2-Day Kumano Kodo Thousand-Year Pilgrimage Private Tour

Itinerary (For Reference Only)

The following itinerary is for reference only. Actual sightseeing spots, visiting order, and timing may be adjusted depending on traffic, weather, or on-the-day conditions.

DAY 1

09:30 | Osaka

Begin your beautiful journey today.

(Guaranteed departure from 2 guests)

Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off Service Available within Osaka City Area
Please wait at your hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Late arrivals or failure to appear on time will be considered a voluntary cancellation without refund.

11:00 | Wakayama

▼ ★ Kuroshio Market — Tuna Cutting Show & Seafood Lunch

(Approx. 120 mins, free lunch time)

Kuroshio Market in Wakayama is one of Kansai’s most famous seafood markets, designed in the style of a traditional 1960s Japanese fish market. Known as a “seafood museum,” the market features fresh seafood from all across Japan, from Kyushu to Hokkaido.

A live tuna cutting show is held daily at approximately 12:30 PM. Skilled chefs expertly dismantle a giant tuna using only a single knife while explaining the different cuts and parts of the fish. It is both an entertaining and impressive cultural performance rarely seen elsewhere.

Please note: If the tuna cutting show is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances or traffic conditions prevent attendance, no refund will be provided.

Lunch Recommendation

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes at the market’s restaurants and BBQ stalls. The market also offers Wakayama specialties such as dried seafood, plums, and soy sauce.

For guests who do not eat seafood, restaurants such as Men-dokoro Akebono offer alternatives including beef curry udon, char siu ramen, and soba noodles.

Recommended Visit: ★ Fruit Village

Taste fresh seasonal fruits and desserts after lunch. The market sells locally grown Wakayama fruits and vegetables, tofu-based health foods, milk ice cream, and roll cakes made with milk from Kurosawa Farm.

14:30 | Shirahama

▼ ★ Engetsu Island

(Approx. 30 mins)

Engetsu Island, officially called Takashima, is a small uninhabited island famous for the perfectly round hole naturally carved in its center by ocean erosion. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, the island appears like a beautiful painting floating on the sea.

15:15 | Shirahama

▼ ★ Senjojiki Rock Plateau

(Approx. 30 mins)

Senjojiki is a spectacular sandstone rock formation shaped by centuries of Pacific Ocean erosion. The vast layered rock surface resembles one thousand tatami mats, giving the site its name. It is also one of Shirahama’s most famous sunset viewing spots and has been selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Sunsets.”

▼ ★ Sandanbeki Cliffs & Sandanbeki Cave

(Approx. 30 mins)

Sandanbeki is one of Shirahama’s most dramatic coastal cliffs, stretching nearly 2 km with heights reaching 50–60 meters. The cliffs are part of Yoshino-Kumano National Park and are also known as a romantic scenic spot.

An elevator descends 36 meters underground into the sea cave below the cliffs, where visitors can explore tunnels once believed to have hidden pirates during the Heian Period (794–1185). The cave contains pirate-related displays and fascinating natural rock formations.

Entrance fee not included.
Reference admission fees:
• Adults: JPY 1,500
• Children (6–11 years): JPY 750
• Under 6 years: Free

17:30 | Kushimoto

▼ ★ Cape Shionomisaki — Southernmost Point of Honshu

(Approx. 60 mins)

Cape Shionomisaki is famous as the southernmost point of Japan’s main island, Honshu.

★ Southernmost Point Monument

A monument stands on the large grassy area known as “Boro-no-Shiba,” where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

★ Shionomisaki Lighthouse

Built in 1873 by Richard Henry Brunton, known as the “Father of Japanese Lighthouses,” this historic white lighthouse has protected sailors for over 100 years. It is one of Japan’s “Top 50 Lighthouses.”

19:00 | Katsuura

▼ Hotel Check-in / Transfer to Katsuura Hotel

Guests without hotel package will be transferred to their self-booked hotel in Katsuura.
Guests with hotel package will stay at a designated Katsuura hotel.

Reference local 3–4 star hotel:
★ Katsuura Sunrise Hotel (Breakfast & Dinner Included)

DAY 2

09:00 | Katsuura

▼ Depart from Katsuura Hotel

09:20 | Nachisan Area

▼ ★ Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Walk — Daimonzaka Trail

(Approx. 180 mins)

Daimonzaka is a beautifully preserved stone-paved pilgrimage path leading toward Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, and Nachi Falls. The path is lined with centuries-old cedar and cypress trees, creating a mystical atmosphere.

The trail is approximately 600 meters long with 267 stone steps. Near the entrance stand the famous “Meoto Sugi” (Married Couple Cedars), whose roots intertwine beneath the pathway.

Guests may also rent Heian-period costumes at Daimonzaka Tea House for memorable photos.

