• Kumano Hongu Heritage Center - The Kumano Hongu Heritage Center offers an ideal introduction to the spiritual essence of Kumano. Situated close to the sacred shrine, it provides a comprehensive overview of the Kumano faith, the ancient pilgrimage trails known as the Kumano Kodo, and the blend of Shinto and Buddhist traditions that have influenced Japan’s religious history. Inside, visitors can explore detailed exhibits, interactive maps, and artifacts that depict how individuals, from emperors to ordinary pilgrims, sought purification and enlightenment through journeys across mountains and rivers. The displays elucidate the concept of “rebirth through pilgrimage” and emphasize how the Kumano region has been venerated as a gateway to the divine for over a millennium. With insights from local experts, the center enables travelers to grasp not only the physical journey of the pilgrimage but also the spiritual transformation it signifies—a perfect introduction before entering the sacred grounds of Hongu Taisha.
• Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine - Kumano Hongu Taisha is one of Japan’s most esteemed shrines and the spiritual core of the Kumano faith. Surrounded by cedar forests, it enshrines the Three Deities of Kumano, who symbolize rebirth, guidance, and salvation. The shrine’s serene pathways, vermilion torii, and thatched-roof pavilions evoke a profound sense of harmony between nature and spirituality. Visitors pass through the sacred gate and partake in traditional purification rituals at the temizuya, gaining insight into how Japanese culture views purity as essential to spiritual renewal. Over the centuries, both emperors and pilgrims have journeyed here along the Kumano Kodo to seek blessings and inner peace. Today, the shrine continues to welcome travelers from around the globe, offering them a living experience of Japan’s ancient syncretic faith—where the divine is found not above the world, but within the mountains, rivers, and the human heart.
• Ōyunohara Sanctuary - Ōyunohara is the former location of Kumano Hongu Taisha, which once housed twelve shrine buildings before a significant flood in 1889 altered the landscape. Currently, the expansive sandbank is marked by one of Japan’s largest torii gates, towering over 30 meters high, symbolizing the boundary between the human and divine realms. This open, serene space—where the Kumano, Otonashi, and Iwata Rivers meet—has long been honored as a sacred crossing point between worlds. Standing beneath the great torii, the silence of the mountains and the whisper of the wind convey the timeless presence of the gods. Guides share stories of how the rivers themselves became integral to the faith, representing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Ōyunohara invites visitors to pause, reflect, and experience the profound spirituality that continues to permeate Kumano’s sacred landscape.

• Visit to Kumano Hongu Heritage Center
• Guided tour of Kumano Hongu Taisha
• Stories and insights from a local expert

• Meals

Uncover the spiritual essence of the Kumano region, where nature and spirituality blend harmoniously. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, explore the esteemed Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, a significant location on the UNESCO-recognized Kumano Kodo pilgrimage paths. Gain insight into the ancient Shugendō practices and the importance of purification rituals at the temizuya. Stroll among ancient cedar trees, immerse yourself in the tales of the Three Deities of Kumano, and visit the sacred site of Ōyunohara, distinguished by an impressive torii gate. An optional early-morning tour provides a peaceful experience, surrounding you with the calm of dawn.

• Guided tour of Kumano Hongu Taisha and its spiritual importance
• Discover the Shugendō mountain ascetic practices
• Explore the historic site of Ōyunohara with its magnificent torii gate
• Optional early-morning tour for a tranquil nature experience

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.