Pilgrimage: The Kumano Kodo The Iseji Pilgrimage Path - from Ise to Nachi Grand Shrine

Begin your journey on a train from either Osaka or Kyoto as you make your way to Ise. Arrive at Isuzugawa Station, nestled between the Inner and Outer Shrines of the sacred Ise Grand Shrine. After a short bus ride, visit Sarutahiko Shrine, where pilgrims traditionally pray to the deity for guidance on their path. Take a leisurely stroll along a beautifully preserved traditional shopping street before reaching the Inner Shrine of Ise. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Outer Shrine or continue by bus to the coastal town of Futaminoura, where you'll spend the first two nights of your tour.

Please consider adding a night before the start of the trail to best prepare for your trip and allow for your documentation to be delivered to you.

YOUR ACCOMMODATION

To reflect the spirit of travelling through Japan, we use a mix of modern hotels, traditional inns and temple lodgings. Hotels offer Western-style comfort, though rooms are often smaller than in Europe, with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, a television and a fridge.

Traditional stays in ryokan and minshuku provide an authentic Japanese experience, with tatami-mat rooms and futon bedding prepared each evening. Ryokan are generally more formal and may include exquisitely presented multi-course meals and communal hot-spring baths. Minshuku are usually family-run and simpler, with shared bathrooms in many older buildings, but offer the same warm welcome and excellent home-cooked food.

At traditional inns, shared bathroom facilities may be part of the experience. Meals are mainly Japanese; while some vegetarian options can be arranged, strict vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free diets are difficult to accommodate due to the use of dashi, soy sauce and miso. Tipping is not expected.

Full accommodation details will be confirmed nearer to your departure, and we will always advise in advance if shared facilities are required.

Start the day with a short train ride through a quiet village, leading to the trail up Mount Asamagatake. Enjoy a steady climb past Asama-Toge Pass before reaching Kongosho-ji Temple and stunning panoramic views. On your return, take the train back with time to relax or further explore the coast and nearby spiritual sites.

After leaving the Mie area, taking a train to the south part of the prefecture and joining the Kumano Kodo trail for the first time. Upon arrival to the station, a short taxi ride will take you to Nigishima to begin your hike along the Iseji section of the route.

Return to Hadasu to walk one or two scenic sections of the Iseji pilgrimage trail, choosing between a shorter or extended route on the day. Visit the sacred Hayatama Grand Shrine in Shingu City, then continue to Kii-Katsuura for an overnight stay at an onsen hotel and time to enjoy the town.

Enjoy a peaceful final morning at Mount Nachi, home to its iconic shrine and waterfalls, before taking the train to Osaka or Kyoto in the afternoon. To make the most of your experience, consider adding an extra night in either city to further explore their vibrant culture, historic sites, and local cuisine at a more relaxed pace.