Backpacking Japan's Ancient Trail: The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Part 1

[@AdventureArchives]

We did this hike in the first week of September. We’d recommend doing it in a cooler month, even late September would probably be more manageable. Huge thank you to Joe and Straightback Games (store.steampowered.com/app/1761840/HOBBLE/) for helping make this trip possible! Extra thank you to Minshuku Wago for being a fantastic host on our 1st trail night (www.kumano-travel.com/en/accommodations/minshuku-wago) And as always thank you to our patrons for your support, if you want to see the episodes early and get extras like bloopers and commentaries, check out patreon.com/adventure. Thanks for watching!

[@davidwolstenholme4676]

im onto my morning of prayers ill be back this afternoon.

[@ammmm_4803]

Could you list down the track list/soundtracks used? 🥰

[@StephanieSawyer-im8jb]

My 90 yr old mother Betty spent her life enjoying the NH mountains with my father. She is now bed ridden and your channel brings her so much joy. She adores you all and feels like she's hiking right along with you.

[@SEA-U2]

That's Beautiful I am Happy for her❤🙏

[@keikarhinopuppy]

Our mom took us on this trail a few years ago (mother 65, daughters 25 and 30) and I felt it was fitting because the legend is the first to travel the trail was a noblewoman and her assistants. It is a beautiful trail with nice countryside to keep you company.

[@Nova2032-]

Great job! Hats off to Brian :-) The humidity would kill me. What a lovely country, and people.

[@kansaibeyond]

Lived in Osaka for 10 years and was never fit nor brave enough to go through the entirety of the Kumano Kodo (I've drove to multiple stops on the trail). Really excited for this!!

[@CarolOrsborn-i4t]

6 pm in Oregon usa . I was so happy to see all four together on this trip. I really enjoy going with you on these journeys. But since I'm 75 I'm quite sure id never make it off the train so I'll enjoy my chair while you do all the work. Love you guys

[@themarmalade]

I lived in Japan for several years, and the shot of Andrew covered in sweat 10 minutes into the hike was me walking from my front door to my train station every day of summer, I am not built for that humidity lol absolutely felt your pain!! Loved this so, so much though, I miss it there always, so I was so happy to watch you guys explore it!

[@curiousclownfish3166]

Wow, for its importance in the Japanese culture, this is such a beautiful trail. I have to watch this video a few more times while waiting for part 2 and part 3.

[@andreymor4299]

Bryan needs to bring Himalayan pink salt with him on trips and take it with water. It'll push water into cells instead of pushing it out of his body. It'll also give him lots of more energy. Great trips guys!

[@tomb7901]

Good advice!

[@julieetscheid9682]

Was also going to recommend an electrolyte supplement to add to water, with higher salt content, such as "LMNT".

[@awallner1]

@@julieetscheid9682 Brando's got electrolytes. It's what plants crave.

[@whiterabbitadventures]

I’ve had heat exhaustion several times during past adventures and can no longer tolerate any heat. Felt for Bryan and the rest of your crew in the heat. Looking forward to your continuing adventures.

[@kizuneko]

I really love getting to see a different side of Japan than what most KZbinrs show. Great video as always! Ganbatte Bryan!

[@Rgrrgr175]

Brian, more electrolytes and salt maybe. I noticed when you were breaking the news to the others, your choice of snack was some pretzel looking thing. Salt isn’t bad for you, it’s essential, but I’ve been told all my life salt is bad but that isnt true. Salt will help with hydration and energy.

[@CordeliaWagner1999]

To much salt is bad. There are Energy grls with Electrolytes that you can buy in every kombini. Often in these small squeezing bags, with different flavours. No need to eat empty carbs with just salt. You need Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphor and so on. A salty pretzel can't provide that.

