Overview
This walking tour follows the northern section of the Kumano Kodo Kii-ji route, an ancient pilgrimage path once connecting Kyoto with Kumano. The trail reveals how faith and daily life coexisted in rural Japan. Begin at the Former Nakasuji Residence . Continue to the Kii Fudoki-no-Oka Museum, where ancient tombs and artifacts share stories of early worship in the Kii region. Proceed to Yata Pass, a peaceful forest path lined with cedars and stones that recall the footsteps of pilgrims. Visit Itakiso Shrine, dedicated to the god of trees, and sense the deep reverence for nature that shaped Japanese spirituality. Finish at Shikinosato Park. Blending culture, nature, this route offers an authentic encounter with the quiet spirit of the Kumano Kodo. We can also arrange a private car to go to the meeting point and go back from ending point at additional fee. Please feel free to inform us when you book.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Rice Ball or Snack
- Admission Fee(Kii Fudoki-no-Oka Museum)
- Admission Fee(Former Nakasuji Residence)
- National Licensed English Speaking Guide. Please let us know if you prefer any other languages.
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Personal Expenses
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
The former Nakasuji Residence once belonged to a wealthy local farming family in the Edo period. Its traditional wooden house, earthen storehouse, and serene garden reveal the lifestyle of prosperous villagers. As you walk through the tatami rooms and corridors, imagine travelers resting here centuries ago along the Kumano pilgrimage route. *note:Open only on weekends and national holidays from March to November.
Stop 2
This historical park and museum preserve ancient burial mounds and artifacts from the Kofun period. Walking among reconstructed tombs and stone monuments, you can sense how early worship and nature intertwined in this land. It’s an ideal place to feel the roots of faith that inspired the Kumano pilgrimage.
Stop 3
The Yata Pass marks a quiet stretch of the ancient Kumano Kodo Kii-ji route. Gentle slopes and cedar forests frame the stone path where pilgrims once walked toward the sacred shrines. This short hike captures the essence of the Kumano journey—tranquil, spiritual, and deeply connected to the land.
Stop 4
Itakiso Shrine enshrines the deity of trees, Itakeru-no-Mikoto, and has long been revered as the spiritual gateway of Kii Province. Surrounded by forest, the shrine radiates calm and reverence. Travelers once prayed here for safe journeys, while locals honored the sacred bond between trees and life itself.
Stop 5
This spacious park celebrates the harmony of agriculture and daily life. Visitors can enjoy local produce, handmade foods, and colorful flower fields. It’s a refreshing stop to rest and reflect on the journey, feeling the gentle rhythm of the countryside that has supported travelers along the Kumano Kodo for centuries.
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.
- We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.