This immersive journey is tailored for travelers seeking to explore Japan beyond its well-trodden paths. Explore Mount Koya's tranquil temples, hike the sacred Kumano Kodo trails, and experience the vibrant Nachi Fishing Port. Visit the iconic Kumano Sanzan shrines, and admire Shirahama's stunning seascapes and Nachi Waterfalls. This itinerary blends history, spirituality, and nature, providing a rich, authentic Japanese experience.
Japan Highlights Travel specializes in customized tours, tailored to your interests and time. Whether you desire a spiritual retreat, cultural immersion, or scenic adventure, we create your perfect Japanese journey.
Travelers ❤ Japan Highlights Japan Highlights is a proud member of the Highlights Travel Family (trusted since 1998). Reviews are updated monthly from Tripadvisor, Google & Trustpilot. ×
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Loretta
Asia Highlights is the best
Asia Highlights is the best. We booked our reservations with Albee and she is the best. Very friendly and professional. She planned our itinerary with a detailed program. She tailors to what you want and want to see in Japan. We are going for 9 days to Tokyo, Fujikawaguchiko, Kyoto,and Osaka. We can’t wait to go in October. Thank you Albee for your great service! You are a rock star. More
Date of Experience:: Oct 2025
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Karol Wack
Our trip to Tokyo and Hakone was amazing!
Our trip to Tokyo and Hakone was amazing! Our guide Jeremy was so pleasant and knowledgeable, I especially loved his color coded reference charts as he was explaining the area and history. It was so nice to not have to worry about how to get anywhere and to have Jeremy and our driver Blake take care of all the details. Stress free, wonderful time! More
Date of Experience:: Jun 2025
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jh
Asia Highlights put together a personalized itinerary specific to our desires.
Asia Highlights put together a wonderful itinerary for us based on our specific requests. They tailored it exactly to what we wanted to see and do, and we’re always mindful of our budget. Our guide in Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, Slash, was fantastic! He was very knowledgeable about all the places we visited. And his easy conversation made it an even more fun experience. We enjoyed talking with him about music, sports, and cars! We loved having him as our tour guide and would go with him again if we return. More
Date of Experience:: Jun 2025
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Koyasan and Kumano Kodo Walking Tour Map(Suggested Route)
Highlights
Uncover Wakayama's essential historical heritage and immerse yourself in its magnificent natural vistas.
Stay in a traditional shukubo (temple lodging) on Mount Koya.
Hike two distinct sections of the sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail at your own pace.
Cruise the Kumano Waterway and retrace the route once traveled by emperors and aristocrats.
Experience the historied seaside hot springs of Shirahama and the onsen within the centuries-old caves of Nachi-Katsuura.
Experience the tuna auction frenzy at Nachi Fishing Port
Suggested Itinerary Details
- Begin your journey with a 2-hour drive from Osaka or Kyoto to Koyasan, the spiritual heart of Shingon Buddhism.
- Visit Kongobu-ji, head temple of Shingon Buddhism, renowned for its elegant sliding doors and Japan's largest rock garden.
- Explore the Danjo Garan sacred temple complex, home to the iconic 50-meter-tall Konpon Daito pagoda.
- Walk along the sacred path of Okuno-in, lined with over 200,000 tombstones and monuments, leading to the mausoleum of monk Kobo Daishi.
- Enjoy a traditional Koyasan Shojin-Ryori vegetarian lunch, featuring seasonal delicacies like koya dofu and goma dofu.
- Stay overnight in a temple lodging for a truly immersive experience.
- Travel to Shirahama, a picturesque coastal town.
- Start with a visit to the Sandanbeki Caves, once a hideout for the Kumano Navy. Descend 36 meters into the cave and explore its history-filled passages.
- Next, visit Senjojiki, a vast rock plateau shaped by the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning coastal views.
- Relax at Shirahama Seaside Onsen Saki-no-yu, one of Japan's oldest hot springs, where you can soak in therapeutic waters while enjoying panoramic ocean views.
- Stay overnight in a seaside hotel, surrounded by the calming sounds of the sea.
- Embark on a transformative hike along the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Trail, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 2½-hour trek from Fushiogami-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha takes you through lush forests and quaint villages, culminating at one of the three grand shrines of Kumano.
- Afterward, enjoy a scenic Kumano River Boat Tour, retracing the route once taken by emperors and aristocrats.
- Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha, another of the grand shrines, known for its vibrant vermilion structures and sacred Nagi Tree.
- Stay overnight at Hotel Urashima, a history-filled seaside hotel with a unique cave onsen.
- Start your day early with a visit to Nachi-Katsuura Fishing Port, where you can witness the lively tuna auction, a highlight of Japan's largest tuna port.
- Next, hike the Kumano Kodo Nachi Mountain Section, a 2-hour trek through ancient cedar forests and past the iconic Meoto-sugi (Husband and Wife Cedar).
- Visit Nachi Taisha and Seiganto-ji, sacred sites that reflect Japan's fusion of Shinto and Buddhist traditions.
- Conclude your hike at the majestic Nachi-no-taki (Nachi Falls), Japan's tallest waterfall.
- For a unique experience, dress in traditional Heian-era (794–1185) costumes and capture memorable photos along the trail.
- After the tour, we'll drive you to your hotel in Osaka (approximately 4 hours).
Hand-Picked Hotels
We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.
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Koyasan Sojiin
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Shiraraso Grand Hotel
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Urashima Hotel
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Tour Price:
- The price is based on a private tour for 2 people during the low season.
- The price varies based on program, travel date, number of people.
- We could also price a tour including both 4-star and 5-star hotels for you.
- We accept payments in multiple currencies (GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR...).
Price Includes:
- Privately-driven air-conditioned vehicle with ample space (except where stated)
- English-speaking local guide for the sightseeing
- Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
- Accommodation for all nights
- Hotel breakfasts and lunch on Day1 at mount Koya
- 24/7 helpline while touring
- Governmental taxes
Price Excludes:
- International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Visa fee, if applicable
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses
Tour code: ah-jp-31
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At Japan Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.