Les anciennes routes de Kumano
Pack comfortable walking shoes and a small backpack for your hikes on mountain trails. Bring some cash, a towel for the onsen (hot springs), and clothing suitable for temperature changes. Finally, respect local customs at shrines by purifying your hands and maintaining a discreet demeanor.
The ancient roads of Kumano offer an immersion into a spiritual and preserved Japan, where age-old traditions, sacred mountains and authentic villages reveal the deep soul of the country, far from the classic tourist circuits.
Day 1, Osaka: Temple visits
In the morning, visit Osaka's oldest temple, its imposing pagoda, and its many annexes. Afterward, stroll through the picturesque temple district opposite. Tucked between buildings, it houses numerous temples and is also known for its cobblestone streets. For lunch: Japanese burgers and pastries.
Day 2, Yoshino: A walk into the mysticism of Japan
The tour begins in Yoshino , famous for its mountains and thousands of cherry blossoms in spring. This region is a center of Shugendō religion , a mystical faith combining Buddhism, Shintoism, and animism, focused on the mountains and nature. A visit to Kinpusen-ji Temple offers a glimpse into this unique spirituality, with its historic buildings and ancient rituals. Yoshino is also known for its traditional alleyways and small local shops where crafts and cuisine reflect the Japanese way of life.
You will spend the night in a property surrounded by temples and shrines. Enjoy the cool mornings of spring and autumn for a short, private stroll.
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Day 3, Tenkawamura: the benefits of nature
On the second day, the tour continues to Tenkawamura , a typical mountain village. Along the way, a stop by a lake offers a moment of peace and contemplation, highlighting the importance of harmony with nature in Japanese culture. In Tenkawamura, visitors can relax in onsen, traditional Japanese hot springs, and enjoy regional dishes prepared with local ingredients: game, tofu, river fish, and honey. These specialties demonstrate the deep connection between Japanese cuisine and its land, as well as the seasonality of ingredients, a fundamental principle of Japanese gastronomy.
Discover Shōjin Ryōri vegan cuisine in a sublime Buddhist temple, where you will spend the night in a breathtakingly decorated traditional room.
Day 4, the ancient roads of Kumano: between history and religion
On the third day, you'll follow the ancient Kumano pilgrimage routes, used for over a thousand years. These paths wind through forests and rivers, offering a glimpse into the history of pilgrimage in Japan, where walking on sacred ground was as much a spiritual act as a way to connect with nature. The highlight is Kumano Hongū-Taisha Shrine, one of the three great shrines of Kumano, a symbol of the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism. The architecture, the red torii gates, and the traditional rituals illustrate the Japanese reverence for the sacred and for nature. The evening will be spent in accommodation near the shrine, where you can experience the warm hospitality typical of omotenashi , the Japanese art of hospitality.
Day 5: the continuation of your tour
On the last day, after a Japanese breakfast, there is still time to explore the area around the shrine before continuing your tour along the coast.
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AYUMI Voyage excursions are suggestions that are not exhaustive and are intended to inspire you in creating your own tour of Japan with our travel advisors. All our offers, itineraries, and optional services are entirely customized after consultation with you.
Duration
5 days
4 nights
Location
Osaka, Nara
Elevation gain
Walking time
Ideal season
AYUMI Premium Trip:
recommended additional services
Airport pickup : Osaka is served by Kansai International Airport, located less than an hour south of the city. With our airport pickup service, you can land with peace of mind. A guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel.
Restaurant reservations: To ensure you don't miss out on Osaka's culinary specialties, we suggest booking your dinners at the best establishments. This way, we guarantee you'll taste local specialties in quality restaurants while avoiding the crowds.
