OUR ITINERARY
Day 1 Koyasan
*Please let us know of your ETA to Koyasan
If you require additional assistance with logistics to and from the Kumano region, additional charges may apply.
This tour is available as self-guided and guided.
10:00AM and beyond: Upon arrival at Koyasan, you will meet with a Shingon monk who will show you around the town.
As the tour ends, your monk will bring you to your lodging (Ekoin). The monastery has been active for more than 1,000 years and although accommodation is simple, the monastery complex is well built and maintained by diligent monks. Here you’ll enjoy vegan Buddhist food at dinner time.
Late Afternoon and Evening (optional events): A meditation session led by one of the monks is available at our monastery. Those with the energy are free to join a guided tour of Okunoin cemetery also led by the monastery. Over 200,000 monks are buried here, their gravestones covered in moss surrounded by massive 600+ year old cedar trees, the night-time tour offers unique views as pathways are lit by lanterns.
Day 2 Koyasan- Omata
Day 2 is where your pilgrimage hike begins. After a morning meditation session and fire ceremony (optional) a traditional vegan Buddhist breakfast will be served before a 17km (6 hour) hike along a beautiful World Heritage trail. This trail is not technically difficult however, is a long walk. The trail intensity is volatile and the majority of the day will be spent in the forest and mountains which will feature several view points and historical monuments. Upon arrival to your lodging, you will have time to enjoy a traditional dinner and an option to recharge in an onsen (hotspring).
Day 3 Omata- Miuraguchi
A similar schedule to Day 2. You will hike along the Obako pass. A trail loaded with panoramic views as well as sacred monuments. The distance is roughly 16km and take about 5 hours to hike.
Day 4 Miuraguchi- Totsukawa
The longest day of hiking. A 19 km stretch which takes about 7 hours but rewarded with a beautiful hot spring inn with delicious Japanese delicacies. This stretch also features beautiful rice fields and huge 500 year old cedar trees.
Day 5 Totsugawa- Kumano Hongu Shrine
Our final leg of the pilgrimage leading to the Kumano Hongu Shrine. This is one of the most significant shrines within the Shinto religion representing over 3000 other shrines across the country. This stretch is about 15km and takes around 5 hours to hike. We will be passing by some rural towns as well as numerous viewpoints. Hongu Shrine features the World’s largest Tori gate, as well as a World Heritage Center and numerous gift shops. A very scenic area to reflect upon your accomplishments!
This is where your tour will end. From Hongu you will have the ability to catch transportation to your next destination.
Day 1 Koyasan
*Please let us know of your ETA to Koyasan
If you require additional assistance with logistics to and from the Kumano region, additional charges may apply.
This tour is available as self-guided and guided.
10:00AM and beyond: Upon arrival at Koyasan, you will meet with a Shingon monk who will show you around the town.
As the tour ends, your monk will bring you to your lodging (Ekoin). The monastery has been active for more than 1,000 years and although accommodation is simple, the monastery complex is well built and maintained by diligent monks. Here you’ll enjoy vegan Buddhist food at dinner time.
Late Afternoon and Evening (optional events): A meditation session led by one of the monks is available at our monastery. Those with the energy are free to join a guided tour of Okunoin cemetery also led by the monastery. Over 200,000 monks are buried here, their gravestones covered in moss surrounded by massive 600+ year old cedar trees, the night-time tour offers unique views as pathways are lit by lanterns.
Day 2 Koyasan- Omata
Day 2 is where your pilgrimage hike begins. After a morning meditation session and fire ceremony (optional) a traditional vegan Buddhist breakfast will be served before a 17km (6 hour) hike along a beautiful World Heritage trail. This trail is not technically difficult however, is a long walk. The trail intensity is volatile and the majority of the day will be spent in the forest and mountains which will feature several view points and historical monuments. Upon arrival to your lodging, you will have time to enjoy a traditional dinner and an option to recharge in an onsen (hotspring).
Day 3 Omata- Miuraguchi
A similar schedule to Day 2. You will hike along the Obako pass. A trail loaded with panoramic views as well as sacred monuments. The distance is roughly 16km and take about 5 hours to hike.
Day 4 Miuraguchi- Totsukawa
The longest day of hiking. A 19 km stretch which takes about 7 hours but rewarded with a beautiful hot spring inn with delicious Japanese delicacies. This stretch also features beautiful rice fields and huge 500 year old cedar trees.
Day 5 Totsugawa- Kumano Hongu Shrine
Our final leg of the pilgrimage leading to the Kumano Hongu Shrine. This is one of the most significant shrines within the Shinto religion representing over 3000 other shrines across the country. This stretch is about 15km and takes around 5 hours to hike. We will be passing by some rural towns as well as numerous viewpoints. Hongu Shrine features the World’s largest Tori gate, as well as a World Heritage Center and numerous gift shops. A very scenic area to reflect upon your accomplishments!
This is where your tour will end. From Hongu you will have the ability to catch transportation to your next destination.
