4-Day Wakayama Itinerary: Explore the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and Temple Stay at Koyasan

What Sort of Place Is Wakayama?

Wakayama Prefecture, located in the Kansai region of Japan, stretches along the southern Kii Peninsula, bordered by Osaka, Nara, and Mie prefectures. It faces the Seto Inland Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the south. 

Known for its rugged mountains, lush forests, and scenic coastline, it’s a great destination for outdoor activities. The climate features mild winters, warm summers, and abundant rainfall, especially in June and July.

Access: How to Get to Osaka From Tokyo or Kansai International Airport

It’s common to stay in Osaka first and then explore Koyasan, the first stop of this itinerary. 

You can reach Osaka from Tokyo by train: travelers can board the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station, a journey of approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes. 

By air, flights from Tokyo's Haneda Airport to Kansai International Airport take around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The fastest way to get from Kansai International Airport to central Osaka is the Haruka Express, which departs from Kansai Airport every 30 minutes. It stops at Tennoji, Osaka, and Shin-Osaka stations and is included in the JR Pass.

Day 1: Journey to Koyasan – Spiritual Highlights, Tofu Delicacies, and Shukubo Temple Stay

The Kumano Kodo and Koyasan are two of Japan’s most revered spiritual destinations, offering a glimpse into Japan’s ancient practices where nature and spirituality intertwine.

The Kumano Kodo, a pilgrimage route dating back to the 10th century, connects sacred spots deep in the Kii Peninsula. Pilgrims traditionally journeyed along the Kumano Kodo in hopes of reaching the Pure Land, a Buddhist celestial realm, with the belief that traveling to this remote and sacred area would bring spiritual merits and enlightenment in this world and the next. The trail passes by the Kumano Sanzan shrines—Kumano Hongu Taisha, Nachi Taisha, and Hayatama Taisha-and wind through breathtaking forested mountains, rugged coastlines, tranquil bamboo groves, and quaint villages. 

Among its sacred sites is Koyasan, a monastic complex with over 100 temples founded in 816 by the monk Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) on Mount Koya as the center of esoteric Shingon Buddhism. Here, visitors can immerse themselves through “shukubo” Buddhist temple stays and hands-on activities such as participating in morning prayers, sutra copying and chanting, meditation, and eating “shojin ryori” Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.

How to Get From Osaka to Koyasan

From Osaka Namba Station, board the Nankai Koya Line Limited Express or Express train bound for Koyasan. The Limited Express (seat reservation required) takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, while the Express Train takes approximately 2 hours. At Gokurakubashi Station, transfer to the cable car for a 5-minute ride up to Koyasan Station.

Alternatively, you can walk the traditional Fudozaka Trail, a steep 2.5 km paved path that takes about 2 hours from Gokurakubashi Station to Koyasan’s Nyonindo Temple. 

You can also join a Wakayama & Koyasan Day Tour from Osaka to make the most of your time in Wakayama.

Daimon Gate - The Majestic Entrance to Koyasan

Access: From Koyasan Station, Nankai Rinkan local buses will take you to the Koyasan town center, which is about a 10-minute bus ride to the Senjuinbashi bus stop (note that walking along the street connecting Koyasan Station to the town center is not permitted). Daimon Gate is a 16-minute walk from the Senjuinbashi bus stop.

The Daimon, or Great Gate, is the grand entrance to Koyasan, standing 25.1 meters tall. Constructed in 1705 after the original gate was destroyed by fire, it unusually faces west, towards the Buddhist Pure Land and China, where Kobo Daishi studied Shingon Buddhism. It also faces Shikoku, his birthplace, and the site of another significant pilgrimage route linked to Kobo Daishi. 

The upper level of the gate displays three large plaques inscribed with the characters for "Koyasan" and vibrant wave motifs, symbolizing protection from fire. On either side of the gate stand two imposing Nio statues (guardians of the Buddha), which serve as protectors of Koyasan. These statues are among the largest of their kind in Japan.

Kadohama Goma-tofu Honpo - Try a Unique Type of Tofu Native to Koyasan

Access: 3-minute walk from Daimon Gate

Kadohama Goma-tofu Honpo is renowned for its signature “goma dofu” (sesame tofu), a delicacy native to Koyasan. 

