『Passeio de um dia por locais secretos e pouco conhecidos de Kansai』 Ilha Awaji/Monte Koya/Caminho Kumano Kodo Escolha um entre os três Saindo de Osaka Shinsaibashi

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. He served as both driver and guide, meticulously arranging everything, making the trip incredibly worry-free. Before arriving at each attraction, the guide would meticulously explain its history and key highlights, thoughtfully telling us how to check in, which sights to focus on, and clearly informing us of the free activity time and return meeting time. We didn't have to worry about planning ourselves, and the pace of the tour was just right. The entire route, from the service area, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Otorii, and collecting stamps at Oyunohara, to Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, Hiro Shrine, Daimonzaka, Hayatama Taisha, and finally to the footbath at Totsukawa Onsen, each stop was explained in detail and easy to understand. He eloquently narrated the cultural stories of the Kumano Sanzan, allowing us to grasp the profound heritage behind the World Heritage site even without prior research. Our guide's service attitude was gentle and thoughtful, and his driving was smooth and safe. He never took detours or rushed the itinerary. There was no rushing throughout the trip, giving us ample time for photos, strolling, and worship. At the end, there was plenty of time to soak our feet in the hot spring to relieve travel fatigue. I was initially worried about many inconveniences traveling alone in a foreign country, but fortunately, this Chinese guide took meticulous care of us throughout the trip. The itinerary was fulfilling yet relaxed, allowing us to deeply experience the scenery of the sacred Kumano. The overall value for money is extremely high. For friends planning a day trip to Kumano, I strongly recommend Guide Yan!

It rained that day, but it didn't affect the itinerary or experience. There were 10 people in the group: 8 foreigners and 2 compatriots from Hong Kong and Macau. We traveled in a 14-seater mini-tour bus with excellent air conditioning. Our guide and driver, Yan Lei, was very responsible and attentive. He could introduce the attractions in simple English and detailed Mandarin. There were also recorded explanations played on the bus. He led us to multiple attractions along the way. He not only prepared umbrellas but also snacks and tea. Entering the main pagoda and the Golden Hall each requires JPY500 for worship. Kongobuji Temple (JPY1000) displays a rock garden and paintings on indoor walls. Personally, I recommend spending more time at the Reihokan Museum (JPY1300), which exhibits cultural relics and Buddhist statues. They have a unique table-top mandala souvenir. There are several restaurants nearby offering Shojin Ryori (devotional cuisine), but be mindful of time management. In the afternoon, we attended a Goma prayer ceremony led by monks, which was free to join. You can write wishes on wooden strips for blessings (JPY1000) and then throw them into the sacred fire. The path from Okunoin to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum is lined with ancient trees and cemeteries. The drive involves many winding mountain roads, so those prone to motion sickness should be aware.

Our trip to Mount Koya was absolutely perfect. Everything worked smoothly from start to finish. Our guide, who was Chinese, spoke both English and Chinese fluently and was an absolute sweetheart—very kind, attentive, and incredibly patient, especially with us since our English is not very strong. Our driver was also excellent and very professional. The tour itself is incredible. The itinerary is well planned and very enriching—you truly get to experience the deep cultural and religious roots of Japan. It’s a unique and meaningful experience. Everything was amazing, and our guide made it even more special. I would definitely do it again many times if I could!

Este viaje de un día a Kumano Kodo fue absolutamente increíble. A pesar de ser un día largo (7:00-20:00), nunca se sintió agotador gracias a la excelente organización y ritmo. Visitamos los tres santuarios sagrados de Kumano Kodo Sanzan, la puerta torii más grande de Japón, y lo más destacado del día: la impresionante cascada de Nachi, que fue verdaderamente espectacular. Un agradecimiento especial a Hanazawa, nuestro guía, por la increíble atención desde el primer minuto. Con muchas horas en el autobús, se aseguró de que estuviéramos cómodos en todo momento, proporcionando almohadas para el cuello, bebidas e incluso aperitivos después de una larga y fascinante caminata. Las paradas estaban perfectamente programadas para disfrutar de cada lugar, almorzar y comprar recuerdos. Aprender sobre este sitio Patrimonio de la Humanidad de la UNESCO y terminar el día con un relajante baño de pies en un onsen fue el final perfecto. 10/10 — muy recomendado para un día tranquilo y significativo en uno de los lugares más sagrados de Japón.

Kudos to Mr. Hanasawa. He was the epitome of a perfect tourist guide. His attention to his craft was impeccable. Our visit to Awaji Island was one for the book- unforgettable and truly magical. The idea of having the best pancakes we’ve had by far watching the sunset was spectacularly an experience that made a lasting impression. We are going back to see more of Awaji. 100% recommended this tour and Mr. Hanasawa. Doumo arigatou gozaimasu Mr. Hanasawa!

This has to be the best photo-op tour I've ever experienced. The tour group was small, so we spent very little time gathering at each attraction. Our guide, Mr. Hanazawa, was also very attentive to the needs of every group member. The attractions arranged in the itinerary, such as Awaji Yumebutai and the Flower Corridor, offered plenty of great spots for photos. The sunset on Awaji Island was especially breathtaking. Moreover, the crowds were significantly smaller compared to popular tourist spots, making it easy to have an entire photo frame to yourself. Mr. Hanazawa not only spoke fluent Chinese but was also very enthusiastic about helping us take pictures. If you're looking for a unique photo-op tour, I definitely recommend this trip!

Shunnavi war ein geduldiger und freundlicher Führer mit viel Erfahrung. Er war pünktlich und hatte ein großartiges Wissen über Koyasan. Er empfahl uns auch ein Mittagessen, was eine hervorragende Empfehlung war. Er kaufte uns sogar Snacks. Ich hoffe, wir können bei der nächsten Reise wieder an seiner Tour teilnehmen.

This niche route is excellent. We got a taste of the most essential section of the Kumano Kodo, one of the world's two pilgrimage routes, and also saw the Kumano Grand Shrine, known as Japan's most efficacious. The route isn't difficult; 7km can be easily completed. It was a tranquil forest bath, encountering only a few Japanese locals and Western backpackers along the way. The itinerary was perfectly arranged. Afterwards, we went to the nearby crystal-clear Kawayu Onsen for river trekking and an open-air bath. There were no tourists, just many Japanese families playing with their children. Only a driver-guide who is a local Kansai resident could develop such a wonderful product! I'm still on my way back and already looking forward to the next niche trip.

This day trip is absolutely recommendable ✨ Besides the places visited, I was particularly impressed by the drive through the mountains, simply super beautiful 🥰 Our guide Hanazawa was excellent, he truly cares for his participants with all his heart, ありがとうございました🙇🏼‍♀️

This itinerary is perfect for tourists who want to experience hiking the Kumano Kodo. 1. The travel efficiency is very high, saving time, effort, and money. If you were to take a train and then transfer to a bus on your own, a one-way trip would take over 6 hours, making a same-day round trip absolutely impossible. 2. The section from Fushinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha is the essence of the Kumano Kodo, featuring villages, stone paths, primeval forests, and open mountains along the way, with ever-changing scenery. Walking on the quiet ancient path, breathing in the fresh air, is truly refreshing for both body and mind. The destination, Kumano Hongu Taisha, is known as Japan's most efficacious shrine, where you can make wishes and pray for blessings. 3. The footbath at Kawayu Onsen at the end of the trip is truly the highlight. Kawayu, as its name suggests, means the entire stream is a hot spring, and you can dig anywhere along the bank to find hot spring water. Soaking your feet after a hike truly relieves fatigue. Finally, you can enjoy a good nap in the car, bringing the Kumano Kodo journey to a perfect end.