『Kansai Hidden Gems 2-Day Tour』Kumano Kodo 2-Day Pilgrimage Route | Double Pilgrimage Certification & Conan Spot Search
Groups can be formed with a minimum of 6 people, or small, elite groups of up to 20 people.
Pick-up and drop-off services are available from two meeting points: Shinsaibashi and Nipponbashi in Osaka.
This two-day tour covers multiple sites along the Kumano Kodo: Hoshinmon Oji, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Asuka Shrine, Kumano Kodo Daimonzaka, Momoko Okusu, Nachi Taisha, Seigan-to-ji Temple, Three-Story Pagoda, Hiryu Shrine, Nachi Great Waterfall, Engetsu Island, Senjojiki, and Sandanbeki. This itinerary connects the three major shrines and classic sacred sites of the Kumano Kodo, blending natural wonders with locations featured in "Detective Conan," offering a two-day pilgrimage that combines faith, scenery, and fun.
Kame no I Hotel shuttle service* The hotel only arranges reservations; the cost is payable upon check-in. Staff will contact you in advance regarding related matters.
A professional driver and tour guide, fluent in Chinese and Japanese, and working hard to learn English.
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The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
A two-day pilgrimage to the Kumano Kodo can be organized with just six people.
Explore the essence of the Kumano Kodo route, visiting the three major shrines of Kumano Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, and Nachi Taisha in two days, achieving double pilgrimage certification. Along the way, explore spiritual sites such as Hōshinmon-ōji, Daimonzaka, and Nachi Falls, and connect classic scenes from "Detective Conan" such as Engetsu Island, Senjōshiki, and Sandanbeki, blending religious pilgrimage, natural wonders, and anime photo opportunities to create a deep and enjoyable pilgrimage journey.
The Hōshinmon Oji is one of the important starting points of the side route of the Kumano Kodō, regarded as the entrance to the Kumano Hongū Taisha Shrine, and symbolizing the spiritual starting point for pilgrims' "heart-making" journey. Here, one can not only appreciate the beauty of nature, but also experience the profound religious culture.
Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is one of the three sacred mountains of Kumano and the head shrine of more than 3,000 Kumano shrines throughout Japan, boasting a history of over a thousand years and a profound religious culture. Visitors can reach it along the Chuhe Road of the Kumano Kodo, where the massive torii gate "Ōsaigahara," symbolizing the entrance to the sacred realm, stands, making it an unmissable spiritual landmark on any pilgrimage journey.
The temple is headed by the deity Kumano Hayatama, and is dedicated to 12 other deities. Within its grounds stands a sacred tree, the Nagi tree, said to be 1000 years old. Dolls made from the fruit of this tree are believed to bless marriages and marital harmony, and are therefore very popular.
Asuka Shrine is an important spiritual landmark along the Kumano Kodo trail, containing Yayoi period relics and the legend of Xu Fu landing there. As one of the origins of the Kumano faith, the shrine was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2016, possessing profound historical and cultural value.
From Daimon-zaka, walk along the stone path through an ancient cedar forest with trees that are about 800 years old. After reaching the top of the slope, you can also go to Seigan-do Temple, Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, and Nachi Falls.
Seigan-to-ji Temple originates from the story of the monk Narogyo, who, while practicing asceticism at Nachi Falls, attained enlightenment regarding the Kannon statue and built a thatched hut. It is also the first of the thirty-three sacred sites dedicated to Kannon in western Japan. From the shrine's approach, one can directly admire the waterfall and experience the sacred space where nature and faith are seamlessly integrated.
Located next to Nachi Taisha Shrine in Kumano, the three-story pagoda is one of the most iconic and scenic views along the Kumano Kodo trail. The vermilion three-story pagoda, framed by the magnificent Nachi Waterfall, creates a picturesque and sacred scene, symbolizing the fusion of nature and faith. It's not only a dream destination for photographers but also a spiritual landmark for pilgrims, where every step is filled with reverence and emotion.
