INCLUDED:

• Transportation throughout the whole experience.

• Specially designed trails.

• Local culinary experiences.

  *We can accommodate some dietary preferences but please contact us for detailed information.

• Knowledgeable and professional local guides.

• Train or bus transfer from Kyoto Station to Osaka or Kansai International Airport (KIX) on the final day.

• Complimentary La Familia Global Community Membership ($50 USD value).

NOT INCLUDED:

• Airfare for your inbound and outbound flights to Osaka.
• Shuttle from the airport on Day 1 to our Osaka hotel (full travel instructions will be explained).
• Personal travel insurance and mandatory personal emergency medical insurance.
• Alcoholic beverages and any additional drinks & meals beyond those at meal times.
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The standard accommodation option includes twin or triple-shared lodging in comfortable and well-located traditional Japanese inns and boutique hotels throughout Osaka, Chikatsuyu, Yunomine Onsen, Kii-Katsuura, and Kyoto. Along the Kumano Kodo, guests will stay in traditional Japanese inns featuring tatami rooms and locally prepared meals, offering an authentic cultural immersion. At Yunomine Onsen, you’ll also have the opportunity to relax in the village’s natural hot springs, one of Japan’s oldest and most revered.

During the first half of our Japan running adventure along the ancient Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route, expect invigorating late-autumn conditions ideal for trail running. Daytime temperatures typically range from 11–17°C (52–63°F), with cooler nights dipping to 5–11°C (41–52°F). The air is crisp, the forests glow with vibrant reds and golds, and while most days are sunny, light showers are possible, so packing layers and a lightweight waterproof jacket is essential for comfort on the trails.

As we transition to Kyoto for the second half of the journey, the weather softens into a mild urban chill, with average highs of 13–16°C (55–61°F) and lows around 6–10°C (43–50°F). Clear skies and minimal rain create perfect conditions for running through temple paths and exploring gardens awash in autumn colors. Brisk mornings and evenings invite a cozy jacket or sweater to fully savor the calm beauty of Japan’s fall season.

• At least two pairs of merino wool running/hiking socks.
• Light winter hat and light gloves for cold mornings.
• Neck warmer or Buff.
• Two pairs of trail running shoes.
• Quick-dry running tops (long and short sleeves).
• Quick-dry running bottoms (shorts/tights).
• Waterproof shell jacket with hood.
• Lightweight and waterproof shell pants for potential heavy rain.
• Quick-dry camping towel.
• Bathing suit.
• Running sunglasses.
• Headlamp with fresh batteries.
• Sunblock or sun-blocking clothing such as arm sleeves.
• Small personal first aid kit (mandatory, with basic medication for any ailment, including your preferred pain reliever).
• Various sized waterproof compression bags or freezer-sized Ziplock bags to protect cloths within your running vest from heavy rain.
• USB power bank with charging cable – 5,000mAh suggested capacity (mandatory due to the need for emergency communications at all times).
• Personal energy snacks of liking (bars, fruits, nuts,etc.). We can also buy trail snacks in Japan.
• Long bottoms for dining, as shorts are not well-regarded in Japanese restaurants.
• Running hat, bucket hat, or flap cap.
• Carry-on-sized wheelable suitcase for clothes.
• Carry-on sized backpack for the rest of your gear.
• Hydration trail running vest with room for 1 litre of fluids (flasks and/or bladder).
• Foldable small backpack for groceries and snacks.
• Sufficient pairs of running socks, shorts, shirts etc.
• Power plug adapter or voltage converter for two-prong outlets if you have three pronged electronics.
• eSIM card (such as Airalo or Navitime), physical Japanese SIM card (mailed to your home prior to your departure), or a mobile travel package from your local mobile phone provider. We will be using WhatsApp to communicate with each other in-country.
• Lightweight trekking poles for Kumano Kodo’s steep elevations.
• Earplugs

• A valid passport is required for entry
  (expiration date not within 6 months of the return date)
• An entry visa might be required depending on nationality.
• Foreigners might be required to present a return ticket.
• Personal emergency medical insurance is required for this Japan Experience.

Pace & Difficulty
All paces are welcome.

Our experiences are about discovery and connection, not speed. We organize groups by pace, with guides and regrouping points along the route, so the focus is on experiencing the landscape rather than racing through it.

This journey, however, requires a strong endurance base. The challenge comes not only from individual distances, but from running on consecutive days across mountainous terrain, with significant elevation gain and limited recovery time.

Difficulty:

This is an intermediate trail-running experience, best suited for runners with a strong endurance base and experience running longer distances on trails. More than speed, preparation for this journey means being comfortable spending several hours on your feet, climbing and descending on technical terrain, and recovering well enough to run again the following day.

You do not need to be a competitive runner, but we strongly recommend consistent trail running and endurance training in the months leading up to the experience.

Distances:
Approximately 92 km over 8 days, with daily stages ranging from 4 km to 23 km.

Review daily distances and elevation profiles in the itinerary.

Terrain:
The journey combines mountain trails, forest paths, and quiet village roads. Along the Kumano Kodo, expect ancient cobblestone sections, dirt singletrack through cedar forests, and sustained steep climbs and descents. In Kyoto, routes combine road and trail through temple grounds, bamboo forests, and the torii gates of Fushimi Inari. Trail running shoes with good grip are essential; trekking poles can be helpful on longer mountain stages.

Elevation Gain/Loss:

Elevation varies considerably throughout the experience, from rolling routes around Kyoto to demanding mountain stages along the Kumano Kodo. Across the journey, runners should be prepared for several thousand meters of cumulative elevation gain, including sustained climbing and descending on consecutive days.