Travel Japan by H.I.S. is offering the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of former emperors, samurai and religious travellers and experience traditional Ryokan Inn accommodation and a temple stay as part of a three-day ‘Kumano Pilgrimage Walk’ program.
World Heritage listed, the ‘Kumano Kodo’ on the island of Honshu has been travelled by pilgrims from all levels of Japanese society for more than 1,000 years and still remains an integral part of Shinto and Buddhist worship for many Japanese people.
The walk offers the perfect opportunity for travellers to sample the wild beauty of the country’s mountainous Kii Peninsula en route to three of the country’s most important Shinto shrines at Kumano.
The walk is split into three comfortably paced sections following three key components of the pilgrimage route – the Kumano Kodo, the Nakahechi route and the Daimonzaka Road.
Overnight accommodation on day one and two is at traditional Ryokan Inns, features of which include paper ‘shoji’ walls and screens, tatami straw mats and Futons.
Many Ryokans also offer communal ‘onsens’ – hot spring baths – renowned for their therapeutic and relaxing properties.
Day three concludes with a temple stay at Seigantoji, site for one of the region’s most important Shinto shrines.
The ‘Kumano Pilgrimage Walk’ is priced from AUD1245* per person twin share.
This includes Inclusive of all accommodation, three breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners, English-speaking guide and bus transfers.
The ‘Kumano Pilgrimage Walk’ is suitable for walkers of all ages.
*Conditions apply.
For more information please contact:
Travel Japan by H.I.S.
T: (02) 9267 3333 or toll free on 1800 802 552
A Report by The Mole