Made from sesame paste, it is believed to have been first consumed by monks practicing asceticism at Koyasan over 1,200 years ago. Sesame was once regarded as a valuable medicinal food in China, and it’s said that Kobo Daishi, after his travels, brought it back to Japan. There, it became an essential ingredient in Japanese Buddhist cuisine as a source of high-quality protein, since the diet excludes meat and fish. 

Kadohama continues this culinary tradition using time-honored methods passed down through generations, offering dishes like Kakuhama Sesame Tofu Kongo Kaiseki, a multi-course Japanese meal that combines tofu with seasonal ingredients, and Mame Shizuku Nabe, a warming sesame tofu hot pot perfect for Koyasan’s cool mountain weather.

Danjo Garan - The Original Monastic Heart of Koyasan

Access: A 6-minute walk from Kadohama Goma-tofu Honpo

Danjo Garan is the original site established by Kobo Daishi when he founded the monastic complex of Mount Koya. The term "Danjo," meaning "male and female," symbolizes the balance between opposites, a key concept in Shingon Buddhism. The arrangement of temple buildings is also unique to Mount Koya and is believed to visually express Kobo Daishi’s esoteric Buddhist teachings. 

The two most prominent structures are the Kondo Hall and the Konpon Daito Pagoda. The Kondo Hall serves as a large wooden temple where major ceremonies are held, while the Konpon Daito, Japan’s first square two-storied pagoda, represents the center of the universe in Shingon cosmology and was historically the central training dojo for the Shingon Sect.

Kongobuji Temple - The Jewel Head Temple of Koyasan

Access: A 5-minute walk from Danjo Garan

Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of the Shingon sect, was originally built in 1593 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in memory of his late mother. Over time, it merged with a neighboring temple, becoming central to Shingon Buddhism.

The temple is famed for its gilded “fusuma” sliding doors adorned with detailed paintings, as well as its ceilings, which are richly carved with floral designs.

Behind the temple, the Banryutei Rock Garden - Japan’s largest rock garden which boasts stones from Shikoku, the birthplace of Kobo Daishi - symbolizes two dragons rising from a sea of clouds.

Okunoin Temple - The Mystical Site of Kobo Daishi's Eternal Meditation

Access: Approx. a 30-minute walk from Kongobuji Temple to Okunoin Cemetery and another 6-minute walk to reach the mausoleum from there.

Okunoin Temple is the most sacred site on Mount Koya, housing the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi. The path to Okunoin stretches for two kilometers, lined with ancient moss-covered cedars, stone lanterns, and over 200,000 tombstones. The journey begins at Ichinohashi Bridge, the gateway between the sacred and secular worlds. As visitors continue, they pass Gobyonohashi Bridge, entering the innermost part of the temple grounds. At the heart of Okunoin lies the mausoleum, where Kobo Daishi is believed to remain in eternal meditation.

Temple Stay and Shojin Ryori Dinner at Fukuchiin - A Sanctuary of Healing Onsen, Buddhist Cuisine, and Mindful Practices

Fukuchiin, one of the sub-temples of Kongobuji, was founded over 800 years ago. Guests can stay in its traditional tatami rooms, enjoy shojin ryori, and relax in the temple’s natural hot springs—the only ones on Koyasan. Activities include morning services, sutra copying, and prayer ceremonies. The tranquil gardens designed by Showa-era garden master Shigemori Mirei add to the peaceful atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Wakayama City – Cat Trains, Majestic Castles, and Gourmet Adventures

Wakayama Castle - A Place of History and Seasonal Splendor

Access: From Koyasan, travel back to Gokurakubashi and transfer to the Nankai Koya Line, where you can board the Limited Express (seat reservation required), Express, or Local train heading to Hashimoto Station. At Hashimoto, change to the Wakayama Line, which will take you directly to Wakayama Station. The entire journey typically takes around 2.5 hours.

To reach Wakayama Castle, take the bus from the Wakayama Station bus stop to the Wakayamajo Mae bus stop (5 minutes) and walk for 7 minutes to the castle.

Wakayama Castle was built in 1585 under the command of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s most famous feudal lords, as a grand fortress to secure control over the Kii Peninsula.  Following the Tokugawa shogunate's rise to power in 1603, it flourished as an important base for the Tokugawa Clan. 

Offering scenic beauty throughout the year, the castle grounds are enveloped by the soft pink hues of cherry blossoms in spring, creating a picturesque landscape that draws visitors for “hanami” flower viewing.

