Wakayama Boat Tours
The boat tours in Shingu, Wakayama Prefecture, commenced in March, allowing travelers to explore a historic pilgrimage route with breathtaking views of the Doro-kyo gorge.
These tours navigate the Kumanogawa river, linking two significant shrines: the Kumano Hongu Taisha in Tanabe and the Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu.
This river segment is part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The official season began on March 1 with a ceremonial event that included a Shinto ritual performed by a priest to ensure a safe and successful season.
This year’s inaugural boat set sail with six passengers, five of whom were international visitors, including one from Switzerland.
In previous years, the tours attracted approximately 5,000 passengers, with more than 60% coming from abroad.
Safety remains a top priority, as emphasized by Shigeyasu Shimosaka, the head of the public corporation responsible for boat operations.
The tours typically run until the end of November, with ticket prices set at 4,950 yen ($33) for adults and 2,200 yen for children.
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