Your trip includes train tickets from either Kyoto or Osaka, heading east towards Ise. Arrive at Isuzugawa, situated between Ise Grand Shrine’s Inner Shrine and Outer Shrine, known as Naiku and Geku respectively. After a short bus ride, you will arrive at Sarutahiko Shrine, wherein Sarutahiko Okami is enshrined. This deity is believed to provide guidance to worshippers and visitors often come here to pray for assistance in finding the right path.

Stroll along the wonderfully preserved shopping street of Oharai-machi, with the option to visit the lively Okage Yokocho market, before arriving at Ise Grand Shrine’s Inner Shrine.

In the afternoon, you have the option to also take in Geku, the outer shrine close to Ise’s main train station, or to head straight on to Futaminoura along the coastline by bus, where you will spend two nights as you explore the region.

Walking distance: 2.9 km / 1.8 mi
Elevation gain: Negligible ascent and descent
Time required: About 1-2 hours

Including the optional visit to both shrines, the full walk would be around 3-4 hours (5.1km / 3.1 miles) on foot.

Accommodation: Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) or Japanese-style hotel in Futaminoura
Meals: Dinner

Today, take a short train ride towards Mount Asamagatake, passing through a small village to reach the trail for today.

From here there is a steady path climb to the top of Mount Asamagatake, along the Asamagatake Pass. At the top enjoy great views and a visit to Kongosho-ji Temple, built by the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kobo Daishi. After heading back down on foot, take a short train ride and return to your inn for the evening, where there will be time to explore the spiritual sites and enjoy views out over the coast.

Walking distance: 12.1 km / 7.5 mi
Elevation gain: 790 m / 2591 ft of ascent and 690 m / 2,263 ft of descent
Time required: About 5 hours

Accommodation: Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) or Japanese-style hotel in Futaminoura
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Today, leave the northern area of Mie and take a train south from Ise to the eastern coasts of Mie and join the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage for the first time.

Upon arrival, take a taxi to the remote town of Nigishima and begin your hike south along the Iseji section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage.

Head on by train and enjoy a relaxing soak in a Japanese bath before or after your delicious, multi-course dinner.

Walking distance: 7.4 km / 4.5 mi
Elevation gain: 470 m / 1,541 ft of ascent and 465 m / 1,525 ft of descent
Time required: 3-4 hours

It is possible to shorten the walk to 4.2 km / 2.6 mi (2-3 hours). You can choose which option you prefer on the day – no need to decide in advance!

Accommodation: Onsen hotel (hot spring hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Today, return to Hadasu enjoy one or two additional scenic sections of the Iseji pilgrimage.

After arriving at Hadasu by taxi, you walk to a nearby coastal town before continuing on to walk an additional section. Head to Kii-Katsuura in the afternoon for a final overnight stay in the region at a comfortable onsen hotel in this lively port town.

Walking distance: 5.7 km / 3.5 mi
Elevation gain: 310 m / 1,017 ft of ascent and 315 m / 1,033 ft of descent
Time required: 2-3 hours

It is possible to shorten the walk to 3.4km (1 to 2 hours). You can choose which option you prefer on the day – no need to decide in advance!

Accommodation: Onsen hotel (hot spring hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

With an early start, it is possible to visit both Hayatama Grand Shrine and Nachi Grand Shrine today before heading onward to Osaka or Kyoto by train.

Or, enjoy a final morning in Kii-Katsuura, an active fishing port with a lively early-morning fish market. Enjoy the views out over the island-studded bay. There are intriguing backstreets and a traditional, covered shopping arcade to explore, too. We provide train tickets for you to board a train in the afternoon, travelling back around the Kii Peninsula and arriving in Osaka or Kyoto mid to late evening.

Meals: Breakfast