Surrounded by rich nature, you can enjoy Nordic walking in Kunma, Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City, while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Image source: Healthy Longevity Village “Kunma” Official Website

This time, I actually experienced “Nordic Walking in Kunma”, so I will report in detail on its charms and how to enjoy it!

What is "Nordic Walking in Kunma"?

“Nordic Walk in Kunma” is a Nordic walking event held in Kunma, Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

The secret to its popularity is that not only can you exercise while surrounded by beautiful scenery, but you can also learn about the plants and local history you come into contact with along the way.

Image source: Healthy Longevity Village “Kunma” Official Website

“Nordic Walk in Kunma” is organized by the local group Healthy Longevity Village “Kunma”.”

It is held every Saturday and the third Sunday of every month, and there are nine diverse courses with different content and distances available.

Image source: Healthy Longevity Village “Kunma” