Ryuko Japan Transfer
After several consecutive days of hiking along the Kumano Kodo, today’s journey slows down and focuses on sightseeing around Nachi-Katsuura. In the early morning, visit Katsuura Fishing Port to experience the atmosphere of one of Japan’s renowned fresh tuna ports and its local fishing culture. Depending on the market operations that day, you may also have the opportunity to observe the tuna auction.
Afterwards, travel by private vehicle to Nachisan and visit Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three grand shrines of Kumano. Continue to Seiganto-ji Temple and the famous Nachi Falls, completing your pilgrimage to the Kumano Sanzan and bringing several days of Kumano Kodo pilgrimage experiences to a memorable conclusion.
In the afternoon, depending on the available time and your interests, the itinerary may include nearby attractions such as the Taiji Whale Museum or Jofuku Park. After sightseeing, return by private vehicle to your original hotel in Nachi-Katsuura.
There is no need to change hotels today, so your large luggage can remain at the hotel. Enjoy a more relaxed day discovering Kumano’s spiritual heritage, fishing-port culture, and the natural and cultural scenery of the Kii Peninsula.
Options
Katsuura Fishing Port・Kumano Nachi Taisha・Nachi Falls One-Day Private Car Tour
The Highlight
✦ Katsuura Fishing Port · Experience the Morning in Japan’s Fresh Tuna Town Visit Katsuura Fishing Port in the early morning and experience one of Nachi-Katsuura’s most distinctive aspects of local fishing culture. Depending on market operations and the day’s catch, observe the fresh tuna auction and experience the unique atmosphere of large tuna being landed, traded, and handled at the market—a fascinating way to begin the day alongside local life.
✦ Complete the Kumano Sanzan Pilgrimage · A Memorable Conclusion to Your Kumano Kodo Journey Following Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha, today you will visit the final shrine of the Kumano Sanzan pilgrimage, Kumano Nachi Taisha. After several days experiencing the Kumano Kodo, completing the three grand shrines at Nachisan transforms the journey from simply “walking the ancient trails” into a deeper experience of Kumano’s pilgrimage culture.
✦ Kumano Nachi Taisha × Seiganto-ji Temple × Nachi Falls Discover three of Nachisan’s most iconic sights in one journey. From the vermilion Kumano Nachi Taisha and historic Seiganto-ji Temple to the spectacular 133-meter Nachi Falls, experience the distinctive harmony of nature and spirituality among shrines, temples, primeval forests, and waterfalls.
✦ A Relaxing Sightseeing Day After Several Days of Hiking After several days of hiking through the mountains and forests of the Kumano Kodo, today involves no long-distance trekking. Travel mainly by private vehicle and enjoy sightseeing at a more relaxed pace, giving your body time to recover while still experiencing the highlights of Kumano.
✦ Taiji Whale Museum / Jofuku Park · Flexible Choice Based on Your Interests In the afternoon, depending on available time and your interests, visit the Taiji Whale Museum to discover the historical relationship between the Kii Peninsula, whales, and the sea, or visit Jofuku Park to learn about the Jofuku (Xu Fu) legends and cultural traditions associated with the Kumano and Shingu areas.
✦ Round Trip from Nachi-Katsuura · No Hotel Change Required Depart from your hotel in Nachi-Katsuura in the morning and return to the same hotel after sightseeing. Large luggage can remain at the hotel, so there is no need to pack or change accommodations, making Day 5 a more comfortable and relaxing experience.
✦ Book Separately or Combine with the Complete 6-Day Kumano Journey This product is Day 5 of the “Kumano Kodo · Kii Peninsula 6-Day Private Charter Series.” It can be booked separately 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 booking to confirm consecutive vehicle availability and receive your exclusive package offer.
