Walking the Sea's Japan Heritage and Mountain's World Heritage: 'Living with Whales' Japan Heritage Walk on Kumano Kodo Takanozaka [WEST EXPRESS Ginga Hospitality Event]

The Kumano-nada Whaling Culture Preservation Council (within the Higashimuro Promotion Bureau Regional Development Division / located in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture) will hold a walking event titled "'Living with Whales' Japan Heritage Walk in World Heritage Kumano Kodo Takanozaka" on Saturday, July 4, 2026. This event commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Japan Heritage designation for "Living with the Whales of the Kumano Sea" and serves as a hospitality event for the sightseeing train "WEST EXPRESS Ginga".

This event starts and ends at JR Shingu Station. Participants will tour the Kumano Kodo Takanozaka, a component asset of the World Heritage "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range", and surrounding Japan Heritage cultural properties with a local guide. The aim is to experience the charm of the region where the "Sea's Japan Heritage (Whales)" and the "Mountain's World Heritage (Kumano Kodo)" meet, and to feel the history and culture of a life centered around whaling.

Event Overview

Name: "Living with Whales" Japan Heritage Walk in World Heritage Kumano Kodo Takanozaka

Date and Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026, 10:00 AM - 1:10 PM
*Event will be held in light rain. May be canceled or changed in severe weather.

Meeting Point: JR Shingu Station (2-1-1 Jofuku, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture)

Walk Course: World Heritage Kumano Kodo Takanozaka and surrounding Japan Heritage cultural properties

Organizer: Kumano-nada Whaling Culture Preservation Council (within the Higashimuro Promotion Bureau Regional Development Division)

Background and Purpose

In the Higashimuro region of Wakayama Prefecture, people have lived with the whales of the Kumano Sea since ancient times, fostering unique beliefs, food culture, and festivals through whaling. These cultures have been recognized as Japan Heritage under the theme "Living with Whales." Additionally, the area around Shingu City is rich in historical and cultural resources, including the World Heritage Kumano Kodo.

This event aims to:
- Provide an opportunity to learn about the region's whaling culture anew on the milestone of the 10th anniversary of the Japan Heritage designation.
- Allow participants to experience the story connecting the "sea" and the "mountains" through the view of the Kumano Sea from the World Heritage Kumano Kodo Takanozaka.
- Propose a new way to enjoy travel by combining a train journey with a walk, targeting visitors including passengers of the sightseeing train "WEST EXPRESS Ginga."

Main Content and Schedule (Tentative)

9:30 AM - Gather at JR Shingu Station, start reception
9:35 AM - Welcome the WEST EXPRESS Ginga
10:00 AM - Start guided walk (towards Kumano Kodo Takanozaka)
- Walk on the World Heritage Kumano Kodo Takanozaka
- Visit Japan Heritage cultural properties, learn about the history of life with whales
- Guidance and photo opportunities at viewpoints overlooking the Kumano Sea
12:51 PM - Board route bus (return trip / pay fare individually)
1:07 PM - Arrive back at JR Shingu Station, disband, receive souvenirs

*The itinerary and times may change depending on weather, traffic conditions, and participants' walking pace.

Highlights and Features

1. Experience "Sea's Japan Heritage" and "Mountain's World Heritage" at once
Enjoy the culture of life nurtured with the whales of the Kumano Sea (Japan Heritage) and the Kumano Kodo, a pilgrimage route to the Kumano Sanzan recognized globally as a World Heritage site, all on one walking course.

2. Commentary by experienced local guides
Knowledgeable local guides will accompany the walk, providing easy-to-understand explanations about:
- The lives and beliefs of people who lived with whales
- The meaning of cultural properties and landscapes along the ancient road
- Modern efforts to continue whaling culture

3. Souvenirs of local products and whale-themed items
All participants will receive souvenirs of local products and items related to whales. You can take home the bounty of the Kumano Sea along with the knowledge gained from the walk.

4. Collaboration with the sightseeing train "WEST EXPRESS Ginga"
Positioned as a hospitality project for those visiting Shingu on the "WEST EXPRESS Ginga," this event proposes a stay-type enjoyment combining train travel, walking, and nature/cultural experiences.

Application Guidelines

Capacity: 20 people
*If the number of applicants is less than the capacity, same-day participation may be possible.
*For healthy individuals capable of long walks.

Participation Fee: 1,000 yen (includes guide fee, insurance, and souvenir costs)

Application Method: Please apply using one of the following methods:
1) FAX: 0735-21-9640
2) Email: e1307201@pref.wakayama.lg.jp
3) Microsoft Forms: https://forms.office.com/r/7TAhjFXFpj

Application Deadline: Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Required Information (for email/FAX applications):
- Subject: "Japan Heritage Walk Application"
- Name (with furigana)
- Age
- Address
- Phone number (reachable during the day)
- Email address
- Number of participants
- Whether or not using WEST EXPRESS Ginga

Participation Notes

- Participants are responsible for paying the fare for the route bus taken during the walk.
- Please wear comfortable walking clothes and shoes, and bring a hat, rain gear, and drinks.
- The event may be canceled or changed if safety cannot be ensured due to severe weather or warnings. In such cases, participants will be notified by email or phone by the day before.
- Please refrain from participating if you are feeling unwell.
- Please refrain from participating if you have symptoms such as fever.
- Mask-wearing may be requested depending on the situation.

Media Information

On the day of the event, media coverage of participants and guide commentary is possible at the meeting point of JR Shingu Station and various points along the walk course. Media representatives wishing to cover the event should contact the inquiry address below at least two days before the event for preparation purposes.

Main photo/video opportunities on the day (tentative):
- Orientation and departure scene at JR Shingu Station
- Viewpoint overlooking the Kumano Sea from Kumano Kodo Takanozaka
- Commentary scene in front of Japan Heritage cultural properties
- Distribution of souvenirs at the end of the event

Contact Information

Kumano-nada Whaling Culture Preservation Council (within the Higashimuro Promotion Bureau Regional Development Division)
〒647-8551
4-8 Midorigaoka 2-chome, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture
TEL: 0735-21-9649
FAX: 0735-21-9640
Email: e1307201@pref.wakayama.lg.jp