Wakayama in One Day: Kii-Tanabe – Hongu — Guide Kiyoko
October, 2024
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
- 8:00 Kii-Tanabe – Hongu
- 9:45 Arrive at Hongu
- 10:10 Depart Hosshinmon-oji
- 10:20 Hosshinmon-oji
- 10:45 Walk Start
- 11:30 Mizunomi-oji
- 12:15 Fushiogami Lunch
- 12:50 Fushiogami-oji
- 13:30 Sangenjaya
- 13:50 Hongu Taisha
- 14:20 Oyunohara
- 15:05 In front of Hongu Taisha
- 17:17 Kii-Tanabe
- 17:30 Information Center
- Tour End
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Kii-Tanabe – Hongu at 8:00, Hongu at 9:45, Hosshinmon-oji at 10:20, Walk Start at 10:45, Mizunomi-oji at 11:30, Fushiogami Lunch at 12:15, Fushiogami-oji at 12:50, Sangenjaya at 13:30, Hongu Taisha at 13:50, Oyunohara at 14:20, In front of Hongu Taisha at 15:05, Kii-Tanabe at 17:17 and Information Center at 17:30.
Title: What Is a Private Kumano Kodo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Nakahechi Route
On the day of the tour, it was drizzling. While waiting at the Kii-Tanabe bus stop, I received a message asking, "Will we still go in the rain?" When I replied, "Yes, we will," the guest arrived about 10 minutes later.
8:05 The bus was full of other international travelers heading to walk the Kumano Kodo. 9:45 Arrived at Hongu and picked up the reserved boxed lunch. 10:10 Boarded the bus bound for Fushiogami. 10:30 Arrived at Hosshinmon-oji. 10:45 Stamped the stamp book, explained the oji shrines, and started the walk. 11:30 Minomizu-oji. I had given the guest a stamp book at Hosshinmon-oji, but it seemed to have been left behind somewhere around Hosshinmon-oji, so we stamped a piece of paper instead. 12:15 Arrived at Fushiogami for lunch. 12:50 Explained Fushiogami-oji and started walking again. 13:20 Scenic viewpoint, took photos. 13:50 Arrived at Hongu Taisha and offered prayers. 14:15 Oyunohara, took photos. Viewed the exhibits at the World Heritage Center. 15:05 Boarded the bus in front of Hongu Taisha. 17:17 Arrived at Kii-Tanabe. 17:30 Received brochures at the information center, guided the guest to a place to eat, and the tour ended.
Since the guest had booked a tour without a vehicle, I assumed they enjoyed walking, but they said this was the most they had ever walked. The day before, while traveling to Kii-Tanabe by train, the guest had apparently searched for information about the Nanki region and asked if it would be possible to add Kamikura Shrine. I explained that it was in a different direction and that the infrequent train and bus schedules would make it difficult to finish within the available time, and they understood. After finishing the walk, the guest told me, "That was fun."
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!!