Mount Koya & Kumano Kodo (3 nights)

Suggested itinerary: Breakfast (luggage transfer to the minshuku in Katsuura). Early in the morning, departure by shuttle from the minshuku to Hosshinmon-oji (if a different minshuku has been booked, there may be the possibility of using a public bus connection; please check locally). Hosshinmon-oji is one of the most important historical sites along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. You can then begin your 7 km pilgrimage walk (approximately 3 hours) from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha, the first of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano. We also recommend a packed lunch break and a visit to the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center. Continue on to Oyunohara, a large sandbank at the confluence of the Kumano and Otonashi rivers, where the original Kumano Grand Shrine (Hongu Taisha) once stood. Afterwards, depart by public bus from Hongu Taisha to Hitari, where you will meet the staff for the traditional Kumano River boat ride in wooden boats (usually operating from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm). Historically, the pilgrimage between Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha was made by boat. Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha, the second of the three shrines of the Kumano route. Then take the bus from Shingu to Katsuura. Around 4:30 pm, make your way to the Gongen-mae bus stop, which will take you to Kii-Katsuura Station shortly after 5:00 pm (times to be checked locally and subject to change without notice). Dinner and overnight stay in a minshuku or ryokan,

Suggested itinerary: At around 8:30 am, depart by public bus from Kii-Katsuura to Daimon-zaka (arrival at 9:14 am). Begin your pilgrimage walk (1.5 km, approximately 1 hour). You will walk along Daimon-zaka, an impressive cobblestone staircase connecting the valley to the Nachi Shrine (Kumano Nachi Taisha), the third Grand Shrine of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. Along the way, you will pass the Seiganto-ji Pagoda before reaching Nachi Falls, the tallest waterfall in Japan (133 m). Return by bus to Katsuura. Afterwards, continue independently to Osaka or another destination. Please note: the bus schedules mentioned above are approximate and subject to change without prior notice; always check locally for updated times,