Kumano Kodo Preparation: Planning and Packing List
Packing List
Clothing & Shoes
- Columbia trail runners
- Flip flops
- 4x T-shirts
- 2x Shorts
- 1x Hiking pants
- 5x Underwear
- 4x Sports bras
- 4x Socks
- Gloves, Rain jacket, Rain poncho, Hat
Backpack & Documentation
- Osprey Talon Pro 30L
- 2.5L crossbody bag
- Passport & Wallet (credit card/cash)
- Kumano Kodo Credential
- Trail map / bus schedule
Technology
- iPhone
- iPad
- Apple Watch
- Power bank
- Garmin inReach
- AirPods
- Charging cables
Toiletry
- Deodorant
- Lotion
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Sunscreen
Misc
- First-aid kit
- Backpack raincover
- Headlamp
- 1x Hiking pole
- Lightweight umbrella
- 2x 1L water bottles
- Hero clip carabiner
Preparation & Planning
Cash vs Credit Card
I carried a total of ¥30,000 in cash for my two-month Japan trip, including the Kumano Kodo. Most accommodations accepted credit cards or were prepaid via Agoda or Kumano Travel, so cash was primarily needed for transportation, food, and emergencies.
Most grocery and convenience stores also accept cards, but it’s useful to have some cash on hand just in case. I mainly used AMEX and occasionally Visa. Cash is particularly necessary for transportation options that don’t accept IC cards, such as some local buses or rural trains. Be aware that some new ¥500 coins and ¥1,000 bills may not be accepted in vending machines or on certain buses.
Cellphone Plans & eSIM
Many carriers offer roaming plans (mine was C$16/day), but costs add up quickly. eSIMs are more convenient as they can be set up before arrival.
eSIM Pros:
- Set up in advance via QR code — toggle on upon arrival
- Similar cost to a physical SIM
- Can be used alongside another SIM or eSIM (good for 2FA and keeping your home number active)
eSIM Cons:
- Phone must be unlocked
- Requires eSIM-compatible phone
- No local number (calls via Viber, WhatsApp, FaceTime)
I used Airalo 20GB / 30 days for C$31, which worked well for the trip.
Training
- Daily walks, gradually increasing distance (~10 km/day)
- Strength, core, and HIIT exercises
- Hike local mountains when possible
Useful Apps
- Google Maps: Navigation and local info
- Google Translate: Communicating with locals
- Japan Travel - Smart Transit: Check train coverage with rail passes
- AllTrails: Trail info (not exact Kumano Kodo routes)
- YAMAP: Popular trail info in Japan
- Gaia GPS: Offline GPX navigation
- TripIt: Organize itinerary
- Agoda: Accommodation bookings
Useful Links
- Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau: Local info and tourist guidance
- Kumano Travel: Guided tours & bookings
- Google Maps: Navigation & local info
- Agoda: Accommodation booking
- Japan Guide: Travel tips & info
- TripIt: Organize itinerary
- AllTrails: Trail maps & hiking info
- Gaia GPS: Offline GPS navigation
- Japan Travel by NAVITIME: Train & transit info
- Airalo: eSIMs for international travel
- Meiko Bus: Bus services around Kumano Kodo
- Ryujin Bus: Bus routes to Kumano Hongu
See the Accommodation & Expenses Report for Kumano Kodo Nakahechi or the full day-by-day route breakdown here.
Interested in doing both the Camino and Kumano Kodo? Check out my Dual Pilgrim Program Blog Post.