[@AdipescentCat]

Okay saw your guy’s one video of mt Whitney as I’m planning on doing that in sept, but this is the next that popped up on my feed! I love how realistic and authentic you guys are in your struggles as someone who’s not athletic at all can relate 😊 thanks for lugging all the camera equipment along to make this for us 🙏❤️

[@jason_from_canada]

It's nice to see AA back in Japan. Good on you for persevering up those steep trails. Really enjoyed the new music for the start. Well done guys! 👍🗾⛩

[@rjlee818]

Wow! All these years, you guys are still doing it, and capturing some great footage. Thanks.

[@rogercapilos638]

Very nicely done. We did the same route in June ( Dad 75 Mom 70 daughters 49 and 34 ) and your video brought it all alive again. Keep hiking keep exploring please.

[@md.monirulislam254]

it gives me immense pleasure when you talk about trees and plants. Thank you and keep up the good work!

[@SlinkyJosh]

I was not expecting to be this entertained by this video given that I did this exact trip (hiking the Nakahechi Route) in April 2023! Excellent storytelling, videography, and editing! Subscribed!

[@Tzippi]

Wow! Just Wow! Thank you for taking us on this adventure! ❤

[@brianchar-bow3273]

Even as time passes and the surface of the city changes, nothing remains the same in terms of what lies at the root of Japan's unique culture. The common root of the originality of Japanese culture is the uniqueness of its geopolitical isolated location and the influence of its special natural environment. Even if culture and knowledge are imported from abroad, it is not dominated by them, but rather, after a certain period of time, it is able to select and discard the content, integrate it with its own culture, make repeated improvements to fit its environment, and eventually create its own new style. This is due to the influence of Japan's unique natural environment, which is both rich and harsh, and is very different from the natural environment on the continent. Japan's original country name "NIPPON" means "the country under the sun," but its other name is "YAMATO (WA, DaiWa)," which means "peaceful harmony between people and nature.　In other words, the name of Japan is "the country under the sun," meaning the country of "great harmony between people and nature. The history of Japan is very old, about 2,000 years since the reign of the Emperor, but it was during the "Jomon Pottery" culture about 14,000 years ago that humans began to form villages and communities and live in this island nation. (It was about 30,000 years ago if the Neolithic Age is included.) Surrounded on all sides by the sea and geographically isolated from the Eurasian continent in the Pacific Ocean, this island nation has a warm and humid climate, and because it is a volcanic island, it is blessed with abundant underground clear water resources, diverse vegetation, and fishery resources. For this reason, people have lived here for tens of thousands of years, enjoying the abundant nature and living in peace with nature. However, while the natural environment of this island nation is rich, it is also harsh and has both light and dark sides. Since ancient times, the people of this land have respected human harmony and have lived in peace by working together as a group. They have shared and enjoyed the blessings of nature by pooling their wisdom and collectively overcoming numerous severe and harsh natural disasters, such as frequent volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami, summer typhoons, and heavy snowfall in winter. This is because this island nation has a harsh natural environment that cannot be overcome by a single person. Individual power is too weak to face the onslaught of nature, which can destroy the wealth we have built overnight. Therefore, many people should suppress their egos, dislike confrontation, and work together to create a livable environment and maintain cleanliness, and then work together to prevent disasters before they occur and to restore the environment after they have occurred. This is the most wise, efficient, and rational way to maintain peace and harmony in each other's lives, rather than to create more chaos by insisting on each other's selfishness, which has given rise to Japan's unique teachings, culture, and behavior. The ancient name of Japan, "YAMATO" or "WA" (peaceful harmony between people and nature), represents the wishes and reality of the people who have been trying to survive in the rich and harsh natural environment unique to island countries, which is different from the dry and stable land of the Eurasian continent. And it is in this ancient Japanese country name "WA YAMATO" that the essence of Japanese culture, the origin and secret of its unique culture, which is very different from the cultures of other Asian countries on the continent, is hidden. Even though Japanese culture and customs have changed over time, the basic ideas of early childhood education, "Do not cause trouble for others" and "When in trouble, it is up to each other," "Cooperate with the group" and "Cultivate individual independence and autonomy" from the early childhood years, have remained unchanged. And the fundamental ideas of teachings of Shintoism, which "abhors defilement of body and mind and values purification," have been consistently passed down to the present. It is so commonplace that the Japanese themselves are unaware that this is a uniquely Japanese teaching, but everyone has mastered it by the time they reach adulthood. This is because the natural environment of this island nation has both light and dark sides, and changes rapidly. Therefore, it is a "necessary behavioral principle" that the inhabitants of this land must learn as an adaptive behavior to survive safely and peacefully in this extreme natural environment. The unique natural environment of this island nation, which is rare in the world, has given birth to Japan's unique culture.

