Kumano is an important part of the World Heritage site “the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Kumano is in Wakayama Prefecture and I worked for Wakayama Prefectural Government as a general manager of Cultural Heritage Division and I was also in charge of the World Heritage Project. I know this sacred site very well.
At JR Kii-Tanabe station (or at your hotel in Osaka, JR Osaka station, JR Tennoji station or JR Wakayama Station, ask for details)
I will meet you at JR Kii-Tanabe station ( I can meet you at your hotel in Osaka, JR Tennoji station, JR Osaka station or JR Wakayama station early in the morning. Ask for detail).
Kumano is a sacred site for both Japanese indigenous religion Shintoism and Buddhism. Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes connect ancient capital Kyoto and Kumano. People make a pilgrimage to Kumano from all over Japan. In this tour, we will walk on Kumano Kodo to make a pilgrimage to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine from Hossinmon Oji.
Why is Kumano so sacred? Why Kumano is a sacred site for two different religions? How had it become so? I will answer to these interesting questions on the spot.
Hossinmon Oji marks the entrance to the most sacred area of Kumano.
Pilgrims who walked through Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route renewed their spirit here and continued their pilgrimage to Kumano. We also walk on the pilgrimage route for 4 km from here to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine.
On the way, you will be able to have a distant view of the former site of Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine from Fushiogami Oji.
After following the same route as the ancient pilgrims, we will arrive at Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine which is one of the Three Shrines In Kumano (Kumano Sanzan). It was once simply called the Deity of Kumano. It is said that it enshrines the spirit of the sun, water, or trees. Legend has it that it was founded 2,000 years ago, and it had been strongly influenced by Buddhism after the 7th century.
Kumano Hongu Taisha was on the sandbank of a river until the shrine was washed out by a flood in 1889. After the flood, the survived four shrines buildings were relocated to the current location. Remaining here are the foundation of the shrine buildings which has a dignified atmosphere. Also, standing at the entrance to this place is the highest torii gate in Japan.
At the starting ponit
guiding fee
Insurance
Bus ride 5,000JPY round trip plus the same amount for guide
Food and drinks
As we will walk for about three hours, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Tours are NOT covered by insurance. Make sure to be covered by your own insurance.
Transportation fare, entrance fees and lunch are NOT included in the guide fee.
Direct payment will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
Bus ride Kii-Tanabe-Kumano (round trip) 5,000JPY per person plus same amount for guide.
Kiroyuki was so knowledgeable about the area and gave us historical background on everything. He listened to what we were wanting to experience and made sure he provided it for us. He was very patient and considerate with my health conditions as well. He went above and beyond by helping us navigate the trains and cab. He helped us purchase train cards and download the best app to get cabs. He spoke really good English and was familiar with American customs. We had an amazing time thanks to him.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was a very hot mid-summer day. We had a record-breaking hot summer this year in Japan. It is raining today, and the weather forecast says that today in the last summer day here. Please take care of yourself and come back to Japan in spring or fall next time. Many thanks to you. Best wishes, Hiro
Hiro was fantastic. I felt like I was in my own college class. He made history come to life. If you are looking for the best guide he is your man. Thanks Hiro for two adventure full days. Best. George.
George san, Thank you very much for everything. I had wonderful two days with you in Kyoto. By the way, Osaka is a place to enjoy its culture. And Nara, Mt. Koya and Himeji Castle are easy to access from Osaka. You can make a one day trip to Hiroshima as well. I hope you will have a wonderful time in Osaka as well. And enjoy the SHOW!
We spent our first day in Nara with Hiroyuki, who gave us an exceptional tour of Nara Park and its breathtaking shrines and temples. Hiro is incredibly knowledgeable, answering all our questions with fascinating details, and his decades of experience as a tour guide truly shine through. He is also very accommodating, patient, and speaks good English. We couldn't have asked for a better guide to introduce us to Nara's rich history and culture. Thank you Hiro O.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It was really nice meeting such a nice couple like you. Yes, you asked me a lot of questions and liked your questions. I hope you liked my answers as well. Take good care of yourself and enjoy rest of your days in Japan.
Hiro was a fantastic tour guide, showing us all the sites of Osaka. He was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with all of our questions. We cannot say enough good things about our experience with him. Thank you!
Thank you very much for your kind words. I hope you had a good time in Osaka yesterday. By the way, how is your knee? Are you okay? Have you heard that JR had made a cancellation announcement? I hope that everything will go well with you.