11 Days / 10 Nights
Our experts will guide you to the path of bliss through our Japan Pilgrimage Tour. Immerse yourself in the serenity of Japan’s pilgrimages. Call us today to book our Kumano Kodo Tour.
Summary
Explore some of the classical temples and gardens in Kyoto before heading to Japan’s birth place of Buddhism, Mount Koya. Walk around Mount Koya with our guides and experience the ascetic lifestyle of the monks as you spend the night in a Shukubo (temple lodging) and immerse yourself in a meditation class. Head on to the Kumono Kudo pilgrim trails dotted with panoramic views of the majestic mountains, gurgling streams, rivers and cascading waterfalls. After a rewarding hike through the Kumano Kodo, we will take you to two main cities in Japan. Enjoy some authentic Japanese food and last minute souvenir shopping in Osaka and Tokyo before you head back home.
Let our experts guide you on your search for inner peace in the land of the rising sun.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1 - KYOTO
Arrive at Kyoto.
DAY 2 - KYOTO
Breakfast at the hotel.
After Breakfast tour of Kyoto
Tour highlights:
- Saihoji Temple visit (Subject to availability)
- Golden Pavilion
- Ryoanji Temple (Zen Temple)
- Authentic Tea Ceremony
DAY 3 - MOUNT KOYABreakfast at the hotel.
After Breakfast transfer to Mount Koya by local trains and cable car.
Tour highlights:
- Mt. Koya walk including Okunonin
- Meditation at Temple. Overnight in Temple lodging Shukubo. Vegetarian Dinner included at the temple.
DAY 4 - KUMANO
Tour highlights:
- Free to join morning prayers at temple.
- After vegetarian Breakfast transfers will be arranged to Kumano.
- Start Kumano Kodo Trail.
- Luggage will be transferred daily to your next lodge.
- Our Kumano Kodo specialist guide will meet you at the start of the trek and will be with you throughout your pilgrim walk.
- Walk Takijiri-oji to Takahara (3.7 km, ~2.5 hrs)
- Sleep in Takahara
DAY 5 - TAKAHARA -> CHIKATSUYU-Oji
Tour highlights:
- Breakfast at lodge.
- Walk Takahara to Chikatsuyu-oji (9 km, 5~6 hrs)
- Sleep in Chikatsuyu
- Dinner included at the lodge.
DAY 6 - CHIKATSUYU-Oji -> YUNOMINE ONSEN
Tour highlights:
- Breakfast at lodge.
- Bus to Hosshinmon-oji (~40 min)
- Walk Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha(~7 km, ~3 hrs)
- Walk from Hongu to Yunomine Onsen (~3.5 km~1.5 hrs). Bus transfer possible.
- Sleep in Yunomine Onsen.
- Dinner at lodge and enjoy hot springs.
DAY 7 - YUNOMINE ONSEN -> KATSUURA
Tour highlights:
- Breakfast at lodge.
- Bus from Hongu to Hitari (~30 min)
- Boat tour to Shingu (~1 hr 30 min)
- Train from Shingu to Katsuura (~40 min or less)
- Sleep in Katsuura.
- Enjoy Dinner and hot springs at your ryokan.
DAY 8 - KATSUURA -> OSAKA
Tour highlights:
- Breakfast at lodge.
- Bus from Kii-Katsuura Station to Daimon-zaka (~10 min)
- Walk Daimon-zaka to Kumano Nachi Taisha (total ~2.5 km, ~2 hrs)
- Bus from Nachisan to Kii-Katsuura (~20 min)
- Train from Kii-Katsuura to Shin-Osaka (~3 hr, 50 min)
- Overnight in Osaka.
DAY 9 - OSAKA -> TOKYO
Tour highlights:
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Half-day tour of Osaka.
- Osaka Castle
- Umeda Sky Building
Why not try some Osaka Okonomiyaki or Sushi with our guides before you head to Tokyo. Travel by bullet train to Tokyo.
DAY 10 - OSAKA -> TOKYO
Tour highlights:
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Full-day tour of Tokyo.
- Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise shopping arcade.
- Edo Tokyo Museum
- Ginza area
DAY 11 - DEPARTURE
Transfer by shared shuttle taxi or airport bus to airport.
Rates and Conditions
Rate Includes
- Return airport transfers
- 10 nights cccommodation including daily Breakfast
- Dinner at Mount Koya and during Kumano Kodo trail
- Private Guided Tours as per itinerary
- Authentic Tea ceremony in Kyoto
- Zen meditation in Koya san
- Single bullet train ticket from Osaka to Kyoto
- Train and cable car tickets from Kyoto to Koya san
- Local transfers arranged from Koya san to Kumano
Rate Excludes
- International flights
- Entrance fees. We like to keep our itineraries flexible. Entrance fees doesn't cost a lot. We can provide estimated costs.
- Lunch, Dinner (excluding Koya and Kumano area) and Drinks
- Local transfers for tours
- Tips to Guides