In autumn, the traditional Nishi-no-Maru Teien Garden (also known as Momijidani Garden) transforms into a stunning display of vibrant gold, yellow, and red foliage. Visitors can stop by the tea house to enjoy a cup of matcha tea while taking in the spectacular scenery.

Kuroshio Market - Savor Freshly Caught Seafood at This Lively Fish Market

Access: From Wakayama Castle, walk 9 minutes to the Kenchomae bus stop. From there to the Marinaguchi bus stop near the market is a 28-minute ride.

Situated on the man-made island of Wakayama Marina City, Kuroshio Market is a lively seaside destination offering a diverse selection of freshly caught seafood. 

A standout attraction is the chance to watch a professional expertly slice a whole freshly caught tuna, with a detailed explanation of the different cuts of Japan’s renowned sushi fish. 

The market is also home to various seafood restaurants and souvenir shops, featuring a wide range of local products. 

For a unique dining experience, head to the spacious dining hall where you can barbecue your freshly purchased seafood right at your table.

Kishi Station - Meet Japan’s Cute Cat Stationmaster at This Picturesque Station

Access: From the Marina City bus stop, take a 38-minute ride to Wakayama Station. There, change to the Wakayama Dentetsu-Kishigawa Line to Kishi Station (32 minutes).

Nestled in the tranquil countryside of Wakayama, the historic Kishigawa Railway Line was on the brink of collapse when an unexpected hero emerged—a cat. In 2007, Tama, a calico with a penchant for lounging at Kishi Station, was appointed the stationmaster of this struggling line. Her serene charm quickly captivated visitors, breathing new life into the station and its surrounding towns. Tama's playful influence didn't stop there; she inspired the creation of whimsical, themed trains designed by renowned artist Eji Mitooka such as the Ichigo Strawberry Train, inspired by locally produced strawberries, and the cat-shaped Tamaden, a tribute to Tama herself.

Even after Tama's passing in 2015, her legacy lives on, with her successor, Nitama (Tama the Second), greeting commuters and a shrine dedicated to her spirit on the platform. Kishi Station, with its distinctive cat-shaped roof, was also designed by Eji Mitooka and houses the Tama Museum, Tama Cafe, and Tama Shop which offers original Tama-themed goods.

Kalbi 1cho - Try Kumano Beef, Wakayama’s Prized Wagyu Beef

Access: 32-minute train ride from Kishi Station to Wakayama Station. The restaurant is a 6-minute walk from the station.

Kalbi 1cho is a must-visit for anyone craving premium “yakiniku” BBQ. The highlight here is the renowned Kumano beef, Wakayama Prefecture’s prized “wagyu” beef. Sourced directly from an affiliated ranch, the beef boasts exceptional marbling and melts in your mouth. Don’t miss the Kumano Beef Special Selection or the Seared Kumano Beef Sushi, showcasing its rich flavors!

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Wakayama - A Fabulous Stay in the Heart of the City with Views of Wakayama Castle

Daiwa Roynet Hotel offers a memorable stay in the heart of Wakayama City. The hotel features 219 rooms, each designed with a modern, sophisticated atmosphere. Rooms on higher floors provide breathtaking city views, with some offering a direct view of Wakayama Castle. The delicious breakfast buffet, featuring local ingredients, offers a taste of the region’s flavors.

Day 3: Kumano Hongu Taisha and Yunomine Onsen - Sacred Temples and Soothing Hot Springs

Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine - Journey to the Heart of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

Access: To get from Wakayama Station to Kumano Hongu Taisha, take the Kuroshio Limited Express (seat reservation required) bound for Shingu and travel to Kii Tanabe Station. Once at Kii Tanabe Station, transfer to Bus 91 Rapid (Kumano Kodo) bound for Shingu Station. Get off at the Hongu Taisha-mae bus stop, and from there, it’s a 6-minute walk to Kumano Hongu Taisha. The entire journey takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes.

For those with time and energy, from Kii Tanabe Station, you can take Bus 81 (Kumano Hongu Line) to the Hosshinmon-Oji bus stop. From there, you can walk the Kumano Kodo trail to reach Kumano Hongu Taisha. The trail stretches for seven kilometers and takes approximately two hours to complete.

