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On the Kumano Kodo, the 'Little Things' Make All the Difference
Before heading out onto the Kumano Kodo, many travelers research the big items — shoes, rain gear — but overlook the smaller essentials. Yet it's often the little things tucked into a pocket or the corner of a backpack that truly save the day while you're on the trail.
This article isn't about clothing itself. Instead, it organizes what to bring on the Kumano Kodo from the perspective of "what to pack, and where to put it."
Divide Your Backpack Into 'Three Zones'
If you decide where to pack each item based on when you'll use it, you'll stop and dig through your bag far less often.
Zone 1: Things You'll Want While Walking (Waist Pocket / Outer Pockets)
- Drinks: Keep them somewhere easy to reach so you can sip often.
- Snacks on the go: Candy, nuts, individually wrapped sweets, energy bars, and the like. Carrying both sweet and salty options gives you a nice change of pace.
- Small change: For offerings at shrines, buses, or small purchases. On mountain trails it's awkward to fish around for coins, so keep them in a small pouch separate from your wallet.
- Hand towel: Useful for wiping sweat or drying your hands.
Zone 2: 'Just in Case' Items (Top of the Backpack)
- Foot care supplies: Bandages, blister-prevention tape, spare socks. On stone-paved paths and long climbs, your feet take the most punishment.
- Trash bags: Handy for snack wrappers or wet items — a few come in useful. As a rule, pack out all your trash.
- Personal medication, insect repellent, sunscreen: Don't forget any prescription medications you take regularly.
- Zip-top bags: To waterproof your phone, paper maps, and wallet.
Zone 3: For After the Walk (Bottom of the Pack — or Left in Your Car or Lodging)
- A fresh layer for the way home: Your body cools down quickly after sweating, so pack a dry shirt or a light outer layer.
- Towel and change of underwear: Kumano has many hot springs, and you'll often feel like stopping in for a soak after your walk.
- A bag for wet items: Keeping damp socks and towels separate makes the trip home much more pleasant.
When It Comes to Water and Snacks, 'A Little Extra' Is the Rule
Depending on the section of trail, vending machines and shops may be scarce. Bring a generous supply of drinks, and aim to eat your snacks "before you get hungry." It's reassuring to check in advance where you can get a meal. If you're ever unsure, ask your lodging or a tourist information center for the latest updates.
Cash and Those 'Little Paper Things'
At shrines, teahouses, and local specialty shops, there are plenty of times when cash is simply easier. Having extra small change on hand gives peace of mind. If you plan to collect goshuin (shrine stamps), it's helpful to bring a protective pouch for your stamp book. For bus timetables and your lodging's contact details, don't rely on your phone alone — jotting them down on paper means you won't panic if something goes wrong.
Three Guidelines for Not Overpacking
1. Prioritize "things you'd be stuck without" over "things that might be handy."
2. Pack heavy items close to your back and toward the bottom of your pack.
3. On days when you have a lot of luggage, consider using a luggage-forwarding service.
The Kumano Kodo is a journey walked at your own pace, along stone-paved paths and through groves of cedar. With a few small preparations in place, you'll be free to savor the trail itself at a leisurely pace. The night before you set off, try packing your bag while thinking of the three zones.
Image: 熊野古道中辺路 登立茶屋付近 (via (公社)和歌山県観光連盟)
