Complete Immersion: 4D3N Kumano Kodo Iseji Tour with Local Guide

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Day 1
3 stops
1
This is the most saced shrine in Japan and filled with the charms of history, nature and architecture. Billions of people have been praying for their peace from the ancient times. Ise Grand Shrine includes 125 shrines around Mie, and in particular, Naiku and Geku, which is dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami (the deity of Imperial family) and Toyo'uke-no-Omikami (a provider of sacred food of Amaterasu-Omikami) respectively, are the two main huge shrines. Okage-Yokocho: Okage-Yokocho was born in 1993 near Ise Grand Shrine Naiku. The Edo and Meiji periods' buildings along the Iseji Route have been relocated or recreated, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the shrine street and learn the traditional culture of Ise. There are many shops and restaurants serving Ise specialties. Eating around Okage-Yokocho is one of choices to fully enjoy the Yokocho.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Road Station Kii-Nagashima Manbo: The menu offers a rich selection of coastal delicacies, including fresh sashimi and premium seafood bowls that showcase the best of this fishing town, alongside classic ramen and udon. The true highlight, found only at "Road Station Kii-Nagashima Manbo," is the Deep-fried Sunfish Set. This rare gourmet specialty reflects the unique culinary heritage of Kihoku Town. Featuring a firm yet succulent texture similar to lean chicken breast, the sunfish is served with a perfectly crisp golden batter. It is a light, healthy, and sophisticated dish that offers a taste of Japan found nowhere else.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
3
Uo-machi Strolling: Explore "Uo-machi," a timeless fishing village in the Kii-Nagashima district. Discover its nostalgic charm through narrow alleys and the unique rising bridge that lifts for passing boats. Guided by a charismatic local, you’ll immerse yourself in the living history and enduring seafaring culture of this retro coastal gem.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Day 2
3 stops
4
There are two courses, the slightly steep, stone-paved “Edo Road” that evokes history, and the gentler “Meiji Road,” which joins at the Hajikami-toge Pass. From the observatory on the pass, you can see a panoramic view of Kii-no-Matsushima in the Sea of Kumano.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
5
Tobeya & Tsumura: Beyond being just charcoal, Kishū Binchōtan is celebrated by world-renowned chefs as the highest-quality charcoal on Earth. In the town of Kihoku, you have the rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the living tradition of this "black diamond." At Tsumura, a traditional kiln run by master craftsmen, each piece of charcoal is forged with passion and precision. This premium charcoal then travels to Tobeya, a refined Kappo-style restaurant where it is used to elevate local ingredients into culinary masterpieces. The secret lies in the powerful far-infrared rays emitted by the Binchōtan. This intense heat instantly seals in the "umami," creating a perfectly crisp, aromatic exterior while keeping the inside incredibly succulent and juicy. Experience the harmony of two masters: the charcoal-making artistry of Tsumura and the exquisite culinary skills of Tobeya. Come and savor the true bounty of Kishū—a flavor that can only be found right here.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
This beautiful building, crafted from local cypress, is the essential orientation hub for the Iseji Route.Through engaging exhibits and high-definition visuals, you will learn about the history, culture, and challenging mountain passes of this World Heritage site. It’s the perfect place to check trail conditions and deepen your spiritual connection to the "Path to Ise" before you begin your journey.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Day 3
3 stops
7
A popular mountain pass on the border of Kihoku town and Owase City, the stone pavement, said to be the best in the Kumano Kodo Iseji, continues through the Owase cypress forest. Many historical sites, such as Yonaki Jizo, which is believed to have mystical power to prevent children from crying at night, giving it the atmosphere of a Kumano Kodo.
3 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
8
The process of making a wappa originally involved 45 steps, all done by hand, a single person, so it takes more than one month to complete a wappa. The lacquer is also made from natural materials, and is first-class, with no admixtures of any kind.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
9
Tategasaki sightseeing cruise lets you see Tategasaki up close from the sea, offering a viewimpossible to enjoy from land. You can witness unique ria coastline rock formations andgiant rocks along the way. The highlight is “Gama no Kuchi,” a huge cave opening also known as the “Blue Cave of Kumano.” Enjoy the spectacular views of the blue sea and sky. *In case the sightseeing boat is unavailable due to weather conditions, we will guide you on the Tategasaki Trekking Trail (an 80-minute round trip). This scenic path allows you to experience the majestic coastline and forest beauty at your own pace.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Day 4
3 stops
10
Matsumoto-toge Pass: Beautiful cobblestone pavement remains on most of the roads, and at the pass surrounded by bamboo groves, you will be greeted by a life-size Jizo statue. Onigajo: Onigajo is a large rock wall created by earthquake uplift, weathering and wave erosion. In addition to being designated as a national scenic beauty and natural monument, it is also registered as a World Heritage site as part of the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. Hanano-Iwaya Shrine Hanano-Iwaya Shrine appears as the “stage of the national birth” in the first book of, Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), written in 720 (Nara Period). This place has an important meaning as “Kumano of the Caves,” a sacred place from ancient times that preceded the Kumano Sanzan worship, and is truly a place that can be said to be the roots of the Japanese people.
4 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
11
The Kumano River is registered as a World Heritage site as a river pilgrimage route. Water transportation of daily commodities was also active, and river boats such as “Sandanbo” developed during the Edo period. This is a leisurely tour along the Kumano River on a “Sandanbo,” a replica of the boats used in those days. *In case the Sandanbo sailboat is unavailable due to river conditions, we will guide you to the Maruyama-Senmaida Rice Terraces. You will witness one of Japan’s most breathtaking rural landscapes, featuring over a thousand meticulously crafted stone-walled paddies.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
12
Kumano Hayatama Taisha
This shrine is located near the mouth of the Kumano River and is dedicated to the deity Hayatama. The shrine grounds include “Gongenyama” in the background, “Mifunejima” and “Otabisho” on the Kumano River, and the “Nagi Tree,” a natural monument, which is considered a sacred tree, is located within the shrine grounds.
1 hour • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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