Destinations

Kii Katsura

“Whether you’re starting or finishing a Kumano Kodo hike, the coastal town of Kii-Katsura is a great place to unwind in hot spring baths overlooking the Pacific Ocean.”

Kii-Katsura is where the Kumano Kodo meets the Pacific Ocean. Once a quiet fishing port, the town’s fortunes changed when an abundance of hot springs were discovered here. Today the town’s shore line is dominated by many big onsen hotels. Non-guests can pay a small fee to use hotel hot springs.

The most intriguing of the Kii-Katsura hotels is Nakanoshima, on its own private island in the bay and accessible by a 5 minute ferry ride. The hotel has many outdoor hot spring baths dotted around the island; the perfect place to enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the rocks below your onsen bath.

Kii-Katsura’s other attraction here is the early morning fish market. On a smaller scale than Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, it’s interesting to see the morning tuna auction; an impressive showcase of the morning catch.

Products featuring Kii Katsura...

Small Group Tour

Emperors' Footsteps

Trekking 3 days on the Kumano pilgrim trail, a night in a luxurious island-hotel and an unforgettable stay in a mountain temple are followed by encounters with women pearl divers, ninjas and a samurai-period castle before climaxing in Japan`s cultural capital, Kyoto.

11 Nights: £2150

view tour »