Discover a slower side of Japan 
. Ride the rails, wander through small towns 
, savour the flavours of the land 
, and soak up the quiet rhythm of the spiritual heartland 
.
Key highlights
Discover where food traditions live on
Feel the pull of Japan’s spiritual heartland
Explore charming towns at your own pace
Taste what the land and sea have to offer
Walk through UNESCO World Heritage sites
Soak in natural hot springs
Discover where food traditions live on
Feel the pull of Japan’s spiritual heartland
Explore charming towns at your own pace
Taste what the land and sea have to offer
Walk through UNESCO World Heritage sites
Soak in natural hot springs
Discover where food traditions live on
Feel the pull of Japan’s spiritual heartland
Explore charming towns at your own pace
Taste what the land and sea have to offer
Walk through UNESCO World Heritage sites
Soak in natural hot springs
Discover where food traditions live on
Feel the pull of Japan’s spiritual heartland
Explore charming towns at your own pace
Taste what the land and sea have to offer
Walk through UNESCO World Heritage sites
Soak in natural hot springs
How the journey unfolds
Some experiences may vary with the seasons and opening days.
Start at Wakayama City
Day 1
Local treasures
 |
Begin with the flavours of Wakayama, travelling to a beautifully preserved town, where soy sauce is still traditionally brewed. As evening falls, arrive in a quiet city known as the gateway to Kumano.
|
Day 2
Sacred shrines & hot springs
 |
Journey into the Kumano mountains. Explore a grand shrine, stand beneath Japan’s largest torii gate and wander an ancient onsen town before settling into a ryokan surrounded by nature.
|
Day 3
Through old towns
 |
Follow the river through the heart of Kumano. Explore an historic town once central to the peninsula, then continue to a quiet fishing town where time seems to slow.
|
Day 4
Waterfalls & waves
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Spend the day at Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest waterfall, with its iconic three-storey pagoda. Then head back to the coast and unwind with an evening soak in a unique cave onsen.
|
Day 5
Along the coast
 |
Rise early for the first catch at the fish market, then savour one final scenic train ride along the Pacific coast before returning to the city.
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End at Wakayama City
Pricing and inclusions
We’ve crafted the journey. We’ll arrange the details. You just need to enjoy the way.
Price per pax |
|---|
| SGD 1,580 |
| + SGD 400 Single occupancy |
Price per pax |
|---|
| USD 1,250 |
| + SGD 320 Single occupancy |
Twin sharing is the default, with single rooms for solo travellers and odd-numbered groups. Other room arrangements may be requested, subject to availability.
Comfortable stays
Spend four cosy nights in hotels, ryokans (hot spring inns) and guesthouses curated by us. No budget or backpacker-style accommodation here.
See examples
3 dinners, 4 breakfasts
Start and end your days with hearty Japanese meals, from comforting breakfasts to generous dinners, right where you stay.
Day-by-day guide
Stay on track with our comprehensive guide, featuring your trip arrangements, recommended routes, and spots to get the most out of the experience.
Dedicated support
Speak to a frog, not a bot. We’ll prep you before you set off, and stay just a message away throughout your journey.
Train reservation
Need help getting to the starting point or onwards after the journey? We can assist with train reservations from places such as Kansai Airport, Osaka and Kyoto.
Our journeys are designed to be as smooth and enjoyable as possible. However, a few things aren’t included:
Flight
Visa fees if any
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Daily lunch
Local bus rides paid directly to driver
Activities outside of itinerary
Personal expenses (Shopping, snacks, etc)
New Year’s, Golden Week, Obon holiday rates
When to go
Season
Winter
Inland mountains
-3°C to 4°C
Coastal areas
3°C to 10°C
Rainfall
115mm
Peak of winter. Occasional snow in the mountains and clear skies along the coast. Slightly shorter daylight hours. Serene hiking trails, misty forests, and peaceful onsens.
Season
Winter
Inland mountains
-2°C to 5°C
Coastal areas
4°C to 11°C
Rainfall
125mm
Still cold, with frosty mornings and light snow possible at higher altitudes. Early plum blossoms peek out in milder areas. Enjoy quiet trails and mist-shrouded forests. The fire festival takes place in Shingu early February.
Season
Spring
Inland mountains
1°C to 9°C
Coastal areas
7°C to 14°C
Rainfall
155mm
Transitioning to spring. Days grow longer, forests begin to stir. Early cherry blossoms may appear near the coast and in orchard groves. A calm, refreshing time to explore without many people.
Season
Spring
Inland mountains
5°C to 14°C
Coastal areas
12°C to 19°C
Rainfall
190mm
Mild, dry, and fresh. Cherry blossoms hit full bloom across the region: around shrines, waterfalls, and temple towns. Perfect weather for camping, picnics, or simply walking through nature. Chance to catch the traditional Kumano Hongu Taisha Festival in mid-April.
Season
Spring
Inland mountains
10°C to 18°C
Coastal areas
16°C to 23°C
Rainfall
240mm
Sunny and lively, with greenery everywhere. Occasional showers may occur toward the end of the month. Golden Week (first week of May) draws domestic crowds. Otherwise peaceful trails, peak flowering season, and great weather for the outdoors.