Located at the heart of the Kumano Kodo trail network, Hongu Taisha has been a spiritual beacon for centuries, nestled among towering cedar and cypress trees at the top of a mystical long stone staircase. Though references to the shrine date back to the 9th century, its origins likely predate even those records. Originally situated at Oyunohara—a sandbank at the confluence of the Kumano and Otonashi rivers—the shrine was relocated after a devastating flood in 1889. Today, visitors can still view the remnants of the original site, including a vast raised earthen platform.

A highlight of the area is the world’s largest torii gate, the Kumano Hongu Taisha Otorii, standing 33.9 meters tall, marking the entrance to Oyunohara and symbolizing the gateway between the sacred and the secular worlds.

Menya Mitsuhashi - A Must-Visit for Authentic Wakayama Ramen

Access: A 10-minute walk from Kumano Hongu Taisha.

Menya Mitsuashi is the perfect stop to savor authentic Wakayama ramen. Be sure to try their "Yatagarasu ramen," named after the mythical three-legged crow associated with the Kumano region, both a deity of guidance and a divine messenger. This ramen features a clear black soy sauce-based broth with tender slices of pork, bamboo shoots, an "ajitama" (soft-boiled egg marinated in soy sauce), and fresh spring onions.

Yunomine Onsen - Bath in the Soothing Waters of This UNESCO World Heritage Hot Spring Area

Access:  From Menya Mitsuhashi, walk back to the Kumano Hongu Taisha-mae bus stop, take Bus 84 (Kumano Hongu Line) bound for Kii-Tanabe Station, and alight at the Yunomine Onsen bus stop. The ride takes around 25 minutes.

Deep within the heart of the sacred Kumano mountains, visitors will find Yunomine Onsen, a charming collection of traditional inns with onsen offering a tranquil escape with over 1,800 years of history. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of Japan's oldest hot spring towns and has long been an integral part of the Kumano pilgrimage tradition. 

Pilgrims once soaked in the healing waters here to purify themselves before continuing their journey to Kumano Hongu Taisha. Follow in their footsteps and unwind in the waters of one of Yunomine Onsen’s charming ryokan.

During your stay, don’t miss a visit to the historic Tsuboyu, a small, stone-lined bath by the riverside where you can enjoy a private soak in its legendary healing waters.

Be sure to stop by Yumunekusushi Tokoji Temple. According to legend, the village owes its abundant medicinal waters to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing. Inside the temple, a statue of Yakushi Nyorai features a hole in its chest, said to have once gushed fountains of water. This inspired the area’s original name, Yunomune (later Yunomine), meaning “Chest of Hot Water.”

For a unique experience, try the Yuzutsu cooking spot by the river, where you can boil eggs or vegetables in the natural hot spring water.

Stay and Dine at Ryokan Adumaya - An Onsen Retreat Steeped in History

Ryokan Adumaya, established in the mid-to-late Edo period (1603-1868) by a former Shinto priest, offers a rich blend of history and tradition. Its unique wooden architecture, with a four-story structure of connected buildings, features Japanese-style guest rooms, each adorned with fine wooden details and named after natural Japanese elements like “sakura” cherry blossoms and “take” bamboo. The ryokan boasts three private hot spring sources, ensuring fresh, sulfur-rich waters and a variety of different baths.

Since ancient times, boiling food in hot springs has been a part of life in Yunomine, and Adumaya has created a variety of dishes that make use of the local hot spring water. For dinner, enjoy a hot spring kaiseki multi-course meal, featuring Mikumano beef shabu shabu, locally-sourced tender beef cooked in hot spring water and served with a special ponzu sauce. Breakfast includes onsen "kayu" rice porridge, cooked with hot spring water to enhance its smooth texture and fragrance. Also, try onsen yudofu, tofu cooked in hot spring water that draws out the natural flavors of the soybeans.

Day 4: Follow the Steps of Ancient Japanese Pilgrims at Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha Shrines

Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine - A Sacred Place Deeply Intertwined With Nature

Access: To get from Yunomine Onsen to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, there are various buses depending on the time of departure, so it's important to plan ahead. For example, you can take Bus 53 Kawatake Line, bound for Shingu Station via Kawayu/Yunomine Onsen, from the Yunomine bus stop to the Hayatama Taisha Mae bus stop, which takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. During certain times of the year, the Kumano Sanzan Liner also operates, providing direct access to tourist attractions in the Kumano region without the need for local bus transfers.

