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JTB x JAL collaborate

 Trip to Nanki Shirahama / Kumano Kodo area


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For over a 1,000 years, the Kumano Kodo (熊野古道) network of routes have been used by pilgrims traveling to Kumano Sanzan (熊野三山) - the Grand Shrine Kumano Hongu Taisha (熊野本宮大社), Kumano Hayatama Taisha (熊野速玉大社) and Kumano Nachi Taisha (熊野那智大社).


Kumano Kodo is located between Wakayama and Mie prefecture. In 2004, the Kumano Kodo routes were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” together with Kumano Sanzan. Since then, many foreign travelers visit these ancient routes.

 

To reach Kumano Kodo from Canada, you can first fly to Tokyo on Japan Airlines (JAL) and enjoy a free stopover to explore this metropolitan city’s sights as a way to begin your visit to Japan (or you can end your journey with a stopover in Tokyo). Thereafter, you can fly on JAL onto Nanki-Shirahama (南紀白浜). You may initially think Kansai International Airport is the closest airport to Kumano Kodo, but it does take over 2 hours by train after you land to reach your destination. JAL operates 3 flights daily from Tokyo to Naki-Shirahama with the flight taking about 75 minutes.

 

If you have a couple of days to enjoy trekking, you may wish to consider going to Takijiri-Oji (滝尻王子), the entrance of “Nakahechi (中辺路)”. Recommend trekkers to set a goal to reach Kumano Hongu Taisha, which is the head shrine of the over 3,000 Kumano shrines across Japan. To walk or trek to Kumano Hongu Taisha is very enjoyable. However, if you do not have enough time, there is an optional short hiking course starting from Hosshinmon-Oji (発心門王子). This route will be much easier than the Nakahechi course, and it takes about 2.5 hours by train and bus from Nanki-Shirahama, and another 2 hours walk to Kumano Hongu Taisha.

If you are not confident on your physical endurance, there is a local bus that operates directly from Nanki-Shirahama Airport to Kumano Hongu Taisha. The trip takes about 2 hours each way.

 

Trekking at Kumano Kodo is very relaxing. Imagine being surrounded by the aromatic scent of cedar trees, seeing ancient stones covered with green moss and hearing the sound of birds chirping in the background. Taking a deep breath of fresh air in a quiet forest can help to rejuvenate your mind and spirit.

 

Moreover, Nanki-Shirahama is very unique area with many points of interest available within a 20-minute drive from the airport.

 

Shirara-hama beach (白良浜) is one of the most beautiful beaches in Japan and its nickname is “Japanese Hawaii” because Shirara-hama and Waikiki has been sister beaches since 2000. Shirahama Onsen (白浜温泉) is one of Japan’s “Three Ancient Hot Springs”. This hot spring source is famous for leaving visitors with beautifully glowing skin.

 

 

You can also have fun at the Adventure World theme park, which includes an aquarium, an amusement park and a zoo. And, please don’t miss the chance to see the Giant Pandas!

 

Tore-Tore Ichiba Market (とれとれ市場) is a must-see place near Nanki-Shirahama. There, you can enjoy fresh seafood and a special tuna-filleting show. The market also offers local Wakayama products such as Kishu-Ume or pickled plum, and Japanese mandarin oranges, which are very famous throughout the country.

 

If you wish to enjoy the urban city life of Osaka after visiting the areas of Kumano Kodo and Nanki-Shirahama, it is only a 4-hour journey via train or bus.

 

Nanki-Shirahama has many other interesting places to explore, so we hope you will find time to visit both Tokyo and Nanki-Shirahama.


Sunrise Tour 

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World Heritage Site Koyasan 2- Day Train & Shukubo Free Plan 

(Without Guide)


This package includes a bus pass for buses on Mt. Koya and various coupons for discounted admission at shrines and temples. At the accommodation, a temple lodging in Koyasan, customers who are interested may have a solemn experience of one of the meditation methods of the Buddha's preachings about truth esoteric Buddhism in the morning.

Koyasan & Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route 3-Day Tour

This tour takes you to World Heritage Koyasan and Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route along with a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter or an English-speaking Region-specific Tour Guide Interpreter (different guide interpreters will be assigned per day).


For the tour availability , please contact us 

     

Flight Information

   

Japan Airlines operate nonstop flights between Vancouver and Tokyo.

YVR - NRT // HND – SHM* // ITM or KIX – NRT - YVR

*JAL flies 3 times daily between Tokyo and Nanki-Shirahama (SHM).

Contact us to book your Japan Airlines flights and accommodations in Japan.

Sample itinerary for Nanki-Shirahama and Kumano-Kodo

Day 1: Depart from Vancouver to Tokyo/Narita by JAL

Day 2 to 4: Sightseeing in Tokyo

Day 5: Depart from Tokyo/Haneda to Nanki-Shirahama by JAL

Day 6 to 8: Sightseeing in Nachi-Katsuura, Kumano, Nanki-Shirahama Area

Day 9 to 11: Sightseeing in Osaka

Day 12 to 13: Sightseeing in Kobe or Kyoto

Day 14: Depart from Osaka to Vancouver via Narita/Tokyo by JAL

 *Schedule is subject to change without notice. Please check the JAL website for the latest flight information.

Extra Free Check-in Baggage Allowance

Eligible passengers may request one (1) extra piece of checked-baggage when traveling on an eligible Economy/Premium Economy/Business or First Class ticket. Standard checked-baggage weight and size allowances/restrictions apply. Conditions will apply. More info

JAL Covid-19 Cover

JAL has teamed up with Allianz Travel to provide a limited-time offer to all customers traveling on JAL international flights complimentary cover for medical, testing and quarantine expenses incurred as a result of testing positive for COVID-19 during their travel. Conditions apply. More info

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