[Dual Pilgrimage Certification] 2026 Kumano Kodo 2-Day Tour | Nakahechi Hiking・Visit the Kumano Sanzan・Departure from Osaka

Kumano Nachi Taisha

This is an ancient shrine with a very long history, dating back to 662 BC. Kumano Nachi Shrine originated from the natural worship of Nachi Falls. It is said that the first to worship Nachi Falls as a deity was Emperor Jimmu. Together with Nachi no Mitaki Falls (Japan's tallest waterfall by drop, at 133 meters), it forms a sacred site where "gods and nature" are fused together.

As one of the famous Kumano Sanzan, Kumano Nachi Shrine is also the head shrine of Kumano shrines located throughout Japan. Within the shrine grounds stands a giant camphor tree that is 850 years old. Not only is it a sacred place filled with spiritual radiance, but it is also said to be especially effective for matchmaking, which is why it is called the "Marriage Shrine" and revered as a holy place that can fulfill many kinds of wishes. Throughout the year, a steady stream of worshippers arrives via the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.

Mt. Nachi Seiganto-ji Temple & Three-Story Pagoda

Mt. Nachi Seiganto-ji Temple is adjacent to Kumano Nachi Taisha. This temple is the first stop of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage (the first temple of the Western Japan pilgrimage), overlooking Nachi Falls and Nachi's primeval forest. This is a sacred site of Kumano worship with a long history. In the past, it was a major syncretic Shugendo training site centered on Nachi Falls, but in 1868 (due to the order separating Shinto and Buddhism), Seiganto-ji Temple was separated from Nachi Taisha. Behind the main hall stands a vermilion three-story pagoda, which together with Nachi Falls forms one of Mt. Nachi's most beautiful scenic views.

Nachi Falls

Nachi Falls is regarded as the sacred object of worship of Hirou Shrine, an auxiliary shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha, and people have held it in awe since ancient times. It has the greatest drop in Japan and is one of Japan's three most famous waterfalls. There is no shrine building at Hirou Shrine; this great waterfall itself is the sacred object, symbolizing the Kumano faith born from reverence for majestic nature. Upstream from Nachi Falls is a group of waterfalls known as the "Nachi Forty-Eight Falls," which served as a training ground for Shugendo, and Nachi Falls is also called the "First Waterfall." The sight of water plunging straight down from a sheer 133-meter cliff is truly breathtaking.

Admission to Kumano Nachi Taisha is free, but the Treasure Hall requires a ticket at your own expense: adults JPY 300, children JPY 200. *Preschool children are free. (The Treasure Hall is regularly closed every Wednesday, but may also close temporarily.)

The Otaki Worship Stage requires an additional fee at your own expense: adults JPY 300; elementary and junior high school students JPY 200. *Preschool children are free.

Nachi-Katsuura Shirohebi Benzaiten

Located on a small island off the coast of Nachi-Katsuura Town, Shirohebi Benzaiten becomes separated from the mainland at high tide and can be reached on foot again at low tide, so it is often called the "Mont-Saint-Michel of Nachi-Katsuura" by visitors. Its atmosphere also brings to mind the famous Mont-Saint-Michel in France.

This site enshrines Benzaiten and the white snake deity, and locals regard it as a power spot for attracting wealth, good fortune, prosperous business, and good relationships. The small vermilion shrine is built on a rocky reef in the sea, surrounded by the waves of the Pacific Ocean, creating a very mysterious scene. Especially in the early morning, at sunset, and during high tide, the sea beautifully reflects the torii gate and shrine, making it highly photogenic. As a result, it has gradually gained popularity in recent years on Japanese social media and among photography enthusiasts.

Kumano Hayatama Taisha

Kumano Hayatama Taisha is one of Japan's "Kumano Sanzan," and together with Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha, it is considered one of the core sacred sites of Kumano worship. It is also an important component of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.

Located near the mouth of the Kumano River, the shrine has long been a center of Kumano water deity worship and nature worship. Compared with Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha, which have a stronger mountain-forest atmosphere, Kumano Hayatama Taisha carries more of a "sacred site of the sea and river" feeling. Its vivid vermilion shrine buildings stand out solemnly against the green trees, and it is also the easiest of the Kumano Sanzan to reach on foot. The main deities enshrined here are "Kumano Hayatama Okami" and "Kumano Fusumi Okami," and the shrine is believed to ward off misfortune, bring good luck, foster good relationships, and ensure safe travel, making it very popular among worshippers. 

The most famous feature within the shrine grounds is the sacred tree known as the "nagi tree," which is over 1,000 years old.

