Nachikatsuura & Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes

The head temple of Shingon Buddhism located in Koya, Wakayama. Founded by Kobo Daishi in the 9th century, Mount Koya is a sacred monastery complex with 1,200 years of history. Home to 117 temples and birthplace of shukubo (temple lodging) culture. Offers deep immersion into Buddhist practice including meditation and sutra study.

The head temple of Shingon Buddhism located in Koya, Wakayama. Founded by Kobo Daishi in the 9th century, Mount Koya is a sacred monastery complex with 1,200 years of history. Home to 117 temples and birthplace of shukubo (temple lodging) culture. Offers deep immersion into Buddhist practice including meditation and sutra study.

A sacred landscape where Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall at 133m merges with Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine. The composition of the three-story pagoda framed by the waterfall is one of Japan's most iconic views, captivating travelers worldwide.

A cultural city in Hokuriku that flourished as the castle town of the Kaga domain, where tradition and modernity coexist at Kenroku-en Garden, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, and Higashi Chaya District. The 2015 Hokuriku Shinkansen dramatically improved access from Tokyo, triggering a tourism surge.

One of Japan's premier mountain scenic spots at approximately 1,500m elevation in the Northern Alps. Views from Taisho Pond and Kappa Bridge reflecting the Hotaka Range are sometimes called 'Japan's Switzerland.' Private car restrictions preserve the natural environment, making it a popular base for mountaineering and trekking.

A UNESCO World Natural Heritage archipelago roughly 1,000km south of Tokyo. Called the 'Galapagos of the East,' the islands are a treasure trove of endemic species. Accessible only by a 24-hour ferry, this remote paradise is popular for whale watching and diving.

The largest island in the Sea of Japan, off the coast of Niigata. Sado Kinzan gold mine was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024, and unique traditions like tub boats and Noh theater persist. Also known for the reintroduction of the crested ibis (toki), it blends nature and history.