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.
