Kumano, Japan - Your Travel Guide (including the Top 10 things to do)

Kumano is located on the Kii Peninsula in the Kansai region of Japan, encompassing parts of Wakayama, Mie, and Nara Prefectures. The area is situated south of Osaka and Kyoto and is renowned for its natural beauty, historic pilgrimage routes,

Kumano, Japan, is a destination filled with unique features that offer a mix of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and cultural experiences. Here’s a travel guide highlighting some of the most captivating aspects of Kumano:

Kumano Kodo Japan

What is Kumano known for?

What Kumano is known for:

Kumano, Japan, is renowned for its profound spiritual significance and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Centered around the three grand shrines—Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha—Kumano forms the heart of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This region offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, with its historic shrines and sacred sites, and natural beauty, featuring lush forests, majestic waterfalls, and soothing hot springs. Visitors to Kumano can immerse themselves in a journey of spiritual discovery, scenic hikes, and traditional Japanese experiences. – Let’s go:

Kumano Sanzan: The Three Grand Shrines

As mentioned, Kumano is centered around three significant shrines, known as the Kumano Sanzan. These are Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha.  Beautiful and unique places to visit:

Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi waterfall

Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Waterfall

  • What to Know: Kumano Nachi Taisha is one of the Kumano Sanzan, the three grand shrines of Kumano. It is located near the stunning Nachi Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Japan with a drop of 133 meters.
  • Unique Feature: The sight of the red pagoda of Seiganto-ji Temple with Nachi Waterfall in the background is iconic. It’s a perfect blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Kumano Hayatama Taisha

Kumano Hayatama Taisha
  • What to Know: This is another of the three grand shrines, located in Shingu. It is known for its ancient sacred tree, Nagi-no-Ki, which is over 1,000 years old.
  • Unique Feature: The shrine’s serene environment and the impressive age of the sacred tree offer a sense of timelessness and deep spiritual significance.

Kumano Hongu Taisha

Kumano Hongu Taisha
  • What to Know: This shrine is the third of the grand shrines and is the head shrine of over 3,000 Kumano shrines across Japan. It is located in a picturesque mountain setting.
  • Unique Feature: The Otorii Gate at Kumano Hongu Taisha is the largest torii gate in the world, making it a striking landmark.  Due to floods in 1889, the shrine was relocated from its original location at Oyu no Hara to a new site one kilometer away, which is less susceptible to flooding. In front of Oyu no Hara stands the world’s largest torii gate, towering at 33 meters tall and dwarfing visitors as they pass beneath it.

Top 10 things to do in Kumano:

Unique Experiences Around Kumano Sanzan

1.  Visit the Kumano Sanzan Shrines

Explore the three grand shrines – Each offers unique spiritual and historical experiences.

2.  Hike the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes

Walk the ancient trails that connect the Kumano Sanzan shrines. 

Hiking in Kumano Kodo Japan
  • What to Know: The Kumano Kodo are ancient pilgrimage routes dating back over a thousand years. They connect several significant shrines in the Kii Peninsula and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Unique Feature: Walking these trails offers a journey through lush forests, along river valleys, and up mountain paths. You can experience the tranquility and spiritual atmosphere that has drawn pilgrims for centuries.

3.  Relax in the Onsen Hot Springs

Soak in the healing waters of Kawayu Onsen, Yunomine Onsen, or Watarase Onsen. 

Kawayu Onsen Kumano Kodo
  • What to Know: Kumano is home to several renowned onsen, including Kawayu Onsen, where you can dig your own hot spring bath in the riverbed, and Yunomine Onsen, which is one of Japan’s oldest hot springs.
  • Unique Feature: Bathing in these onsen is believed to have healing properties, and the experience of an outdoor river onsen (Kawayu Onsen) is particularly unique.

4.  Take a Kumano River Boat Tour

  • What to Know: Historically, pilgrims also traveled by boat along the Kumano River. Modern guided boat tours allow visitors to experience this traditional route.
  • Unique Feature: The boat tours offer a different perspective of the region’s landscape and cultural history, making it a memorable way to explore Kumano.

