Best of Kumano Pilgrimage
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Port
Shingu, Japan
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$340
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Journey to Daimonzaka, a stunningly preserved sectioTaisha n of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. Step back in time as you walk along the historic cobblestone path, beautifully shaded by a canopy of massive, 800-year-old Japanese cedar trees.
Next, marvel at the breathtaking Nachi Falls (Nachi no Taki). Plunging 436 feet (133 meters), this is Japan's tallest continuous waterfall and has been worshipped as a powerful natural deity since ancient times. Feel the mist and take in the awe-inspiring natural surroundings of this sacred site.
A visit to Kumano Nachi is your chance to get acquainted with one of the three grand shrines of Kumano and the adjacent Seiganto-ji Temple. Standing side by side, they represent a harmonious, centuries-old blending of Shinto and Buddhism. On the temple grounds, enjoy free time to capture the ultimate photograph — the iconic red three-story pagoda perfectly framed against the dramatic backdrop of Nachi Falls.
Enjoy lunch, then you'll head to Kumano Hongu Taisha — the prestigious lead shrine of the more than 3,000 Kumano shrines nationwide. Ascend the atmospheric stone stairway to admire the austere elegance of its traditional cedar-bark roof architecture.
Just a short stroll away, on the grounds of the former Oyunohara shrine, stand in awe beneath Japan's largest torii gate, towering 111 feet (34 meters) before a dramatic mountain backdrop.
Return to the pier relaxed and informed.
Please note: Wear sturdy, closed-toe, non-skid walking shoes. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Terrain includes uneven surfaces, inclines, gravel, more than 900 steps up and down, and cobblestones that can be very slippery when wet. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, scooters, etc) cannot be accommodated on the transportation. Tour sequence may vary. Weather and atmospheric conditions vary; no guarantee is offered with regard to visibility or views on any particular day. Unfamiliar accents can be challenging; feel free to ask your guide to repeat or elaborate on information. Bring local currency, as most vendors do not accept US dollars or credit cards.