The old roads of 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.
Les anciennes routes de Kumano offrent une immersion dans un Japon spirituel et préservé, où traditions séculaires, montagnes sacrées et villages authentiques révèlent l’âme profonde du pays, loin des circuits touristiques classiques.
Journée 1, Yoshino : une marche dans le mysticisme du Japon
Le circuit commence à Yoshino, célèbre pour ses montagnes et ses milliers de cerisiers en fleurs au printemps. Cette région est un haut lieu de la religion shugendō, un culte mystique combinant bouddhisme, shintoïsme et animisme, centré sur la montagne et la nature. La visite du temple Kinpusen-ji permet de découvrir cette spiritualité unique, avec ses bâtiments historiques et ses rituels anciens. Yoshino est également connu pour ses ruelles traditionnelles et ses petites boutiques locales où l’artisanat et la gastronomie reflètent le mode de vie japonais.
Vous passerez la nuit dans un établissement entouré de temples et sanctuaires.
Profitez des matinées fraiches du printemps et de l’automne pour une petite balade en toute intimité.
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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.
This excursion pairs perfectly with the “Mie: Heart of Shinto Spirituality in Nature” experience.
The AYUMI Voyage travel specialists are here to help you design a fully personalised itinerary.
Request a tailor-made quote
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
4 days
3 nights
Location
Nara, Mie
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.
