A 12-Day Pilgrimage Through Sacred Japan

From Kyoto to the Kumano Mountains

19th November to 2nd December 2026

see the itinerary

Leaves turn crimson

the temple grows

quiet and still.

Momiji shite

tera wa shizuka ni

narinikeri

–Yosa Buson

From Kyoto to the Kumano Mountains

Like the thousands of Shinto shrines that dot the landscape and form a nexus over the entire Japanese archipelago, each shrine being the earthly home of one or more deities who took part in giving birth to these islands and peoples, and further there being an equal number of Buddhist temples co-existing alongside these Shinto shrines, it seems that when you get below the modern façade of Japan, you become present to a kind of spiritual aura or blanket that seems to envelope the entire nation from north to south.

Each autumn, the Koyo (紅葉) season in late autumn is revered as much as the cherry blossom season in early April, a time when the maples of Japan turn brilliant shades of crimson and gold, and the ancient pilgrimage routes of the Kansai region become especially beautiful and contemplative.

This November we invite you to join us on a twelve-day spiritual and cultural journey through some of Japan’s most sacred landscapes, beginning in Kyoto and culminating along the historic Kumano pilgrimage routes of the Kii Peninsula.

“One’s only final home is the open way itself, just travelling on.”

— Matsuo Bashō

Our pilgrimage begins with several days in Kyoto, the former imperial capital and one of the great spiritual centers of East Asia.

From there, the pilgrimage proper begins, traveling first to Nara, the cradle of classical Japanese Buddhism, then a visit to Ise and Ise Grand Shrines, often thought to be the spiritual home of Japan. Onward the journey continues to the mountaintop monastic center of Kōyasan, headquarters of the Shingon Buddhist tradition.

The final stage of our journey follows sections of the legendary Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage network of trails. Walking along the Nakahechi pilgrimage trail, we will pass through traditional mountain villages and stay in local inns before reaching the sacred hot springs of Yunomine.

The pilgrimage concludes with visits to the three great Kumano shrines, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha, culminating beside the cascading waters of Nachi Falls, one of Japan’s most revered natural wonders.

If you would like to find out more please contact:

Nicholas Allan: +44 7875 488956

We look forward to sharing this magical journey and pilgrimage of spirit with you.