[Exclusive Cultural Journey] Choose Your Experience: First-Ever Public Tea Ceremony at "Takijuan" or Kumano Shugendo Pilgrimage with a Yamabushi

Experience the historic tearoom "Takijuan" at Seiganto-ji Temple, open to the public for the first time. Dressed in elegant Heian-era attire, immerse yourself in a private tea ceremony with a breathtaking view of the iconic Three-story Pagoda and Nachi Falls.

Alternatively, delve into the essence of Kumano spirituality with an extraordinary journey. Begin with a rare viewing of the hidden Buddha at Fudarakusan-ji Temple and an enlightening Kumano Mandala storytelling session. Then, participate in a sacred Goma fire ritual at the newly restored Gyōjadō Hall, a space that has been revitalized after 150 years.

For lunch, savor "Kumano’s Treasure Box Lunch," a delightful presentation of Kumano’s finest delicacies served in traditional Kishu lacquerware. This exclusive dining experience takes place at the former temple lodging "Sonsho-in," a special venue with an unparalleled view of the Three-story Pagoda and Nachi Falls.

Choose your journey and indulge in the timeless beauty and spiritual richness of Kumano.

Tour Itinerary

Tea Ceremony Experience

9:30 Tour begins / Departure from JR Kii-Katsuura Station

10:00 Heian-era costume fitting at Daimon Chaya and a stroll around the Meoto-sugi (Sacred Couple Cedar Trees)

11:00 Tea ceremony at Seiganto-ji Temple's historic "Takijuan" tearoom

12:00 Premium lunch at "Sonsho-in"

13:30 Tour ends / Return to JR Kii-Katsuura Station

=====

Shugendo Experience

9:30 Tour begins / Departure from JR Kii-Katsuura Station

9:45 Kumano Mandala storytelling at Fudarakusan-ji Temple

10:30 Goma fire ritual at Gyōjadō Hall

11:00 Kumano Shugendo pilgrimage experience (Seiganto-ji Temple to Nachi Kogen Park)

12:00 Premium lunch at "Sonsho-in"

13:30 Tour ends / Return to JR Kii-Katsuura Station

Reservations are by request.

*Available Dates: Limited to Saturday, December 14th, or Saturday, December 21st

*The duration of the experience is 4 hours. 

*The application deadline is 7 business days before the desired date.

Place: Wakayama Prefecture, JR Kii-Katsuura Station

Dissolution Location: JR Kii-Katsuura Station.

Notes:

• Minimum of 2 participants required
• Participants must be 18 years or older
• Please select either "Tea Ceremony Experience" or "Shugendo Experience" when making your reservation
• The Shugendo Experience includes a 1.2 km (approximately 30-minute) walk along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route
• For the Shugendo Experience, please wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking

Tour Fee: The cost of the tour is 55,825 yen per person.

Included in the Tour Fee:  

Tea Ceremony Experience

• An English-speaking guide
• Heian-era costume experience fee
• Tea ceremony experience fee
• Lunch fee
• Round-trip transportation to/from Nachisan (departure and return at JR Kii-Katsuura Station)

Shugendo Experience

• An English-speaking guide
• Special admission fee for Fudarakusan-ji Temple
• Goma fire ritual experience fee at Gyōjadō Hall
• Kumano Shugendo experience fee
• Lunch fee
• Round-trip transportation to/from Nachisan (departure and return at JR Kii-Katsuura Station)

Not Included in the Tour Fee: Transportation to the site, beverage charges during lunch, and shopping expenses are not included.

The cancellation policy

• Refunds cannot be provided after the reservation is confirmed.