At the mouth of the Kumano River, Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine stands as a spiritual site deeply connected with nature. The shrine’s grounds, home to the ancient 800-year-old “Nagi no Ki” tree, reflect the region's deep reverence for the natural world, which plays a central role in its annual rituals.

Among the most powerful events are the Mifune Matsuri on October 16th, when local young men race nine boats up the Kumano River, and the Oto Matsuri, a fire festival held on February 6th, when participants parade, carrying torches lit from a sacred fire, sending their hopes and wishes into the sky as the night erupts in flames.

Daimonzaka Chaya - Step Back in Time and Experience the Elegance of the Heian Period

Access: To travel from Kumano Hayatama Taisha to Daimonzaka Chaya, there are various bus combinations depending on your departure time. You can take Bus 11 Shinkatsu Line bound for Kii-Katsuura Station via Kuroshio Koen-mae or Bus 17 Shinkatsu Line bound for Kii-Katsuura Station via Shinsho Koko-mae from the Hayatama Taisha Mae bus stop. Transfer at the Nachi Station bus stop to Bus 31 Nachisan Line bound for Nachisan and get off at the Kumano Kodo bus stop. Daimonzaka Chaya is just a 4-minute walk from the bus stop. The total travel time ranges between 1 hour and 1 hour 15 minutes.

Daimonzaka Chaya, located at the entrance to Daimonzaka, offers visitors a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in Japan’s Heian period (794-1185). This charming tea house allows guests to rent beautifully crafted traditional pilgrim attire, with over 100 styles available for men, women, and children. Choose from a 2-hour plan for a shorter yet unforgettable experience or a 3-hour plan, which gives you plenty of time to explore the area’s highlights. 

After dressing in elegant Heian-period garments, take a stroll along the historic Daimonzaka slope, a cobblestone path lined with a majestic staircase and ancient cedar and cypress trees. Highlights of the route include the majestic "Meoto Sugi," the entwined husband-and-wife cedar trees, and breathtaking views of the Nachi Falls as you ascend toward Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Seiganto-ji Temple.

Sabo Chinchoan Nachisanten - Savor Moudemochi and Mehari Sushi

Access: Walking from Daimonzaka Chaya to Sabo Chinchoan Nachisanten through the Daimonzaka Slope is a 30-minute walk. Alternatively you can catch the bus at the Kumano Kodo bus stop to the Nachisan bus stop (12 minutes in total) and walk for 8 minutes to Sabo Chinchoan Nachisanten.

Sabo Chinchoan Nachisanten is a delightful tea house offering stunning mountain views and a taste of Kumano’s culinary heritage. The star of the menu is the Kumano Moudemochi, a soft rice cake filled with velvety red bean paste and dusted with brown rice powder. Another highlight is Mehari Sushi, a beloved local dish of rice wrapped in lightly pickled mustard leaves, prepared with Chinjuan’s unique twist of savory seasonings like bonito.

Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Nachi Falls - See One of the Most Iconic Scenery of the Kumano Kodo

Access: Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, Seigantoji Temple, and the Nachi Waterfall are all a 5-10 minute walk from Sabo Chinchoan Nachisanten.

The vermilion Kumano Nachi Taisha is part of a large complex of neighboring religious sites that exemplify the historical fusion of Buddhist and Shinto traditions. Right next to it stands Seigantoji, a 5th-century Buddhist temple. For most of their history, both the shrine and the temple operated as a unified institution, though they were separated during the Meiji Period (1868-1912).

A short walk away is the Nachi Waterfall, Japan's tallest single-tiered waterfall, towering at 133 meters and surrounded by a primeval forest. Revered as a sacred site, it has long served as a place for ascetic training. The view of the iconic three-story pagoda framed by the majestic falls in the background, is a must-see!

During the Nachi Ougi Matsuri (Nachi Fire Festival) on July 14, men dressed in white carry towering torches to purify 6-meter-high portable shrines, symbolizing the waterfall's immense power—a truly impressive spectacle to witness.

4-Day Wakayama Itinerary: A Spiritual Journey Through Japan’s Sacred Routes

This 4-day itinerary offers an immersive experience into Wakayama’s spiritual heart, the Kumano Kodo, where sacred sites and tranquil landscapes await. From the serene temples of Koyasan to the powerful energy of Kumano Kodo’s three grand shrines, the journey offers deep connections to Japan’s ancient traditions and natural beauty!