Guided Wakayama Heritage & Forest Trails with Hotel Pickup

Explore Wakayama’s living heritage on a private day trip from Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, or Nara. Enjoy a guided walk on a Kumano Kodo path, a craft workshop, and a temple-style lunch.
Trade the crowds for an intimate journey into Wakayama’s living heritage. This privately-guided, small-group adventure blends nature, spirituality, and centuries-old craftsmanship in a way that no typical sightseeing tour offers. With flexible pickup from Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, or Nara, you’ll glide south into the mountains, where hidden hamlets and sacred groves still shape everyday life.

Begin with a hotel pickup from Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, or Nara. Arrive in a hidden hamlet near the Kumano Kodo and meet your local host. Enjoy a lightly guided stroll on an ancient side-route of the Kumano Kodo and take a tea break at a wayside teahouse.

Savor a seasonal shōjin-ryōri lunch, prepared by resident cooks using mountain vegetables. Choose cedar-wood amulet carving or traditional washi papermaking, mentored by a local artisan. Visit a small shrine or village kiln (pottery & incense making demonstration when available).

Take in scenic viewpoints over the Hidakagawa valley. Make an optional short stop at a hidden waterfall for photos. Finally, depart Wakayama and get dropped off at your original hotel.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.