Wakayama in Half a Day: Senjuinbashi — 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
- 11:00 Senjuinbashi
- 11:10 Danjo Garan
- 12:00 Lunch Maruman
- 12:50 Kongobuji Temple
- 13:00 Move to Okunoin
- 13:50 Nestorian Monument
- 14:25 Nakanohashi Purification Fountain
- 14:45 Okunoin
- 15:25 In front of Nakanohashi Parking Lot
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Senjuinbashi at 11:00, Danjo Garan at 11:10, Kongobuji Temple at 12:50, Okunoin at 13:00, Nestorian Monument at 13:50, Nakanohashi Purification Fountain at 14:25, Okunoin at 14:45 and In front of Nakanohashi Parking Lot at 15:25.
Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Koyasan (Mount Koya) Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests arrived at Senjuinbashi at the scheduled time. As we walked toward the Garan temple complex, we talked about their stay in Japan. We toured Konpon Daito, Miedo, Kujakudo, Saito, Shisho Myojin, and the Rokkaku Kyozo, and since it was noon, we moved to a restaurant for lunch. They enjoyed udon and sushi, and remarked that all the Japanese dishes were delicious. After that, we moved to Kongobuji and I guided them through the temple. They were deeply moved by the fusuma paintings and the Japanese garden. Afterward, though it is not usually part of the tour, we stopped by the Nestorian Stone Monument and the grave associated with a well-known figure. Walking along the Okunoin approach, the guests said the special atmosphere was wonderful. At the mausoleum, I handed them the candle they had brought so they could offer prayers. On the way back we took a different path, viewing various graves and taking photos. We ended the tour in front of the Nakanohashi parking area. The guests said that although Koyasan was a bit of a detour, they were truly glad they had come.
Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour 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!!