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
- 9:30 Meet the guests at Hotel Urashima, 10:00 Daimonzaka, 10:30 Nachi Taisha & Seiganto-ji, 11:30 Hiro Shrine, 12:00 Nachi Falls, 13:00 Lunch
- 14:00 Hayatama Taisha, 15:00~17:00 Hongu Taisha & Oyunohara, cafe, souvenir shops, 18:00 Drop off the guests at Hotel Urashima and finish.
- Guided in a taxi arranged by the guests.
Title: What Is a Private Guided Tour of the Kumano Sanzan and Nachi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
I had the pleasure of guiding a group of guests around the Kumano region. One of the guests was very interested in Japanese history and nature, so I shared stories about Shugendo and nature worship. At the Kumano Sanzan, I carefully explained the customs such as the purification fountain (temizuya) and the two-bows, two-claps, one-bow ritual, and at Seiganto-ji Temple, I explained the proper way to pray at a temple.
The guests stayed in Nachikatsuura Town for several nights, and I suggested some reasonable sightseeing options for the following days. They kindly sent me photos showing how much they enjoyed their time together.
They were a truly wonderful group to guide.
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 | Sho～Kii-Katsuura | 350JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Kii-Katsuura～Sho | 350JPY |
| Total | 700JPY | ||
Hi, and Konnichiwa ! I am YOKO, lives in Nachi Katsuura in Wakayama where the Nachi falls is worshiped as a deity. I’ve been guiding as a Koya Kumano Licensed Guide and Interpreter since 2014. I speak business level English. Apart for this, I also have an extensive training in Hongu & Nachi guide association.
I’d love to offer you an order made tour! Benefit from an itinerary that can be altered and adjusted according to your interests. Your guided tour will give you a personalized experience in spiritual land Kumano. I’m a local in Nachi Katsuura town, I will drive you around the village called Ota & Irokawa that shows you beautiful terraced rice fields, tea plantations etc. We’ll visit our friend’s farm to see cattle and other livestock. Listen to the story from organic farmers etc.
Experiences; Indigo dyeing for tenugui hand towel,3000 yen or more per person, Tent sauna 5000 yen or more per person, besides tour fee.
I also offer a regular trekking tour.( transportation fee is required depending on the area.) Please feel free to ask me questions!
Nakahechi route: (Takijiri-Chikatsuyu, Hosshimon-Hongu taisha, Hongu taisha- Yunomine onsen, Ogumo tori-goe, Kogumo tori-goe, Hayatama taisha, Daimonzaka-Nachi falls via Nachi taisha&Seigan to-ji temple). I hope to share this with you while also learning your adventures !
Instagram: (yoko.kumanokodoguide) https://www.instagram.com/yoko.kumanokodoguide?igsh=NGJobnhyMXFsYXE1&utm_source=qr
Apr 21, 2025
mango575
Kumano Kodo Nachi Falls Shrine Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
Yoko is an…
Apr 21, 2025
mango575
Kumano Kodo Nachi Falls Shrine Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
Yoko is an awesome tour guide and so knowledgeable!! She gets our full recommendation 200 percent!!!!
Yoko took us to so many amazing places in one day!!! She is always so thoughtful, thinking about everyone on the tour and if they are happy and comfortable!!