A spiritual and scenic region in Japan’s Kii Peninsula.
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Overview
"Kumano" refers to a sacred region located on the mountainous Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. It is most famous for the Kumano Kodo, an ancient network of pilgrimage trails that have been walked for over a thousand years by emperors, samurai, and commoners seeking spiritual enlightenment. These trails connect the Kumano Sanzan, the three Grand Shrines of Kumano: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha.
In 2004, the Kumano Kodo and its associated sacred sites were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing their profound historical and cultural value as a path of Japanese faith and a landscape of extraordinary natural beauty. The region is infused with a deep sense of spirituality, often blending Shintoism (Japan's indigenous religion) with Buddhism. Beyond the trails and shrines, the Kumano region offers picturesque coastal towns, relaxing hot springs (onsen), and dramatic waterfalls, making it a truly unique and enriching destination for those seeking cultural immersion, spiritual reflection, or simply breathtaking natural scenery.
Experience a portion of the ancient Kumano Kodo. The most popular and accessible route is the Nakahechi Imperial Route, often starting from Kii-Tanabe. Even a short section, like the Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (2-3 hours, easy), offers beautiful forest paths, traditional stone steps, and a glimpse into centuries of pilgrimage.
Tip: Wear comfortable hiking shoes. Information centers in Kii-Tanabe or Hongu can provide maps and advice on suitable sections for a day hike based on your fitness level.
Explore Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three Grand Shrines, magnificently set amidst lush mountains. Its iconic sight is the stunning Nachi Falls (Nachi-no-Otaki Falls), Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall (133 meters), with a beautiful vermilion three-story pagoda of Seigantoji Temple famously positioned in front of it.
Tip: The Daimonzaka stone staircase leading up to the shrine is particularly picturesque, flanked by towering cedar trees. Allow a few hours to explore the shrine, temple, and waterfall area.
Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha, the head shrine of over 3,000 Kumano shrines across Japan and a central point of the pilgrimage routes. Its austere wooden pavilions blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest. Nearby is Oyunohara, the original site of the shrine before it was relocated due to floods, marked by the largest torii gate in Japan (33.9 meters high).
Tip: The atmosphere at Oyunohara, with its giant torii, is incredibly powerful and serene. The walk to the shrine from the bus stop involves a beautiful stone staircase.
Discover Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu City, distinguished by its vibrant vermilion-lacquered pavilions and ancient sacred Nagi tree. Just a short walk away is Kamikura Shrine, considered the "original shrine" of Kumano, famous for its incredibly steep stone staircase leading to a giant sacred rock (Gotobiki Iwa) with panoramic views.
Tip: Kamikura Shrine's staircase is extremely challenging but offers rewarding views. Hayatama Taisha is easily accessible from Shingu Station.
After a day of hiking or sightseeing, unwind in one of the Kumano region's renowned onsen (hot springs). Popular onsen villages include Yunomine Onsen (home to Tsuboyu, the only UNESCO World Heritage hot spring you can bathe in), Kawayu Onsen (where you can dig your own bath in the riverbed), and Watarase Onsen.
Tip: Many traditional Japanese inns (ryokan and minshuku) along the pilgrimage routes offer onsen facilities. It's a perfect way to rejuvenate.
Experience the traditional pilgrimage route by taking a Kumano River boat ride from Kumano Hongu Taisha (via bus to the starting point) to Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu. This scenic journey down the sacred Kumano River offers a unique perspective of the landscape and was historically used by pilgrims.
Tip: Check the seasonal availability and schedule for these boat tours, as they don't operate year-round.
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Diamond Princess
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Tokyo, Japan
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Diamond Princess
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Yokohama, Japan
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Aug 5, 2026
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Aboard
Diamond Princess
From
Yokohama, Japan
1 Sailing
Aug 16, 2026
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
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