Collect your kumaphone at one of two locations — Kii-Tanabe station (the gateway city, served by limited express connections from Osaka) or Takijiri, the official trailhead of the Nakahechi.
kumaphone rental
Unlimited data and Japan domestic calling throughout the Kumano Kodo. Stay connected, use Google Maps and translation apps freely, and call for help if anything goes wrong.
A kumaphone uses a network that connects more easily on the Kumano Kodo. The trail is relatively well looked after, but you're still walking through remote mountains — so having a reliable way to reach the outside world if something happens is essential.
Make calls anywhere in Japan at no extra charge. If anything goes wrong on the trail, you can call emergency services (119) or your accommodation directly from the kumaphone.
Use Google Maps, translation, weather, and social apps as much as you like — no data caps, no throttling. Stream conditions from the Tanabe Community Board in real time.
If a hiker goes missing, the kumaphone team can confirm your GPS location and report to the relevant authorities immediately — an extra layer of safety in remote mountain sections.
*A GPS location requires the kumaphone to have been in use for at least 15 minutes.
Use the kumaphone as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot for your whole group. Connect your camera, tablet, or travel companions' devices — all sharing the unlimited data plan.
Google Maps, Google Translate, transit apps, and more — all pre-installed and ready. No setup needed; start navigating the moment you pick up the phone.
Offline trail maps, oji shrine pins, guide conditions and a stamp rally — bundled on every rental, and soon on your own phone.
Collect your kumaphone at one of two locations — Kii-Tanabe station (the gateway city, served by limited express connections from Osaka) or Takijiri, the official trailhead of the Nakahechi.
Once your hike ends at Nachi-Katsuura (or wherever you finish), simply drop the kumaphone into the prepaid return envelope and post it from any convenience store or post office. No need to travel back to Tanabe.
Choose pickup location and date at reserve.kumanokodo-now.com
Collect at Tanabe or Takijiri with your booking reference
Use unlimited data, domestic calls, and Google Maps throughout the trail
Drop in the prepaid envelope at any post office or convenience store
Reserve your kumaphone online — pick up in Tanabe or Takijiri, return by post when you're done.