Kumano Kodo Sea Pilgrimage Experience: Mikisato Beach Sea-Kayaking Tour

Kumano Kodo Sea Pilgrimage Experience: Mikisato Beach Sea-Kayaking Tour

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route connects the sacred sites of the Kumano Sanzan and Ise Jingu and was registered as a World Heritage Site as “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” in 2004. The traditional way to experience the Kumano Kodo Route is by hiking, but if you are seeking something more unique to experience, why not try a 6-hour sea pilgrimage? Evidence from a travel diary suggests that in the Edo Period (1603–1868) many pilgrims crossed using a similar route.

A huge 1000-year-old camphor tree can be found outside Asuka Shrine 

Asuka Shrine is surrounded by lush greenery 

Izumi also showed us a round stone wall at the shrine and explained to us that the stone was picked from the coast of Suno, Kumano area, and is not commonly seen in other parts of Japan. 

The impressive round stone wall of the shrine 

Praying at Asuka Shrine to complete our pilgrimage 

The atmosphere of Asuka Shrine is sacred and tranquil which made me feel like I went back to olden times. The tour ends here, and it is such a memorable trip with our excellent guide Izumi to experience Kumano by kayaking.  

I tried passing through the hole in this giant camphor tree 

Transportation and Tour details

The meeting point of this tour is near Kata Station located in Owase City. It is about 2 hours 30 minutes from Nagoya Station by car and 3 hours from Osaka. Alternatively, it is accessible by JR trains, and it takes about 4 hours from Nagoya station. Since the meeting time is at 8:30 am, we recommend spending one night in Owase before your tour to avoid transportation mishaps. This tour requires reservations in advance and the minimum number of participants is three. For more information, please refer to the below website for more details: 

http://mikisato-e.com/en/sea/tour/ 

Wrap-Up

It was one of the most memorable trips I have ever had thanks to the experienced guide Izumi and her husband Hiro. I enjoyed the tour a lot and was blessed with a calm sea and warm weather. The sea kayaking tour was a chance for me to experience the Kumano Sea in addition to the traditional Kumano Kodo hiking tours. If you are looking for an outdoor activity to enjoy the Kumano differently, then the Kumano Kodo Sea Pilgrimage Tour is the best choice. Come and explore, experience, and taste the delicious seafood of Mie prefecture. 

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