Nagi leaves are tough and not easily torn, so since ancient times in Japan they have been regarded as symbols of "unbroken bonds" and "safe journeys."

In the past, pilgrims on the Kumano Kodo would carry nagi leaves with them to pray for safety along the way.

In addition, Kumano Hayatama Taisha preserves a large number of national treasure-class sacred statues and ancient ritual artifacts, giving it profound historical significance.

Hosshinmon-oji

Hosshinmon-oji is known as the "Gate of Awakening," and is the entrance from the outside into the sacred precincts of Kumano Hongu Taisha. From here, begin your hike toward one of the Kumano Sanzan: [Kumano Hongu Taisha].

There are many tranquil forest paths and secluded mountaintop villages here. The trail passes through the forest, goes by Sangenjaya, and reaches the rustic Kumano Hongu Taisha. It is praised as a miracle of wooden architecture, and legend says it symbolizes the crossroads between the human world and the divine realm, with the largest torii gate in the world.

Kumano Hongu Taisha

Kumano Hongu Taisha is one of Japan's "Kumano Sanzan" and is also the head shrine of more than 3,000 Kumano shrines across the country. Since ancient times, it has been one of Japan's most important sacred sites, and together with Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha, it forms the core of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, a World Cultural Heritage site.

Kumano Hongu Taisha is located deep in the Kumano region, surrounded by mountains and forests, with an overall atmosphere that is solemn and mysterious. The shrine buildings are constructed in the traditional Kumano Gongen-zukuri style, with black shrine halls blending into the natural mountain forest, expressing a strong sense of "Japan's primal faith."

This has long been the final sacred destination of pilgrimage on the Kumano Kodo. In the past, countless Japanese emperors, nobles, and commoners made the long journey here on pilgrimage, giving rise to the phrase "the ant-like pilgrimage to Kumano," describing the endless stream of worshippers like ants.

Among its most representative sights is the former shrine site known as "Oyunohara."

This was once the original location of Kumano Hongu Taisha, and today it is home to the world's largest torii gate (33.9 meters high and 42 meters wide). This gate symbolizes the entrance to the sacred realm. It marks the boundary between the secular world and the spiritual world. Standing between the mountains and river, it is deeply impressive and has become one of the most iconic landmarks in the Kumano region.

[What's Included]

1. Vehicle service fees listed in the itinerary, fuel costs, tolls, and expressway fees.
2. Accommodation fee (includes 1 night and 1 meal). 
3. Vehicle service time: within 10 hours (as required by Japanese law).
4. Driver-guide service fee (for refined small groups of 4–9 people or bus groups of 10–45 people, adjusted according to the number of participants on the day).
5. Free luggage allowance (please be sure to inform us of the number of bags in advance when registering).
6. This tour is recommended for children aged 6 and above, and children are charged the same price as adults.

[Not Included]

1. Round-trip international airfare is not included.
2. Daily lunch and dinner on the first day are not included.  
3. Attraction admission fees (for example: Nachi Taisha Treasure Hall adult JPY 300, Otaki Worship Stage adult JPY 300; actual fees are subject to the venue and must be paid on site)
4. Optional activities joined locally and other personal expenses.  
5. Any other items not mentioned above as included.  

[Cancellation Policy]

Please do not cancel on your own. Please contact AsiaYo customer service to assist you with processing and confirming refund matters. AsiaYo customer service hotline: 8862-77550575.

• No fee will be charged if canceled 8 business days or more before departure.
• 30% of the order amount will be charged if canceled 7 business days before departure (inclusive).
• 50% of the order amount will be charged if canceled 4–7 business days before departure (inclusive).
• 100% of the order amount will be charged if canceled 1–3 business days before departure (inclusive).

AsiaYo Sports Travel Booking Process

1. Book online and submit your order
2. AsiaYo confirms your order within 48 business hours
3. After confirmation, the system will send the "Participant Race Information" form — please complete it before the deadline
4. 5–7 days before check-in, AsiaYo will update your final itinerary details
5. Bring your original passport for hotel check-in and race registration

★Friendly reminder: Race registration and hotel check-in both require identity verification, so please confirm your passport's validity and carry the original with you.

[Visa]

Holders of a "Taiwan passport" may enter and exit Japan visa-free, but the passport must be valid for more than 6 months and must include the Republic of China national ID number. Holders of foreign passports must check for themselves whether a visa is required.

[Time Difference]

All of Japan is in the same time zone, Greenwich Mean Time (G.M.T.) +9 hours.

