Reset search
Japan, Kumano Kodo
  • Gary Bozin
  • Mary Ramirez
Current
  • Gary Bozin
  • Mary Ramirez

Japan, Kumano Kodo

An open-ended adventure by Gary & Mary Read more
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarPhotosPhotosShareShareBucket list
InsightsCalendarPhotos
  • Currently in
    🇯🇵 Aridagawa, Japan
    Japan, Kumano Kodo
    The start
    Need to find out about the red capsMandarin trees - lucky enough to find a few on the roadIndividually protectedMary found hot tea in a vending machineKoi farmPrivate tour by a Shintu priestOur bedroomDinner was so good. Local ingredients and home made soy sauceWeird noises from under the creek

    First day on the Komano Kodo

    4 hours ago in Japan ⋅ 🌙 9 °C

    Left Osaka early and navigated 3 trains to Shimizu-ura where we started our pilgrimage. We left the crowds behind as we hiked beautiful landscapes of citrus groves, bamboo and pines. Some pretty steep climbs and threats of rain but we stayed the course and we were rewarded with cultural insights and spiritual blessings.
    This is supposed to be the hike of 99 shrines but I think we saw that many today.
    We were met at the train station by Mikon the host of tonight's Ryokan. She prepared us a lovely meal and we're left to relax and enjoy a hot bath.    Read more

  • Japan, Kumano Kodo
    Park your baby while in the bathroomPesto Ramen

    O aka day 6

    Yesterday in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Visited a shrine with a luxury hotel built on top of it. Then back to Kuromon market for sushi and snacks. 2nd time eating the tuna rice ball which is super good. Sold at convenience stores and restaurants.
    Subway to the Osaka aquarium which was amazing. They have 2 whale sharks and an exhibit which takes you around the world.
    Italian inspired Ramen them a stop at a small whiskey bar.    Read more

  • Japan, Kumano Kodo
    Cherry blossom festival - petting zooUmeda Sky tower - two forty story buildings attached by a gardenWhiskey break

    Osaka day 5

    April 5 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Happy Easter! - 11am service at the Lifehouse international church. Young vibrant service and message.
    Walked along Okowa river. Huge cherry blossom festival. So many people picnicking under the trees. Lots of good street food, people watching and a river cruise.
    Metro and walk to the Uneda Sky Building. Walked home to energize with a so at a whiskey bar. Nice chat with an ausie.
    Delicious dinner near the hotel and a long walk around the neighborhood. We walk and always find new things.
    Ice cream, movie and bed.    Read more

  • Japan, Kumano Kodo
    Figured out the umbrella stand
    Just liked it1Velour seats on the subwayShinseki at nightTower viewTower selfie"Things as they ought to be."

    Osaka Day 4

    April 4 in Japan ⋅ 🌧 18 °C

    Osaka museum of housing and living. Very cool life size recreation of a neighborhood in Osaka in the 1830's. We'll done with lots of cool pictures, diaramas and full size exhibits. Sorry, no pictures.
    Walked back to Shinsekai the retro district.
    Went up the tower for a great 360 view of the city.
    Enjoyed a drink in a tiny stand up bar. Actually there were 6 seats. The owner kept 2 vacant for regulars. Nice conversation with him and the 2 spanish speaking tourists.
    Another good day of walking and sightseeing.    Read more

  • Japan, Kumano Kodo
    Abalone and otoro tunaShinsekiShe didn't want to be outdone by the cherry treesOsaka castleJapan's smallest shrineToo crowded. We thought it would be more intimateLate night dinner

    Osaka day 4

    April 3 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Covered lots of ground today. Started around the neighborhood to see moss statues and the cement little people.
    Another stop at Kumara market for another round of seafood. We'll be back.
    Walked to Shinseki (retro district) which was cool, need to get back there before we leave.
    Hotel pitstop then to Osaka castle for back to back walking tours. Shems from France gave us so much japan knowledge.
    The cherry blossoms are in full display!!!    Read more

  • Japan, Kumano Kodo
    Hotel coffee bar. So many choices, to make the perfect pour over
    TV while we showerDotonbori river1Largest mollusk I've seenToro to die forKitchenware streetKyocera stadium

    Osaka day 2

    April 2 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Coffee at the coffee bar in our hotel. This is a cool hotel.
    First stop Komura market. One food stall after another. We started with Toro, oysters and scallops. Great choice. The Toro was phenomenal. Then walked to the kitchenware street... there is one and it has everything. Unfortunately, we can't buy anything until after our hike.
    Lunch was a bowl of pork bone Ramen., delish.
    Then we were ready for some baseball, Japanese style. They are into it. They cheer, sing, there's percussion and horns and cheerleaders and everyone sings pretty much all the time. It was fun.
    A long walk, another Ramen home.    Read more

  • Japan, Kumano Kodo
    Bullet train
    Bento box for the rideOf course the trains bathroom has a bidetDodgers are haunting meOur HotelDotonbori riverOctopus balls- cheesy deliciousnessWagu beef

    Narita to Osaka

    April 1 in Japan ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    Navigated the bullet train to Osaka. Picked up Bento boxes for the ride. Only a slight hitch. Luckily I stuck my foot in the door and halted the train. No harm no foul. Amazing fast and smooth.
    Arrived in Osaka at our very unique hotel by 3pm. Great location too. Enjoyed walking out neighborhood in the rain. I think shopping is the national pastime.
    Got to try takoyaki (octopus balls), wagu beef and even Japanese whiskey.
    We're pretty jet lagged so back at the hotel by 9.    Read more

  • Japan, Kumano Kodo

    10 hour fight to Narita

    Mar 31–Apr 1 in Japan ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    Easy, comfortable flight got is to Tokyo, Narita airport at 9pm the next day. Booked a room near the airport to head to Osaka in the morning. No exciting meals yet.

    Trip start
    March 30, 2026
  • 2026© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice