Sacred Kii Mountain and Sea Kumano Kodo Iseji Pilgrimage Walk 5D4N, Partially Guided

On the first day of the trip, make own way to Isuzugawa Station where the trip starts (train is at your own expense).

Suggested Train Schedule: Train: 8:18 a.m. Tokyo Station > 9:54 a.m. Nagoya Station, Nozomi 307 Train: 10:10 a.m. Kintetsu Nagoya Station > 11:39 a.m. Isuzugawa Station. Kintetsu Limited Express Ise-Shima Liner

Upon arriving at Isuzugawa Station, you'll be greeted by your English private guide. Please come dressed in comfortable walking attire and bring a daypack for the day.

After a brief introduction in Ise, we'll transfer to the luxurious 5-star Ancient Rest Inn Ikyu, located just 2 km from Ise Grand Shrine. Here, you'll store your luggage before setting out for lunch. Enjoy a delicious meal at Sushikyu in Okage Yokocho, where you can taste traditional dishes such as Tekone Sushi (Matsu) and Akafuku. This historic restaurant, which dates back to the Edo period and has been a significant part of the region's history, was beautifully restored in 1989.

After lunch, delve into the spiritual essence of the Ise Grand Shrine, known as the "Soul of Japan," a sacred site steeped in over 2,000 years of history. Explore the Inner Shrine, Naiku, where the revered Yata-no-Kagami, a sacred mirror, resides. This sanctuary, dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess, serves as the shrine’s spiritual heart, enveloped in a profound atmosphere of devotion. Here, the harmonious simplicity of the architecture merges with the natural world, and you can witness a mesmerizing Kagura dance, paying homage to the radiant goddess Amaterasu.

Next, we’ll drive you to Futamiura Park to explore Futami Okitama Shrine, renowned for its proximity to the iconic Meoto-iwa (wedded rocks). This shrine is a significant spiritual site where believers pray for good fortune in matchmaking and marriage. Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy stunning sunset views between the rocks—available from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in October to November and 5:45 to 7 p.m. from March to May. There’s also an opportunity to participate in a traditional sea purification ritual, or misogi, before beginning your Kumano Kodo pilgrimage.

Finally, return to the Ancient Rest Inn Ikyu, a serene 5-star hotel blending traditional charm with modern luxury. Here, you’ll stay in Japanese-style rooms with open-air baths and large public baths. Enjoy a delectable kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal ingredients, with options including spicy lobster or Matsusaka beef.

Approx. 5 km (3 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain 325 m (1,066 ft). Easy to Moderate. Self Guided Walk

Luggage Forwarding: private car transfer guests and luggage to Owase included

If you’re looking for a solemn start to your day, go on a walk in Ise Jingu Naiku and visit the shrine. Then, head back for a delightful breakfast at the inn before transferring to Owase Seaside View, where you can store your luggage before heading out to the trail start. Lunch is guest’s own arrangement and expense.

Prepare to conquer the Magose-toge Pass, navigating peaceful forests and ancient cobblestones. The Magose-toge Pass, connecting Owase and Miyams, is one of the most popular routes on the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route and part of the World Heritage Site, “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” This hike is moderately challenging but is accessible by most hikers and can be completed in a few hours. However, you need to take caution on many sections of the stone steps, especially after the rain makes them slippery—the steps were made to stop the path from water erosion and mudslides. Owase gets plenty of rain yearly.

Along the pass, you’ll encounter monuments like the guardian statue for crying children, where travellers used to pray for a safe journey but later became a place to pray if one’s child cries at night and the monument to the poet Karyoen Toitsu which reads “Blossoms of the night above a sound can be heard ahh, mountain water”. Cross the big slab of stone that serves as a bridge over the small stream and perhaps take a picture to perfectly capture the moment. As you ascend, the pass reveals picturesque views of the Kii Mountain Range, combining jagged peaks and verdant valleys.

Following your arrival at Owase Station, take a train to Kata Station: Train: 3:51 pm Owase Station > 4:12 pm Kata Station. The train fare is approximately 330 yen (at your own expense).

