A road trip through the sacred Kii mountains 
. Wander where emperors and pilgrims once travelled 
, visit thousand-year-old shrines 
, savour flavours 
made the same way for generations.
Key highlights
Immerse in rich culture and history
Taste regional flavours at the source
Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites
Discover where food traditions live on
Dine where emperors once did
Wander through towns steeped in history
Immerse in rich culture and history
Taste regional flavours at the source
Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites
Discover where food traditions live on
Dine where emperors once did
Wander through towns steeped in history
Immerse in rich culture and history
Taste regional flavours at the source
Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites
Discover where food traditions live on
Dine where emperors once did
Wander through towns steeped in history
Immerse in rich culture and history
Taste regional flavours at the source
Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites
Discover where food traditions live on
Dine where emperors once did
Wander through towns steeped in history
How the journey unfolds
Some experiences may vary with the seasons and opening days.
Pick up rental car at Wakayama City
Day 1
Spiritual hub of Wakayama
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Leave the city behind and head into Wakayama’s sacred mountains. Explore a spiritual sanctuary among the peaks, enjoy lunch at a Meiji-era restaurant, then continue to a quiet mountain town for the night.
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Day 2
The land of produce
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Wakayama’s sunshine, mountains and waters make for some seriously good produce. Browse a local farmers’ market, then visit a historic town to taste soy sauce still brewed the traditional way. If the weather plays nice, catch the sunset before settling into a coastal town.
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Day 3
Treasures of the coast
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Follow the coast south, stopping wherever the view or a good coffee calls. Tuck into a regional seafood speciality before visiting Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest waterfall, framed by its iconic three-storey pagoda. End the day by the Pacific Ocean.
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Day 4
Heritage of a thousand years
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Early risers can start with the morning tuna auction before breakfast. Then, head into the mountains to visit a grand shrine and stand beneath its immense otorii. For your final night, settle into your ryokan and enjoy a generous spread of Kumano flavours.
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Day 5
Prized plums
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Wind your way through the mountains on the drive back to the city. Along the way, pick up some of Wakayama’s prized Nanko ume, known for its rich, mellow flavour.
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Return rental car at Wakayama City
Pricing and inclusions
We’ve crafted the journey. We’ll arrange the details. You just need to enjoy the ride.
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
4 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.
Car rental
We partner with a reputable car rental company to arrange your rental with comprehensive insurance coverage, should you wish to extend your road trip beyond our tour.
Train reservation
Need help getting to your starting point, or continuing your journey? We can assist with train reservations connecting you to major cities and airports.
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
Petrol
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 walk it, drive it and make sure it works.
Here for you
The freedom of self-drive, 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 walk it, drive it and make sure it works.
Here for you
The freedom of self-drive, 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
Think of it as having the freedom of a road trip without spending weeks figuring out where to go. We’ve designed and tested the routes, and will arrange the key parts of your journey. You’ll drive at your own pace, following our day-by-day guide, with us just a message away.
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.
Driving in rural Japan is generally much easier than driving in big cities, with lighter traffic and quieter roads. We’ll recommend suitable routes based on accessibility and safety. You’ll just need to be comfortable driving on the left and navigating some narrower mountain roads.
If you’re not confident driving or it’s your first time driving in Japan, our hosted Signature Tour can be a good introduction. We’ll lead the way in convoy, so you can simply follow along and enjoy the journey.
Where driver services are available, we’re happy to help arrange one. However, in some remote areas of Japan, dedicated driver services can be unavailable. Taxis may get you from point to point, but they generally won’t wait while you explore. That’s why this journey is designed as self-drive, giving you the freedom to reach places that are harder to access otherwise. If you’d prefer not to drive, we also have other journeys designed around public transport, or get in touch about a bespoke trip.
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.
