Recommended Equipment
-Koyasan World Heritage Tour-
Backpack – A 50 liter backpack is recommended to carry your rain gear, water, snacks, and bento boxes when we hike full days on the tour.
If you have book a trip with a support vehicle, a 20L backpack should do the trick!
Headlamp / Small flashlight - Especially in the fall and early spring, the sun may set before we arrive on Day 1. Having a bright headlamp or flashlight is important so you can clearly see the rocky, often uneven and steep ground below your feet.
Rain gear - Please be sure to bring waterproof hiking pants/jacket (with attached hood if you don't have a rain hat). It's possible that it will rain all day long both days of this tour, so please bring rain gear that you trust and are comfortable with!
Hiking boots - Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are highly recommended, as we'll be hiking in mountainous areas with uneven ground and often slippery rocks. If you have very sure footing and strong ankles, a pair of runners that you are used to will work, but are not recommended (especially given the likelihood of rain).
Good socks - Please bring extra pairs, either wool or synthetic socks, NEVER cotton. Use liner socks (a think silky sock that minimizes friction between your boot and your foot) if you have not had time to break in your boots or if you are prone to blisters.
Snacks – 2 meals at each accommodation and 1 packed lunch/ day will be provided. Snacks during your hikes will not be included. Snacks may be hard to come by so I please be sure to bring your own!
Hiking Outer Layers - As temperatures can vary from above 30 degrees (C) to below 10 and rain is common, please make sure that you hike in quick-drying, durable materials such as polyester or athletic (i.e. running/soccer shirt) material. NEVER use cotton (including cotton jeans).
Warm outer layer - Especially in early spring and fall, temperatures can get cool enough (sometimes less than 10 degrees (C) during the day).
Water Bottles - There are springs and water faucets along the way for us to refill, but you will want at least 2 filled (1 liter) water bottles with you!
Backpack rain cover - Most backpacks are not waterproof, and it can rain a lot in the Kumano region. Using a backpack rain cover is one step we recommend you take to keep your valuables dry while hiking. Use dry bags or garbage bags to wrap all your clothes and other valuables inside your backpack for extra care.
Ball cap or sun/rain hat - A lightweight ball cap will be useful for when it's sunny, but we especially recommend a hat for rain.
Hiking Poles – These can be very helpful for people without much experience hiking or those without sure footing. We hike in areas where the ground is often uneven and slippery, and having hiking poles can provide extra balance and support.
Comfortable clothing - Having at least one change of comfortable clothing is recommended for you to wear after hiking.
Comfortable shoes- Will be great to have at the end of every stretch and on the ride to and from Wakayama.
Sunscreen - For your health, as the sun can be strong on parts of the hike.
Sunglasses - So you can look good when it gets sunny!
Large garbage bags / dry bags (2) - When it rains, you want to be prepared. Placing all of your clothing inside of a dry bag will waterproof everything inside the bag. In the event of rain, you will be happy knowing that your warm clothing will still be dry by the time we arrive at our lodging. Garbage bags usually do the trick!
Large zip-lock bag (1) - Please use this as your personal trash bag. There are NO trash bins along the trail. You must keep all trash with you until you arrive at our lodging at the end of each day.
If you have book a trip with a support vehicle, a 20L backpack should do the trick!
Headlamp / Small flashlight - Especially in the fall and early spring, the sun may set before we arrive on Day 1. Having a bright headlamp or flashlight is important so you can clearly see the rocky, often uneven and steep ground below your feet.
Rain gear - Please be sure to bring waterproof hiking pants/jacket (with attached hood if you don't have a rain hat). It's possible that it will rain all day long both days of this tour, so please bring rain gear that you trust and are comfortable with!
Hiking boots - Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are highly recommended, as we'll be hiking in mountainous areas with uneven ground and often slippery rocks. If you have very sure footing and strong ankles, a pair of runners that you are used to will work, but are not recommended (especially given the likelihood of rain).
Good socks - Please bring extra pairs, either wool or synthetic socks, NEVER cotton. Use liner socks (a think silky sock that minimizes friction between your boot and your foot) if you have not had time to break in your boots or if you are prone to blisters.
