To Touch the Holy Waters of Kumano

Located at the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula, the Kumano area has long been revered in the Japanese practices of Buddhism, Shinto, and Shugendo. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime expedition through this spiritual heartland, journeying along ancient trails to sacred sites that include hidden gorges, thundering waterfalls, hot-spring hamlets, and time-honored temples and shrines. This unique, privately-guided experience lasts from three to four days and covers part of the famed Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage with a history of over a thousand years.

Guests on this journey can hike through the lush terrain, paddleboard along the picturesque Dorokyo Gorge, and ride e-bikes to one of Kumano’s many breathtaking waterfalls. Each tour includes an unforgettable outdoor dining experience on the water, a forest-themed dinner catered by the Michelin Green Star-awarded Restaurant Caravansarai, followed by a night of glamping. On other days, you can wind down in one of Kumano’s hot springs, where the waters are purported to have restorative properties.

Communion with nature is central to Japanese beliefs, offering rejuvenation and serenity to the wayfarer. This exclusive tour of Kumano will energize your spirit and leave you with lifelong memories of Japan’s awe-inspiring forests, mountains, and rivers.