Season
Summer
Inland mountains
15°C to 21°C
Coastal areas
20°C to 26°C
Rainfall
335mm
The rainy season begins. It’s humid, with frequent showers and occasional downpours. The misty forests and moody cloudscape take on a mystical vibe, excellent for dramatic photography. Flowers are still in peak season, and the crowds thin out.
Season
Summer
Inland mountains
19°C to 25°C
Coastal areas
24°C to 30°C
Rainfall
290mm
Hot, humid, and vibrant. Rainy season tapers off by mid-July. Green mountains, clear rivers, and warm beaches. Great time for dips and swims in the region. Witness the enchanting fire festival in the grand Nachi shrine mid-month.
Season
Summer
Inland mountains
20°C to 26°C
Coastal areas
25°C to 31°C
Rainfall
265mm
Peak summer. Still hot and humid, but things start cooling slightly at month’s end. Ideal for lazy river days or stargazing at camp. The Obon holidays (mid-August) bring festive crowds and ancestral celebrations. Big fireworks displays by the beach.
Season
Autumn
Inland mountains
16°C to 23°C
Coastal areas
22°C to 28°C
Rainfall
295mm
Still warm, but the first signs of autumn appear. Rice paddies turn golden. There’s a chance of typhoons (always check the forecast). Mornings are pleasant and perfect for the outdoors.
Season
Autumn
Inland mountains
9°C to 17°C
Coastal areas
16°C to 23°C
Rainfall
210mm
Cool, crisp, and dry. Fall foliage begins in higher elevations in the mountains. Forests are vibrant and skies are clear. Perfect for long walks, scenic drives, and outdoor activities.
Season
Autumn
Inland mountains
3°C to 11°C
Coastal areas
10°C to 17°C
Rainfall
170mm
Peak autumn colour in the mountains and valleys. The air is cool and fresh. It’s an ideal time for any kind of outdoor activity, with fewer bugs and stunning views.
Season
Winter
Inland mountains
-1°C to 6°C
Coastal areas
5°C to 12°C
Rainfall
120mm
Chilly inland, mild on the coast. A peaceful and spiritual time to explore. Light snow may dust the higher mountains, but nothing deep. Excellent for onsen stays, winter walks, and visits to sacred sites.
Journey through Japan’s largest peninsula
Why follow the frogs
Intentionally curated
We handpick every location with care, before it earns a place on our journeys.
Arrangements sorted
Sit back while we take care of the details, so you can focus on the journey.
Ground-tested
We don’t just map it out. We navigate it, walk it, and make sure it works.
Here for you
The freedom of self-exploration, with a friendly frog just a message away.
Intentionally curated
We handpick every location with care, before it earns its spot.
Arrangements sorted
Sit back while we take care of the details, so you can focus on the journey.
Ground-tested
We don’t just map it out. We navigate it, walk it, and make sure it works.
Here for you
The freedom of self-exploration, with a friendly frog just a message away.
Fill out our trip form
Share your preferred dates, group size and travel details.
Let’s make it happen
We’ll check availability and answer your questions.
Lock it in
A 50% deposit confirms your journey.
Leave the groundwork to us
We’ll arrange your stays, experiences and agreed add-ons.
Get ready to go
Settle the balance 30 days before departure. We’ll walk you through your journey on a call, and send you everything you need.
Follow the frogs!
Turn up, pick up your keys and hit the road.
Wondering where on earth this part of Japan is? Here are estimated journey times from some familiar spots to Wakayama City.
Nearest airports
🚆 Kansai International Airport (KIX): 50 min
Nearest cities
🚆 Osaka: 1h 10min
🚆 Kyoto: 1h 30min
🚆 Nara: 2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
No, our journeys are self-guided, designed for independent travel. We’ve planned the route and will handle the key arrangements, while our comprehensive day-by-day guide helps you navigate the journey. We’re always just a phone call or message away if you need us.
This journey is designed around Japan’s trains and buses. We’ll provide the essential transport details and guidance so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
Not at all. Our journeys are carefully planned to keep travel times and transfers manageable. We’ll give you clear instructions for each leg of the journey, so you can travel with confidence.
Our journeys cover the accommodation, meals and experiences included in the proposed itinerary. Every detail is carefully researched and thoughtfully arranged, so you can simply follow the plan and enjoy the journey. For a full breakdown, please refer to the pricing and inclusions section.
Our journeys are carefully designed as complete experiences, so we generally recommend following the route as planned. If you’re looking to make significant changes or create something different, we’d be happy to plan a bespoke trip instead.
More Japan waiting
You journey, your way
Looking for something beyond our curated journeys? We can create something completely bespoke for you.
Your journey, your way
Looking for something beyond our curated journeys? We can create something completely bespoke for you.
Follow us, literally
A few times a year, we open up a small number of hosted tours for a deeper, more personal way to experience the Kii Peninsula. We’ll travel convoy-style through the places we know and love best.
