Mossy stone steps lead uphill through a dense forest of tall cedar trees, dappled with sunlight along the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.

Kumano, Japan

Cruises to Kumano

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Things to do in Kumano

Kumano is understatement turned unforgettable, inviting curiosity and contemplation in equal measure. Whether you're drawn to ancient pilgrimage trails or peaceful coastal retreats, this port destination is a tapestry of spiritual depth and raw natural energy.

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  • Stone steps wind through a misty forest of tall cedar trees along the moss-covered Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail in Japan.

    Hike segments of the Kumano Kodo, the ancient pilgrimage trails linking the three sacred shrines—Hongū Taisha, Nachi Taisha and Hayatama Taisha—through cedar forests and sacred waypoints.

  • The vibrant orange Kumano Nachi Pagoda stands against the backdrop of a lush green forest and the dramatic Kumano Nachi Waterfall cascading down the cliffs.

    Feel the spray of the 133-meter Nachi Waterfall beside Kumano Nachi Taisha (Japan’s tallest single-tiered cascade and one of its most iconic spiritual sites).

  • Visitors walk through rice fields toward the massive Otorii gate of Kumano Hongu Taisha, surrounded by forested mountains.

    Step beneath the grand Torii of Kumano Hongū Taisha, melding myth and geography at one of Japan’s most iconic spiritual thresholds.

  • A narrow stream runs through Yunomine Onsen, lined with old wooden bathhouses, colorful pipes and traditional homes nestled in forested hills.

    Soak in the historic waters of Yunomine Onsen, where pilgrims have purified themselves for over 1,000 years.

  • Two people wearing orange life vests paddle a red kayak through a calm forested lake surrounded by green hills under a clear sky.

    Kayak along inlets and river paths once used by medieval pilgrims as part of a Kumano Kodo Ocean Trail adventure.

  • Rock-lined outdoor hot spring pool with milky blue water sits beside a calm bay, surrounded by greenery and forested mountains in Nachikatsuura, Japan.

    Relax in a clifftop bath at Nanki-Katsuura Onsen, where hot springs meet the Pacific in one of Japan’s most scenic seaside settings.

  • Two cyclists ride mountain bikes along a rugged dirt path through dense green forest, surrounded by trees and exposed roots.

    Trek or cycle through the forested roads between Hayatama Taisha and Hongū Taisha, blending physical activity with spiritual discovery.

  • A winding river cuts through steep, rocky cliffs covered in autumn foliage and evergreen trees, with people exploring the boulders along Dorokyo Gorge.

    Cruise through the dramatic stone corridors of Doro-kyo Gorge, proving that some of nature’s carvings are best seen by water.

  • Traditional Japanese houses with tiled roofs sit at the base of a green forested mountain along a rocky riverbank in a rural Kumano town.

    Dive into the region’s local culture in the villages that dot the Kii Peninsula for fresh seafood, artisan crafts and authentic culture.

  • A small stone Jizo statue wearing a red bib sits inside a wooden shelter on a mossy forest path, surrounded by towering trees and soft dappled light.

    Follow the trail of the Oji shrines, a collection of 99 small sanctuaries that add rhythm and meaning to every step along the Kumano Kodo.

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Experience the Kumano port on your next cruise

Kumano isn’t the kind of place you ‘see’ — it’s one you let wash over you. The approach by ship sets a contemplative tone, revealing mountains that rise like quiet sentinels and coastlines that seem untouched by time. This port offers rare access to a sacred corner of Japan, a place where traditions are practiced more than performed. Step ashore and find yourself tracing the same routes once walked by emperors and ascetics. With its mix of pilgrimage paths, seaside onsens and enduring spiritual customs, Kumano turns your cruise into something quietly unforgettable.

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10-Day Japan Explorer with Kumano Fireworks

Roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

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A voyage attuned to Kumano’s rhythm, with Princess Cruises

Getting to Kumano is part of the magic, and Princess makes sure it’s all smooth sailing. This port may feel far from the pace of the modern world, but arriving here feels like stepping into a rhythm that’s calm, intentional and beautifully uninterrupted. We handle the logistics, so you can focus on what matters: watching the coastline appear like a woodblock print come to life, joining immersive experiences ashore and returning each evening to comforts that are as restorative as the onsens themselves. Princess brings you closer to Japan’s spiritual heart, and cruises to Kumano ensure that every step — and sail — feels deeply adventurous without losing sight of what makes a journey relaxing.

Cruise to Kumano
A traditional Japanese village with wooden houses and red tile roofs situated in a green mountain valley, with a person in traditional dress walking along a road beside a wooden railing.

Traditional village nestled in the lush mountains of the Kumano region, where ancient pilgrimage routes wind through scenic valleys.

Close-up view of traditional Japanese temple roof architecture featuring curved clay tiles, ornate wooden brackets, and decorative elements typical of Kumano shrine construction.

Intricate architectural details of a Kumano shrine, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of sacred buildings along the pilgrimage trail.

Ships sailing to Kumano

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Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess®

Diamond Princess carries a reverence for Japanese culture to every deck. Enjoy sushi crafted by master chefs, relax in the Izumi Bath with views of open sea and take in performances that echo the spirit of the country’s most timeless traditions. After a day exploring Kumano’s sacred sites, returning to this ship feels central to the experience — reflective, restorative and remarkably immersive.

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Sapphire Princess

Sapphire Princess®

On Sapphire Princess, your journey to Kumano is mindfully crafted from start to finish. Savor dishes inspired by local ingredients, unwind with spa treatments that draw from Eastern wellness traditions and take in the scenery from expansive decks made for slow, meaningful moments. Just like Kunao, this ship understands the power of pacing.

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Let Princess get you there with travel, airfare & hotels

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  • Princess EZair

    Princess EZAir® Flights

    Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airline, allow you to book early and pay later with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages. Please note: Princess EZair® is only available in certain markets.

    Learn more about Princess EZAir
  • airplane to ship transfer

    Airplane to Ship Transfer

    Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

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  • Cruise Plus hotel packages

    Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

    Extend your cruise vacation and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the representative’s services.

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Cruise deals and promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you can win prizes.

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Escape to the open sea with Princess Cruises.

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