[What's Included]

1. Vehicle service fees listed in the itinerary, fuel costs, tolls, and expressway fees.
2. Accommodation fee (includes 1 night and 1 meal). 
3. Vehicle service time: within 10 hours (as required by Japanese law).
4. Driver-guide service fee (for refined small groups of 4–9 people or bus groups of 10–45 people, adjusted according to the number of participants on the day).
5. Free luggage allowance (please be sure to inform us of the number of bags in advance when registering).
6. This tour is recommended for children aged 6 and above, and children are charged the same price as adults.

[Not Included]

1. Round-trip international airfare is not included.
2. Daily lunch and dinner on the first day are not included.  
3. Attraction admission fees (for example: Nachi Taisha Treasure Hall adult JPY 300, Otaki Worship Stage adult JPY 300; actual fees are subject to the venue and must be paid on site)
4. Optional activities joined locally and other personal expenses.  
5. Any other items not mentioned above as included.  

[Cancellation Policy]

Please do not cancel on your own. Please contact AsiaYo customer service to assist you with processing and confirming refund matters. AsiaYo customer service hotline: 8862-77550575.

• No fee will be charged if canceled 8 business days or more before departure.
• 30% of the order amount will be charged if canceled 7 business days before departure (inclusive).
• 50% of the order amount will be charged if canceled 4–7 business days before departure (inclusive).
• 100% of the order amount will be charged if canceled 1–3 business days before departure (inclusive).

[Important Notes]

1. This tour allows free luggage, and please inform us of the number of bags in advance when registering.
2. After the order is confirmed, the date cannot be changed arbitrarily. Any resulting losses must be borne by the traveler.
3. The minimum group size for this tour is 6 people. If this threshold is not met, this platform reserves the right to cancel the departure, merge sessions, or adjust the departure date, and will notify you no later than 14 days before departure whether the group is confirmed.
4. To ensure the smooth operation of the tour, if the number of participants on your selected date does not meet the requirement, customer service will proactively contact you and ask whether you are willing to **move your departure date earlier or later** to a nearby date that has already been confirmed. If you are unable to accommodate the date change, a full refund will be issued for the order.
5. If travelers purchase airfare or accommodation before receiving the official group confirmation notice, and the tour is later canceled or rescheduled due to insufficient participants, any airfare change/cancellation fees, room rate differences, or other related costs incurred must be borne by the traveler. This platform will not be liable for compensation of any third-party expenses.
6. Please be sure to provide complete information when making a reservation to avoid errors that may affect the itinerary.
7. During the trip, please keep your passport and valuables with you and properly safeguarded. In the event of loss, theft, or damage, you will be responsible for it yourself.
8. Elderly travelers, those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or other cardiovascular conditions, and pregnant women are advised to participate with accompanying family members.
9. This tour does not accept solo registrations from customers under the age of 18. If you wish to register, a guardian must register for this tour together with you.
10. This is a shared fixed itinerary. Customers joining this tour must comply with the stay time at each attraction and follow the arrangements of the driver-guide. If you prefer a service with flexible itinerary adjustments, please refer to our chartered car travel service.
11. Please note that no refund will be given for failure to participate in or early termination of the itinerary due to personal reasons, lateness, or similar circumstances.
12. If you leave the group on your own during the itinerary, it will be regarded as an invalid transaction and no refund will be given. If this results in personal or property safety issues, you must bear the consequences yourself.
13. Arrival times for each itinerary may change depending on traffic conditions, weather, festivals, and crowds on the day. If the itinerary is delayed or canceled due to the above or other force majeure factors, we ask for your understanding, and refunds may not be requested on this basis.
14. Please wear light, travel-appropriate clothing and shoes for this tour.
15. Please be sure to comply with local Japanese laws and regulations. Do not carry items prohibited by Japanese law, so as to avoid violating the law and affecting your own rights and interests.
16. During free time, you should pay attention to your personal and property safety. If an accident or loss occurs due to failure to heed advice, you will be responsible for the consequences.

[Participant Information]

1. Seniors aged 70 and above must ensure they are in good health and fit to travel, and must be accompanied throughout the trip by a family member or friend aged 22 or above.

2. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied throughout the trip by at least one adult traveler.

3. Elderly travelers need a health certificate. Please complete it and submit it to the registration office before departure (electronic version accepted).

4. Special groups such as pregnant women, those with heart disease, or acrophobia are not suitable for this tour and may be refused participation. Please book carefully.