[@Hansman]

I've been watching for years, I don't know why we can't have more followers like Camping with Steve.

[@_Booker_DeWitt]

Both great channels, I'm eagerly awaiting the next video from both.

[@stuff0music]

I recently re watched your California Lost Coast hike as I hiked it about 30 years ago. And now watching you hike the Kumano Kodo which my wife and I just completed this early November. I’m now in my early 70’s and appreciate how you portray your adventures and the intensity of them as well as the interaction between the four of you. Looking forward to things to come. Especially the last part to Hongu Taisha.

[@mllemurder4739]

Thank you, guys! This was a trip down memory lane. I did half of the Nakahechi route in 2018 and completed the 2nd half in 2019, both times during Golden Week in April/May, so it wasn't nearly as hot and humid as you guys have experienced. Also, it's awesome to see all 4 of you guys together in Japan. Cheers!

[@chelsylorensia434]

The footage footage capture is not boring, it's good, clear, and shares footage of exploring the places visited. The people in it seem very enthusiastic, making us as viewers want to join in exploring places like that.

[@SushiLeader]

Pacing was so good this episode! Really felt like I was there with you guys on the uphills. Glad you guys filmed all of that. What a unique perspective of Japan, can’t wait for the next few episodes!

[@kw2764]

What a great walk through the Japan countryside. I enjoyed seeing the mountains, plants, and the local farming. Wish I could have smelled the cedar forest....almost!

[@earlysda]

That cedar pollen is awful now!

[@cooperbeggs]

all your video are so good. you guys have ruined every other long-form hiking video for me. the intro alone goes so hard that i was actually getting pumped. it is so cinematic and well shot and you guys are so personable. literally the best hiking videos on youtube. the music is so good and you guys do a great job with it, you know how to pace the music and have it fit the immaculate vibe that you create. THE VIBES ARE JUST SO GOOD

[@gewamser]

I can tell that this trip took a huge effort to do…but at the same time, this might be the best trip you have ever done, so bravo!

[@sueandton38]

Wow! Incredible perseverance. Steep, hot, but your filming captured the beautiful landscape too. Great mix of nature and culture. Thanks so much!

[@RyanKimba]

Wow! I loved the new theme song variation in the intro. Great job, you guys! The whole journey looks truly epic in those intro shots. Can't wait to see it all unfold. And it's not every day you see Thomas huffing and puffing on a hike!

[@Ryllee8954]

Wow ... just found your channel. Thus was my first watch... so excited to go through the back catalogue! 😊

[@darkchocotony3391]

I really felt like I was actually with you! I watched non-stop all the way to the end. The whole adventure was expertly filmed and edited. Just the right pacing. With a fun bonus ending.

[@megkjones]

Congrats, Robby!

[@lindaselover2536]

Thank you for taking us along on your trek in Japan. I dragged my camping gear all around Japan with me in mid-October 2019 - but never camped. I did cycle the Seto Sea island hop with the 7 islands or bridges -- on a really old screechy bicycle. Enjoyed it in spite of the bike. Looking forward to the rest of your videos of this trail - I walk along on my treadmill. Happy Trails. also -- would love the flying mode in real life!!

