Sightseeing Bus: Kumano Trails & Nakahechi with local storytellers
Koya-san, which stretches out in the Yamagami basin is at an altitude of  1000 meters, encircled by 8 mountains, and is home to Shingon esoteric Buddhism.  
"1Day Tour, Kumano Trails & Nakahechi"connects Kiitanabe Station in Wakayama Prefecture with Kumano Kodo Pilgrim Trail. Buses will take you directly to the entrance of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrim Trail. A local story teller will entertain you introducing history of Kumano and its tourist attractions while walking on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrim Trail. 
You can hike Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage routes, enjoying the nature, shrines and temples along the way. Come and enjoy the rewarding experience of this region conveniently by bus!
Tourist Spots
Tainai-kuguri, Takahara Kumano Shrine, Village in the Mist, Gyuba-doji Statue, Hashiori Pass, Chikatsuyu-Oji
Days
Everyday
Language
Story-telling in Japanese
Bus Company
Ryujin Bus Co., Ltd
Reservations
Required
Course A
Fare
Adults
JPY 6,500
Children(6-12)
JPY 4,000
Course B
Fare
Adults
JPY 5,500
Children(6-12)
JPY 3,500
Course A: Kii-Tanabe Station > Takijiri > Kodo-no-Sato

This course starts from Takijiri-Oji, the entrance to the sacred Kumano Trail and Nakahechi.
There are a number of ups and downs on the Trail, but it worth a visit with historic spots.
On the way, you can try Tainai-kuguri, so-called "Passage through the womb", and you will reach Takahara Kumano Shrine which enshrines a 800-year old huge camphor tree. Takahara Kiri-no-Sato is the photogenic spot where offers scenic landscape of the mountains. After vising the attractions, we will take you to the Kodo-no-Sato bus stop.
Course A
Distance: 6Km, Walking Duration: approx. 4hours
Dep. 7:30AM
Kii-Tanabe Station
Arr. 8:10AM/Dep.8:15AM
Takijiri-Oji
↓
Tainai-kuguri (Passage through the womb)
↓
Takahara Kumano Shrine 
↓
Kodo-no-sato 
Arr.12:15PM
Takahara Kirino-sato (Village in the Mist)
Course B: Kii-Tanabe Station > Gyuba-doji Exit > Chikatsuyu-Oji

This route is suitable for beginners to the hiking on the Kumano Trail. The iconic symbol of Nakahechi, Gyuba-doji Sone Statues build in the Meiji Era and cobblestone hiking road create the atmosphere of an olden time. You can enjoy the rural landscape in Miharashidai  on the way to the Hashiori Pass
After vising the attractions, we will guide you to the Kodo-no-Sato bus stop. 
Course B
Distance: 1.4Km, Walking Duration: approx. 3hours
Dep. 7:30AM
Kii-Tanabe Station
Arr. 8:40AM/Dep.9:00AM
Gyuba-doji Stone Statue Bus Stop
↓
Gyuba-doji Stone Statues
↓
Hashiori-toge Pass
↓
Chikatsuyu-Oji
Arr.12:00PM
Chikatsuyu-Oji Bus Stop
Gyuba-doji Statue
Takahara Kirino-sato Village
Kumano Kodo Pilgrim Trail
Takahara Kumano Shrine
Takahara Kirino-sato Village
800years-old camphor trees
Tainai-kuguri(Passage through the womb)  

Climbing up the mountainous road for about 300meters from The Takijiri-Oji bus stop, you will reach the Tainai-kuguri, so-called "Passage through the womb".
Walking between these huge rocks is considered a test of faith and, to ensure an easy birth delivery, because the exit of the passage is so narrow and you need to twist your body to get out of the stone hole.
Takahara Kumano Shrine 

The Takahara Kumano shrine was constructed in 1544, and it is considered to be the oldest existing shrine on the Kumano Kodo in the Nakahechi area. Exterior is painted in traditional vermillion and surrounded by huge camphor trees, which are over 800years old, taking you back in time.
Takahara Kirino-sato (Village in the Mist)

Takahara is known as “Kirino-Sato” literally meaning Village in the Mist as the scenic mountain views are often blanketed with mist. The valley of the village sometimes fills with fog, creating a beautiful sea of clouds.
Gyuba-doji Stone Statues

On the way to Kumano along the Nakaheji Route just before Chikatsuyu-Oji, you will find a statue of a child riding a cow and a horse on the way to Kumano. This stone statue is considered to be the figure of Kazan, a young emperor who was duped into retirement by powerful nobles at court via political manipulation.
Contact information
Ryujin Jidosha Co., Ltd,+ 81 (0) 739-22-2100, Mon - Fri:  8:30AM - 5:30PM Emailｌ：info@ryujinbus.com
Important Notice
・ If you want your luggage deliver to your accommodation in designated area at Kii-Tanabe Station, please apply the form at  https://www.ryujinbus.com/tour/regular/
・A Japanese-speaking local storyteller will attend you on the spot.
・Tickets should be purchased 5 days of your travel date.
・Please allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
・Service may be delayed or suspended due to strong winds, rain, storms, or other foul weather which may hinder safe operation.
・Actual arrival times may be earlier or later than those listed due to traffic conditions.
・We accept no responsibility for any extra overnights or taxi fares caused by any delays due to Acts of God, delayed departure or arrivals, bad road or weather conditions, any circumstances beyond our control.
・All images shown are for illustration purpose only.
Back