Ryuko Japan Transfer
Depart from your hotel in Watarase Onsen by private vehicle and travel to the Kogumotori-goe section of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route for a selected hike of approximately 7 km. Walk along the historic pilgrimage trail through the forests of the Kii Mountains, experiencing the natural scenery and pilgrimage culture of the Kumano Kodo. After completing the hike, meet your driver at the designated meeting point.
Next, continue to the World Heritage Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage. Transition from the mountain trails of the Kumano Kodo to the World Heritage-listed “River Pilgrimage Route,” traveling downstream by traditional boat through the beautiful scenery of the Kumano River and experiencing the history and culture of the ancient Kumano pilgrimage from a different perspective.
After the boat journey, visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of the three grand shrines of Kumano, for worship and sightseeing. Afterwards, travel by private vehicle to your accommodation in Nachi-Katsuura, completing a day that combines Kumano Kodo hiking + the River Pilgrimage Route + a visit to one of the Kumano Sanzan shrines.
The Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage is an optional paid experience that requires advance reservation, and the boat fare is not included in the price of this product. Please contact customer service in advance for assistance with reservation availability and coordination of the day’s itinerary. If the boat experience cannot be arranged due to reservation availability, operating conditions, or guest preferences, the itinerary will be adjusted flexibly according to the actual circumstances.
This product is also Day 4 of the “Kumano Kodo & Kii Peninsula 6-Day Private Car Series.” It can be booked individually or freely combined with Day 1–Day 6. A package discount is available when booking the complete 6-day itinerary. Please contact customer service before placing your order to confirm consecutive vehicle availability and receive your exclusive package offer.
Options
Kogumotori-goe Hiking・Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage・Kumano Hayatama Taisha One-Day Private Car Tour
The Highlight
✦ Kumano Kodo Kogumotori-goe・Selected Approx. 7 km Hike Explore the Kogumotori-goe section of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route, with a selected hiking experience of approximately 7 km from the full route of around 13 km. Walk through the forests of the Kii Mountains and along historic pilgrimage trails, experiencing the nature, mountain scenery, and atmosphere of the Kumano Kodo without undertaking the entire long-distance route.
✦ From the “Mountain Pilgrimage Route” to the “River Pilgrimage Route” After completing the mountain hike, transition from walking the Kumano Kodo to traveling along the Kumano River. In the past, pilgrims who had visited Kumano Hongu also traveled along the Kumano River toward Kumano Hayatama Taisha. Today, the traditional boat journey offers a unique opportunity to experience this World Heritage-listed “River Pilgrimage Route.”
✦ World Heritage・Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage Travel downstream along the Kumano River aboard a traditional boat, surrounded by forested mountains and beautiful river valleys. During the journey, a local storyteller introduces the nature, history, and pilgrimage culture of the Kumano River, offering a memorable experience that shows the Kumano Kodo is not only explored on foot.
✦ Travel Downstream to Kumano Hayatama Taisha The Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage concludes near Kumano Hayatama Taisha. After completing the river journey, continue to one of the three grand shrines of Kumano for worship and sightseeing. Mountain trails, the Kumano River, and the sacred shrine come together to create a complete day of hiking, nature, and Kumano pilgrimage culture.
✦ Private Transfers・Seamless Connection Between Hiking and River Experience Your private vehicle provides hotel pickup, transfers to and from the hiking route, and transportation for the remainder of the day. Large luggage can remain in the vehicle while you hike. After completing the trail, simply meet your driver and continue to the Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage and Kumano Hayatama Taisha before traveling to your accommodation in Nachi-Katsuura.
✦ Book Individually or Combine with the Complete 6-Day Kumano Journey This product is Day 4 of the “Kumano Kodo & Kii Peninsula 6-Day Private Car Series.” It can be booked individually or freely combined with Day 1–Day 6. A package discount is available when booking the complete 6-day itinerary. Please contact customer service before placing your order to confirm consecutive vehicle availability and receive your exclusive package offer.
The Experience
【Watarase Onsen Departure × Kumano Kodo Kogumotori-goe × Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage × Kumano Hayatama Taisha × Nachi-Katsuura】
Depart from Watarase Onsen in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula and continue deeper into the Kumano Kodo, experiencing a day that transitions from the “Mountain Pilgrimage Route” to the “River Pilgrimage Route.”
In the morning, depart from your accommodation in Watarase Onsen by private vehicle and travel to the starting point of the Kogumotori-goe section of the Kumano Kodo. Large luggage can remain in the private vehicle, allowing you to carry only the essentials needed for the hike.
