Go to Featured Articles Top Page[LIMITED] Exclusive Dining Experiences at Kumano's World Heritage: Savor Gourmet Delights and Discover Unique Charms PLAN 1:Exclusive Access to Nachi Taisha: Premium Kaiseki Dining with Local Sake and Sacred Performances -World Heritage ExperienceVisit our reservation page here.◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆PLAN 2: A Luxurious Kumano Specialties Lunch Featuring Premium Local Delicacies with One of the Options -World Heritage ExperienceOption A: Tea Ceremony in a Historic Tearoom Opened to the Public for the First Time, Dressed in Traditional AttireOption B: Explore Japan's Sacred Shinto and Buddhist Beliefs with a Mountain Monk Through an Ancient Spiritual PracticeVisit our reservation page here.◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆PLAN 3: Exclusive Tuna Preparation and Tasting Experience at the Renowned Tuna Market in KatsuuraVisit our reservation page here.◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆ ＊The details of each plan are listed below, so please be sure to read through to the end! PLAN 1: Exclusive Access to Nachi Taisha: Premium Kaiseki Dining with Local Sake and Sacred PerformancesTour DescriptionImmerse yourself in an extraordinary experience at the World Heritage Kumano Nachi Taisha, reserved exclusively for you after its gates close to the public. Begin the evening with a rare, officially sanctioned nighttime visit to the shrine, followed by a serene dining experience within the sacred grounds.Savor an exquisite Kaiseki meal crafted by the master chef, where each dish and its presentation embodies the spiritual essence of the Kumano Mandala. This luxurious dining experience delights not only your palate but also your eyes. Accompanying the meal is a selection of Kumano’s finest local sake, brewed using the sacred waters of Nachi Falls. As a grand finale, enjoy a traditional performance of music and ritual art, offered as a sacred dedication to the shrine.This exclusive, one-of-a-kind experience promises to become an unforgettable highlight of your visit, creating memories that will last a lifetime.Kumano Nachi Taisha [World Heritage Site]Kumano Nachi Taisha is one of the revered "Three Grand Shrines of Kumano" and serves as the head shrine of over 4,000 Kumano shrines across Japan. Its origins lie in the ancient worship of nature, particularly the Nachi Falls, regarded as a divine presence. In 317 AD, the gods of the falls and Kumano were enshrined at their current location. Together with the neighboring Seiganto-ji Temple on Mount Nachi, the shrine remains a central pillar of Kumano’s spiritual heritage, attracting deep reverence and exuding an aura of sanctity to this day. "Tadashi Takemura", Head Chef at "NAKANOSHIMA"With nearly 30 years of experience in the culinary department at NAKANOSHIMA, Tadashi Takemura honed his skills over many years, serving as a specialist in traditional Japanese soup dishes (Wanmono) for over 15 years. In 2022, he was appointed Head Chef. His dedication to the carefully selected ingredients of the Kii Peninsula and his passion for Japanese cuisine fuel his pursuit of perfection in both flavor and presentation."Tyjun Nagayama", Calligraphy Artist and PerformerTyjun Nagayama picked up a calligraphy brush for the first time at the age of 4 and obtained his artist name at 22. At 35, he began studying under Kansho Miyashita, after which he officially launched his career as a calligraphy artist. Through the art of "Shodo" (Japanese calligraphy), he continues to express the unique beauty inherent in Japanese culture. Event DetailsDates: Friday, December 13, 2024, and Friday, December 20, 2024Time: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PMLocation: World Heritage Site, "Kumano Nachi Taisha"Price: ¥89,320 JPY (Taxes included.)Visit our reservation page for more details.◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆PLAN 2: A Luxurious Kumano Specialties Lunch Featuring Premium Local Delicacies with One of the Options.Choose either A or B. OPTION A: Experience Tea Ceremony in "Takijuan," a Historic Tearoom Opened to the Public for the First Time, Dressed in Traditional AttireOPTION B: Explore Japan's Sacred Shinto and Buddhist Beliefs with a Mountain Monk Through “Kumano Shugendo*”, an Ancient Spiritual PracticeSpecial LunchAfter each experience, you will enjoy a luxurious 'Kumano Tamatebako Special Lunch' served in Kishu lacquerware at the exclusively opened Sonsho-in, while taking in the magnificent view of the Three-Story Pagoda and Nachi Falls. The 'Tamatebako' (a traditional treasure box) symbolizes the sacred treasures of Kumano, offering a rare and unforgettable dining experience.*About “Kumano Shugendo”Since ancient times, Kumano has been revered as a sacred realm for both gods and Buddhas. It became a spiritual training ground for ascetics and a center of mountain Buddhism. Starting in the 8th century, pilgrimages to Kumano grew in popularity, especially following the Emperor's visit in 1090. This led to the development of Kumano Shugendo, a unique spiritual discipline combining Shinto and Buddhist practices. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kumano remains a central pillar of Japan’s sacred traditions.Tour DetailsDates: Saturday, December 14, 2024, and Saturday, December 21, 2024Time: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PMLocation: World Heritage Site, "Nachi-san Seiganto-ji" TemplePrice: ¥55,825 JPY (Taxes included.)Visit our reservation page for more details.◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆PLAN 3: Exclusive Tuna Preparation and Tasting Experience at the Renowned Tuna Market in KatsuuraTour DescriptionKatsuura, renowned for its premier tuna fishing grounds and home to Japan's oldest tuna market, offers an exclusive after-hours experience at the Nigiwai Market. Under the guidance of expert tuna chefs, you'll have the opportunity to prepare fresh tuna in an open kitchen setting. This luxury experience allows you to slice and cook your own tuna, creating exquisite dishes to savor. Katsuura, known for its high-quality tuna, is recognized as the place where tuna come to drink the mineral-rich seawater, making it an ideal fishing ground.This unique experience lets you enjoy the finest whole tuna from Katsuura, a rare opportunity to savor premium fresh tuna in a way you can only experience here. Indulge in this one-of-a-kind "luxury tuna feast" along with the cooking experience.Tour DetailsDates: Saturday, December 14, 2024, and Saturday, December 21, 2024Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PMLocation: Katsuura Fishing Port, "Nigiwai Market"Price: ¥78,155 JPY (Taxes included.)Visit our reservation page for more details.