[@audrey3319]

Loved this. Felt the nostalgia, I lived in Japan from age 3-9 decades ago (late 60s early 70s). Could literally feel and smell the descriptions

[@atzk0510]

Great episode! I totally get you guys with the Japanese summer heat. When I went to Japan a couple years ago, I did some short hikes (~2 hours each) and the July heat + rain was absolutely brutal. I can't imagine doing an extended hike like this one so I'm really feeling for Bryan. I'm still a beginner but you guys got me into hiking and among of all the episodes I've watched this is definitely on my bucket list some day. Planning to go back to Japan within the next three years so I'll see if I'm up to the task then lol.

[@earlysda]

The humidity is fine, but the rain and bugs are a bit bothersome.

[@trailhooks8753]

That intro into the theme was so good! My favorite way y’all have started an episode so far!

[@ferdiemontenegro5436]

It's great to see you guys together again. And congratulations to Robby! 😊

[@PatChatGC]

Your old japan videos is how I found your channel; it feels amazingly nostalgic to see another japan episode from you guys!!

[@ST-mp8pz]

Hi from Japan! I am on my trip to Mie prefecture for the first time to visit Ise grand shrine and just found my next destination (Even though I have been living in Japan my entire life, never thought about exploring Shima peninsula until recently. So happy I found this vid!)

[@AdventureArchives]

Thanks so much for watching! Your upcoming trip sounds like a great time, and we hope the video helps you with your future endeavors :)

[@pawchristensen109]

Can't wait for part 2! You guys are great company.

[@CameraGuy19]

At 1:12:10, watching over the village made me emotional. Rural Japan can be so nostalgic beautiful and feels like home.

[@conconplays]

my partner and i have been watching y'all's videos together for years now. y'all have become such a bonding experience for her and i, and i am so grateful for every amazing video y'all put out!

[@Lcam-h6g]

Watching part 1 again…can’t get enough of your Japan videos. I didn’t want Part 3 to end. Awesome adventure, great videos!!

[@nolisarmiento1719]

4:35 ....those houses !......they also catch my attention whenever the train passes by them...somewhere before Shizuoka

[@JohnsTinyWoodshop]

Japan is at the very top of my international travel wishlist. This only fuels my desire to go more.

[@MaDmanex100]

Dont wait, start saving up! Be sure to look up reserverations beforehand or you end up chasing hostels and hotels all day.

[@nowhere3950]

@@MaDmanex100 i honestly think it's more fun that way, if i ain't getting any place to sleep then ill just wander around the place all night

[@MaDmanex100]

@@nowhere3950 Are you sleeping on the day instead then perhaps?

[@nowhere3950]

@@MaDmanex100 maybe, sleeping while sitting on the bench i guess

[@MaDmanex100]

@@nowhere3950 An interesting approach for sure. Have you done something similar before?

[@inthehouse1960]

What a nice gift - thanks guys. You're the best.

[@number43]

I can could feel every step when you were constently were walking up hill.😂 And its nice to see another side of Japan that you dont see that often here on KZbin as well. All in all a really great episode. And Im looking forward to the next one!

[@FickleWid]

maaan those shot outs were next level!! I've been looking forward so much to these episodes, glad to finally be catching them :)

[@krillenm]

Stoked for this series! Love Japan and you guys have great videos. Hope we get some more of you guys just exploring Japan too.

[@droppedlung]

I love this episode! You offer many points of views on this hike in Japan....the getting to the actual trailhead was an awesome adventure. My daughter leaves to study in Nagoya in March and this video will help her a bit. thanks again...keep up the great work 🙂

[@deborahflello2316]

What a great Christmas treat. We really enjoyed this guys and congrats on the forthcoming nuptuals Robby! Unless Thomas was pulling our leg????

[@carolyncorcoran1109]

Great episode!! Loved the new intro and seeing all of you on the trip! Japan is a beautiful place and hiking is a serious endeavor there! Can’t wait to see the rest!

[@AdventuresWithLoki]

Great video guys, what a beautiful place! Always a great day when AA releases a new adventure. Looking forward to the next two!

[@cobytang]

I went to the three Kumano Grand Shrines before!!!!!! I always wanted to walk the pilgrimage trail myself some day. Love it!!!!!!!!!

