I’m looking to do a winter walk in Feb 2023. I normally go skiing but want to do something different. I’ll have a two week window and walking off-season is not a deterrent and am prepared to walk in snow etc Lack of crowds is a motivating factor for walking in winter plus I love that time of year!
Inspired by this article, the Kumano Kodo sounds wonderful in winter:
https://www.nickkembel.com/kumano-kodo-in-winter/
Also, a part of the Michinoku Coastal Walk is enticing but not sure of how this is in winter: https://www.michinokutrail.com
Any other thoughts on suitable walks? Would lean towards more adventurous/rugged than less and preferably staying in guest houses/temples etc rather than camping although am open to anything.
6 comments
Michinoku Coastal Walk in February is along the lines – you run a significant risk of serious injury or death as there is significant risk you will run into blizzards.
While the site that you are quoting thinks that doing Kohechi trail in winter is fun – this is a trail that during a typical winter would require significant winter hiking/mountaineering gear and is a trail, where even in spring/summer you may not get help for a number of days (no cell signal).
Nakahechi is doable, though winter hiking gear is still recommended.
Personally would vote Kumano Kodo as I already have an eye on it (but maybe not in winter) and likely warmer and less snow than Tohoku.
Should also be easy to stop at proper accommodation and even onsen every night. Not sure for winter, but I know that there is services that will deliver your luggage from one place to the other in the area.
And for sure you can do it all in less than 14 days, so you can spend some extra time for sightseeing.
Wow thank you for introducing the Michinoku Coastal Walk! Now I have something to look forward to! 🙂
Probably going there in September
As a Wakayama resident my vote is always for Kumano Kodo! I’m actually walking part of it this weekend! I can also confirm that J Hoppers in Yunomine is phenomenal for a hostel and Yunomine itself is a charming little town. Make sure you get the credential to collect stamps along the walk. This will be especially awesome if you plan on walking the Camino de Santiago as you can become a [dual pilgrim](https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/dual-pilgrim/) .
I did Kumano Kudo in end fall/early winter. It might be more slippery because of possible rain or heavy dew (always check weather forecast!) and you’ll definitely need good shoes and maybe a walking stick with the terrain. Generally you want to do it in colder weather anyway, because its too hot/mosquitoes in summer.