Today’s itinerary features a selected hiking section of approximately 7 km along Kogumotori-goe, walking through the forests and historic pilgrimage trails of the Kii Mountains. After completing the hike, meet your driver again at the designated meeting point and continue by private vehicle to the Kumano River.
Next comes another highlight of the day—the World Heritage Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage. Transition from the mountain trails of the Kumano Kodo to the Kumano River and travel downstream by traditional boat along the World Heritage-listed “River Pilgrimage Route.” Experience Kumano’s natural scenery, history, and pilgrimage culture from an entirely different perspective.
After the boat journey, visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of the three grand shrines of Kumano. After your visit, travel by private vehicle to your accommodation in Nachi-Katsuura, a renowned hot spring destination, completing a day that combines Kumano Kodo hiking + River Pilgrimage Route + Kumano Sanzan worship.
【Suggested Itinerary】
Hotel in the Watarase Onsen Area
Depart from your accommodation in the morning.
Large luggage can remain in the private vehicle and will be transported by the vehicle throughout the day. During the hike, simply carry drinking water and essential personal belongings.
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Transfer to Kumano Kodo・Kogumotori-goe
Travel by private vehicle into the mountainous interior of the Kii Peninsula to the starting point of today’s Kumano Kodo hike.
Continue through the mountain scenery surrounding the Kumano Hongu area as you begin today’s journey from the ancient mountain pilgrimage route toward the Kumano River.
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Kumano Kodo・Kogumotori-goe Hiking
Selected hiking section: approx. 7 km
Walk along the historic Kogumotori-goe pilgrimage trail through the forests of the Kii Mountains, experiencing the history and atmosphere of the Kumano Kodo among mountain paths, ancient trails, and natural landscapes.
This itinerary is not designed to complete the entire Kogumotori-goe route or challenge guests with a long-distance hike. Instead, a selected section of approximately 7 km is included, preserving the essential Kumano Kodo experience while leaving sufficient time for the Kumano River and Kumano Hayatama Taisha later in the day.
The approximately 7 km section is still a genuine hiking route and includes natural mountain trails, uphill and downhill sections, uneven surfaces, and areas that may become slippery depending on weather conditions. Basic walking fitness is required.
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Meet Your Driver
After completing the approximately 7 km hike, meet your driver again at the pre-arranged meeting point.
While you are hiking, the vehicle will relocate separately and transport your large luggage. There is no need to return to the hiking starting point or arrange your own transportation in the mountain area.
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Transfer to the Kumano River
After completing the mountain hike, travel by private vehicle to the boarding point for the Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage.
Transition from walking the Kumano Kodo on foot to another form of pilgrimage experience that historically connected Kumano’s sacred sites by river.
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World Heritage・Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage
Travel downstream by traditional boat along the Kumano River and experience the World Heritage-listed “River Pilgrimage Route.”
Surrounded by the forests, mountains, and river valleys of Kumano, experience its natural beauty and pilgrimage culture in a completely different way from hiking—connecting the “Mountain Pilgrimage Route” and “River Pilgrimage Route” within the same day.
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Kumano Hayatama Taisha
After the boat journey, visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of the three grand shrines of Kumano.
Following the previous day’s walk to Kumano Hongu Taisha, today you will visit another important shrine of the Kumano Sanzan, gradually exploring more deeply the spiritual traditions and pilgrimage culture of Kumano throughout the 6-day journey.
Time will be provided for worship and independent sightseeing.
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Transfer to Nachi-Katsuura
After visiting Kumano Hayatama Taisha, travel by private vehicle to Nachi-Katsuura.
Leaving the Kumano River and Shingu area behind, continue toward the southeastern coast of the Kii Peninsula in preparation for the following day’s visit to Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls.
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Nachi-Katsuura・Accommodation
Upon arrival at your independently booked accommodation in Nachi-Katsuura, check in and conclude the day’s private vehicle service.
After a full day of Kumano Kodo hiking, the Kumano River boat journey, and a visit to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, relax at your hot spring accommodation in Nachi-Katsuura.
【About the Approx. 7 km Kogumotori-goe Hike】
This itinerary does not include the entire long-distance Kogumotori-goe route. Instead, a selected section of approximately 7 km is included as the Kumano Kodo hiking experience.
The purpose is not to maximize hiking distance, but to create a balanced day combining the “Mountain Pilgrimage Route,” “River Pilgrimage Route,” and a visit to one of the Kumano Sanzan shrines.
The actual trail includes natural mountain paths, uphill and downhill sections, uneven surfaces, and areas that may become slippery depending on weather conditions. Participants should have basic walking fitness. We recommend wearing non-slip athletic shoes or hiking shoes suitable for mountain trails and bringing drinking water, rain gear, sun protection, and clothing appropriate for outdoor activities.
