Set in the peaceful wooded area of Wakayama Prefecture among magnificent ancient forests and towering sacred mountains, the secluded temple town of Koya San is one of Japan’s most enchanting destinations. First founded as a tranquil retreat in 816 by Kobo Daishi, one of Japan's most revered religious figures, the town is now inhabited by roughly 3000 people, features a university dedicated to religious studies as well as over a hundred sacred temples. Many of these temples provide accommodation offering visitors a taste of life as a traditional Buddhist monk. One of the main attractions is undoubtedly Okunoin, Koya San’s vast cemetery where you will find 200,000 stone stupas located under a thick canopy of cedar, pine and cypress trees; the remarkable Hall of Lanterns where 10 000 oil lamps burn continuously, and of course the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi. Koya San is a must-see destination for travellers interested in Buddhism, history, traditional culture and spectacular natural scenery.
Set in Japan's remote and spectacularly scenic Kansai region, the Kumano Kodo is a series of pilgrimage routes that wind their way around the Kii Hanto, Japan's largest peninsula. This sacred network of trails has been used for over 100 years and, along with the Camino de Santiago, is one of only two pilgrimage routes in the world to have been assigned world heritage status. In addition to exploring the Kumano area's many beautiful shrines and temples, visitors can look forward to discovering mighty rivers, relaxing hot springs, and towering mountains sprinkled with a number of breathtaking waterfalls. Don't miss 'The Three Grand Shrines of Kumano', which form the centre of this ancient spiritual route.
Located near the tip of the Shima Peninsula, the city of Shima forms part of the spectacular Ise-Shima National Park. The area is renowned for the legendary Ama divers, also known as the ‘Mermaids’ of Ise-Shima. Following an ancient tradition dating back 3000 years, these female divers make their living by free diving to the bottom of the sea to gather shellfish. The rugged coastline is dotted with forested islets, numerous bays and inlets, including Matayo Bay, famous for oyster cultivation and Ago Bay, known for its pearl cultivation. This seaside area is famed for its abundant variety of seafood, and visitors can indulge in fresh lobster, abalone and oysters. Popular activities include touring the islands on scenic boat cruises and visiting the Shima Spain-mura Village theme park and the prominent Ise-Jingu Shrine.
