Trip info
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45km Cycling rest is on foot/public transport
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Accommodation in the hotels
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All meals as indicated per itinerary
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Kyoto
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Osaka
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10
Overview
This 5-day, partially guided cycling tour offers an unforgettable journey along the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, combining historical exploration with natural beauty. The tour is designed for travelers who want to experience the deep relationship between mythology, nature, and Japanese spirituality.
The adventure begins with a train ride from Kyoto to Ise, where you’ll have a free day to explore the Ise Grand Shrine, Japan’s highest-ranking shrine, and the traditional Oharai Machi area. On the second day, you’ll travel to the seaside town of Owase to walk the Magose-toge Pass, a beautiful cobblestone path known as one of the most popular passes on the Iseji. An optional hike up Tengra-san mountain is also available, where you can learn about the legends of the Tengu and Shugendo mountain worship.
The cycling portion of the tour starts on day three in the Kumanogawa Onsen area with a guided e-bike tour towards Koguchi. The route is surrounded by the mountains of Okukumano and follows the scenic Akagi River. Afterward, you’ll walk a section of the Kumano Kodo and take a riverboat cruise down the Kumano River, recalling the scenes of ancient pilgrims.
On day four, you’ll have a free day to explore the Nachi area, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll walk along a beautiful cobblestone path lined with 800-year-old cedar trees to the stunning Nachi-no-Taki Falls, one of the three famous waterfalls in Japan. You can also visit the Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine and the striking three-story pagoda of Seigantoji Temple, which are integrated in a harmonious relationship between Buddhism and Shintoism. The tour concludes on day five with a limited express train ride from Kii-Katsuura to Osaka.
Highlights
- You will visit the traditional Oharai Machi and Okage yokocho areas in Ise, which are lined with shops and restaurants that have been serving pilgrims and tourists for centuries
- You'll have the chance to hike up Tengra-san mountain, an optional activity that offers panoramic views and a chance to learn about Japanese spiritual traditions.
- You will also explore the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, including the Magose-toge Pass, known for its beautiful moss-covered cobblestone pavements. The journey also includes visiting sacred shrines in the Nachi area, such as the Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine.
