With the increased interest of the Kumano Kodo from different countries and cultures from all over the world, being a good ambassador and visitor goes a long way in making your trip smooth and successful.
Manners are highly valued in Japanese culture, so here are some tips to make sure your experience is respectful and mutually beneficial.
9 Ways to Travel Respectfully in Kumano
1. Follow Basic Etiquette on the Kumano Kodo
- Learn a little Japanese and a bit about Japanese culture before arriving
- Keep it quiet: Avoid loud conversations or playing music (on the trail, on the bus, etc.)
- “Pack in, Pack out”: take your trash with you
2. Have Respect for Cultural and Spiritual Sites
- Check if photography is allowed at shrines and temples
- No eating or drinking on shrine or temple grounds (✻ drinking water to avoid heat exhaustion is permissible)
- Treat the Kumano Kodo as a point of worship that has existed for over 1,000 years and many people today still see it as a sacred place
Learn more about the history and culture of the Kumano Kodo.
Purchase the Official Kumano Kodo Guide Book .
3. Practice Safe Behavior on the Trail
- Give a friendly greeting when meeting others
- Trails can be narrow, so walk in single file (especially large groups)
- If you are part of a larger group on the trail, it should stay together and not stretch out over a long distance
- No smoking on the trail or in any of the villages or roadways along the way
4. Be Considerate of Local Residents and Other Guests
- Generally, on country roads, walk on the right side in single file if there is no sidewalk
- Keep voices down, respect the harmony of small country life
- Do not enter private property
- No camping in villages, on trails, private property, or roadways.
- Flying drones without permission is prohibited
- Ask permission to take photos or videos
5. Be Conscientious on Public Transport
- Check bus timetables for availability of buses in advance
- Be sure to check what mode of payment the bus you are riding accepts
- Ship large bags ahead if possible – seating is limited in peak season
6. Follow Accommodation Rules
- Keep voices down inside and around the accommodation
- Try to arrive no later than 17:00 – it is part of traditional country culture to arrive before dark to get settled, to take a bath, and have supper at a reasonable time
- Respect the inn as it is often the owners’ home
7. In Case of Emergency
- If you need urgent medical assistance, please call 119 and ask for assistance in English.
- Avoid taking risks on the trail
- Be wary of weather conditions
- Have a “Plan B”
8. Remember We Share Public Restrooms
- Public toilets are used by many people; let’s keep them clean
- Do not leave your garbage in the toilet
- Toilet paper gets flushed down the toilet in Japan, everything else needs to be carried out
9. Support Sustainable Tourism
- Following local rules helps preserve the trail for future travelers
- Help in our mission to share the Kumano Kodo heritage with future generations
Useful Links:
How-to Kumano Kodo Videos on YouTube
Guide for Ambulance Service (Tanabe City Fire Department)
Understanding and Mastering Japanese Manners and Etiquette (Japan National Tourism Organization)