Ise Grand Shrine, or 'Ise Jingū' in Japanese, is a large shrine complex in the coastal town of Ise and known as Japan’s most sacred shrine. Travellers come from around the country to visit the complex, which is comprised of over 100 shrines and is approximately the size of Paris. The two most significant of these are the Inner Shrine, called Naikū, and Outer Shrine, Gekū.
Ise serves as a wonderful entry point to the Iseji route of the Kumano Kodō Pilgrimage, as this spiritual trail not only offers beautiful coastal views and quiet mountain paths but connects Ise Grand Shrine to Hayatama Grand Shrine in Shingū, holy ground that is part of the Kumano Sanzan (熊野三山/Three Grand Shrines of Kumano).
Our 4-day self-guided walking tour on the Iseji route begins with 2 days to take in Ise’s sacred sites, before heading to the small town of Nigishima to begin your hike. Enjoy a wonderful variety of beach walks and cobblestoned paths, and visit peaceful communities as you make your way toward Kii-Katsuura.
After arriving in the lively fishing town of Kii-Katsuura, where you spend your final night, you may wish to further explore on your final day, or perhaps complete your spiritual journey and visit 2 of Kumano’s Grand Shrines, Hayatama Grand Shrine and Nachi Grand Shrine.
You’re supported by our team in Kyōto, our local Chikatsuyu office, and by our bespoke turn-by-turn walking instructions and topographical maps to guide you on your way, created by our team of hikers for you.
The trail takes you along cobblestone paths which, after rain, can become slippery. For some additional support, you may want to bring hiking poles with you.
NOTE:
Please note that onsen communal bathing features on every night of this tour. For guests who prefer private bathing or have tattoos, please inquire before booking.
Please note that daily luggage transfer is not available on this tour.
Tour itineraries are subject to change. We will inform you of any amendments as soon as we become aware of them.
(subject to change until the booking has been finalized)
Your trip includes train tickets from either Kyōto or Ōsaka, heading east towards Ise. Arrive at Isuzugawa, situated between Ise Grand Shrine’s Inner and Outer Shrines, known as Naikū and Gekū respectively. After a short bus ride, you will arrive at Sarutahiko Shrine, wherein Sarutahiko Ōkami 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 Yokochō market, before arriving at Ise Grand Shrine’s Inner Shrine. In the afternoon, you have the option to also take in Gekū, 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 the night.
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 (5.1 km / 3.1 mi) on foot.
Accommodation: Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) or Japanese-style hotel in Futaminoura
Meals: Dinner
Today, leave the northern area of Mie and take a train south from Ise to the prefecture’s southern coast to join the Kumano Kodō 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 pilgrimage trail.
Head on to your accommodation for this evening where you will enjoy a delicious meal.
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: Minshuku (family-run guesthouse), onsen hotel (hot spring hotel), or ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Today, return to Hadasu and enjoy one or two additional scenic sections of the Iseji pilgrimage. After arriving at Hadasu, you walk to a nearby coastal town before continuing on to walk an additional section. Head to Hayatama Grand Shrine in Shingū City, then move on to Kii-Katsuura for an overnight stay 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 3.4 km (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
Enjoy a final morning on Mount Nachi, a sacred mountain with Nachi Grand Shrine and Nachi Falls before heading onward to Ōsaka or Kyōto by train.
It is also possible to stroll around Kii-Katsuura town, an active fishing port with a lively early-morning fish market. Enjoy the views out over the island-studded bay or explore the hidden backstreets and traditional covered shopping arcade. We provide train tickets for you to board a train in the afternoon; you will travel back around the Kii Peninsula and arrive in Ōsaka or Kyōto mid to late evening.
Meals: Breakfast
