Itinerary for 2 day trip to Shiharama

is a beautiful area, and combining it with the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails makes for an unforgettable experience. Let’s dive into a delightful 2-day itinerary that will have you soaking in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region!

Day 1: to and Exploring Kumano Kodo

Morning: Departure from

8:00 AM: Start your day early! Grab a quick breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café. A nice onigiri (rice ball) and some green tea would be perfect!
8:30 AM: Head to Station and catch the Kintetsu Limited Express to . The journey takes about 2.5 hours, and the views along the way are lovely, so keep your camera handy!

Late Morning: Arrival in

11:00 AM: Arrive in . From here, take a local bus or taxi to (about 30 minutes). The scenery will start to change as you get closer to the mountains!

Lunch: Local Delicacies

12:00 PM: Once you arrive in , treat yourself to a local lunch. Try some fresh seafood or a bowl of Kumano beef. There are some cozy restaurants around that serve delicious meals.

Afternoon:

1:30 PM: After lunch, it’s time to hit the trails! Start with the , which is one of the most popular sections of the Kumano Kodo. You can choose a shorter segment if you prefer, like the hike from Takijiri-oji to Tsugizakura-oji (about 4 km, roughly 1.5-2 hours).
3:30 PM: Enjoy the serene atmosphere, ancient trees, and beautiful landscapes. Don’t forget to take breaks to soak it all in and snap some photos!

Evening: Relaxation and Dinner

5:00 PM: After your hike, head back to . If you’re feeling adventurous, you can visit a local onsen (hot spring) to relax those tired muscles. The is a great choice!
7:00 PM: Dinner time! Find a local izakaya or restaurant to enjoy some regional dishes. Try the Kumano sushi or a hearty bowl of ramen.

Night: Rest Up

9:00 PM: Head back to your accommodation and get a good night’s sleep. You’ll need your energy for tomorrow’s adventures!

Day 2: More Kumano Kodo and Return to

Morning: Breakfast and More Hiking

8:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby café. A traditional Japanese breakfast with grilled fish, rice, and miso soup is a great way to start the day!
9:00 AM: Head out for another hike! This time, consider the Kumano Nachi Taisha route. You can take a bus to Nachikatsuura and then hike to the stunning and the shrine. The hike is about 6 km and offers breathtaking views.

Lunch: Picnic with a View

12:30 PM: Pack a light lunch or grab some bento from a local shop to enjoy at the falls. The sound of the water and the surrounding nature will make for a perfect picnic spot!

Afternoon: Explore Nachi Taisha

1:30 PM: After lunch, take some time to explore the . It’s one of the three grand shrines of Kumano and is absolutely stunning. Don’t forget to check out the pagoda and the view of the falls!
3:00 PM: If time allows, you can also visit the nearby , which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Late Afternoon: Return to

4:30 PM: Make your way back to by bus. You can take a moment to relax and reflect on your adventures.

Evening: Journey Back to

5:30 PM: Catch the Kintetsu Limited Express back to . The train ride will give you a chance to unwind and enjoy the scenery one last time.
8:00 PM: Arrive back in . If you’re not too tired, treat yourself to a nice dinner in the city. Perhaps some yakitori or a cozy izakaya to wrap up your trip!

And there you have it! A delightful 2-day itinerary in , filled with nature, culture, and delicious food. Enjoy your adventure on the Kumano Kodo! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask! Safe travels! 🌸🚶‍♂️🍱