KUMANO KODO Trekking Backpack Contents – Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau

Table of Contents

What’s in My Bag?

Hi, I’m Mike, a resident and local guide for the Kumano Kodo and this is a question I often receive.

Below are some suggestions for basic contents to have handy on the Kumano Kodo, and then I’ve included the additional items I carry as a guide for the area plus some other fun stuff!

Keep in mind that you’ll be carrying everything with you, so make sure to balance what you think is essential versus keeping your pack’s weight down.

The items you bring may vary depending on the distance you walk each day (and whether or not you use a daily luggage shuttle or luggage storage for your heavier, non-essential stuff).

Smart packing is key to a successful trip on the Kumano Kodo.

List

Basics

First Aid Kit (it varies from trip-to-trip and person-to-person) including various bandages, blister covers, antiseptic, gauze, scissors, gauze tape, clippers, painkillers, allergy medicine, stomach medicine
Water (500ml to 1 liter for a short hike, and up to 2L or more for longer ones)
Using a water bottle or hydropack or bladder is very eco-conscious and convenient, and if I do use a PET bottle of water I try to re-use it. Tap water in Japan is drinkable and you can get it from any of your accommodations.
Rain gear (rain jacket at least all year-round in Kumano)
A warm layer depending on the season (fleece or light down jacket)
Lunch (especially if it is an all-day hike)
Snacks (energy bars, chewy candy, trail mix, chocolate, for energy or to make friends)
Maps, vouchers
Mobile phone (multiple uses include weather info, camera, phone for pre-entered emergency/essential phone numbers, calculator, translator, clock, alarm, GPS, etc.)
Small towel
Small flashlight
Hat
Sunscreen
Bug repellant
ID (passport)
Wallet/coin pouch

Useful

Pocket towel (handkerchief-size), as well, as so many public restrooms in Japan do not have paper towels to dry your hands after you wash them
Wet wipes, tissues
Pocket knife
Head lamp
Extra pair of socks
Tarp
A couple of plastic bags/dry bags
Umbrella when guiding
Sunglasses
Hand sanitizer
Trekking poles

For Guiding

Business cards
Copies of area maps
Pens
Mini guide notebook
Phone charger
Stamp pad (for those collecting stamps along the Kumano Kodo)
Extra Dual Pilgrim credential
Props (laminated pictures, talismans, samples, pictures, etc.)
Duct tape
Extra pair of shoelaces

For Fun

Headphones
Go-pro
35mm camera
iPad (for photos, e-mail, research, videos, etc.)

vs. Bad Luck or Evil Spirits

Local talismans (O-mamori)
Small bean bag frog (the word for “frog” or “ka-e-ru” in Japanese, sounds exactly like the word for “go home,” so the frog is a good luck charm for returning home safely!)