This product has three courses exploring natural and cultural gems in Kumano City by a private vehicle.
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 Japan's first history, 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.
Shishiiwa A 25-meter-high rock formation that resembles a giant lion roaring toward the sea. Shishiiwa is a World Heritage Site, a natural monument, and a scenic spot.
Maruyama Senmaida In the Maruyama district of Kumano City, there are a number of small rice paddies, called Senmaida. The scenery is spectacular and is said to be the best terraced rice field scenery in Japan. There are about 1,340 small rice paddies, each one overlapping the next.
Akakura-jinja Shrine This is an old shrine located further into the mountains from Akakura village. The deity is a giant rock that represents the “Iwakura (rock crag) worship” that had taken root in this area before worshippers came to Kumano Sanzan (three mountains in Kumano). Trees are growing from the top of the rock, and one cannot help but feel the mysterious life force.
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.