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 Meet guide at Kii Tanabe
- 8:37 Get on the bus to Hongu
- 10:12 Arrive at Hongu
- 10:30 Get on the bus to Hosshinmon Oji
- 11:40 Mizunomi Oji
- 12:30 Fushiogami Oji, lunch
- 13:00 Start walking
- 13:30 Sangenjaya remains
- 14:10 Detour, Lookout point
- 14:30 Hongu Taisha
- 14:45 Ohyunohara
- 15:05 Get on the bus
- 17:20 Kii Tanabe
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Get on the bus to Hongu at 8:37, Hongu at 10:12, Get on the bus to Hosshinmon Oji at 10:30, Mizunomi Oji at 11:40, Fushiogami Oji, lunch at 12:30, Start walking at 13:00, Sangenjaya remains at 13:30, Detour, Lookout point at 14:10, Hongu Taisha at 14:30, Ohyunohara at 14:45, Get on the bus at 15:05 and Kii Tanabe at 17:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kii Tanabe to Hongu by bus (2,100JPY); Hongu to Hosshinmon Oji by bus (470JPY); Hongu to Kii Tanabe by bus (2,100JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 4,670JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Kumano Kodo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guest was very meticulous and asked many questions from the planning stage. I received short messages the day before and on the day itself, so we were able to meet easily at the bus stop. On the bus there, the guest told me how they had become interested in the Kumano Kodo, and mentioned currently living in Asia for work.
After changing buses at Hongu, we arrived at Hosshinmon-oji, where I explained the history and the site, and we took many photos. Since we had spent a little too much time, we walked at a brisk pace. The guest walks every day and was a very strong walker. They particularly enjoyed taking photos and videos of the mountain ranges and the old road. At Fushiogami-jaya we ordered onsen coffee, and while I had lunch, the guest was not hungry and had only coffee. We started walking again in the afternoon, and I gave explanations and we took photos at Sangenjaya and the lookout point. We paid our respects at Hongu Taisha, I took a photo of the guest in front of the great torii gate at Oyunohara, and we boarded the return bus. As there were few passengers, we arrived at Tanabe Station on schedule, and at the tourist information center the guest received an English leaflet. The guest had become interested after hearing about the Kumano Kodo from someone they met on a previous visit to Japan. The guest said, "I will come again," so I replied, "Please do come back," and ended the tour.
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 | Kii Tanabe～Hongu | 2,100JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Hongu～Hosshinmon Oji | 470JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Hongu～Kii Tanabe | 2,100JPY |
| Total | 4,670JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Get on the bus to Hongu, Hongu, Get on the bus to Hosshinmon Oji, Mizunomi Oji, Fushiogami Oji, lunch, Start walking, Sangenjaya remains, Detour, Lookout point, Hongu Taisha, Ohyunohara, Get on the bus and Kii Tanabe.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 4,670JPY per person across 3 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!!