The Experience
【Nachi-Katsuura Departure × Katsuura Fishing Port × Kumano Nachi Taisha × Seiganto-ji Temple × Nachi Falls × Round Trip from Nachi-Katsuura】
After several days of hiking through the forests and mountains of the Kumano Kodo, today’s journey takes on a more relaxed pace. Instead of another long-distance hike, the day focuses on sightseeing around Nachi-Katsuura. Begin the morning at the local tuna fishing port, continue to Kumano Nachi Taisha to complete the Kumano Sanzan pilgrimage, and then visit Seiganto-ji Temple and Nachi Falls—a fitting conclusion to your journey along the sacred Kumano pilgrimage routes.
There is no need to change hotels today, so large luggage can remain at your accommodation in Nachi-Katsuura. In the afternoon, depending on your interests and the available time, the itinerary may include nearby attractions such as the Taiji Whale Museum or Jofuku Park. At the end of the day, your private vehicle will take you back to your original hotel.
【Suggested Itinerary】
Hotel in Nachi-Katsuura
Depart from your hotel early in the morning.
As today is a round-trip itinerary from Nachi-Katsuura and you will stay at the same hotel again tonight, there is no need to check out. Large luggage can remain at the hotel, allowing you to enjoy the day’s sightseeing without carrying unnecessary belongings.
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Katsuura Fishing Port · Fresh Tuna Auction
Arrive at Katsuura Fishing Port at around 7:00 a.m. and experience one of Nachi-Katsuura’s most distinctive aspects of local fishing culture.
Katsuura Fishing Port is renowned for fresh tuna. Here, visitors can experience the unique atmosphere of large tuna being landed, lined up, traded, and handled by market workers—a fascinating glimpse into the everyday life of the local fishing industry.
Tuna auctions and market activities are affected by market holidays, the day’s catch, weather conditions, and market operations. The actual activities available for viewing will therefore depend on conditions on the day.
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Travel to Nachisan
After the early-morning fishing port experience, continue by private vehicle to Nachisan.
The scenery gradually changes from a fishing port on the Pacific coast to the forested mountains of the Kii Peninsula, marking a transition from local maritime culture to the heart of Kumano spirituality and its World Heritage landscape.
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Kumano Nachi Taisha
Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three grand shrines of Kumano.
Following visits to Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha on previous days, today’s visit to Nachisan completes the Kumano Sanzan pilgrimage.
After several consecutive days experiencing the Kumano Kodo, arriving at Kumano Nachi Taisha is more than simply visiting another shrine—it represents the final important stage of the entire Kumano pilgrimage journey.
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Seiganto-ji Temple
Continue to Seiganto-ji Temple, located adjacent to Kumano Nachi Taisha.
The shrine, temple, and natural scenery of Nachisan are concentrated within the same area, offering an opportunity to experience the region’s long-established spiritual traditions and historical atmosphere at a leisurely pace.
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Nachi Falls · Hirou Shrine
Visit Nachi Falls, one of Japan’s most celebrated waterfalls.
With a vertical drop of 133 meters, the waterfall descends dramatically through the surrounding primeval forest and is one of the most iconic sights of Nachisan. From the area around Hirou Shrine, admire the waterfall and experience the distinctive Kumano tradition in which nature itself is regarded as sacred.
Here, the multi-day pilgrimage through the Kumano Kodo—from Hongu and Hayatama to Nachi—reaches its symbolic conclusion.
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Afternoon Sightseeing
After visiting the main attractions of Nachisan, the afternoon itinerary can be arranged flexibly according to available time, attraction opening hours, and your interests.
Option A｜Taiji Whale Museum
Travel to Taiji to learn about the long history and culture connecting the Kii Peninsula with whales and the sea.
Combined with the morning visit to Katsuura’s tuna fishing port, a visit to Taiji creates a broader theme centered on “the Kii Peninsula and the Sea.” It may also appeal to families and travelers interested in maritime culture.
Option B｜Jofuku Park
Visit Jofuku Park in the Shingu area and learn about the local legends and culture associated with Jofuku (Xu Fu).
