This was my first solo overseas trip and even though there were no bear sightings in the trail, I still chose to hire a local guide for peace of mind and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my trip. On my longest walk on Day 1, I had the pleasure of being guided by Yukiyo-san. On my shorter walk the following day, by Asai-san. Both were incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and informative. I learned so much about the nature, history, culture and spiritual essence of the Kumano Kodo; things I would definitely have missed on my own and wont easily find online.

This was my first solo overseas trip and even though there were no bear sightings in the trail, I still chose to hire a local guide for peace of mind and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my trip. On my longest walk on Day 1, I had the pleasure of being guided by Yukiyo-san. On my shorter walk the following day, by Asai-san. Both were incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and informative. I learned so much about the nature, history, culture and spiritual essence of the Kumano Kodo; things I would definitely have missed on my own and wont easily find online.

everything good

We could not find the information on where we were to meet the guide. It wasn't on our booking confirmation. Our guide called us at the time we were to meet them and told us where they were, which was 40 minutes away from our hotel. That's too far, and anyway we had already started our walk

It is my last day in KUMANO KODO. The guide is Mr.Youhei Nakano who is like my old friends. I think that is a good ending. I told him I need to take the bus at 11 am cause I already booked the train to Nagoya at 1 pm. He gave me a very comfortable speed to walk. It is not rush, but not slow too. It makes me really enjoy my last day KUMANO KODO Trek. And we still chat a lot when we walk. I take the bus successfully, so I go back to Kii-Katsuura Station and still have time to eat lunch. Hope can see him soon again.

I am very happy to see Ms.Yayoi Kamiya again. She still told me a lot of stories about KUMANO KODO and brought me to a spectacular scene.Kamikura Shrine it is really shocked me; not only the view and the stairs, standing under the big rock is also an unforgettable experience. I truly like this shrine. I think it is very special. And after KUMANO KODO Trek, she drove the car to take me to a restaurant she recommended.In there, I tried the whale meat for the first time. It tastes like pork, I like it. She drove me to the nearest bus station after we enjoyed our great lunch. And wait for the bus with me until I get my bus. If one day I come back to KUMANO KODO, I really want to walk with her again.

Mr.Keigo Yasui is a very kind person. I think he is the person who most understands KUMANO KODO. Because I really learned a lot from him.Thanks for waiting for me to take so many pictures in every place cause that day is a rainy and cold day. After KUMANO KODO Trek, we ate the delicious lunch he recommended, and he also told me the time and bus I should take to my hotel. Really appreciate him.

I have a great time with Mr.Youhei Nakano in KUMANO KODO. He not only told me the story about KUMANO KODO, but we also chat about the work, family, etc. . We have some similar ideas or hobbies, so he let me feel like we are old friends despite the fact that we met the first time. The lunch he recommended is really delicious. At the end of the second day destination. He gave me a good advice about where I should take the bus on the third day. And that is really useful. On the third day, I can sit on the bus instead of standing in the crowded bus. Thanks for Ms.Yayoi Kamiya again. She told Mr.Youhei Nakano that I have some check-in issues on the first day. So after KUMANO KODO Trek. Mr.Youhei Nakano stays with me until I check in successfully.

I really enjoy the KUMANO KODO Trek with Ms.Yayoi Kamiya. She is a very nice person; in fact, I was a little bit nervous cause this is my first time to KUMANO KODO. But she told me a lot of stories about KUMANO KODO, helped me take pictures, and brought me to the spectacular scene. And also tell me the guides in the future days of my are easygoing person too. That really helps me feel calm and enjoy the KUMANO KODO. The most important thing is that I have some check-in issues on the first day; Ms.Yayoi Kamiya and her friend really help me a lot. I don't know her friend's name. But I really appreciate them too. I think they gave me a good start on KUMANO KODO even though I faced some issues with check-in.

None of us (including the local guides) were expecting the tsunami alert :) The visit was great although we had in mind the alert and how to manage the return to the hotel and our trip back to Tokyo. I already mentionned via "my chat" but I repeat my previous message here: your local guides were great to handle this situation. They did not leave until we decide to go back to the hotel for another night. They are great and kind guys.