Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide in the airport arrivals hall. From there, we will transfer by private vehicle to our hotel in Tokyo. Standard check-in time is 3:00 p.m. If we arrive earlier, luggage can be stored at the hotel while we wait for access to our rooms and begin settling into the rhythm of the journey ahead.

Today we dive into the energy and contrasts of Japan’s vibrant capital with our private guide. We begin at the historic Tsukiji Market, where the city’s culinary traditions come to life, before visiting the iconic Meiji Shrine, nestled within a peaceful urban forest in the heart of Tokyo. We then stroll through Harajuku, known for its distinctive fashion, creative spirit, and eclectic shops. Our day concludes at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, a symbol of Tokyo’s dynamic rhythm and remarkable organization.

In the afternoon, we return to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

After checking out, we leave our luggage at the hotel for forwarding to Osaka (one suitcase per person). We then meet our guide and board the Nozomi Shinkansen, Japan’s famous bullet train, for our journey to Osaka.

Upon arrival, we visit the historic Osaka Castle, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, before exploring the lively districts of Shinsaibashi and Namba, renowned for their vibrant atmosphere, neon-lit streets, and exceptional local street food. This is the perfect introduction to Osaka’s energetic and welcoming character.

After checking out, we prepare our luggage for forwarding to Kyoto (one suitcase per person). Accompanied by our guide, we travel by express train to Kii-Tanabe, the traditional gateway to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes.

From there, we begin our walk along the sacred Nakahechi Route, covering approximately 3.9 kilometers through peaceful forests and mountain landscapes. This marks the beginning of our journey along the Kumano Kodo, an ancient pilgrimage trail renowned for its spiritual significance, natural beauty, and centuries-old tradition of reflection and discovery.

Today we continue our pilgrimage along the Nakahechi Route of the Kumano Kodo. Accompanied by our guide, we hike from Takahara to Chikatsuyu, following ancient mountain trails that wind through majestic cedar forests and serene countryside landscapes.

Covering approximately 9.4 kilometers over the course of about five hours, this section of the journey offers a deeper immersion into the tranquility of the forest and the rich history of the pilgrims who have traveled these sacred paths for centuries.

This morning, we transfer by bus to Hosshinmon-oji, the starting point of today’s pilgrimage. From here, we hike approximately 10.4 kilometers along ancient trails that wind through sacred forests, scenic viewpoints, and centuries-old pilgrimage paths.

Our destination is Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano and an important spiritual center of the Kumano Kodo. After time to explore the shrine and its surroundings, we return to our accommodation by bus, bringing another memorable day on this historic pilgrimage route to a close.

Today offers a choice between continued exploration and well-deserved rest. Those who wish to continue the pilgrimage will set out with our guide on the Kogumotori-goe trail, a scenic 12.6-kilometer hike that crosses another beautiful mountain pass surrounded by lush forests and peaceful landscapes.

For those preferring a slower pace, the day can be spent relaxing and enjoying the comforts and traditional hospitality of the ryokan. At the end of the day, the hiking group returns, and we gather once again at our accommodation to share the experience and enjoy a restful evening.

After check-out, we travel with our guide to Shingu for a day of cultural exploration. We visit Jofuku Park, Asuka Shrine, the ruins of Shingu Castle, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kamikura-jinja, the original sacred site of worship and one of the most important spiritual landmarks in the Kumano region.

Later, we walk along the scenic Koya-zaka slope, enjoying sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastline. Our day concludes in Miwasaki before returning to our accommodation for a relaxing evening.

After checking out, we depart with our guide for Daimonzaka, one of the most beautiful sections of the Kumano Kodo. We walk approximately 5 kilometers beneath towering centuries-old cedar trees, following the historic pilgrimage path to the spectacular Nachi Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Japan and one of the region’s most sacred natural landmarks.

After our visit, we board the express train to Shin-Osaka and continue by private transfer to Kyoto, where we settle in and prepare for the next chapter of our journey.

Today we explore Kyoto’s enchanting Arashiyama district with our guide. We begin by crossing the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge before strolling through the famous Bamboo Grove, where towering stalks create one of Japan’s most memorable landscapes. Along the way, we observe daily life in this charming corner of Kyoto and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere.

Later, we visit Kinkaku-ji, the magnificent Golden Pavilion, one of Japan’s most celebrated temples. We also take part in a traditional tea ceremony, offering a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture and hospitality, before concluding the day at Nijo Castle, renowned for its elegant architecture, beautiful gardens, and rich historical significance.

After checking out, we board the Nozomi Shinkansen for our journey back to Tokyo. Upon arrival, we are met by a private driver and transferred to our hotel.

The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Tokyo at your own pace. Take the opportunity to explore the elegant boutiques and department stores of Ginza, enjoy some last-minute shopping, discover a local café, or simply relax and reflect on the experiences of the journey.