Observations:
Kumano Kodo: The cost of the Walk Japan Kumano Kodo
tour for two: $6200. This is with a very favorable exchange rate; the rate
helped to encourage us in making our third trip to Japan in 5 years. Overall,
much agreement that the tour was as promised.
THB’s view: if you
have a choice, this is your first time, would like a bit less walking in the
forest, an easier walk (i.e., not as long or hard), and a bit a more time in
open countryside and in cute towns geared to tourists, the Nakasendo is
preferable.
More detail:
So much depends on
the guide, the size of the tour, who is on the tour, the weather, jet lag or
not at the beginning, how long are the days on the trail, what you see each
day, and on and on. This is THB’s slightly longer assessment of the Kumano Kodo
(KK) tour:
1.
What did THB like
about the KK? a) Any time in Japan is
good time. The shrines and temples and walks make a good excuse to get away
from the big cities; b) being tested is a good thing, and THB was very happy
with his accomplishment; c) the individuals on the tour were all approachable
(if in different ways) and some were over the top supportive and 10 hikers seemed
a reasonable number; d) the range of accommodations, from a monastery to a
resort hotel, was also a plus (hey, we go to ryokans to get pampered!).
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| Koyasan mausoleum |
2. What did THB really like about the KK: The Stamps! Any hike loaded with
places to get an official THB-was-here stamp is highly rated, worth the detour,
extraordinary. The fact that THB had no clue how to match the stamp with the
page it belonged on barely registered.
3.
What did THB really
really like about the KK: The weather! Did THB get lucky or what! The weather
was awesome, cool enough during the hikes that you only got overheated from
your own exertion.
4. What would make the KK even better: a) Getting in early
enough every night to enjoy a soak and pre-dinner drink with the group; b) a
bit more walking in farmland or rural towns; c) more time with the guide to
discuss all things Japan; d) a sweeper that spoke English; Kyoko was great,
except she didn’t speak much English.
Technology: THB was thrilled with the wifi router
rental (if expensive) and actually even happier he never had to use the rented
phone. Solar farms are more prevalent in the countryside and more bikers in the
towns…the opposite of going hi-tech.
Napkins: We got a few real napkins and a lot of
paper napkins, which 5 years ago was a never category.
Friendliness: Japan has always been kind to visitors,
and the language barrier continues to come down as more and more Japanese speak
English. In our first two ryokans the staff was downright cheerful (fully
encouraged by YT). At The Earth, the service was impeccable and they also
seemed very cheerful.
Last Impressions: Well, after 3 trips in 6 years, maybe
THB should take a break from Japan. If all goes well, he will be here for the
2020 Olympics. That’s a long way off! We’ll see, there may be another
confluence of big art shows, a good exchange rate, and more new and different
areas to explore. The bottom line: Japan is an exotic first world country,
which puts it near the top.
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