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
- 11:00 Koza station, guide get on the train
- 11:40 Arrive at Kii Katsura, transfer to the local bus
- 12:15 Arrive at Daimonzaka, explanation
- 12:30 Start walking
- 13:10 Lunch
- 14:10 Seiganto-ji, pray at the temple
- 14:30 Nachi Taisha, pray at the shrine
- 14:50 Pagoda, take pictures
- 15:15 Nachi Waterfall, take pictures
- 16:10 Get on the bus to Kii Katsura
- 16:30 Arrive at Kii Katsura
- 16:40 Coffee shop
- 17:00 Onsen Foot bath
- 17:45 Kii Katsura station
- 18:10 Get on the train
- 18:30 Guide get off the train, end of the tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Koza station, guide get on the train at 11:00, Kii Katsura, transfer to the local bus at 11:40, Daimonzaka, explanation at 12:15, Start walking at 12:30, Seiganto-ji, pray at the temple at 14:10, Nachi Taisha, pray at the shrine at 14:30, Pagoda, take pictures at 14:50, Nachi Waterfall, take pictures at 15:15, Get on the bus to Kii Katsura at 16:10, Kii Katsura at 16:30, Onsen Foot bath at 17:00, Kii Katsura station at 17:45 and Get on the train at 18:10.
Can You Do a Private Kumano Kodo Walking Tour to Nachi from Kii-Katsuura? A Licensed Guide's Report
I boarded the same limited express train as the guests from Koza Station. Having asked for their seat numbers the day before, I had reserved a seat behind them. Unlike the rain of the previous day, the weather was clear, which delighted the guests. We changed trains at Kii-Katsuura and got off at the Daimon-zaka parking area, where I gave a brief explanation of the Kumano Kodo before we started the walk.
Along the way, we took commemorative photos by the giant cedar trees, and the guests took many photos, saying the scenery of Daimon-zaka was beautiful. We decided to have lunch around the top of the slope, and the guests ordered a kaiseki-style menu. By the time we finished lunch, we were running a little behind schedule, so I explained that it might not be possible to catch the bus from Nachi to Hayatama. Since the guests also wanted to film videos at Nachi, we decided to skip Shingu. At Seiganto-ji Temple, they listened attentively to the explanations. At Kumano Nachi Taisha, they experienced the tainai-kuguri. They also took photos at the three-storied pagoda, and afterward, at Nachi Falls, they took photos and filmed videos at several spots.
After that, we traveled by bus to Kii-Katsuura, had coffee at a cafe, and the guests chatted with other travelers. Since we had walked a great deal, I guided them to a hot spring footbath, and afterward they did some shopping at a convenience store. We boarded the train together, and before arriving at Koza, I said goodbye to the guests and ended the tour.
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!!