[@musicisbrilliant]

Longtime fan here! Ive been away from your channel, and your wonderful videos for a long time. Maybe upwards of a year... But I have found my way back! And your videos are still just as WONDERFUL AS EVER! There is just something about them that is so inspiring. Drinking my coffee before work watching this awesome video. Thank you guys. Also, my favorite videos are definitely when you have the whole crew of four together. I too have a close crew of four longtime friends and I dont get to see them that often, so I know how hard it can be to all get together. But Im really glad to see you're all still coming together for the sake of these videos, this channel, and for your friendship itself. If I could ask for anything in future videos, it would be for you guys NOT TO CHANGE. Lol. EVER! Except I would love love love to just see more overnight backpack adventures with a map of your trail and where you guys are camping out. I enjoy those videos so much. I dont watch TV. But you AA is truly one of my all time favorite youtube channels. And I love that you produce all of your own music, which fits your whole vibe perfectly. Just wanted to say that IM BACK and that Im glad that you're still here and still putting out truly phenomenal content.

[@coldnightair_2578]

this is amazing! ive lived in japan before and love hiking there, this was very nostalgic. ive walked parts of the old tokaido road, and want to walk the shikoku pilgrimage and kumano kodo. i was very worried in the beginning that you might underestimate the heat, but im glad you adressed it. cant wait to watch the rest of this!

[@KaratedudeYT]

I was binging your last Japan trip videos as inspiration for my upcoming trip. What a nice surprise to have a new episode for more inspiration!

[@Rahul1803]

Awesome Videography

[@branch_preparedness]

Outstanding episode. Thank you, guys, for bringing us along.

[@patrickodowd8443]

Absolutely loved this and can't wait for the next chapters!

[@alexispaschalidis5549]

Such a lovely group of friends 🥲 watching you guys happily venture is making me happy also! The background music and voice overs are really soothing also. Great work, thank you 🙏

[@skyblue0309]

great video. WOW!

[@afirth70]

Did this back in 2016 and as soon as you got off the bus I was thinking “just wait for that first climb”. So glad I did it but nearly didn’t continue after that first day.

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

Japan is such a interesting place to visit. Great watch.Thanks 😊😊😊

[@ricardobentes]

You probably don't read the comments, but in case you do, salt imbalance may affect your ability to absorb water, that is why it is so important to drink an isotonic drink when exercising in hot climates when you sweat a lot It will replenish your salt levels and help hydration. It makes a huge difference! You can mix a isotonic tablet on your water bladder or better yet keep it in a separate bottle ao you have a choice. It doesn't need to be an "energy drink" there are isotonic drinks without sugar and stimulants. Love your videos and happy new year!!

[@tomb7901]

Good information. Thanks!

[@tharanaillukkumbura1094]

I've been waiting for a long time for your next Japan adventure after Mt. Kumotori.

[@amyhayutin1738]

I loved that you share your knowledge of plants, trees, fungi, and animals! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@samvue9219]

Hi guys, I've been a fan of yours for quite a while. It's nice to see that you guys are still closed friends and hope you guys will always stay close forever. Life is always changing, and things are always forever changing, but you guys always find ways to make time for each other, I really like that about you guys. Keep hiking and go on your adventures so we, as fans can come along with you guys....❤❤❤

[@jeryandreann]

I really like your channel as it allows us to indirectly see the beauty of a place from this channel. Can't wait for the other journey of you. Keep up and God bless.

[@stephenwarrington9719]

Can't wait for the next 2! Great episode dudes! and Congrats Robby!?

[@deanzaZZR]

Take a look at a topographical map of Wakayama. It's simply insane. Well done, AA Crew. Those cold drinks were well earned.

[@karkroth5123]

Wow, so excited for the next one! This is one of my favorite (trees) episodes you guys have done yet.

[@Rusty924]

These videos are so relaxing. I think this has been my fav so far after years of watching. Love the japanese countryside. I would love to see it in person one day

[@XpRnz]

Can't believe you guys are still at 200k.. Been following for years now, always my go to chillout/nature channel! Quality every time.

