Pilgrim’s Paths

This very special journey through Japan will take you from modern Tokyo to ancient Kyoto via a network of ancient pilgrimage paths known as the Kumano Kodo. Along the way you'll stay at a temple lodging on Mount Koya and at various traditional ryokan inns. 

On our Pilgrim's Paths itinerary you will join the ranks of the junreisha, as pilgrims are known in Japanese, as you travel through Japan exploring modern cities, old towns, remote villages and some of the country's most sacred sites. 

Become one of the six million visitors per year to visit the Grand Shrine of Ise, one of Shinto's holiest sites. Discover Buddhist tradition and shojin ryori cuisine at Mount Koya. Soak in the relaxing hot spring baths at Yunomine Onsen. This will undoubtedly be a trip to remember! 

Although all of the destinations on this itinerary offer a range of fantastic experiences, the highlight of the trip will be hiking along the ancient Kumano Kodo, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

This network of ancient pilgrimage trails provides access to the sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines of the Kii Peninsula: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha. In use for more than 1,000 years, the well-marked paths offer various half or full-day treks through verdant forest, past beautiful rivers and across stunning mountain passes.

Read below for a sample itinerary summary or come into our branch to discuss the tour in more detail.

ITINERARY SUMMARY: CLASSIC 3* GRADE

Days 1 – 3: Tokyo

Days 4 – 6: Kyoto

Days 7 – 8: Mount Koya

Day 9: Kawayu Onsen

Day 10: Yunomine Onsen

Day 11: Nachi

Day 12 – 13: Ise

Day 14 – 15: Tokyo

DAYS 1 – 3: TOKYO. Explore Tokyo, from the traditional district of Ueno to the futuristic delights of Odaiba.

Welcome to Japan! Your adventures will begin with a stay in Ueno, a low-rise district of Tokyo with a traditional character, some fascinating museums and one of the city's finest parks. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore the local area or to hop on the Tokyo subway to visit the city's other neighbourhoods. Armed with your personalised Info-Pack and a good map, you will be all set to discover Tokyo.

On your first full day in Tokyo you will have a private tour of the city with a local guide, who will help you to combine a selection of Tokyo's most famous attractions with some of its more unusual sights. If you have any special interests feel free to let us know in advance and we can pass these on to your guide. Today you might like to head to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building for panoramic views over the city, or perhaps take part in a tea ceremony at Hamarikyu gardens.

Your next day in Tokyo will be a chance for some independent exploration, it's up to you whether you stay within the city bounds or take a day trip to one of the many great destinations nearby. Nikko is home to some of Japan's most elaborate religious architecture in a beautiful woodland setting, whilst Kamakura has some lovely temples and gardens and one of Japan's largest Buddha statues. 

DAYS 4 – 6: KYOTO. Discover Kyoto by bicycle as you speed past machiya townhouses, around the Imperial Palace grounds and through the vibrant district of Miyagawacho.

Today you will speed west on the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. Arriving at the architecturally striking Kyoto Station complex you would be forgiven for thinking that this is a modern city like any other, but Kyoto is extremely traditional at its heart. This afternoon will be free for you to begin your explorations – we suggest heading to the old district of Gion at dusk for some geisha-spotting or checking out the array of restaurants in the Pontocho quarter.

On your second day in Kyoto you will be exploring the city by bike with a guide. Relatively flat and with a cycle path running north to south along the Kamogawa River, Kyoto is an ideal city to explore on two wheels. The day's itinerary is flexible and the guide will have plenty of suggestions such as visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of Torii gates in the south, heading along the river and then exploring Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Path of Philosophy and the Silver Pavilion. Your guide is a local of the Kyoto area and you will get to see far more on this tour than on a conventional coach trip! 

On your last day in Kyoto we will arrange for you to participate in a tea ceremony experience at the En teahouse in central Kyoto. Here you'll learn about the history and philosophy of tea ceremony, try the ceremony for yourself and sample the tea and traditional sweets on offer. The rest of your day will be free for you to wander through the bamboo groves in charming Arashiyama, pick up some great souvenirs in the traditional streets around Higashiyama or stop in to admire Sanjusangendo Temple.

DAYS 7 – 8: MOUNT KOYA. Take in the atmosphere as you discover sacred Mount Koya.

The next stop on your pilgrimage is Mount Koya, whose sacred temples form part of the Kii Peninsula World Heritage Site. The journey to Koya is a scenic train ride through stunning mountain scenery, including a vertiginous section of funicular railway up the mountainside.

Once in the town, a twilight walk through the vast Okunoin Cemetery here is highly recommended this evening! Tonight you'll be staying at a shukubo Buddhist temple lodging where you'll tuck in to a meal of shogun ryori, traditional vegetarian fare, for dinner.