Afterward, go on a 15-minute trek to Owase Seaside View, your home for the night. Owase Seaside View, nestled on the eastern coast of the Kii Peninsula, occupies a prime location overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering awe-inspiring views of the sea and surrounding nature. Nestle into your cozy Japanese-style room adorned with tatami floors and stunning vistas.

This evening, indulge in a culinary journey each evening as the hotel’s menu showcases the finest regional specialties from Mie Prefecture. Delight in exquisite dishes like the full-course longtooth grouper, seasonal seafood Kaiseki, or the decadent kaiseki featuring Japanese spiny lobster, all sourced fresh from local fishermen in Higashi Kishu.

Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 4-6 hours walking. Moderate. Private Guided Walk

Luggage Forwarding: same day luggage transfer to hotel included

Begin the day with a wholesome breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the starting point of today’s hike.

Lunch bento is provided for hiking today.

The Yakiyama Toge Pass is a stunning trail, especially at the peak of the Pass—it entrances visitors with breathtaking views of the ocean. However, it is one of the most difficult parts of the Ise-ji, with the route’s ascent and descent being very steep, and not many people decide to take the challenge. So, today, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced mountain guide for safety and a smoother hiking experience.

With a private guide, walk from the Yakiyama-goe trail road over Yakiyama mountain, navigating dense forests of ancient cedar and cypress trees and soaking in scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The route features several highlights, including the Nanamagari, the route’s steepest segment, and the Pilgrim Gravestones, erected by the locals for pilgrims who did not survive the journey. Other highlights include the Kojindo, the Grave of Mampoin, and the Sakura no Mori Hiroba. At the top, there is a beautiful and rewarding view of the coast. There is also a harbour where you can enjoy your tantalising bento lunch.

Afterwards, head to the train station for your walk to the hotel: Train: 4:08 Mikisato Station > 4:48 p.m. Atawa Station. The train fare is approx. 510 yen and the guest’s own expense. The guide will part from the guests at the Mikisato Station.

From the station, walk to your hotel, Fairfield, by Mariott Mie Kumano Kodo Mihama. Situated near the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route, the hotel is against the backdrop of Japan’s Kii Mountain Range, overlooking the majestic Kumanoada Sea and offering sweeping views of Shichiri Mihama Beach. On arrival, settle into your King Guest Room and relax from the day’s stress.

Tonight, enjoy dinner independently. There are restaurants within walking distance from the hotel—we will provide recommendations and assist with the reservation after booking.

Approx. 4.1 km (2.5 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain 150 m (492 ft). Easy. Self Guided Walk

Luggage Forwarding: same day luggage transfer to hotel included

After breakfast and collect packed lunch for walking. Then head to Atawa Station, where you’ll board a train to the trailhead: Train: 8:04 a.m. Atawa Station > 8:27 a.m. Odomari Station. The local train fare is approx. 240 yen (at your own expense)

Begin your adventure from Odomari Station with a hike across the Matsumoto-toge Pass, greeted by a life-size guardian statue amidst bamboo. Along the stone-paved path, encounter Jizo statues, symbols of protection and good fortune. Traverse ancient trails with its beautiful stone steps through lush forests and savor panoramic views of the Kii Mountain Range. At the summit, spot a Jizo statue with gunshot marks, a reminder of a hunter's mistake. Beyond the Pass, admire the grand Shingu Hayatama Taisha shrine. Choose to return via the shorter route, passing a charming gazebo and cherry trees.

After lunch, embark on a scenic transfer to Onigajo, a dramatic geological formation and UNESCO World Heritage site. Known as Demon’s Castle, this natural wonder, designated a National Natural Monument in 1935, offers stunning cliffside trails with views of the Pacific Ocean and striking rock formations. Explore the Onigajo Castle, where you can enjoy the ocean breeze and the waves' soothing sounds.

