Give your students a hands-on cultural and environmental learning experience in Wakayama. This add-on includes participation in the Kumano Kodo Restoration Program, where students help preserve one of Japan’s most sacred pilgrimage routes, followed by an authentic homestay in Shirahama. It’s a unique opportunity to explore sustainability, heritage conservation, and Japanese daily life in a meaningful way.
Japan add on: World Heritage, Kumano Kodo Restoration Program and Shirahama Homestay Experience
The Concept
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Itinerary Day By Day
DAY 1: OSAKA - KII-KATSUURA (D)
Check out of your accommodation and leave large luggage with reception. Bring a smaller bag with a change of clothes, toiletries, any medications and valuables to carry with you. Make your way by train (JR Kuroshio #1) from Shin Osaka to Kii-Katsuura. Upon arrival into Nachi-Katsuura catch a local bus (31 Nachisan Line) to Nachi-no-taki-mae.
Explore Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and the famous Nachi Falls. Return to Kii-Katsuura by bus and make your way to the port for a ferry transfer across to your accommodation and check-in. Make your way to the top of the hill on the island to take in the sunset and wonderful views over the ocean and town.
Return to your accommodation for an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner. Tonight you might like to enjoy Karaoke at your accommodation (own expense).
DAY 2: KII-KATSUURA - SHIRAHAMA (B)
After breakfast check out of your accommodation and make your away across to the Tuna Auction at the Katsuura Port Fish Market to learn about how the fresh seafood is sourced from the ocean, brought to market and then auctioned and distributed around Japan. See massive tuna being auctioned to fish mongers and restaurant chefs, and learn about what the buyers are searching for when buying quality fresh fish.
Ride a boat out to experience Tuna Farm Raising in massive fish tanks built out in the bay. Learn about the process of complete farm raising of tuna and how it is done, and experience feeding the tuna. Learn about the environment and food education through Tuna resource management in Nachikatsuura Town, which has Japan’s no.1 fresh Tuna catch port, and in Kushimoto Town where Kindai University is located (successful at completing aquaculture technology for the first time in the world).
This afternoon catch the train to Shirahama Town. On arrival meet with Host Families who will take you to their home for the night.
DAY 3: SHIRAHAMA - TANABE - OSAKA (BD)
After breakfast say goodbye to your Host Family and make your way to Tanabe City. Here you will take part in the Kumano Kodo Restoration Program and enjoy a guided Kumano Kodo walk.
Travel by train back to Osaka.
Have questions about the itinerary for the Japan add on: World Heritage, Kumano Kodo Restoration Program and Shirahama Homestay Experience tour? Need pricing info? Want to better understand how this tour could work for your students?
The G.E.T Educational Tours team is happy to help! To get started, reach out to our experienced tour consultants.
1300 660 835
contact@getours.com.au