On your second day in Koya you'll rise early to witness morning prayers at your shukubo before a full day with a private guide who will be able to give you some great insights into life in the area. Your guide will also be able to recommend some good places for lunch and will answer any questions you may have about the temples, shrines and landmarks you'll be visiting.

If you are keen on hiking please let us know in advance and we will be sure to let the guide know you preferences. Dinner will be included again at your lodgings tonight.

DAY 9: KAWAYU ONSEN. Begin your adventures on the Kumano Kodo in Kawayu Onsen, where you can soak in a riverbed hot spring bath.

Today you will catch the train from Koya to Hashimoto and then on to Kii-Tanabe, a small coastal city at the tip of the Kii Peninsula. After a short orientation session at the local tourist information centre followed by a seafood lunch, you'll hop on the bus for the short journey to Kawayu Onsen in the heart of the Kumano Kodo.

Kawayu Onsen is a popular onsen town where hot springs bubble to the surface of the crystal-clear River Oto. You'll be staying in one of the area's most famous ryokan inns right on the riverbank, where you can grab a yukata bathrobe and a shovel and dig your own hot spring bath!

In the winter there is also a large, candlelit senninburo bath carved from the riverbed right opposite your ryokan. A delicious kaiseki dinner will be included at your accommodation this evening, and a bento lunchbox provided for tomorrow.

DAY 10: YUNOMINE ONSEN. Visit Hongu Taisha, the very heart of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network.

After breakfast at your ryokan, today you will catch the bus to Hosshinmon-oji – the gateway to the outer precincts of Kumano Hongu Taisha, the point at which all the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes converge.

Today you'll be walking the 7km from Hosshinmon-oji to the shrine itself, a journey that will take you through traditional Hosshinmon Village, the site of an old school house, terraced fields and tea plantations before leading you over the ridge of Fushiogami-oji to the shrine itself.

After exploring Hongu Taisha you will catch a bus onwards to Yunomine Onsen, one of Japan's oldest spa towns and the location of your ryokan tonight. Be sure to rest your weary muscles in the inn's onset hot springs before enjoying your included kaiseki dinner tonight.

DAY 11: NACHI. Take a traditional boat ride on the Kumano River, walk part of the Daimonzaka cobbled stairway and marvel at the tallest waterfall in Japan.

After a short bus ride from Yunomine to Hitari you will begin your day with a relaxing boat ride down the Kumano River to Hatayama Taisha, another of the three great Kumano Sanzan shrines. Pilgrims have approached this shrine by boat for centuries, and you'll be travelling in a traditional narrow, open-topped boat (albeit with motor!) just as millions have done before you.

After visiting Hatayama Taisha you'll have lunch in Shingu before taking the bus to the Daimonzaka – an impressive 600m cobblestone stairway. You'll be walking a one-hour section of this stairway through bamboo groves and giant cryptomeria trees to Nachi Taisha, the last of the Kumano Sanzan shrines.

The majestic red pagoda of Nachi Taisha, a striking sight in its own right, stands against the backdrop of Nachi-no-Otaki – Japan's tallest waterfall at a dizzying 133 metres. Tonight you'll be staying in a tranquil minshuku inn with views of the waterfall and will enjoy another fantastic included dinner.

DAYS 12 – 13: ISE. Visit one of Shinto's most sacred sites and wander through the well-preserved historical streets of Ise.

Today you will take the bus to Kii-Katsuura before catching the train to Ise, the home of Shinto's two most sacred shrines. This pilgrimage site is visited by a staggering six million Japanese each year. Spend the afternoon exploring the inner and outer areas of the shrine and grounds before heading to your traditional Japanese inn to relax and enjoy a sumptuous dinner. 

After a relaxing night at your ryokan you will have another full day in the Ise area to continue exploring the town or venture a little further afield. The Ise Shima region is known for its winding, rugged coastline, with many scenic spots overlooking the islands of Ago Bay and Ise Bay. 

The forest surrounding the shrines covers approximately 5,400 hectares and has abundant wildlife including deer, boars, Japanese monkeys and flying squirrels. Also found here are Mikado (emperor) butterflies, one of the rarest butterfly species in Japan. Your Info-Pack will include lots of suggestions for your time today. Dinner will be included at your accommodation again this evening.

DAYS 14 – 15: TOKYO. Ride the bullet train back to Tokyo for one final night in the heart of the city's entertainment district.

Today you will return to Tokyo for a final night in the capital, to be spent in the city's entertainment and business centre: Shinjuku. Use this opportunity to check out the numerous bars and restaurants on your doorstep or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. 

Sadly your adventures in Japan must come to an end, and on your final morning you will transfer to Tokyo's Narita Airport in plenty of time for your departure flight. Have a safe journey home.

If this sounds like the perfect introduction to Japan for you, come inside or give us a call to discuss this itinerary with our staff.