In the event of severe weather, trail closures, or other conditions that may affect safety, guest safety will take priority and the hiking section and subsequent itinerary may be adjusted accordingly.
【About the Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage】
The Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage is one of the highlights of the day, allowing guests to experience Kumano’s pilgrimage culture from a different perspective after completing the mountain hike.
The boat experience is an optional paid activity requiring advance reservation, and the boat fare is not included in the product price.
We recommend contacting customer service as soon as possible after booking this product. We can assist in confirming reservation availability, departure times, and transportation arrangements for the day.
If the Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage cannot be arranged due to reservation availability, weather, river conditions, suspension of boat operations, or guests’ personal preferences, the itinerary can be adjusted flexibly according to the circumstances. Guests who still wish to include a boat experience may contact customer service in advance for assistance in checking alternatives such as the Dorokyo Gorge boat sightseeing experience.
【Convenience of a Private Vehicle】
Your private vehicle provides transportation from your Watarase Onsen hotel to the Kumano Kodo hiking start and finish points, connects you with the Kumano River experience and Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and finally takes you to your accommodation in Nachi-Katsuura.
Large luggage can remain in the vehicle throughout the hike, allowing you to carry only the essentials needed for walking. After completing the hike, simply meet your driver and continue the journey without having to navigate mountain-area public transportation or return to the hiking starting point.
The product price includes the vehicle, fuel, expressway tolls, and parking fees required for the originally scheduled itinerary.
Boat fares for the Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage or other boat experiences, accommodation, meals, and personal expenses are not included.
【Kumano Kodo & Kii Peninsula 6-Day Private Car Series】
This product is Day 4 of the series and can also be booked independently as a one-day private vehicle itinerary combining Watarase Onsen departure + selected approx. 7 km Kogumotori-goe hike + Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage + Kumano Hayatama Taisha + transfer to Nachi-Katsuura.
Each day of the series can be booked individually or freely combined into a multi-day itinerary.
Guests planning to book the complete Day 1–Day 6 six-day itinerary can receive a package discount. Please contact customer service before placing your order and making payment to confirm consecutive vehicle availability and receive your exclusive package offer.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- Mandarin Chinese
- English
- Japanese
Price Details
Add-on Items
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
【Please Confirm Before Booking】
• This product is a private vehicle itinerary combining Watarase Onsen departure + Kumano Kodo Kogumotori-goe hiking + Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage + Kumano Hayatama Taisha + transfer to Nachi-Katsuura. The price is charged per vehicle, not per person.
• This itinerary includes a selected hiking section of approximately 7 km along Kogumotori-goe on the Kumano Kodo and does not cover the entire Kogumotori-goe route. The actual trail includes mountain paths, uphill and downhill sections, and uneven natural terrain. Participants should have basic walking fitness.
• We recommend wearing non-slip athletic shoes or hiking shoes suitable for mountain trails. Please also prepare drinking water, rain gear, sun protection, and clothing suitable for outdoor activities according to the season and weather.
• Large luggage may remain in the private vehicle and will be transported by the vehicle. During the hike, guests only need to carry drinking water and essential personal belongings. After completing the hike, meet your driver again at the designated meeting point without returning to the hiking starting point.
• The Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage is one of the highlights of the day, but advance reservation is required and the boat fare is not included in the product price. We recommend contacting customer service as soon as possible after booking so that we can assist with boat schedules, reservation availability, and transportation arrangements for the day.
• The actual Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage arrangement is subject to reservation availability, operating dates, weather, river conditions, and other factors. If the boat experience cannot be arranged, or if guests prefer not to participate, the itinerary can be adjusted flexibly. Guests interested in another boat experience may also contact customer service in advance for assistance in checking alternatives such as the Dorokyo Gorge boat sightseeing experience.
• The actual hiking completion time will vary depending on guests’ physical condition, walking pace, rest stops, and weather. The Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage, visit to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and subsequent itinerary will be arranged flexibly according to the actual timing of the day and any confirmed reservation times.
• In the event of heavy rain, typhoons, thunderstorms, trail closures, road restrictions, unsuitable river conditions, or other circumstances that may affect safety or boat operations, guest safety will take priority and parts of the itinerary may be adjusted or cancelled.
• After visiting Kumano Hayatama Taisha, the private vehicle will take guests to their reserved accommodation in Nachi-Katsuura. Please provide the name of your accommodation when booking so that the final drop-off location can be confirmed.
• The product price includes vehicle fees, fuel, expressway tolls, and parking fees required for the originally scheduled itinerary. Boat fares for the Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage or other boat experiences, accommodation, meals, personal expenses, and other unspecified costs are not included.
