14 day Kumano Kodo, Nakasendo & Kyoto Walk

DISTANCE - BELOW AVERAGE

Distance is not a major consideration in your training program. However, you should still incorporate some long walks as it will increase your cardiovascular fitness.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

UNEVEN TERRAIN

Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a blend of physical and mental readiness.

Begin with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is especially important, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement.

The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.

HIGH SEASON

In Japan, there are some periods when locals travel en masse as they are on holiday. These times are best avoided as the accommodation costs escalate considerably (more than double). It would make a lot of sense if you could avoid these times. Otherwise, see below for high-season periods. This could lead to the cost of the trip increasing by 30% or more.

NEW YEAR PERIOD – 30TH DECEMBER TO 4TH OF JANUARY 

GOLDEN WEEK – GENERALLY BETWEEN 29TH APRIL TO 5TH MAY

OBON PERIOD – MID-AUGUST ( BETWEEN THE 10TH TO 20TH OF AUGUST)

Please speak to the Auswalk team to get a quote for the above times

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

On this walk, you will have to catch some trains in between the destinations, which is pretty straightforward whilst walking within each destination. There are also two short bus rides on the Kumano Kodo.

These transfers are all outlined clearly and simply in the walk notes day by day as you go. None of these can be pre-booked, and is the best way to get around Japan and the most eco-friendly. This also includes whilst you are walking in the mountains on the Kumano Kodo and on the Nakasendo Way. All of these fares are at your own cost.

None of the transport costs a significant cost (i.e. 150 to 500 Yen) except for the transfers between the 3 destinations. The train fares could be from 5000 to 13000 Yen ( at the time of writing this, equivalent to $50 to $130).

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

We have included meals when it makes sense, but when you are somewhere like Kyoto, with thousands if not more eateries, we have left you to your own devices. We try to make recommendations, but note that following the crowds and waiting in line is sometimes quite time-consuming. Walking around and tasting the variety of exceptional food is one of the highlights of Kyoto.

The entry fees into the numerous temples, shrines and gardens are not included. These can add up to about 2500 Yen ($25) a day. Trying to prebook these is not possible.

Some taxis (possibly 2 or 3) are recommended instead of the subway; these can be as much as 2000 Yen ($20) each. Taxi travel in Japan is at Western prices, but it is very efficient – taxis are everywhere and easy to catch.

The above is straightforward and will be explained in detail in your walking notes.  Note: we don’t advise organising private transfers, as these are very expensive in Japan and unlikely to enhance your experience.

It is necessary to carry cash as some purchases can only be made with cash. Japan is very safe.

AVAILABILITY

This walk is available all year round, but you may encounter some snow from December to February. Many people prefer to walk in spring to see the cherry blossoms and in autumn because of the change of seasons and the good weather. Summer is very hot in Kyoto, so either walk at another time or we suggest starting early each day.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

It makes sense to fly into Osaka and out of Tokyo. However, the price of tickets may be lower by flying in or out of one city. In this case, choose Tokyo. It is a short bullet and a very efficient train ride to Kyoto from Tokyo. The trip ends in Kuruizawa, a one-hour train ride to Tokyo.

Travelling to the start of the walk

The first part of this walk starts in Kyoto. If you arrive in Osaka, the train station is outside the airport. There are English-speaking people to buy tickets at the station. Once in Kyoto, unless you are staying at the upgrade  (which is at the station), it is best to catch a taxi to your accommodation instead of dragging your bags.

From Kyoto, we catch a train to each of the destinations. The details are outlined in the notes you will receive six weeks out from departure.

By Air: The best option is to fly into Osaka (or Tokyo if it suits you or is way cheaper) and take the train from there. You can take the train direct from Osaka Kansai Airport to Kyoto.  The train station is at the airport, and English-speaking staff are at the ticket office. You might consider spending some time in Osaka – an exciting city with many beautiful temples and Osaka Castle. In spring, it is wonderful. It also has a sophisticated restaurant culture and markets that seem to go on for kilometres.

By Rail: Japan has one of the best train systems in the world, so it’s straightforward to catch a train to any destination in the country. An express train is the fastest way to travel to the area. Travelling in Japan on trains is a seamless experience, and pre-purchase tickets are not always necessary. Plenty of rail staff speak English well enough to direct you the right way and converse with you about how to buy your ticket. We can provide more information if you wish, so please ask one of our destination consultants.  Hyperdia is the best resource for planning your train travel in Japan.

Always pay for reserved seats to avoid the hassle of standing and also enjoy the added advantage of having a place to store bigger bags.

Travelling from the end of the walk

By rail: The train from Kuruizawa, the last destination, is not far from Tokyo. Going back to Osaka takes about 4 hours and costs about $150. You can choose to go to Tokyo or anywhere else, for that matter in Japan!

By Air: See above

LUGGAGE TRANSFERS

Luggage transfers are only needed on the Kumano Kodo Nacahechi and Naksendo routes. You will need to bring your luggage with you as you travel from Kyoto to the Kumano Kodo and to the Nakasendo Way. It is an unnecessary cost to incur having your luggage travelling separately from you.

The Nakasendo walk has the luggage transferred most days; we will let you know when we can’t move the bags due to the remoteness. The luggage will be waiting for you at the following accommodation. In the evenings, you will be supplied with a yukata (Japanese Gown) to wear, so you will need to carry only essential items on those days when your luggage isn’t available.

WALKING

The walk is over 150 km in length and is moderate to moderate to challenging, with some long days if you wish. Full-day walks average about 15 km with 5 –8. hours walking each day; however, they can be as long as 24 km (you can shorten almost all the days). But with rest days in between, while travelling, this is very achievable. The walking is over well-maintained paths, but expect each day to start with some reasonable elevation gains. Fear not, the tracks do flatten out!

For what to bring, please refer to Gear Advice in our FAQ section.

WEATHER

From the end of  March, the temperature begins to increase. In summer, it’s quite warm and humid but still possible to walk,  particularly if you enjoy warmer temperatures and taking a dip in a stream. However, in Kyoto, it gets very hot at an average of 33 degrees Celsius with a humidity of 69%. In this case, it is best to avoid summer or be prepared to walk early in the morning in Kyoto. Walking early comes with the added benefit of avoiding the crowds all year round!

The walk is offered in winter, but bring warm clothes and good rain gear.  The area is just as beautiful if not more and is not busy at all. Soaking in an outside onsen in the cool of the night is one of those authentic Japanese experiences you can look forward to after a big day on the track.

As walkers, spring and autumn are the best times as the weather is perfect for walking.

See the weather information about Osaka’s average weather at different times of the year.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips requiring international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance including medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred by our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years, we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.