Conclude your day at Hana no Iwaya Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest, with over 2,000 years of history. Dedicated to Izanami no Koto, the mother of Japanese gods, and Kagu-tsuchi-no-mikoto, the fire god, the shrine’s towering rock, Iwakura, is a sacred site for worshippers. This visit is a profound connection to Japan’s ancient spiritual heritage.

Afterward, walk to Kumanohi Station: Train: 4:05 pm Kumanoshi Station > 4:44 pm Kii-Katsuura Station. Nanki 5. The ticket is at your own expense.

Retire to your home for the night, Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima. Surrounded by the deep azure waters of Katsuura Bay, Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima is the sole accommodation on the blissfully secluded private island of Nakanoshima. This luxury resort can be accessed by a 5-minute boat ride from Kanko Sanbashi, a tourist pier on the bay. Unwind at the indoor and outdoor baths, a perfect way to relax your soothing muscles. 

Tonight, enjoy a Kaiseki-style dinner served at the hotel using locally sourced ingredients like the Kumano Wagyu beef. The food is prepared by an expert chef who has honed his skills to the fullest. Be sure to not miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity.

Walking from Daimonzaka to Nachi Falls: approx. 2.2 km (1.36 mile), 3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 190 m (623 ft), Elevation loss: 460 m (1509 ft)

This morning, arise and shine, enjoy a sensational buffet of seasonal dishes, and take a ferry at your expense back to Katsuura. From here, you can board a bus at your expense to Daimon-zaka. At Daimon-zaka, you'll be dumbfounded by the sights that will be unveiled before you.

The Daimon-zaka walk involves climbing a 600-metre (1960-feet) staircase made of cobblestone and rising out of the valley. The cobblestone staircase is flanked by lush ancient trees leading to the Nachi Taisha shrine complex. This Shinto shrine also known as Kumano Nachi Taisha is one of the three Kumano grand shrines and is located halfway in the flight of stairs heading out of the valley into the mountain. The shrine is lodged at approximately 350 metres (1140-feet) above sea level.

Interestingly, it has its religious origin rooted in nature worship, with the Nachi-no-Taki Falls being the source or supreme deity. The walk on the Daimon-zaka stairs ends at the Nachi-no-Taki Falls, the tallest in Japan at 133 metres (436 feet). The water that rains down the cliff to form the falls runs from the surrounding broad-leaf evergreen ancient forest. This forest has been sacred since mediaeval times and has enjoyed centuries of preservation owing to its spiritual essence and usage by Shugendo monks for ascetic training.

The next stop is the nearby Seiganto-ji, a 5th-century Tendai Buddhist temple and one of the oldest buildings in the region. Exploring this temple grounds is super exciting and memorable, with the views of the falls serving as a backdrop for a magnificent pagoda. This temple also holds profound religious and spiritual value with the branches of an imposing camphor forming a shade over the worship hall roof. In this place, the two spiritual structures of Kumano Nachi and Seiganto-ji temples bind as one and are dedicated to the fascinating falls bearing witness as nature.

From here, you can take a bus at your expense to Kii-Katsuura and proceed with a train ride to either Kyoto or Shin-Osaka depending on where you're headed.

Please contact us if you wish to customise the itinerary including trip extensions (Additional Charge). Options are:

• Extra night stay at Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima
• Venture to the east coast in Mie, residing in Ise Shima and Toba for a luxurious coastal escapade, steeped in Ama diving history, sacred Ise Jingu (Ise Shrine), and the rugged coastline. Stay at the luxury resorts or ryokan at Amanemu and Oyado The Earth. 
• See Ise Shima Tours
• Ise Shima cycling
• Guided sea kayaking

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. The luggage transfer is not included for Day 5. We suggest you arrange luggage transfer with Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima hotel staff and forward luggage to your next hotel in Japan (The forwarding fee is approx. 2000yen per piece). Then you can only carry a small day pack for your Day 5 activities. There is a luggage storage facility at Kii-Katsuura Station. Please ask the local staff to provide you with more details of the luggage storage facility at Kii-Katsuura Station during the Orientation on Day 1.