• For elderly guests, children, or anyone concerned about their ability to complete approximately 7 km of mountain hiking, we recommend contacting customer service before booking to confirm whether this itinerary is suitable.
• If you wish to book the complete Day 1–Day 6 “Kumano Kodo & Kii Peninsula 6-Day Private Car Series,” please do not complete six separate bookings and payments first. Please contact customer service before booking to confirm consecutive vehicle availability and receive your exclusive package offer.
Important Booking Information
【Important Notes】
• This itinerary combines a private vehicle service, Kumano Kodo hiking, and a Kumano River boat experience. The times, attractions, and sequence shown are for reference only. The actual itinerary may be adjusted according to traffic conditions, weather, trail conditions, guests’ walking pace, boat reservations, and operating conditions on the day.
• Today’s itinerary includes a selected hiking section of approximately 7 km along Kogumotori-goe on the Kumano Kodo. It does not cover the entire Kogumotori-goe route. The trail includes mountain paths, uphill and downhill sections, uneven surfaces, and natural terrain that may become slippery after rain. This is not a flat sightseeing walk, and participants should have basic walking fitness.
• Please wear non-slip athletic shoes or hiking shoes suitable for mountain trails. High heels, sandals, slippers, and other footwear unsuitable for hiking are not recommended. Please bring sufficient drinking water and prepare rain gear, sun protection, and clothing suitable for outdoor activities according to the season and weather.
• Large luggage may remain in the private vehicle and will be transported by the driver. During the hike, we recommend carrying only drinking water and essential personal belongings to reduce the burden while walking.
• After dropping guests off at the Kogumotori-goe hiking starting point, the driver will travel separately to the designated meeting point. The vehicle will not accompany guests during the hike. Please follow the pre-arranged route and keep your mobile phone available for contact.
• The time required to complete the approximately 7 km hike varies depending on physical condition, walking pace, rest stops, photography, and weather. As a reserved Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage may be scheduled afterwards, please follow the meeting time and itinerary arrangements provided by the driver on the day.
• If a guest is unable to continue the planned hiking route due to physical condition or other personal reasons, please contact the driver or customer service as soon as possible. Some sections of the Kumano Kodo are inaccessible by vehicle, so the driver may not be able to reach the guest’s location immediately. Further assistance will be arranged according to the guest’s location, road conditions, and vehicle accessibility.
• The Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage requires advance reservation and is a separately paid experience. The boat fare is not included in the product price. We recommend contacting customer service as soon as possible after booking so that we can assist with reservation availability, boarding times, and transportation arrangements for the day.
• The Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage may be unavailable or suspended due to fully booked departures, operating schedules, weather, river water levels, or other operational and safety considerations. If the boat experience cannot be arranged, or if guests prefer not to participate, the remainder of the itinerary will be adjusted according to the circumstances on the day.
• Guests who would still like to include a boat experience may contact customer service in advance. Subject to reservations and operating conditions, we can assist in checking alternative options such as the Dorokyo Gorge boat sightseeing experience. Fees for alternative boat experiences are also the responsibility of the guest.
• In the event of heavy rain, typhoons, thunderstorms, slippery trails, trail closures, road restrictions, natural disasters, or other conditions that may affect safety, guest safety will take priority. The planned hiking section may be shortened, adjusted, or cancelled, and the subsequent itinerary may also be modified accordingly.
• The visiting time at Kumano Hayatama Taisha will be adjusted according to the hiking completion time and the actual Kumano River boat schedule. If earlier activities take longer than expected, the time spent at later stops may be shortened to ensure a smooth transfer to the accommodation in Nachi-Katsuura.
• At the end of the day, the private vehicle will take guests to their reserved accommodation in Nachi-Katsuura. Please provide the correct hotel name and address when booking. If your accommodation is located outside the Nachi-Katsuura area, please contact customer service before booking to confirm whether it is within the service area of this product.
• The product price includes the vehicle, fuel, expressway tolls, and parking fees required for the originally scheduled itinerary. Additional charges may apply if guests request destinations outside the original itinerary.
• Boat fares for the Kumano River Boat Pilgrimage, Dorokyo Gorge boat sightseeing, or any other boat experience, as well as accommodation, meals, personal expenses, and any items not listed under “What’s Included,” are not included in the product price.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 15 day(s) before departure date, will charge 2%
- Cancel during 8 ~ 14 day(s) of departure, will charge 10%
- Cancel during 4 ~ 7 day(s) of departure, will charge 50%
- Cancel during 1 ~ 3 day(s) of departure, will charge 80%
- Cancel on activities date, Non-refundable (0% refund)