Kumano Nachi Taisha

The Kumano Kodo trail is quite far from Osaka; we set off at 7 AM and didn't return to Nipponbashi until 8 PM. Thanks to Xiao Yan, who also served as our driver and guide, the entire day's itinerary was well-planned, providing ample time for sightseeing and a half-hour hike along the trail – a truly refreshing experience. I also recommend the Binotei lunch; the food was delicious and reasonably priced, and they even included ice cream, but be sure to avoid the crowds.

Because we were worried about the possibility of bears in the forests of Kumano Kodo and that it would be too dangerous for one person, we opted for a day tour. Our group only had five people, which fit perfectly into a small bus. The driver was a very skilled driver, and I slept soundly the whole way. The tour guide was also very helpful in recommending private cherry blossom viewing spots. Three hours of free time on Kumano Kodo was more than enough. Being on a day tour at least gave us some fellow travelers, and although we might not encounter any bears, it provided a greater sense of security.