5. This product does not provide language services other than Chinese and Japanese. Thank you for your understanding.

[Itinerary Notes]

1. Due to the unpredictability of traffic conditions, weather, festivals, or crowds on the day, arrival times for each itinerary may change. According to Japanese law, the driver's maximum working time is 10 hours. To ensure driver safety and stable operation, the itinerary may be adjusted according to actual conditions, including reducing sightseeing time or canceling certain attractions. We sincerely hope all travelers can understand and support these adjustments made with safety as the top priority.
2. In the event of the above or other force majeure factors, we deeply apologize for any inconvenience caused. Please understand our position that we will be unable to provide refunds for this reason. This decision is made out of responsibility for the safety of both drivers and travelers and to ensure the smooth operation of the entire group.
3. We are always committed to providing you with the best travel experience, but in some circumstances, we need to adjust the itinerary flexibly according to actual conditions. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Other force majeure factors may include, but are not limited to:

1. Natural disasters: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, typhoons, and other natural disasters may affect the itinerary.
2. Traffic accidents: road traffic accidents, traffic jams, and similar situations may cause itinerary delays.
3. Weather conditions: severe weather such as heavy snow, torrential rain, or dense fog may affect transportation and itinerary arrangements.
4. Government regulations: emergency regulations, traffic controls, and similar measures introduced by the government may lead to itinerary changes.
5. Health emergencies: sudden health issues affecting travelers or group members may require first aid and emergency handling, resulting in itinerary changes.
6. Social events: strikes, protests, social unrest, and similar events may have unpredictable effects on transportation and the itinerary.
7. Mechanical failures: mechanical failures of transportation vehicles (such as cars) may cause itinerary delays.

[Travel Information]

• Pickup/Meeting

Please be sure to arrive at the designated pickup location at the specified time and do not be late. This product cannot be refunded or changed, cannot be transferred to another departure, and cannot be joined midway. If you are unable to participate in this itinerary due to your own reasons, you must bear the corresponding losses yourself. Thank you for your understanding.

• During the Trip

1. During the group itinerary, you may not leave the group early or midway. If you choose to leave midway, the unfinished portion will be regarded as voluntarily forfeited by you, and no refund will be given. Any accidents that may occur after leaving the group must be borne by the traveler. Thank you for your understanding.
2. During peak travel seasons or certain special circumstances, the departure time of the itinerary may be moved earlier or slightly delayed (the specific departure time is subject to the guide's notice). Please be prepared in advance.
3. Transportation, sightseeing, and stop durations involved in the itinerary are subject to the actual conditions of the day. In case of special circumstances (such as traffic jams or weather conditions), without reducing the attractions included in the itinerary, the guide may reasonably adjust the order of visits according to actual conditions after obtaining the guest's consent.
4. This itinerary does not include meal expenses. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are at your own expense. Please note that some restaurants do not allow outside food or occupying seats without ordering.

• Local Customs/Regulations

Please respect local cultural customs during your trip.

• Weather

1. This product may be adjusted according to weather and other factors. For your safety, staff have the right to require guests to stop outdoor activities and will communicate with you to make alternative arrangements. The actual situation on the day shall prevail.
2. In the event of severe weather or other force majeure factors, the venue may delay or change the operating hours of rides or performance schedules without prior notice, and may even cancel the operation of some facilities and performances.
3. The quality of flower viewing periods is mainly affected by weather conditions. Even if the best viewing period is not reached, tours will still depart as scheduled. Travelers who are concerned about this should book carefully.

• Shopping

1. During the tour, some attractions, restaurants, rest areas, and other locations may have shopping venues such as stores. These are not designated shopping locations arranged by the travel agency. Please consume rationally according to your own needs and request the necessary receipts. If any consumer disputes arise, you must bear the relevant responsibilities and obligations yourself. We apologize for any inconvenience.
2. There may be privately operated entertainment and consumption venues at the destination. Most of these venues do not have legal operating qualifications and may pose various hidden risks. For your safety and health, please consider carefully before spending there.

• Friendly Reminders

1. Please keep your mobile phone reachable during the trip so that relevant reception staff can contact you.
2. If you have a history of motion sickness or seasickness, it is recommended that you prepare preventive measures in advance so as not to affect your enjoyable journey.
3. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for the activity, and prepare items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, a windproof jacket, and a camera.
4. Please take good care of your personal belongings and try not to bring valuables. If they are lost or damaged during the itinerary, you must bear the loss yourself.

• Safety Warning

Activities such as swimming, rafting, diving, skiing, ice skating, and snow play all involve certain risks. Before participating, please assess your own condition and act within your ability after fully referring to relevant announcements and recommendations from local authorities and other professional organizations.