After several days centered on the Kumano Kodo and Kumano spirituality, discovering the Kii Peninsula through the story of Jofuku adds another historical and cultural perspective to the journey.
The actual afternoon itinerary can be adjusted according to your interests, available time, and attraction opening conditions.
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Return to Nachi-Katsuura
After the afternoon sightseeing, return to Nachi-Katsuura by private vehicle.
As there is no need to travel onward to another accommodation, you can return to the seaside hot-spring area at a more relaxed pace.
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Hotel in Nachi-Katsuura
Return to the same hotel, where the day’s private charter tour concludes.
In the evening, continue enjoying Nachi-Katsuura’s hot springs, seafood cuisine, and coastal scenery, allowing your body to fully relax after the previous days of hiking and today’s sightseeing.
【About the Katsuura Fishing Port Tuna Auction】
The early-morning visit to Katsuura Fishing Port is an important experience on today’s itinerary, offering travelers an opportunity to see the authentic fishing-port lifestyle and fresh tuna culture of Nachi-Katsuura beyond the usual sightseeing attractions.
The tuna auction and market activities are not scheduled tourist performances. Actual conditions depend on market holidays, the day’s catch, weather, and market operations. Therefore, the scale and content of the auction cannot be guaranteed to be the same every day.
The actual departure time will also be confirmed according to market conditions and the schedule for the remainder of the day.
【Completing the Kumano Sanzan Pilgrimage】
On Day 3 of this series, the journey reaches Kumano Hongu Taisha on foot. Day 4 continues to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Day 5 brings you to Kumano Nachi Taisha.
Together, these three grand shrines form the Kumano Sanzan.
Therefore, today’s Nachisan itinerary is not simply an individual sightseeing tour, but a continuation of the Kumano Kodo hiking and pilgrimage experiences of the previous days. Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, and Nachi Falls together provide a symbolic final stage to the entire Kumano Kodo journey.
【The Convenience of a Private Charter】
There is no hotel change today, so large luggage can remain at your hotel in Nachi-Katsuura.
Your private vehicle provides transportation from the hotel in the early morning to Katsuura Fishing Port, Nachisan, and the afternoon sightseeing destinations, before returning you to the same hotel.
After several days involving more demanding mountain hikes, today focuses primarily on comfortable private transportation and sightseeing, allowing you to complete the Kumano Sanzan pilgrimage while enjoying a more relaxed travel pace.
The tour price includes vehicle charges, fuel, expressway tolls, and parking fees required for the original itinerary.
Admission fees, meals, accommodation, personal expenses, and other unspecified expenses are not included.
【Kumano Kodo · Kii Peninsula 6-Day Private Charter Series】
This product is Day 5 of the series and may also be booked independently as a one-day private charter featuring “Nachi-Katsuura Round Trip + Katsuura Fishing Port + Kumano Nachi Taisha + Seiganto-ji Temple + Nachi Falls + Local Sightseeing.”
Each day of the complete series can be booked separately or combined freely to create a multi-day itinerary.
Guests planning to book the complete Day 1–Day 6 itinerary are eligible for a package discount. Please contact customer service before 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
• This product is a private charter tour featuring “Nachi-Katsuura Departure + Katsuura Fishing Port + Kumano Nachi Taisha + Seiganto-ji Temple + Nachi Falls + Local Sightseeing + Return to Nachi-Katsuura.” The price is calculated per vehicle, not per person.
• There is no need to change hotels today. Depart from your hotel in Nachi-Katsuura in the morning and return to the same hotel at the end of the tour. Large luggage can remain at the hotel and does not need to be carried in the vehicle.
• The Katsuura Fishing Port tuna auction is scheduled for the early morning. Actual viewing opportunities depend on market holidays, the day’s catch, weather conditions, and daily market operations. Therefore, the scale or content of the auction cannot be guaranteed to be the same every day.
