Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Kumano Kodo Hiker's Shuttle

Q1: Do you pick up and deliver to Airbnbs or unstaffed guesthouses? A1: Yes, we do! However, since there is no reception desk, we need to know exactly where to pick up or leave your luggage (e.g., "inside the entrance," "in the storage box"). Please provide these details or the contact information of your Airbnb host when booking.

Q2: Will my luggage stay dry if it rains? A2: Yes. The Kumano region receives a lot of rain, but your bags are transported safely inside our vehicles. However, to be extra safe, we highly recommend packing your clothes and electronics inside plastic bags or waterproof dry bags within your luggage.

Q3: Can I use this service to send my luggage to Kyoto, Osaka, or Tokyo after my hike? A3: No, the Kumano Kodo Hiker's Shuttle is a dedicated local service covering the Nakahechi route up to the Katsuura area. If you need to forward your luggage to a major city after your hike, you will need to use a national courier service like Yamato Transport (Ta-Q-Bin), which your final guesthouse in Kumano can usually help you arrange.

Q4: I have two bags. Is it still 3,000 JPY? A4: The simple flat rate of 3,000 JPY is per bag. If you have two bags, the total cost will be 6,000 JPY. If you are traveling as a couple or group, it is a good idea to consolidate your items into fewer bags if possible!

Q5: What items are prohibited from being sent? A5: For safety reasons, we cannot transport dangerous goods (flammables, gas canisters for camping), fragile items without proper protection, extremely valuable items (cash, passports, jewelry), or raw food. Please carry valuables and important documents with you in your daypack.