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
- 8:20 Nachi Station
- 8:24 Board bus
- 8:50 Daimonzaka
- 9:30 Seiganto-ji Temple
- 9:50 Nachi Taisha Shrine
- 10:45 Nachi Falls
- 11:44 Board bus at Takimae
- 12:08 Board bus at Nachi Station
- 12:45 Lunch
- 13:30 Kamikura Shrine
- 14:10 Hayatama Taisha Shrine
- 14:30 Shingu Castle
- 14:50 Shingu Station
- 15:50 Board train
- 16:18 Kii-Katsuura Station
- 16:30 Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Nachi Station at 8:20, Board bus at 8:24, Daimonzaka at 8:50, Seiganto-ji Temple at 9:30, Nachi Taisha Shrine at 9:50, Nachi Falls at 10:45, Board bus at Takimae at 11:44, Board bus at Nachi Station at 12:08, Kamikura Shrine at 13:30, Hayatama Taisha Shrine at 14:10, Shingu Castle at 14:30, Shingu Station at 14:50, Board train at 15:50 and Kii-Katsuura Station at 16:18.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Nachi Station／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus to Daimonzaka／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus by bus (350JPY); Nachi Falls Front／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus to Nachi Station／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus by bus (510JPY); Nachi Station／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus to Shingu High School Front／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus by bus (480JPY); Shingu to Kii-Katsuura by train (240JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 1,580JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Kumano Kodo and Nachi Falls Walking Tour Like in Rainy Weather? A Licensed Guide's Report
Because the forecast had shown a 100% chance of afternoon rain since the previous day, I changed the planned 9:30 meeting to 8:20 at Nachi Station, and moved the planned lunch at Nachisan to lunch in Shingu.
The guests were a group visiting from Europe, and they said they had been very much looking forward to the tour.
We took the 8:24 bus and got off at Daimonzaka, where I explained about the Kumano Kodo and we started our walk.
The group were strong walkers, and as planned we visited Daimonzaka, Seiganto-ji Temple, Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, and the three-storied pagoda.
They were deeply moved by the grandeur of Nachi Falls.
We took a bus from the front of the falls, transferred buses at Nachi Station, and got off in front of Shingu High School. There happened to be a Sukiya right in front, so we had lunch there.
Since it had started to rain, we put on rain coats and I guided them only around the torii gate of Kamikura Shrine. At Hayatama Taisha Shrine, we took photos and paid our respects.
We walked to Shingu Castle and climbed the stone steps to a point where the Kumano River could be seen, but at that point one of the guests said the rain was too heavy to keep walking, so we walked from there to Shingu Station. We had an hour to wait, but there was a waiting room, so we spent the time there talking and looking at photos I had taken previously.
When the train came we boarded, and as they wanted to confirm the next day's tickets, we went to Kii-Katsuura Station and had it handled there, ending the tour.
The rain in the latter half was unfortunate, but they said it was good that we had been able to sightsee in Nachi during the morning.
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 Station／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus～Daimonzaka／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus | 350JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Nachi Falls Front／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus～Nachi Station／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus | 510JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Nachi Station／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus～Shingu High School Front／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus | 480JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Shingu～Kii-Katsuura | 240JPY |
| Total | 1,580JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Nachi Station, Board bus, Daimonzaka, Seiganto-ji Temple, Nachi Taisha Shrine, Nachi Falls, Board bus at Takimae, Board bus at Nachi Station, Kamikura Shrine, Hayatama Taisha Shrine, Shingu Castle, Shingu Station, Board train and Kii-Katsuura Station.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,580JPY per person across 4 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!!