• Today’s itinerary includes major attractions in the Nachisan area, including Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, and Nachi Falls. Some areas involve stone steps, slopes, and walking routes. Although this is not a formal hiking itinerary, comfortable, non-slip footwear is recommended.
• After visiting the main attractions of Nachisan, nearby attractions such as the Taiji Whale Museum or Jofuku Park may be arranged depending on available time, opening hours, and travelers’ interests. Please confirm your preferred arrangement with customer service when booking or before the tour.
• The duration and order of sightseeing stops may be adjusted according to conditions at Katsuura Fishing Port, traffic, weather, attraction opening hours, and travelers’ needs.
• In the event of temporary attraction closures, road restrictions, severe weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, the sightseeing order or alternative attractions may be adjusted according to actual conditions on the day.
• The product price includes the vehicle, fuel, expressway tolls, and parking fees required for the originally scheduled itinerary. Admission fees, meals, accommodation, personal expenses, and other unspecified costs are not included.
• If you wish to book the complete Day 1–Day 6 “Kumano Kodo · Kii Peninsula 6-Day Private Charter Series,” please do not complete six separate bookings and payments in advance. Please contact customer service first to confirm consecutive vehicle availability and receive your package discount offer before booking.
Important Booking Information
• This is a round-trip private charter sightseeing tour from Nachi-Katsuura. The times, attractions, and sequence shown in the itinerary are for reference only. The actual itinerary may be adjusted flexibly according to traffic conditions, weather, attraction opening hours, tuna market operations, and travelers’ needs.
• The Katsuura Fishing Port tuna auction is generally visited in the early morning. However, the auction and market activities are not scheduled tourist performances. Actual conditions are affected by market holidays, the day’s catch, weather, fishing vessel arrivals, and daily market operations. Therefore, the scale or content of the tuna auction cannot be guaranteed to be the same every day.
• To accommodate the early-morning activities at Katsuura Fishing Port, an early departure from the hotel may be required. The actual pickup time will be confirmed according to market conditions and the remainder of the day’s itinerary. Please allow sufficient time to prepare for departure.
• Although there is no long-distance Kumano Kodo hike scheduled today, the areas around Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, and Nachi Falls still involve stone steps, slopes, and some walking. Comfortable, non-slip footwear suitable for walking is recommended.
• The Nachisan area may experience traffic congestion or parking delays depending on the season, weather, and holidays. The time spent at each attraction and the sightseeing sequence may be adjusted according to actual traffic conditions.
• Visits to Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, and Nachi Falls will be arranged flexibly according to the available time and travelers’ walking pace. If your group includes elderly travelers, children, or guests with limited mobility, please inform customer service before booking so that a more suitable sightseeing pace can be arranged.
• Afternoon sightseeing may include attractions such as the Taiji Whale Museum or Jofuku Park, depending on available time and travelers’ interests. The actual destination will be determined according to opening hours, available time, and your preference. Visiting all optional attractions on the same day is not guaranteed.
• Admission fees and paid experiences at the Taiji Whale Museum or other paid facilities are not included in the product price. Guests may purchase tickets separately according to the actual itinerary.
• In the event of temporary attraction closures, tuna market holidays, road restrictions, heavy rain, typhoons, or other circumstances that may affect normal sightseeing, the order of attractions, duration of visits, or alternative nearby sightseeing arrangements may be adjusted according to safety considerations and actual conditions.
• There is no need to check out of your hotel today. Large luggage may remain at your original hotel in Nachi-Katsuura. We recommend carrying only the personal items required for the day’s sightseeing.
• At the end of the tour, the private vehicle will return guests to the same hotel. If you request a different final drop-off location or travel outside the originally scheduled itinerary, please confirm with the driver or customer service in advance. Additional mileage, service time, or other charges may apply.
• The product price includes the vehicle, fuel, expressway tolls, and parking fees required for the originally scheduled itinerary.
• Admission fees, paid experiences, meals, accommodation, personal expenses, and any items not specified 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)