Immerse yourself in authentic Kumano Kodo Iseji culture. Savor gourmet cuisine grilled with world-class binchotan charcoal, visit traditional Owase Wappa artisans, and master the art of Mehari-zushi on this exclusive cultural journey.
Tobeya & Tsumura Beyond being just charcoal, Kishū Binchōtan is celebrated by world-renowned chefs as the highest-quality charcoal on Earth. In the town of Kihoku, you have the rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the living tradition of this "black diamond." At Tsumura, a traditional kiln run by master craftsmen, each piece of charcoal is forged with passion and precision. This premium charcoal then travels to Tobeya, a refined Kappo-style restaurant where it is used to elevate local ingredients into culinary masterpieces. The secret lies in the powerful far-infrared rays emitted by the Binchōtan. This intense heat instantly seals in the "umami," creating a perfectly crisp, aromatic exterior while keeping the inside incredibly succulent and juicy. Experience the harmony of two masters: the charcoal-making artistry of Tsumura and the exquisite culinary skills of Tobeya. Come and savor the true bounty of Kishū—a flavor that can only be found right here.
Uo-machi Strolling Explore "Uo-machi," a timeless fishing village in the Kii-Nagashima district. Discover its nostalgic charm through narrow alleys and the unique rising bridge that lifts for passing boats. Guided by a charismatic local, you’ll immerse yourself in the living history and enduring seafaring culture of this retro coastal gem.
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.
Matsumoto-toge Pass Beautiful cobblestone pavement remains on most of the roads, and at the pass surrounded by bamboo groves, you will be greeted by a life-size Jizo statue.
Onigajo Onigajo is a large rock wall created by earthquake uplift, weathering and wave erosion. In addition to being designated as a national scenic beauty and natural monument, it is also registered as a World Heritage site as part of the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.
Hana-no-iwaya Hana-no-iwaya Shrine appears as the “stage of the national birth” in the first book of, Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), written in 720 (Nara Period). This place has an important meaning as “Kumano of the Caves,” a sacred place from ancient times that preceded the Kumano Sanzan worship, and is truly a place that can be said to be the roots of the Japanese people.
Mehari-zushi Making Experience Learn to make "Mehari-zushi," a local delicacy of the Kumano region! This unique, oversized sushi is made by wrapping a ball of rice with a pickled takana mustard green leaf. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the process, from preparing the rice to the art of wrapping.
Information about tour Place of departure and destination: From Kumano to Kumano Number of days of travel: 1 Day Means of transportation: Walking/Trekking Meal(s): Lunch Minimum number of passengers to operate. 1 Number of GUIDE:1
Tour Operator Information Company Name: H.I.S. Co., Ltd. Department Name: Inbound Travel Sales Division DMC Department Chubu Team Address: Dainagoya Building 16F, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, JAPAN, 450-6416 Tel: +81- 50-1752-8429 Registration No.: No. 724 by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency Membership: Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Contact Information Department Name: Inbound Travel Sales Division DMC Department Chubu Team Address: Dainagoya Building 16F, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, JAPAN, 450-6416 Tel: +81- 50-1752-8429 Opening hour :10:00~18:00 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays)
General Travel Services Manager: Kaku Imamura *The Tour Operations Manager is responsible for transactions related to your travel at the sales office handling your travel arrangements. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the explanations provided by the staff about this travel contract, please do not hesitate to contact the above-mentioned Tour Operations Manager.
Please read and understand the Terms and conditions below. Travel Terms and Conditions:Domestic Package Tours Travel Agency Terms and Conditions:Section of Package Tour Contract
Customer Guidelines:
Please refrain from consuming alcohol on the vehicle. Kindly take all trash with you when leaving the vehicle. Please do not leave any trash on board. Please ensure you arrive promptly at the designated meeting place. Please be aware that weekends, holidays, and event days may experience high levels of congestion. The schedule may be subject to sudden changes or shorter visit durations due to reasons such as traffic congestion. Refunds will not be provided if you fail to arrive at the meeting location on time (no show). In the event of a natural disaster, such as a typhoon, the tour will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued. Wearing your seatbelt is mandatory while the bus is in motion due to legal regulations. Smoking is strictly prohibited on the vehicle. Please refrain from standing up while the vehicle is in motion. If you accidentally leave any belongings on the vehicle, please be aware that they will be disposed of. Please personally take responsibility for your valuables. Note: These guidelines are provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Thank you for your cooperation.