①If you plan to depart from Osaka, please meet your assistant at Shin-Osaka Station (Shinkansen central gate). Please note that the assistant will not board the JR train with you. Your guide will be waiting for you at Kii Katsuura Station. ②If you plan to depart from Kii Katsuura Station, you can customize your departure time.

Calligraphy is not only an art form and a symbol of Japanese culture, but also a form of meditation. Guided by a professional calligraphy instructor, you’ll use handmade brushes from Kumano, Hiroshima — Japan’s top brush-making town — and enjoy a calm, creative moment to express yourself. Write your own calligraphy on a fan or shikishi and take home a unique souvenir. The workshop is held at “Takumi,” a 50-year-old folk craft shop. One wall is beautifully decorated with ukiyo-e prints, creating an artistic atmosphere. “Takumi” is also known as Hiroshima’s leading craft shop, offering traditional items from across Japan. Location: • 5 min walk from the Atomic Bomb Dome • 3 min walk from Hiroden Hondori Station • 5th floor of Sanmall Mall (UNIQLO on 2nd floor) ✨ Highlights ✔ Calligraphy at a 50-year-old craft shop “Takumi” ✔ Ukiyo-e inspired space ✔ Step-by-step guidance for beginners ✔ All materials provided — just bring yourself ✔ Create your own calligraphy artwork and take photos

Explore the spiritual heart of Kumano on a captivating tour that immerses you in the rich history and sacred traditions of the Kumano faith. Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha, known for its themes of rebirth and renewal, and Kamikura Shrine, where the gods are believed to have descended. Guided by a local expert, this tour offers insights into the ancient pilgrimage routes and the significance of each shrine. Experience the tranquil beauty of these revered sites, surrounded by the natural wonders of the forest and mountains. - Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha, a shrine dedicated to renewal and vitality. - Ascend to Kamikura Shrine with stunning views of Shingū and the Pacific Ocean. - Choose from several tour options, including early-morning tranquility. - Benefit from a knowledgeable guide who shares the legends and history of this sacred region.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English-speaking l tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore the Kumano Kodo! The Kumano Kodo is an ancient network of pilgrim trails dating back more than 1000 years connecting historic shrines and temples running through the mountains of the Kii Peninsula. The most popular route, Nakahechi, along which past emperors traveled, crosses the width of the Peninsula from Tanabe town on the west coast to Shingu and Nachi-Katsuura towns on the east. Hikers of all levels can enjoy quiet mountain hamlets and onsens. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize an 8hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

Begin your journey by meeting your guide at Shinsaibashi Station or Subway Nippombashi Station in Osaka. Board a comfortable bus and head to the Kumano Kodo Oto Service Area, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. Continue to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of the Kumano Sanzan shrines. Explore the grounds and soak in the spiritual atmosphere. Next, visit Kumano-Nachi Taisha, Hiryu Shrine, and the Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple. If you're up for it, take a 20-minute walk along the Daimon-zaka path to Nachi Taisha Shrine. Collect stamps at Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hongu-kan, the Great Torii Gate, and Ooyunohara. Finally, relax your feet in the soothing waters of Totsukawa Onsen before heading back to Osaka.

Let's immerse ourselves in the Nakahechi route, which is the most popular of the surviving Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails. UNESCO World Heritage sites, Kumano Kodo and St. James' Way (Spain), are located in both regions, and for over 20 years, the two regions have worked together to contribute to world peace through youth exchange programs and joint tourism promotion. Kumano worship has a history of the coexistence of different religions in a syncretism of Shintoism and Buddhism. At the bottom of this belief is the worship of nature. Kumano's respect for nature can send a message of peace to the world.

Step into the Edo period and follow in the footsteps of shoguns and travelers on the historic Nakasendo. This guided walking tour takes you across the Usui Pass, once known as the most difficult section of the route, while immersing yourself in history and nature. Along the way, Kamishibai storytelling brings to life legends of Sakamoto-juku, depicted in ukiyo-e prints. Dressed in Edo-style travel gear (sedge hat, straw raincoat, travel pass), you’ll visit landmarks such as Kumano Shrine, the Usui Sekisho checkpoint, and the Nagai Family Residence, where Emperor Meiji once stayed. Experience the journey with all five senses: See: History and legends through Kamishibai Taste: Chaya Bento with Toge no Chikara Mochi Hear: Multilingual guide commentary Smell: Cedar forest phytoncide walk Touch: Cross the pass in Edo traveler attire At the end, receive a souvenir certifying your Usui Pass crossing. Relive samurai culture and discover one of Japan’s most fascinating walking routes.

Discover the charm and beauty of this amazing attraction — a must-visit for every traveler looking to immerse themselves in culture, adventure, and unforgettable memories.