• Walk the Kumano Kodo, one of the most sacred trekking roads in Japan
• Stay at all-inclusive hotels
• Visit some sacred shrine and temple

Magose-toge Pass A popular mountain pass on the border of Kihoku town and Owase City, the stone pavement, said to be the best in the Kumano Kodo Iseji, continues through the Owase cypress forest. Many historical sites, such as Yonaki Jizo, which is believed to have mystical power to prevent children from crying at night, giving it the atmosphere of a Kumano Kodo.

Making Wappa (at Nushikuma) The process of making a wappa originally involved 45 steps, all done by hand, a single person, so it takes more than one month to complete a wappa. The lacquer is also made from natural materials, and is first-class, with no admixtures of any kind.

Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine Kumano Sanzan, the three main shrines of Kumano, are the headquarters of “Kumano Shrines” throughout Japan. In 1995, the Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine building was designated a National Important Cultural Property. The 158 stone steps leading up to the main shrine are flanked by banners, and the overgrown cedar grove gives the impression of long history.

Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine This shrine is located near the mouth of the Kumano River and is dedicated to the deity Hayatama. The shrine grounds include “Gongenyama” in the background, “Mifunejima” and “Otabisho” on the Kumano River, and the “Nagi Tree,” a natural monument, which is considered a sacred tree, is located within the shrine grounds.

Kamikura-Jinja Shrine Located on a steep cliff called Amano-Iwatate, and part of the Kumano Kodo, Gotobiki Rock, the object worship in a Shinto Shrine, is located at the top of a steep stone staircase with more than 500 steps. The view of the city and the Kumano-nada from there is the best view spot in Shingu City.

Seiganto-ji Temple Seiganto-ji Temple, the oldest pilgrimage site in Japan, is a temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism that flourished as a sacred site of Shintoism and Buddhism together with Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine. The view from behind the main hall is an excellent photo spot to enjoy the beautiful harmony of the famous Nachi Falls and the vermilion-lacquered three-story pagoda.

Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine is one of the Kumano Sanzan (three Grand Shrines of Kumano). The origin of Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine is the nature worship of Nachi Falls, and the deities of Kumano were originally enshrined at the base of the falls, along with the god of the falls.