Ito County

The Koyasan Hidden Gems tour is a must-do activity when visiting Osaka, and I highly recommend it. The meeting point was convenient, and our guide and driver, Hanazawa, was very thoughtful. He had prepared AI-translated Chinese and English explanations about Koyasan and the origins of each attraction, which he played for us before we arrived at each site. This allowed us to have some background knowledge before our visit. Our trip was on a weekday, so there were very few tourists, making it a comfortable and peaceful experience. For lunch, we tried shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine); I didn't particularly love it, but it was worth trying. The visit to Seijin-in Temple was the icing on the cake. After completing the Okunoin tour, Hanazawa even prepared afternoon tea and green tea for each of us, which was incredibly considerate. We were very satisfied with the day's itinerary.

This Kumano Kodo day trip was a perfect experience, and I must highly recommend our guide, Yan! The guide is Chinese, so there was absolutely no language barrier throughout the entire trip. They served as both driver and guide, meticulously arranging everything, making the trip incredibly hassle-free. Before arriving at each attraction, the guide would provide detailed explanations of its history and key highlights. They thoughtfully advised us on how to best experience each site, what specific sights to focus on, and clearly communicated the duration of free time and the meeting time for our return. This meant we didn't have to worry about planning ourselves, and the pace of the trip was just right. The entire itinerary, from the service area, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Otorii, and collecting stamps at Oyu no Hara, to Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, Hiro Shrine, Daimonzaka, and Hayatama Taisha, concluding with a visit to the Totsukawa Onsen footbath, featured detailed and easy-to-understand explanations at every stop. The guide eloquently shared the cultural stories behind the Kumano Sanzan, allowing us to grasp the profound heritage behind these World Heritage sites, even without prior research. The guide's service attitude was gentle and attentive, and their driving was smooth and safe. They never took detours or rushed the itinerary. There was no pressure throughout the trip, allowing ample time for photos, leisurely strolls, and worship. At the end, there was even plenty of time to soak our feet in the footbath to relieve travel fatigue. I was initially concerned about the inconveniences of traveling alone in a foreign country, but thankfully, this Chinese-speaking guide provided meticulous care throughout the journey. The itinerary was both enriching and relaxed, allowing for a deep appreciation of the sacred Kumano landscape. The overall value for money was excellent. For anyone planning a day trip to Kumano, I strongly recommend Guide Yan!

We had a great time with our driver, Sam, he was very respectful, accomodating and patient. He recommended us a great place to eat as well. When we got to Nachi Falls it was raining, and he had umbrellas ready for us. His positive and joyful attitude made the trip very special.