(This pic is taken on the last day of January 2024)

When guests ask me when the best season for Kumano Kodo Trekking is, I always answer like this.

“Fall (October and November) and spring (March, April and May) are the most popular, because weather is not too cold/hot to walk, and scenery is beautiful because of autumn leaves and spring blossoms. But personally, I like to walk in winter the best.

Usually Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route has little snow (like 1 or 2 days a year, and the snow melt away on the next day), air is clear and dry in a good meaning. Sunshine coming through trees keep me warm while trekking. I even don’t feel cold while trekking.

What is more, I see no one on the trail. Which means the Kumano Kodo is exclusive to me, literally Private Kumano Kodo. The quiet and mystical atmosphere makes me feel “I am time-slipping into the ancient days.”

If you are interested in walking Kumano Kodo in winter, and being hesitated just because of snow or weather, I think it’s worth to try.

But if you walk Kumano Kodo in winter, please note 3 points below.

1. Select an accommodation which delivers guest shuttle service or one located along the trail.

The local bus decreases the frequency of the bus running along the trail in winter. Even if it is not the case, waiting the bus in cold air cools down your body quickly.

2. Finish the trekking before 16:00.

In winter, sunset time around the trail is about 16:30, and it gets dark (technically “black out”) before sunset. Partially there is no signal for mobile phone. Planning to arrive at your accommodation around 16:00 is super highly recommended.

3. In the case it snows heavily, give up the hiking.

As mentioned above, it doesn’t snow often in this area, which means local people are not familier with heavy snow situation. Actually, most of local people don’t put studdles tires on the cars (They just don’t go out when snowing). So in the case you get any trouble on snowy day, it may be difficult to get help.

Komorian is open even in winter, using powerful heaters inside the house. We shuttle guests so that guests don’t need to wait for local bus at a windy bus stop. Our shuttle covers Hosshinmon Area (where is not easy to access in winter, due to the seasonal reduction of bus operations).

Why don’t you enjoy “Private Kumano Kodo” before it gets too popular?

…..Sorry, what? Cruising taxi? No you will not be able to find a taxi in this area in all seasons.