Snacks – 2 meals at each accommodation and 1 packed lunch/ day will be provided. Snacks during your hikes will not be included. Snacks may be hard to come by so I please be sure to bring your own!
Hiking Outer Layers - As temperatures can vary from above 30 degrees (C) to below 10 and rain is common, please make sure that you hike in quick-drying, durable materials such as polyester or athletic (i.e. running/soccer shirt) material. NEVER use cotton (including cotton jeans).
- (3) T-Shirts: Please remember, polyester/athletic material. NO cotton
- (2-3) Pants: Standard quick-dry trekking pants, preferably with zip-off legs to convert to shorts.
Warm outer layer - Especially in early spring and fall, temperatures can get cool enough (sometimes less than 10 degrees (C) during the day).
Water Bottles - There are springs and water faucets along the way for us to refill, but you will want at least 2 filled (1 liter) water bottles with you!
Backpack rain cover - Most backpacks are not waterproof, and it can rain a lot in the Kumano region. Using a backpack rain cover is one step we recommend you take to keep your valuables dry while hiking. Use dry bags or garbage bags to wrap all your clothes and other valuables inside your backpack for extra care.
Ball cap or sun/rain hat - A lightweight ball cap will be useful for when it's sunny, but we especially recommend a hat for rain.
Hiking Poles – These can be very helpful for people without much experience hiking or those without sure footing. We hike in areas where the ground is often uneven and slippery, and having hiking poles can provide extra balance and support.
Comfortable clothing - Having at least one change of comfortable clothing is recommended for you to wear after hiking.
Comfortable shoes- Will be great to have at the end of every stretch and on the ride to and from Wakayama.
Sunscreen - For your health, as the sun can be strong on parts of the hike.
Sunglasses - So you can look good when it gets sunny!
Large garbage bags / dry bags (2) - When it rains, you want to be prepared. Placing all of your clothing inside of a dry bag will waterproof everything inside the bag. In the event of rain, you will be happy knowing that your warm clothing will still be dry by the time we arrive at our lodging. Garbage bags usually do the trick!
Large zip-lock bag (1) - Please use this as your personal trash bag. There are NO trash bins along the trail. You must keep all trash with you until you arrive at our lodging at the end of each day.
How strenuous is the hiking?
A good fitness is required for the hiking portions of the Kumano Kodo trail. Participants should be prepared to hike up to 19 km in a day and climb 250 meters in elevation (of 10% grade) a couple times each day. In terms of time we will usually hike between 4-6 hours on most days. The trail does not reach altitudes above 1100m and there is no scrambling (using your hands to climb) involved, so no need to worry about that. Participants are strongly advised to practice hiking with a backpack up hills or mountains for similar distances before coming on our tours.
What if I have allergies or dietary constraints?
In Japan it's next to impossible to have an authentic culinary experience with dietary restrictions such as gluten intolerance and veganism, even pescatarians and vegetarians can have a difficult time. If you have dietary restrictions such as these, we can do our best to have the chefs at our lodging cater to your needs, but it may be difficult to have a fully-rounded meal.
If you do have dietary restraints, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you. If your dietary restrictions are very complex, bringing your own food may be your only option!
If you do have dietary restraints, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you. If your dietary restrictions are very complex, bringing your own food may be your only option!
Pocket money
Our tours include 2 meals at each accommodation, 1 packed lunch every day and 4 nights lodging. We highly recommend that you bring your own snacks for hiking the trail. Options to buys supplies along the trip will be limited so it is best to have all of your snacks ready!
At Hongu Shrine you'll also be able to purchase alms, charms and artwork in the surrounding shops.
Additionally, beer, sake and other delicious beverages are not included in the tour. Keep in mind and Japan is largely cash based!
At Hongu Shrine you'll also be able to purchase alms, charms and artwork in the surrounding shops.
Additionally, beer, sake and other delicious beverages are not included in the tour. Keep in mind and Japan is largely cash based!
