What is included with kumaphone rental?

Unlimited data, Japan domestic calling, offline GPS maps, and 24/7 emergency support.

Where can I pick up the kumaphone?

Pick-up locations include Kii-Tanabe and Takijiri-oji at the Nakahechi trailhead.

How do I return the kumaphone?

Return by post at the end of your hike — prepaid envelope included.

kumaphone rental

Your travel partner for a safe, convenient Kumano Kodo journey

Reserve online See what's included

From ¥2,500 / day · Japan SIM included

Two hikers on the Kumano Kodo using a smartphone

What's included

One phone. Unlimited data. Peace of mind on the trail.

A lifeline on the trail

Domestic calls — emergency-ready

Unlimited data

GPS tracking for your safety

Tethering included

Travel apps pre-installed

Rental plans

Simple, transparent pricing

Standard rental

Smartphone + app + Japan SIM

¥ 2,500 / day

iPhone (SE or newer)

Travel apps pre-installed (Maps & Translate)

Japan SIM (voice + data)

Protective case + screen protector

USB-C cable + charger

Return postage (prepaid envelope)

Reserve at reserve.kumanokodo-now.com

Minimum 1 day · Maximum 30 days · Cancel up to 48 h before pickup

Insurance included — covers breakage, damage, water damage & theft

Loss is NOT covered — replacement fee ¥20,000 per device / ¥500 per accessory

Coming soon

kumaphone app

App Store & Google Play — in preparation

Pickup locations

Pick up before you hit the trail

tanabe en+ (Kii-Tanabe Station)

紀伊田辺

1F café

10:00 – 19:00 daily

Book online, pick up with booking reference

Kumano Kodo-kan (Takijiri)

Takijiri

熊野古道館

08:30 – 14:00

Book online, pick up with booking reference

Return

Return by post — no detour needed

1. Reserve online

Choose pickup location and date

2. Pick up

Collect at Tanabe or Takijiri

3. Walk the trail

Use unlimited data and domestic calls end to end

4. Post it back

Drop in prepaid envelope anywhere

Insurance & important notes

Know before you go

What insurance covers

Breakage & physical damage

Accidental drops, cracks, and physical damage are covered.

Water damage

Rain and water damage is covered.

Theft (police report required)

Theft is covered, but a police report and reference number are required.

Loss (紛失) — NOT covered

If lost, insurance does not apply. Replacement fee: ¥20,000/device, ¥500/accessory.

· Rental fee includes round-trip shipping and insurance. · Loss is not covered.

FAQ

Common questions

Does the kumaphone work without any Wi-Fi or mobile signal?

The kumaphone uses a Japanese SIM optimised for the Kumano Kodo. Most of the route has reliable signal.

I already have a smartphone. Do I need to rent one?

If your foreign SIM works well you may not need to rent. But for domestic calls, unlimited data and group tethering, it is worth it.

What if I damage or lose the phone?

Damage, water damage and theft are covered. Loss is not — ¥20,000/device, ¥500/accessory.

Can I extend my rental period on the trail?

Yes — email hello.hechinaka@gmail.com. Daily rate stays ¥2,500/day.

What language is the interface in?

English by default, Google Translate pre-installed. Support in English and Japanese.