Hitaki Shrine is an adjoining shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, with the magnificent Nachi Falls as its sacred body, symbolizing the fusion of nature worship and spiritual beliefs. The falls, reaching a height of 133 meters, are the highest and most abundant waterfalls in Japan, possessing a majestic presence and considered a sacred site. Since ancient times, they have been an important place of spiritual practice for ascetics and one of the core spiritual attractions on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.
Engetsujima Island, located on the Shirahama coast of Wakayama, is a unique rock formation with a circular opening created by sea erosion. Around the spring and autumn equinoxes each year, the setting sun shines through the cave, creating a stunning scene resembling a full moon. It is a symbolic landmark of the Shirahama area and has become a popular tourist destination due to its appearance in the anime "Detective Conan".
Senjojiki, located on the Shirahama coast of Wakayama, is a magnificent rock formation created by the action of waves and tectonic uplift, resembling a thousand tatami mats that could be laid out on it, hence its name. The white rock face and the azure sea create a stunning contrast, and at sunset, it displays a dreamlike color, making it a natural wonder and popular spot for taking photos along the Kumano Kodo trail that you shouldn't miss.
FAQ
The two-day pilgrimage tour is structured to provide a focused experience of the Kumano Kodo. While the overall tour spans two days, the actual walking duration for specific pilgrimage sections is managed. For instance, the iconic Kumano Kodo Daimonzaka section typically involves a walk of about 40-60 minutes, leading up to Nachi Taisha. Other sites like Hoshinmon Oji or the areas around Kumano Hongu Taisha involve shorter walks or exploration time at each location, allowing for a balanced pace throughout your journey.
Yes, the Kumano Kodo two-day pilgrimage tour includes comfortable transportation between all visited sites, ensuring a seamless journey across the different pilgrimage locations. Furthermore, a professional tour guide fluent in Chinese and Japanese, and striving to learn English, accompanies the group throughout the entire itinerary. This comprehensive service allows participants to focus on the experience without worrying about navigating or planning the logistics themselves.
The Kumano Kodo sections included in this two-day tour are generally considered to have a moderate difficulty level, suitable for most travelers with a reasonable fitness level. For example, the Kumano Kodo Daimonzaka is a well-maintained stone staircase with a gradual ascent. While it involves some uphill walking, the pace is guided, allowing participants to enjoy the scenery and experience the spiritual journey without extreme physical exertion.
A moderate fitness level is recommended for the Kumano Kodo two-day pilgrimage tour. Participants should be comfortable walking for extended periods on uneven terrain, including stone paths and staircases, as encountered on sections like Daimonzaka. The tour is paced to accommodate group members, but the ability to walk and stand for several hours each day, with some inclines, will enhance your enjoyment of the pilgrimage experience.
For your convenience, the Kumano Kodo two-day pilgrimage tour offers pick-up and drop-off services from two well-known meeting points in Osaka. These designated locations are Shinsaibashi and Nipponbashi. Detailed information regarding the exact meeting spots and times will be provided upon booking, ensuring a smooth start and end to your immersive pilgrimage journey without the hassle of finding transport to the first site.
The Kumano Kodo two-day pilgrimage tour visits a rich array of iconic landmarks and natural wonders. Key pilgrimage sites include Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Nachi Taisha, along with the scenic Kumano Kodo Daimonzaka. You'll also experience the breathtaking Nachi Falls and its adjacent Three-Storied Pagoda. Additionally, the itinerary includes natural formations like Engetsu Island, Senjojiki, and Sandanbeki, which also serve as Detective Conan photo spots.
To receive the double pilgrimage certification, participants in this two-day Kumano Kodo tour will visit the three major shrines: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. The tour is specifically designed to include all necessary stops and guidance to help you complete the requirements for this unique certification, serving as a memorable testament to your spiritual journey along the ancient pilgrimage route.
No, the Kumano Kodo two-day pilgrimage tour does not include hotel reservations. Participants are responsible for booking their own accommodation in advance for the overnight stay in Katsuura Onsen. This allows for flexibility in choosing lodging options that best suit individual preferences and budgets, ensuring a comfortable rest after each day of exploration and pilgrimage in this renowned hot spring town.
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