 Hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Takijiri Kodokan at 9:40, Takijiri-oji, walk at 10:00, forest road intersection, resume walk at 10:30, Takahara Shrine at 11:00, Takahara Rest Area at 11:30, Nachi at 12:15, Seiganto-ji Temple at 14:20, Nachi Taisha Shrine at 14:40, Nachi Falls at 15:15, Kii-Tanabe at 15:40 and Hashigui Roadside Station at 16:10.
Title: What Is a Private Kumano Kodo Walking Tour from Kii-Tanabe to Nachi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
At 7:30, the guide boarded together at the taxi office in Kushimoto and departed for Kii-Tanabe. The weather was cloudy with occasional light rain, but it was not yet raining in Kii-Tanabe. The guests came down to the lobby a little before 9:00. The tour was a birthday gift for one of the guests from another. At the Takijiri Kodokan, the guests listened attentively to the explanations, and after paying a visit to the shrine together, we set off. Many people were making the climb, but after about five minutes the ascent became steep, so we turned back, took the taxi to an intersection on the way to the Takahara rest area, and resumed the walk from there. We paid our respects at Takahara Shrine and had lunch at the Takahara rest area. The guests enjoyed the scenery. After lunch we moved on to Nachi, took photos at Daimonzaka Sanchome, and visited Seiganto-ji Temple and Kumano Nachi Taisha. By this time the rain had begun to fall in earnest, but the guests enjoyed the atmosphere. We drove to the front of the waterfall, went down to the falls for a commemorative photo, and then got back in the car to head toward Kii-Tanabe. It was raining along the way, but we stopped to take photos at Hashigui-iwa. By the time we reached the hotel in Tanabe, the rain had eased, and we said our goodbyes to the guests and ended the tour. The driver had a lot of driving to do and it must have been demanding, but the schedule was managed skillfully.
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!!