How to Explore Kumano Sanzan in 2 Days: A Perfect Model Itinerary
The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails and the Kumano Sanzan shrines are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
These mystical sites allow visitors to immerse themselves in Japan's history and spiritual traditions while enjoying the beauty of nature.
However, walking the Kumano Kodo trail in its entirety takes at least four days, and the Kumano Sanzan shrines—Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha—are located far apart, making travel planning a challenge.
If you’re unsure about how to plan your visit, check out this recommended 2-day model itinerary to make the most of your trip!
DAY 1: Explore Kumano Hongu Taisha and Indulge in Nachikatsuura’s Gourmet Delights
On the first day of the model itinerary, visit Kumano Hongu Taisha and savor the local cuisine of Nachikatsuura, where your accommodation is located.
Embark on a journey to experience both Japan’s rich history and its culinary treasures.
9:00am Start Your Journey from Nanki Shirahama Airport
Begin your trip at Nanki Shirahama Airport, the gateway to Wakayama.
Take the Meiko Bus departing at 9:28 AM for direct access to Kumano Hongu Taisha. With only one direct bus per day, don’t miss it!
12:00pm Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha, the Head Shrine of All Kumano Shrines
Start your Kumano Sanzan pilgrimage at Kumano Hongu Taisha, the main shrine of over 4,700 Kumano shrines across Japan.
Climb the 158 stone steps to reach the grand shrine pavilion with its traditional hinoki-bark roofing, which enshrines deities like Ketsumi-miko-no-Ōkami.
Don’t forget to visit the nearby landmarks: the Otorii Gate, located about 500 meters away, and Zuihoden, which houses a tea room, souvenir shops, and more. Enjoy lunch at one of the nearby tea rooms or rest areas.
4:50pm Relax at Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura
After visiting Kumano Hongu Taisha, take a combination of train and bus rides for about two hours to reach Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura.
Located a 10-minute walk from JR Kii-Katsuura Station and a 40-minute bus ride to Kumano Nachi Taisha, the hotel is an ideal base for exploring Kumano Sanzan.
Unwind in a Room with an Open-Air Hot Spring Bath
If you stay at Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura, opt for a room with an open-air hot spring bath.
Upon arrival, soak in the outdoor bath to enjoy panoramic views of the Kumano Sea and mountains, letting the hot spring soothe your travel fatigue.
Afterward, relax in the serene, modern-Japanese ambiance of your room until dinner.
Savor Exquisite Fresh Tuna and Rare Kumano Beef for Dinner
For dinner, enjoy a kaiseki meal at the hotel’s restaurant.
A highlight is the freshly caught raw tuna from Katsuura Port, known for its chewy texture and pure flavor—an experience impossible with frozen tuna.
Also, don’t miss dishes featuring Kumano Beef, a premium wagyu brand raised in the Kumano region. Indulge in delicacies like sukiyaki, which showcases the beef's rich sweetness, aroma, and flavor—something rarely found outside Wakayama.
Relax in the Grand Japanese-Style Bath for an Extraordinary Experience
After dinner, take a break and visit the grand bath.
From the Takiminoyu garden open-air bath, you can admire views of the Kumano Sea and surrounding mountains. On certain evenings, you may even spot fishing lights on the water.
The bath features a natural, mildly alkaline simple spring from the hotel’s private source, leaving your skin silky smooth.
Enjoy a Late-Night Bowl of "Jigoku Meguri Dandanmen "
Exclusively for guests, enjoy complimentary dandan noodles between 9:00pm and 10:30pm.
Each month, the menu rotates between Sichuan-style, black sesame, and white sesame dandan noodles.
Treat yourself to this rich, spicy dish as a late-night snack.
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"Red" Sichuan Dandanmen
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"Black" Black Sesame Dandanmen
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"White" White Sesame Dandanmen
Explore Local Culture with Hotel Activities
The hotel hosts cultural activities that allow guests to experience the charm and heritage of Kumano.
Below are two featured activities.
Although staff who can assist in English are available, they may not be present on certain dates. If you wish to participate, please inquire in advance.
- Special Access to Fudarakusan-ji Temple (World Heritage Site)
- Exclusive access to important cultural properties and detailed explanations of mandala art. A special program at the World Heritage Site Fudarakusan-ji Temple offers exclusive access to important cultural properties and detailed explanations of mandala art, providing a deeper understanding of the history of the Kumano pilgrimage.
- Zazen Meditation and Sutra Copying Experience
- At Taisan-ji Temple, try Zen meditation and sutra copying, practices dating back to Japan’s Asuka period (593–710 AD). These activities help you relax, focus, and center your mind.
There are many other exciting activities available, so be sure to check the official website for more details.
Since it’s difficult to include these activities in the model course, consider extending your stay to two nights if you want to participate.
DAY 2: Explore the Kumano Kodo, Centered Around Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha
On the second day, not only will you visit Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha, but you’ll also walk part of the Kumano Kodo and explore nearby attractions.
7:00am Enjoy a Fisherman’s Breakfast at Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura
Start your day with a hearty breakfast inspired by a fisherman's morning.
Enjoy fresh, local delicacies, including freshly made dashi-maki tamago.
Note: The menu may vary depending on the season and availability of ingredients.
9:40am Experience the Charm of the Kumano Kodo Trail at Daimonzaka
After breakfast, take a bus to JR Kii-Katsuura Station and walk to the Daimonzaka entrance of the Kumano Kodo trail.
This historic 640-meter stone-paved staircase, dating back to the Kamakura period, leads to Kumano Nachi Taisha.
Flanked by towering cedar trees over 800 years old, Daimonzaka exudes a serene and sacred atmosphere, immersing visitors in the spiritual essence of this revered pilgrimage route.
10:00am Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha
After a 20-minute walk along Daimonzaka, you’ll arrive at Kumano Nachi Taisha.
This sacred site features a vivid vermillion worship hall and six pavilions, each dedicated to a different deity, forming a spiritual sanctuary.
Highlights include the "Karasu-ishi," a sacred stone believed to embody Yatagarasu, the mythical three-legged crow that guided Emperor Jimmu, and the Kusu Reisha shrine, known for its unique inner passage ritual.
10:30am Stroll Around Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple
After enjoying the highlights of Kumano Nachi Taisha, visit the neighboring Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple.
This historic site features national treasures such as the main hall (Nyoirin-do), a designated Important Cultural Property, and Japan’s oldest Hokyoin-to pagoda, inscribed with the year 1322.
Don’t miss the breathtaking view of the iconic three-tiered pagoda set against the majestic Nachi Falls, one of Japan’s most famous cascades.
11:10am Witness the Majestic Nachi Falls
A 13-minute walk from Seiganto-ji Temple takes you to Nachi Falls.
At 133 meters high with a plunge pool depth of 10 meters, this is one of Japan's most impressive waterfalls.
1:00pm Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha
Conclude your pilgrimage with a visit to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, the final shrine of the Kumano Sanzan, located about an hour away by bus.
This sacred site features graceful vermilion pavilions and enshrines 18 deities.
Be sure to take home the "Kumano Goshofu," a highly revered talisman cherished for its long-revered talisman known for its comprehensive protective powers.
Wrap-up
This itinerary offers a concise yet comprehensive plan to fully enjoy the Kumano Sanzan and its surrounding attractions in just two days.
Conveniently designed for travelers relying on public transportation, it’s ideal for those eager to explore the spiritual essence and natural beauty of Kumano.