Ancient Traditions and Space Exploration: A 3-Day Luxury Tour in Wakayama

Experiencing the KAIROS Rocket Launch Viewing Tour

I've visited Wakayama several times for my work as a photographer, and I have always found the region's natural beauty and rich spiritual traditions to be a great source of inspiration.

Recently, however, I had the opportunity to participate in a completely new and unique experience: the KAIROS rocket launch viewing tour, which left a profound impression on me.

Set against the breathtaking coastal beauty of Wakayama, this three-day luxury tour offers an extraordinary blend of ancient spirituality and cutting-edge space exploration.

From participating in sacred ceremonies at the historic Kumano temples to witnessing the awe-inspiring Kairos rocket launch, this journey seamlessly connects the rich spirituality of the Kumano region with the marvels of modern technology.

Luxury accommodations, fresh local cuisine, and immersive experiences await, making it a unique adventure that bridges heaven and earth. Here are some of the highlights I experienced as a participant in the tour.

Day One: Ancient Spiritual Beginnings

My journey began at Fudarakusanji Temple in Kushimoto, nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kumano.

This temple is known as the departure point for Buddhist priests sailing out into the southern sea in search of Kannon’s Southern Pure Land paradise called Fudarakusan. The Goma fire ceremony that followed was nothing short of extraordinary.

A group of local Yamabushi monks (*) chanted and played their conch shells, their deep, resonant tones adding to the sacred atmosphere. Walking past the monks to place my prayer stick into the roaring fire made me feel deeply connected to the ritual.

Afterwards, I had the privilege of meeting one of the Yamabushi, who showed me how to blow their ceremonial conch shell—an unforgettable moment of connection with this ancient spiritual tradition.

After the fire ceremony, we headed to the port town of Nachikatsu-ura where I boarded a small ferry that took me on a short 5-minute boat ride to Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima, a luxury island retreat.

On arrival, I was greeted by friendly staff and taken through a tunnel to the opposite side of the island, where my room faced a picturesque view of the bay.

The view from the room created an immediate sense of relaxation. Dinner that evening was a culinary journey featuring local abalone with yuzu zest, an assortment of sashimi of locally caught tuna, and a shabu-shabu hot pot with three varieties of wagyu beef from Kobe, Matsusaka, and also the local variety from Kumano.

These delicacies were beautifully accompanied by Nachinotake Junmaishu sake. This pure sake, made from the sacred water of Nachi Falls, added a spiritual depth to an already exquisite meal and a fitting end to the evening.

*Yamabushi: Mountain ascetics following the spiritual tradition of Shugendo, a syncretic religion combining elements of Buddhist and Shinto.

Day Two: The Thrill of the Rocket Launch

The morning began with quiet anticipation as I boarded a private cruise boat. The friendly captain—a local with a wealth of knowledge—pointed out landmarks along the southern coast of Wakayama, including the iconic Hashigui Iwa rocks.

These towering stone formations, said to resemble a row of bridge pillars, were particularly striking against the clear blue sky. Along the way, he shared fascinating stories about the area’s geological history and cultural significance.

Picture courtesy of Spaceport Kii ©スペースポート紀伊周辺地域協議会

As we found the perfect vantage point on the water, the countdown to the rocket launch began. The Kairos rocket, a marvel of engineering, roared to life and ascended into the sky, leaving a white trail behind.

The sight was breathtaking, a powerful reminder of human ingenuity set against the tranquility of nature. The juxtaposition of cutting-edge technology with the serene seascape was unforgettable.

After the launch, we enjoyed a locally prepared bento lunch while overlooking a pristine beach. The carefully curated meal featured seasonal ingredients and was a perfect complement to the stunning coastal views. The peaceful atmosphere provided a moment of reflection after the high-energy spectacle of the launch.

Dinner that evening was an unforgettable experience, prepared by a local chef and served at the dramatic Ichimaiiwa cliff. As a prelude to the meal, we watched an exciting replay of the dramatic launch projected onto the cliff wall, setting a thrilling tone for the night.

The menu showcased modern cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients, featuring dishes such as river fish paired with grilled eggplant salsa, spaghetti with wild boar ragout, and a platter of venison steak alongside perfectly seared Kumano wagyu beef.

The day ended with the sense of having witnessed something extraordinary, both in the natural world and in human innovation.

Day Three: Hands-On Space Exploration

The day began with an unforgettable soak in Nakanoshima Island’s outdoor onsen. From the hot, soothing water, I gazed out at the calm sea, the gentle waves lapping against the rocks. The tranquility of the scene was a perfect start to the day, leaving me refreshed and inspired.

Later, we delved into the science behind the spectacle we’d witnessed the day before. Guided by an expert rocket engineer, we built and launched our own model rockets.

Learning about the intricate science behind rocket launches was absolutely fascinating! The engineer’s detailed explanations made the complexity of rocket science more accessible, and their passion for space exploration was contagious.

The hands-on activity added a new layer of appreciation for the ingenuity and precision involved in this cutting-edge technology. Seeing the culmination of our efforts as our model rockets soared skyward was a moment of pure exhilaration and pride.

As the tour concluded and we departed from Kumano-Shirahama Resort Airport, I reflected on the seamless blend of ancient culture, luxury, and the future of space travel that this journey had offered.

From the spiritual grounding of the Goma fire ceremony to the awe-inspiring rocket launch and the hands-on exploration of space science, every moment was thoughtfully designed to create a connection between the past, present, and future.

It was an experience that transcended time and space, leaving me with memories I’ll treasure forever.

How to Join This Exclusive Experience

The KAIROS rocket launch viewing tour is an exclusive experience with limited seats. Please note that the tour is held only when rocket launches take place.

Each package costs 500,000 yen per person (excluding tax) and includes accommodations, dining, and all activities.

Don’t miss the chance to witness history while immersed in the beauty and tradition of Kumano. Apply via this link to secure your place on this unforgettable journey.

All photos by Chris Mollison.