Kumano Kodo Kii-ji Trail: Sacred Shrines & Mountain Pass

Emperors and pilgrims stood at Hai-no-tawa Pass to pray to the gods of Kumano, and you will stand in the same spot.

This 8-hour guided tour follows the Kumano Kodo's Kii-ji route, a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage path in Wakayama, visiting Fujishiro Shrine, Suzuki Mansion and Hai-no-tawa Pass with a professional English-speaking guide. Hotel or port pickup is included, and the itinerary may shift due to weather or other conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Kumano Kodo Kii-ji route

• Visit Fujishiro Shrine
• Explore Suzuki Mansion
• Walk Fujishiro-zaka Slope
• Reach Hai-no-tawa Pass viewpoint
• Finish hike at Arida Mikan area

The experience

Fujishiro Shrine is one of the five most important stops (Gotai-Oji) along the Kumano Kodo, where pilgrims have prayed for centuries before crossing steep mountain passes. From there, the route leads to Suzuki Mansion, the ancestral 12th-century home of Japan's most common surname: recently restored and open to explore. You then climb Fujishiro-zaka Slope, a moss-covered stone path that feels like walking back a thousand years into Japan's spiritual past.

The tour peaks at Hai-no-tawa Pass, the highest point in this section, where the mountains meet the sea. This is the spot where emperors and pilgrims stood to offer prayers to the gods of Kumano, and the view that inspired travelers for centuries is still there. The route finishes in an area famous for Arida Mikan (mandarin oranges), which turn the mountainside bright orange in autumn and winter.

A national licensed guide leads the walk at a comfortable pace, sharing insider knowledge of ritualistic origins and local traditions that only a local expert can provide. Your guide speaks English, with French available on request. Hotel or port pickup is arranged for you, and all admission fees are covered.

What’s included

• Private vehicle transport.
• admission to all sites.
• hotel or port pickup.
• professional English-speaking guide (French available on request).

Options for this experience

2 options

Authentic Kumano Kodo Kii-ji shore excursion: an ancient path close byGuide in English or French · 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00Pickup is included

French option08:00, 08:30 and 09:00Pickup is included in the language option

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 46 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by MY Travel Consulting

Is this one for you?The 8-hour duration and moderate hiking intensity suit active travelers who want to walk an actual pilgrimage route rather than view it from a distance, with a guide who explains the spiritual and historical layers as you move through them.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Fujishiro Shrine and why do pilgrims stop there?

Fujishiro Shrine is one of the five most important shrines (Gotai-Oji) along the Kumano Kodo. For centuries, pilgrims have stopped here to pray for safety before tackling the steep mountain passes that follow.

Can I learn about the Suzuki family name at the mansion?

Yes. Suzuki Mansion is the ancestral home of the Suzuki family, whose surname is the most common in Japan and a world-famous brand. The recently restored 12th-century residence lets you explore the roots of this legendary family.

What makes Hai-no-tawa Pass special?

Hai-no-tawa Pass, the "Ridge of Prayer," is the highest point on this route and offers a dramatic view where the mountains meet the sea. It is the spot where emperors and pilgrims stood 1,000 years ago to offer prayers to the gods of Kumano.

Is this tour physically demanding?

The tour involves hiking at a comfortable pace over 8 hours, and you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The itinerary may change due to weather or other conditions.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes private vehicle transport, all admission fees, hotel or port pickup, and a national licensed English-speaking guide. Lunch and personal expenses are not included.