2 Days Kumano Kodo trekking, Japan

You can view the duration, average completion time, and daily elevation gain and loss for the route in the itinerary on the website.

A regular hiking habit may be beneficial, as this route is considered the most challenging section of the Nakahechi route on the Kumano Kodo, with significant elevation changes throughout.

We’ll meet at Shingu Station in the morning on Day 1 before boarding the bus to Kumano Hongu Shrine. After visiting the shrine, we’ll proceed to the trailhead.

Accommodation will be reserved by the guide upon booking confirmation. You’ll stay in a traditional Japanese-style onsen ryokan in the Kawayu Onsen hot spring area. I will do my best to accommodate your preferences and special requests, such as a private shower room or specific food preferences. However, please understand that availability may take priority over preferences, as reservations can be challenging to secure.

The guide will also arrange a lunch box that can be delivered to us along the way. Additionally, there’s a bakery in Shingu City that opens at 6 am. I love this bakery and often enjoy their bread for breakfast or as snacks on the trail. If you’d like to visit before departure, let me know, and we can grab some.

No permits are required to enter the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail. However, travel insurance is strongly recommended for any international trip, especially as this activity takes place in the wilderness, which carries some risk of injury or illness.

As a former nurse coordinator with an insurance company handling emergency cases for foreign nationals in Japan, I highly recommend having insurance coverage, regardless of your current health. Additionally, please ensure that vaccinations, such as tetanus, are up to date. Consult your GP or family medicine practitioner before traveling to Japan.

Autumn (October-November) and Winter (December to mid-February) are ideal seasons for hiking the Nakahechi trail, as precipitation is lower and snowfall is unlikely. For those prone to pollen allergies, please note that cedar trees begin producing pollen from mid-February, with cypress pollen season ending around mid-April. Summer, however, is hot, humid, and rainy, and hikers may encounter leeches.

Yes. Please check the website to see if a group trip is available. If none are listed, simply let me know if you’re open to sharing the experience with another group.

If a typhoon affects the region, it can increase risks such as landslides, trail collapse, and flooding. In such cases, I would suggest postponing or canceling the itinerary. However, please note that this area has the highest precipitation in Japan, so regular rain is unlikely to impact our plans significantly—we’ll likely still be hiking in the rain.

It’s essential to wear high-performance base layers, a waterproof rain jacket and pants of mountain hiking quality (such as Gore-Tex), and high-top hiking boots. Gaiters can also be beneficial in heavy rain.

The concierge or porter at your hotel can assist with shipping your large luggage to your next accommodation. Be sure to have the accommodation's physical address, name, and telephone number ready, as these details are necessary for the shipment.

"Black Cat" or "Kuroneko Yamato" (Yamato Transport)is one of Japan’s largest and most reliable courier services, offering drop-off and pick-up options at convenience stores. Hotels can also manage your shipment, and tracking is available for added peace of mind. Be sure to keep the tracking slip they provide as proof of acceptance.

Yes, I’m happy to guide you on any part of the Kumano Kodo network for any duration. As a hiking guide, I’m flexible and can accommodate various situations, including areas with limited accommodations, such as the "Omine-Okugake Michi," the most challenging mountaineering ascetic path of the Kumano Kodo. Please note that certain exceptions apply, such as seasonal considerations and gender restrictions, which must be respected on this route.

Once a booking is confirmed, I will provide a tailored itinerary and an essential gear list specific to your trip.

As a local Japanese hiking guide, I am confident that I can secure accommodations for our trip. I believe it’s essential to get adequate rest in a cozy ryokan (Japanese B&B), and I will do my best to find the most comfortable options. However, please note that we may occasionally need to take public transportation, such as a bus or taxi, to reach certain accommodations. Some places may also offer pick-up and drop-off services.

While I understand the desire for a continuous thru-hike without using public transportation, we may sometimes need to prioritize availability over specific preferences. If you’re interested in camping options instead, I’d be happy to arrange that for a more immersive experience without relying on accommodations.

Here are some key reasons why hiring a local UIMLA Certified International Mountain Leader is essential:

1. Professional Decision-Making in Remote Areas

As your guide who is UIMLA(Union of International Mountain Leader Associations) Certified International Mountain Leader as well as Registered Nurse who is familiar with the wilderness medicine, I take full responsibility for managing the itinerary and making informed decisions on whether to continue or discontinue activities on the trail, prioritizing your safety at all times. Sometimes, clients may find their hiking performance falls below the average needed for the original route. In these cases, guides can suggest alternative itineraries that may be more suitable while still fulfilling our hiking goals. This level of expertise is especially valuable in remote areas of a foreign country. Your English-speaking Japanese guide will be your dedicated companion, committed to supporting you until we safely return.

2. In-depth Knowledge of the Trail and Hiking Techniques

As a local UIMLA Certified International Mountain Leader, I have extensive knowledge of the trails, terrain, weather patterns, and seasonal variations, gained through a rigorous training program. I know the best viewpoints, hidden spots, and safest routes to enhance your overall experience. Throughout the journey, I’ll also teach essential techniques, such as proper use of trekking poles, placing your steps on uneven terrain, and navigating steep slopes with safe ascent and descent techniques.

3. Cultural Insights and Language Assistance

We provide valuable insights into Japanese culture, history, and traditions, especially on sacred trails like the Kumano Kodo. Acting as interpreters, we help bridge language barriers at accommodations and transportation hubs.

4. Seamless Logistics and Accommodation Arrangements

We can secure accommodations, even in high-demand areas along routes like the Nakahechi, and adjust the itinerary if needed. Essential logistics, such as transportation, meal arrangements, and baggage transfers, are all managed, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience. Additionally, we coordinate with accommodations and meal providers to accommodate dietary preferences, such as vegan and vegetarian diets, both for lunch delivery and dining arrangements.

5. Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Familiar with local risks and equipped with emergency protocols, an English-speaking UIMLA Certified International Mountain Leader with a background as a registered nurse, like me, is prepared to handle unexpected situations, such as illness or injuries. My familiarity with local emergency services, travel insurance, English-Japanese medical interpretation/translation and routes enhances safety.

6. Respect for Customs and Etiquette

Japanese hiking culture includes unique customs, such as etiquette at shrines, onsen hot springs, and ryokan (traditional inns). We can guide you through these practices, providing a culturally immersive and respectful experience.

7. Commitment to Sustainable Tourism and Trail Preservation

Some sections of the Nakahechi route have been damaged by increased foot traffic, particularly from hikers using trekking poles without rubber tips, which contributes to trail erosion. We are dedicated to sustainable tourism and preserving the natural beauty of the Nakahechi route. I’ll help you follow environmental guidelines, such as “Leave No Trace” practices, to maintain the trail’s beauty for future hikers.

Hiring a local UIMLA Certified International Mountain Leader like me provides more than logistical support—it offers an authentic, enriching, and safe hiking experience tailored to Japan’s unique landscapes and cultural context.