Specialists in Japan's Kumano Kodo plus Australia's Great Walks. Search and shop the best hiking gear for your upcoming adventure.
Stable on your feet.
Walking poles such as our Black Diamond range offer increased stability on slippery and uneven surfaces, and on steep uphills and downhills. Additionally they can help take some of the load off your legs and back.
Whether on a day hike, a multi-day with your bulky gear transported ahead, or carrying the lot, bringing enough water to stay well hydrated and prepared is essential. Enter the hydration back-pack, aka Camelbak.
Discover Australia's most spectacular and luxurious walking adventures. Cradle Mountain, Freycinet Experience, Spicers Scenic Rim, Bay of Fires, and more.
The formula to comfort on the trail is pretty simple. You want to be warm, you want to be dry, and you want to be comfortable. Premium, and specifically designed hiking apparel, chosen for your adventure will have you remembering the adventure, and not the blisters.
The art of adventure is being prepared when things don't go to plan. A reliable, comfortable head torch is a must. If you're on the track later then anticipated a decent head torch offering handsfree lighting will be a critical.
Discover the Nakahechi Imperial Route and walk in the footsteps of Emperors and Pilgrims, supported by Hiking Trails Pty Ltd, Australia's Kumano Kodo Japan specialists.
We loved it. This was a well organised,cultural experience that had friendly and welcoming people from start to finish and that included the booking process too. The walk was an enjoyable country walk through the hills with spectacular scenery and great rest spots at the end of each day. Thanks Hiking Trails we’re now looking at out next outdoor adventure for next year.
Deb and Tim Hardiman
As a trio we recently completed the five day Kumano Kodo. Nick planned a brilliant six days for us and nothing was left to chance. It was exceptional from the get-go and an amazing experience. The landscape was green, green, green! We were immersed in the clouds, the forest, the water; an abundance of breathtaking vistas. The hospitality and kindness we received (and the fantastic food) was very special. Thank you Nick!
Toni E. Meath
We thoroughly enjoyed our days hiking Komano Kodo. Loved the different Minshuku experiences, the food, and the challenges and rewards of the hike. Thanks Nick for arranging accommodation, baggage transfer and pre-hike briefing in Tanabe. Totally stress free, letting us focus on the wonder of each day. We couldn’t ask for a smoother, better organised experience.
Deb and Philip
A huge thanks to Hiking Trails for organising our Kumano Kodo hike for my partner and I. Being from a small town in New Zealand, then travelling to Japan was somewhat overwhelming for the two of us, but the itinerary we were given from Nick and his team helped to make our journey stress free. The hiking was unreal, with amazing views throughout (it even snowing during one of the days). What really made the trip though was being able to really experience Japanese culture, from the unique accommodation, the authentic food and the local people we were able to meet on the way, which wouldn’t have been possible without these guys, once again, thanks you!!
Matt and Solita
Nick at Hiking Trails needs to be congratulated for organising our self-guided Kumano Kodo hike and experience! From the moment we arrived at Kii Tanabe and briefed by a very professional young lady at the information centre (all organised by Nick!) to every single place we stayed along the way which were brilliantly chosen. The owners of the lovely Japanese minshuku accommodation were very, very friendly and all presented us with incredible & delicious authentic Japanese suppers, breakfasts & lunches to take with us on our next days trek. The hike was very enjoyable and gave us the true Japanese experience we were looking for. We would highly recommend Hiking Trails and Nick to anyone looking for a self guided adventure trek.
Amanda and Martin Moore
My brother and I just returned from completing the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route. Nick at Hiking Trails was so helpful and responsive with our booking. Despite giving him a short timeframe to organise accommodation along the trail, as well as last minute changes on our part, Nick was so efficient and came through for us. All queries were answered and we felt confident prior to setting out from Australia. Actually, throughout the trail, all our expectations were exceeded, starting with the briefing on arrival, the written information, personalised maps and itineraries provided and the quality of the minshukus and the food along the trail. What’s more, Hiking Trails was very competitively priced. But, most importantly, the serenity we experienced while traversing the Kumano Kodo, with all its natural beauty and spirituality, was unforgettable. Thanks Nick for helping hiking the Kumano a reality for us.
Ruwanthie Fernando
One of the main highlights for me was the difference between the big cities and the countryside we walked through . Small hamlets with market gardens and home grown produce for sale and served for dinner at our accomodation . It was an immersive experience which we thoroughly enjoyed .
Jean
We wanted to trek Kumano Kodo with our 4 children but found the cost prohibitive. Nick helped us out in getting the best value possible and we did not have to compromise on anything. Beautiful scenery and great Japanese hospitality.
Leesa
Trekking the Kumano Kodo was a brilliant experience. We jammed it all into just a 7 day trip away (5 days on the trails). Having Hiking Trails organise it for us meant all we had to do was show up and get walking. The itinerary was perfect for us (mother and son duo) and following the guide and maps was simple. The accommodation that was booked for us was lovely and the hosts so welcoming and hospitable. Would definitely recommend Hiking Trails to assist with managing and booking your trip.
Whilst it'll be tricky to now (at the time of writing) book onto the Cradle Mountain Huts Walk for January - April 2022, there is still good availability through May 2022, along with some last minute spots in November and December 2021 for those who can travel to Tassie and the optimists amongst us.
When is the best time to visit the Kumano Kodo? In regard to the weather and the best time of year to walk the Kumano Kodo in Japan, the most popular seasons are the Japanese spring and autumn.