[@maryannstokes9764]

Great video. What a fun trip. Glad you're all safely back home...at least I'm thinking you are by now.

[@RightPhalanges]

Love seeing all of you together! ❤

[@shinyamato]

maybe I already watching this Kumano Kodo trip like 10 times or more, so relaxing, nostalgic, even companying me asleep. thank you can't wait to watch another Japan episode

[@thecarlob_007]

Thanks for taking us along on this spectacular journey!

[@charlieb.3990]

Love this video! I love Japan and it’s so great to watch an expertly filmed and edited video on the Kumano Kodo trek. It was fantastic watching the camaraderie between you guys. Also a bonus that you stopped to point out the different plants and wildlife along the way. I watched it right through the end. It was that entertaining 😊. Kudos to all four of you. Looking forward to more such videos especially on Japan!

[@jacobkonkel6793]

I can't wait for the next episodes. What a beautiful hike. Maybe I'll make my way from IL to Japan some day.

[@stephenessig8650]

Great episode and well worth the wait! New theme song slaps! Can’t wait for the rest! And congrats, Robby!

[@SeanOBriant]

Great job guys! Looking forward to the next piece of trail.

[@ashwinioak6857]

Loved the entire episode!!! … felt like we were right there experiencing the heat, trials and triumphs with you… keep making and sending many more… best wishes and good health and happiness to all of you 👍🏼

[@hpjanar]

Guys, fantastic video. I like the filming style and narration. I had watched Robby’s hiking video few years back and just rediscovered this channel. You guys are seriously underrated. I did the Kumano kodo in spring of 2019 from Takijiri to Nachi. Beautiful trail. Wishing you’ll a wonderful 2024!

[@dtwong1]

Excited to give this a watch! I was JUST looking up this trail system, yesterday, as I am thinking of planning to do this next year! Hope you great time on this one together!

[@carlosczun]

I love these, thanks for doing it and sharing! I was in Japan and i just got to know about this when i planned my Camino de Santiago after my trip to Japan, i hope to comeback someday and do it!

[@wic0058]

First time commenting but watched your stuff for years. This one was definitely one of my favs, very nicely crafted video - proper good stuff!

[@NickandRachel]

Man what an incredible place! Really felt like I was there with you guys loved the video! I can definitely see how it reminds you guys of the Smoky Mountains we film a lot there and just watching the video I can definitely see the resemblance!

[@dreadfoil]

Happy Holidays Adventure Archives crew! Thank you for your amazing dedication and hard work for giving us great content!

[@thunderblackfairy]

My partner and I did the route in October 2019. We are mid 70’s so didn’t hike as hard as you guys, we also walked the Camino in 2016 and knew to bring our certificates to get duo pilgrim certificate. We took it easy and the Kumamoto Kody trail was only one week of our 5 week stay. We are slow travellers and have many wonderful memories, but we didn’t enjoy that first day on the trail with the treacherous tree roots. Yea for hiking poles.

[@Alasdair37448]

I love japan I think there are so many wonderful things in japan I love the forest bathing and the monks and the shrines. Japan is truly an amazing place I hope I get the chance to see it one day.

[@danielaamritha340]

Awesome, I was there, being deeply impressed by the high energy there❤

[@ferrysusanto38]

Every scenes in this video, bring back my memories. Thank You!!

[@ChrissyVrealtor]

I absolutely LOVED this video! So helpful, w lots of nature details, not expected. We leave end of May for this trip from USA. You guys ate awesome!

[@dmdizonPH]

Happy Holidays Adventure Archives 🎉

[@dcta51]

Perfect Christmas present my guys.

[@iselin4507]

I love how Andrew keep dropping biology facts.After watching I really feel like going on a hike with y'all.

[@MattHayashi]

I can't believe you did this without any sleep...97 degrees in humid conditions and jet lag...I bow down to you guys...

[@thunderblackfairy]

Love the commentary on flora fauna. We hiked in cooler times, thankfully. Enjoy seeing same spots again