Kumano Kodo Tips
The Kumano Kodo is a diverse mountain route with a mixture of unpaved, uneven trails, ancient cobblestones and stairs, and paved roads through villages. There are some steep climbs and ascents, but the route is not technically difficult. The amount of preparation that is needed will depend greatly on which sections you will walk, the season you visit, and your personal level of experience and fitness. Please plan accordingly to fully, and safely, enjoy your pilgrimage walk. Proper preparation is essential.
Weather
The Iseji route is open year-round. The weather in the southern portion of the Kii Peninsula is generally mild. The winters can see some freezing temperatures, but on the coastal Iseji route, snow is very rare. Summers can be hot, humid, and wet. Be prepared for rain year-round.
- Japan Meteorological Agency: https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html
Daylight times vary greatly, with winter having the shortest days. It is always best to leave early to arrive early and to be aware of the sunset so as not to get stuck in the dark while still on the trail.
NOTE: It gets darker earlier in the valleys where most of the villages are located. The best time to check in to accommodations is 16:00~17:00.
Clothing & Footwear
Proper clothing and footwear are essential, especially if you are planning for a longer, multi-day trek.
Review the average temperatures for the time of your walk and be prepared for seasonal variability.
Dressing in layers with clothes that dry easily is recommended: avoid cotton. Sturdy, well-worn walking footwear is essential.
Gear
The type of gear that you will need varies with the duration and extent of your walk. The following is a general list of recommended items.
- Day pack
- Rain gear (a foldable umbrella is convenient)
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Collapsible walking poles
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Small first aid kit, with Band-Aids, etc.
- Small flashlight
- Maps
Water & Liquids
It is important to carry water or liquids during your trek or walk. Natural water sources along the trail have not been tested. In the villages and settlements, there are small shops and vending machines where drinks can be purchased. Especially during the hotter season, it is important to stay well hydrated.
HINT: Fill up your water bottles at the accommodations before departure.
Money/ATM
Carry enough Japanese yen in cash, as many facilities and service providers do not accept credit cards, and places to exchange money are limited. If you do need to withdraw money, the ATMs at the post offices are the best option. Hours are limited especially on weekends.
HINT: Check with your credit card company before your visit to confirm if your credit card is OK to use for withdrawals at Japan Post Bank ATMs.
Electricity
The voltage in Japan is 100 Volt. Electrical plugs have two, parallel flat pins: Type A.
HINT: Bring an adapter if needed, as most accommodations do not have them.
Safety
- Earthquake & Tsunami
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Japan is prone to frequent natural disasters, such as earthquakes. Tsunamis are large waves caused by earthquakes. If you are near the coast and a large earthquake hits, head to higher ground immediately.
- Extreme Weather & Typhoons
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The Kii peninsula is one of the wettest areas in Japan. It juts out into the Pacific Ocean in the path of storms. Heavy rains and winds, especially from typhoons, can cause flash flooding, landslides, and damage from flying debris. Keep up to date with the weather forecast and avoid walking during extreme weather conditions.
- Slippery Stones
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Most injuries on the Kumano Kodo are from slips and falls on the stone-lined trails. The old cobble steps are particularly slippery when wet. Please take your time and be careful where you step.
- Mamushi Snake
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There is one main species of snake that is venomous in the area, the Japanese Mamushi / Gloydius blomhoffii. It has the broader triangle-shaped head of a pit viper. It is patterned with pale gray, reddish-brown, or yellow-brown background covered with irregularly shaped lateral blotches. Its mature length is about 45-80 cm long. They can sun themselves in or around the trail. Use a flashlight when walking around in the evening to avoid stepping on one by mistake. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately, while keeping the affected area as immobile as possible.
- Mukade Centipede
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The Mukade is a giant centipede, and its bite can be painful. They are black with yellow-orange legs. They like to hide in hiking shoes, so check your boots in the morning before putting your feet in. They are active in the hot and humid months.
- Suzumebachi Hornet
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The Suzumebachi is a giant hornet which can have a painful sting. If you see a nest, avoid the area. They can be most aggressive in the fall season.
- Ticks
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Ticks are mainly found in grassy areas, thickets, and forests. Avoid lying or sitting directly on the ground in such places for extended periods. To keep ticks away, it is also effective to use insect repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET on exposed skin and clothing.
- Mountain Leeches
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Mountain leeches crawl up clothing through even the smallest gaps, searching for an easy spot to feed. Their active season generally lasts from April to November, with increased activity, especially after rainfall. To prevent bites, avoid wearing clothing that exposes the skin and use repellents for additional protection.
- In Case of Emergency
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Seek the assistance of someone nearby. Even if they do not speak English, they will try to understand and help. 119 is the emergency help line and a translation service in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Korean is available in most areas.
Waymarkers
4 km Waymarkers
From Ise Jingu to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, wooden waymarkers have been erected every four kilometers that indicate the distance to the destination from that point. The starting post is at the entrance to the Geku. These waymarkers were erected by the Mie Prefectural Government in 2009.
Number markers every 100 meters
On the World Heritage-listed trails and elsewhere, there are numbered signposts every 100 m. Apart from being walking landmarks, these signposts enable rescue operations to be carried out quickly by communicating the name of the pass and the number written on them.
Course Ratings
The Course Ratings are measured on a 10-level scale, ranging from 1.0 to 5.0 in 0.5 increments, and is determined based on six key factors:
- walking distance
- walking time
- cumulative elevation gain
- trail conditions (hiking trail or paved road)
- transportation access (availability and frequency of public transportation)
- remoteness (proximity to houses, settlements, or facilities)
A level 1 trail is considered easy and is characterized by 1. short distance, 2. short duration, 3. minimal elevation gain, 4. well-paved roads or well-maintained hiking trails, 5. convenient access, and 6. many nearby houses, settlements, or facilities.
In contrast, a level 5 trail is designed for well-equipped, experienced hikers in good physical condition. These trails are typically characterized by 1. long distance, 2. extended duration, 3. significant elevation gain with steep inclines, 4. rough terrain with exposed roots, uneven slopes, and multiple obstacles, 5. limited access, and 6. remote locations with few or no houses or settlements. However, a level 5 rating does not necessarily mean that all routes lack access, as the difficulty is assessed based on the combined weight of these factors.
Additionally, trail difficulty can vary depending on 1. weather conditions, 2. time of day, 3. season, 4. route direction (e.g., ascending or descending), 5. pack weight, 6. physical condition, and 7. experience level. For instance, hiking a level 3 trail in heavy rain while carrying a heavy pack may result in greater fatigue than usual, making it feel like a level 5 difficulty.
