A spiritual and scenic region in Japan’s Kii Peninsula.
4.9/5 ⭐Google 660+ Reviews | A+ Better Business Bureau
Overview
"Kumano" refers to a sacred region located on the mountainous Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. It is most famous for the Kumano Kodo, an ancient network of pilgrimage trails that have been walked for over a thousand years by emperors, samurai, and commoners seeking spiritual enlightenment. These trails connect the Kumano Sanzan, the three Grand Shrines of Kumano: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha.
In 2004, the Kumano Kodo and its associated sacred sites were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing their profound historical and cultural value as a path of Japanese faith and a landscape of extraordinary natural beauty. The region is infused with a deep sense of spirituality, often blending Shintoism (Japan's indigenous religion) with Buddhism. Beyond the trails and shrines, the Kumano region offers picturesque coastal towns, relaxing hot springs (onsen), and dramatic waterfalls, making it a truly unique and enriching destination for those seeking cultural immersion, spiritual reflection, or simply breathtaking natural scenery.
Experience a portion of the ancient the Kodo. The most popular and accessible route is the Nakahechi Imperial Route. Even a short section, like the Hosshinmon-oji to here Hongu Taisha, offers beautiful forest paths.
Tip: Wear comfortable hiking shoes for a section of the ancient the Kodo.
Explore the Nachi Taisha, one of the three Grand Shrines, magnificently set amidst lush mountains. Its iconic sight is the beautiful Nachi Falls (Nachi-no-Otaki Falls), Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall (133 meters).
Tip: The Daimonzaka stone staircase leading up to the shrine is particularly picturesque, flanked by towering cedar trees.
Visit the Hongu Taisha, the head shrine of over 3. Nearby is Oyunohara, the original site of the shrine before it was relocated due to floods, marked by the largest torii gate in Japan.
Tip: The atmosphere at Oyunohara, with its giant torii, is incredibly powerful and serene.
Discover the Hayatama Taisha in Shingu City, distinguished by its vibrant vermilion-lacquered pavilions and ancient sacred Nagi tree. Just a short walk away is Kamikura Shrine, considered the "original shrine".
Tip: Kamikura Shrine's staircase is extremely challenging but offers rewarding views.
After a day of hiking or sightseeing, unwind in one of the region's renowned onsen (hot springs). Take your time and enjoy this stop at a relaxed pace. It is well worth a visit.
Tip: Many traditional Japanese inns (ryokan and minshuku) along the pilgrimage routes offer onsen facilities.
Experience the traditional pilgrimage route by taking a the River boat ride from here Hongu Taisha to here Hayatama Taisha in Shingu. Take your time and enjoy this stop at a relaxed pace.
Tip: Check the seasonal availability and schedule for these boat tours, as they don't operate year-round.
Aboard
Diamond Princess
From
Tokyo, Japan
1 Sailing
Aug 14, 2028
Aboard
Diamond Princess
From
Tokyo, Japan
1 Sailing
Aug 14, 2028
Aboard
Diamond Princess
From
Tokyo, Japan
1 Sailing
Aug 4, 2028
Aboard
Diamond Princess
From
Yokohama, Japan
1 Sailing
Aug 16, 2027
Aboard
Diamond Princess
From
Yokohama, Japan
1 Sailing
Aug 16, 2027
Aboard
Sapphire Princess
From
Tokyo, Japan
1 Sailing
Aug 15, 2027
Aboard
Sapphire Princess
From
Tokyo, Japan
1 Sailing
Aug 15, 2027
Aboard
Diamond Princess
From
Yokohama, Japan
1 Sailing
Aug 5, 2027
Aboard
Sapphire Princess
From
Tokyo, Japan
1 Sailing
Aug 4, 2027
Our expert consultants and customer service teams are standing by to help with all of your cruising needs.
[Our Cruise Expert] and his team were absolutely amazing to work with! Our original trip was unexpectedly canceled by the airline, so we decided at the last minute to go on a cruis...
Julia K.
I've booked several cruises with [Our Cruise Expert] in the past 15 years and continue to book with her for my family of five. We just returned from a Western Caribbean cruise on...
John C.
Friendly and professional attention by my senior cruise consultant. Perfect assistance. Thank you
Jose M.
I was having some trouble finding the right cruise for the right price as a single traveler, but thanks to [our Cruise Expert] I was able to find it with Cruise Web. Thank you very...
Camille G.
We have worked with [our Cruise Expert] several times and she makes it so easy and a pleasure to work with. She is very knowledgeable.
Linda F.
[Our Cruise Expert] was informative and very pleasant to work with. I'm not familiar with booking travel online and he made my experience pleasant.
Sharon E.
I am working with [our Cruise Expert] as my travel agent...he has been very helpful...he is very informative and knowledgeable about the places that I want to go on my Cruise....I...
Priscilla B.
[Our Cruise Expert] does an exceptional job of planning (with you) and coordinating a trip of your dreams! I can't wait to get started on the next one.
Sheralyn H.
Great working with [our Cruise Expert]! He was a tremendous help and steered us in the right direction every time! Helped us make memories for a lifetime!
Wendy F.
[Our Cruise Expert] always works hard to secure the bookings we have chosen and guides us through the process. She is always available to help and her advise is spot on.
James C.
