A Journey into the Sacred Heart of Japan An Easy and Accessible Journey to Kumano Kodo & Mount Koya – 5 Days

Day 1: Arrival at Kumano Kōdō

The tour begins with a journey from Tokyo by the Nozomi Shinkansen, followed by the Nanki Express train to the Kumano region. Upon arrival, participants will explore the Kumano Kōdō, an ancient pilgrimage route and a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its spiritual history and beautiful natural scenery.

Day 2: Kumano Kōdō (Part 1)

The next day, the tour continues with visits to several important shrines in the Kumano area, including Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of the three grand shrines of Kumano, Kamikura-jinja, considered the spiritual birthplace of the Kumano faith, and Konkō Inari-jinja, a shrine associated with prosperity.

Day 3: Kumano Kōdō (Part 2)

On the third day, the journey follows part of the historic Kumano Kōdō trail. Participants will walk along Daimonzaka, a famous cobblestone path lined with ancient cedar trees, and visit Seiganto-ji Temple, Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, and Nachi Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Japan. In the evening, the group will travel to Kōyasan and stay overnight at a traditional shukubō (temple lodging).

Day 4: Kōyasan (Part 1)

The fourth day is spent exploring Kōyasan, the sacred center of Shingon Buddhism. The tour includes visits to Daimon Gate, the symbolic entrance to the mountain, Danjo Garan, the main religious complex, and Kongōbu-ji, the head temple of Kōyasan.

Day 5: Kōyasan (Part 2)

On the final day, participants will visit Okunoin, the most sacred site in Kōyasan and home to a vast cemetery surrounded by cedar forests. The tour also includes an Ajikan meditation experience, a form of esoteric Buddhist practice. Afterward, the group will descend from Kōyasan by cable car, take the Kōya Express train, and transfer to the Nozomi Shinkansen for the return trip to Tokyo.