5.  Participate in the Local Festivals

  • What to Know: Kumano hosts various traditional festivals, such as the Nachi Fire Festival (Nachi no Ogi Matsuri) in July, featuring large torches carried by shrine priests.
  • Unique Feature: These festivals provide a vibrant display of local culture, with ancient rituals and colorful celebrations that bring the community together.

6.  Local Cuisine

  • What to Know: Kumano’s cuisine includes fresh seafood, particularly tuna, and regional specialties like Kumano beef and mehari-zushi (rice balls wrapped in pickled mustard leaves).
  • Unique Feature: Enjoying the local food offers a taste of Kumano’s culinary heritage, with dishes that reflect the area’s natural bounty and cultural traditions.

7.  Staying in a Traditional Ryokan: 

  • Enjoy an authentic Japanese stay in a ryokan (traditional inn), where you can experience local hospitality, traditional Japanese meals, and the soothing ambiance of Japanese-style rooms.
Vacation Home Wagaranchi Kai

Why we recommend:  This beautiful house with a Japanese garden is located in Kumano and only 1.7 km from Odomari Beach and this house Wagaranchi Kai provides accommodation with sea views.  Kumano Hayatama Taisha is 23 km from the accommodation, while Shingu Castle Ruins Park is 23 km away.   Book now…

Best place to stay in Kumano Japan Vacation home Wagaranchi Kai
Kumano kodo trail

8.  Visit the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center

  • Learn about the history and culture of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes and the Kumano Sanzan shrines through informative exhibits and displays.

9.  Explore Daimonzaka Slope

  • Walk up this scenic cobblestone slope, lined with centuries-old cedar trees, leading to Kumano Nachi Taisha. It’s a beautiful and historically significant pathway that enhances the pilgrimage experience.

10. Explore the Sacred Rock Hotoke-iwa (hidden gem)

A travel tip that locals might share with you is to visit the hidden Hotoke-iwa (Buddha Rock) near Kumano Hayatama Taisha. This lesser-known spot is a small, sacred rock formation located in the nearby mountains, where locals often go to enjoy a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere away from the more crowded tourist areas. To find it, ask for directions at the shrine, as it’s not well-marked but well worth the effort for its tranquility and unique spiritual ambiance. This hidden gem provides a serene retreat and a deeper connection to the spiritual essence of Kumano.

Crossbody bags keep your belongings close so you can travel safely.

Travel Tip(s)

Travel tips:

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.

Transport:  The Kii Peninsula is easily accessible by train, bus, and car from major cities like Osaka and Kyoto.

Getting There: Kumano is accessible by train and bus from major cities like Osaka and Kyoto. The nearest airports are Kansai International Airport and Osaka Itami Airport.

Is Kumano worth visiting?

Kumano is worth visiting for its stunning natural beauty, ancient pilgrimage routes, spiritual shrines, and unique cultural experiences.

Where to stay

Accommodation: Staying in traditional ryokan (Japanese inns) offers an authentic and comfortable experience, but there are many pretty options.

Kumano where to stay resorts

Resort Kumano Club

Resort Kumano Club offers indoor/outdoor hot-spring bath, a traditional garden and Japanese-style accommodations. Guests can rent out an entire Japanese-style house or stay in rooms with tatami (woven-straw) seating areas. A free shuttle is available from JR Kumanoshi Train Station.

Travel Tip(s)

Look for free cancellation options: Some hotels offer free cancellation up until a certain date. Booking accommodations with free cancellation can provide flexibility in case your plans change.

Check the map view: Booking.com has a map view feature that shows the location of hotels. This can help you identify accommodations in areas that are both desirable and affordable.

Travel Tip(s)

Scan for seasonal deals before booking your stay.

If you have a bar fridge in your hotel room, check with reception whether the content is on the house, or pay as you use.