Recommended Walking Route

Daimonzaka Tea House → Daimonzaka Trail → Kumano Nachi Taisha → Seiganto-ji Temple → Nachi Falls

▼ ★ Kumano Nachi Taisha

(UNESCO World Heritage Site)

One of the three grand shrines of Kumano, Kumano Nachi Taisha dates back to 662 BC and is dedicated to the worship of Nachi Falls. The shrine is believed to bring blessings for relationships and good fortune.

A sacred 850-year-old camphor tree within the shrine grounds is especially famous among visitors praying for love and marriage.

▼ ★ Seiganto-ji Temple

Located beside Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple and the first temple of the Saigoku Pilgrimage Route. Its iconic vermilion three-story pagoda with Nachi Falls in the background is one of Wakayama’s most famous scenic views.

▼ ★ Nachi Falls

Nachi Falls is Japan’s tallest single-drop waterfall at 133 meters high and is considered one of Japan’s Three Great Waterfalls. The waterfall itself is worshipped as a sacred deity at Hiro Shrine.

The breathtaking view of water plunging down the steep cliff represents the spiritual origins of Kumano worship.

12:50 | Katsuura

▼ ★ Nachi-Katsuura Fishing Port

(Approx. 90 mins, free lunch time)

Katsuura Fishing Port boasts the highest fresh tuna catch in Japan. Guests can freely enjoy tuna sushi, rice bowls, skewers, and many other tuna specialties.

If weather permits, enjoy lunch on the seaside wooden deck overlooking the ocean.

14:30 | Katsuura

▼ Return Journey to Osaka

(Approx. 3.5–4 hours)

19:00 | Osaka

Arrive at Shinsaibashi / Dotonbori area or return to hotel.

Guests may choose to end the tour in the Shinsaibashi area for shopping and sightseeing.

Guests using hotel transfer packages who choose to stay in Shinsaibashi will be considered as voluntarily giving up the hotel transfer service without refund.

Guests requiring hotel transfer will be arranged by the driver-guide.

Travel Information:

1. Once the order is confirmed, the date cannot be changed. Any losses incurred as a result must be borne by the participant.

2. Please provide complete information at the time of booking (full name, number of participants, phone number, WeChat ID, and pick-up location) to avoid errors that may affect the itinerary.

3. During the trip, please keep your passport and valuables with you at all times. Any loss, theft, or damage shall be borne by the participant.

4. Elderly participants, those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or other cardiovascular conditions, and pregnant women are advised to participate with a family member.

5. This tour does not accept unaccompanied participants under the age of 18. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian when booking.

6. This is a shared fixed itinerary. Participants are required to follow the scheduled stop durations at each attraction and comply with the guide/driver’s arrangements. For more flexible itineraries, please refer to our private charter tour services.

7. No refunds will be provided for non-participation, early departure, or interruption of the tour due to personal reasons, including lateness.

8. Participants who leave the group midway without authorization will be deemed to have forfeited the service. No refunds will be issued, and any resulting personal injury or property loss shall be the participant’s own responsibility.

9. Arrival times may vary due to traffic conditions, weather, holidays, or crowd levels. Delays or cancellations caused by the above or other force majeure factors are non-refundable.

10. Please wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for travel.

11. Please comply with all local laws and regulations in Japan. Do not carry items prohibited by Japanese law to avoid legal issues.

12. During free time, please take care of your personal safety and belongings. Any accidents or losses resulting from failure to follow advice will be the participant’s own responsibility.

Itinerary Important Notes:

Due to the unpredictability of traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowd levels on the day of travel, arrival times at each destination may vary. According to Japanese law, the maximum working time for drivers is 10 hours per day. To ensure driver safety and stable operation of the vehicle, the itinerary may be adjusted based on actual circumstances, including reducing the time spent at certain attractions or canceling specific stops. We sincerely ask for your understanding and support regarding any adjustments made in the interest of safety.

In the event of the above or other force majeure circumstances, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please understand that refunds cannot be provided under such circumstances. This policy is in place to prioritize the safety of both drivers and passengers and to ensure the smooth operation of the entire group.

We are always committed to providing the best possible travel experience. However, in certain situations, flexible adjustments to the itinerary may be necessary based on real-time conditions. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Force Majeure Includes but Is Not Limited To

• Natural disasters: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, typhoons, etc.

• Traffic incidents: road accidents, severe congestion, etc.

• Weather conditions: heavy snow, rainstorms, dense fog, etc.

• Government regulations: emergency orders, traffic controls, etc.

• Medical emergencies: sudden illness or injury of a guest or group member

• Social events: strikes, protests, social unrest

• Mechanical failures: vehicle breakdowns or malfunctions

Cancellation & Refund Policy:

• Cancellations made more than 3 days before departure (excluding the departure date): 100% refund.

• Cancellations made 2–3 days before departure (inclusive): 50% refund.

• Cancellations made 1 day before departure or on the day of departure: no refund.