Arrive in Kansai Airport and drive about 70 km or about 1½ hour to Mt. Koya.

Mt. Koya is the centre of Shingon Buddhism, and it’s beautifully forest clad slopes and valleys are dotted with charming temples. We will spend the afternoon here followed by a wonderful experience of an overnight in a temple lodging. The accommodation is simple but comfortable with private toilet and shower.

A magical experience this morning as we join in the temple Morning Prayer ritual with the local monks as they recite the fundamental sutra called Rishu Kyo.

Drive about 2 hours to the start point of our next adventure – hiking the Kumano Kodo Trail. For thousands of years, Japanese of all walks of life from commoner to retired emperors & aristocrats have walking this pilgrimage trail. Numerous beautiful shrines dot the trail and scenery is wonderful with lovely forests, rivers and waterfalls.

This afternoon, we hike about 5km going through lovely woods of cedars, pass quiet Hamlet of Chikatsuyu, 500 years old Nonagase Cemetery and visit the Nakahechi Art Museum.

Walking Distance: 5 km

A 30 min drive takes us to Hosshinmon Gate, the start point of today’s walk. This area is known for its trees, which are bright green in the spring and deep red in the autumn. A gentle walk on a downhill slope leads to a beautiful overlook of the Kumano River and the largest torii gate in Japan. Continuing downhill, you will walk through a small village and arrive in Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine.

Walking Distance: 7 km (with option for longer hikes)

This morning at 10am, we take a scenic boat ride down to Hayatama Taisha, one of Kumano’s three important shrines。

In the afternoon, we hike up to the top of the Nachi Falls, en route, make several stops to learn about local crafts. At the top we will find the bright red Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine next to the beautiful and tranquil Seiganto-ji Temple. Here, be treated to the view of the 133m high fall, biggest in Japan and one of its last remaining pristine primeval forests.

At the end of the walk, a short 20 min drive take us to the coastal town of Nachikatsuura.

Total Walking distance: 2 km.       

This morning, we drive 3 hours to Ise. Visit the Ise Grand Shrine. This is one of Japan’s most important Shinto Shrine with a stunning architecture. It has been designated as a National Treasure.

Continue to Okage Tokocho Street where its Ise Tsumairi-styled buildings meet Western-styled Kuwanashi buildings.

After lunch, check into the exclusive Basaratei Ryokan, hidden among beautiful environment.

Visit Futami Okitama Shrine, a couple rock side by side in the sea. Spend leisure time before transfer to the airport for your flight out.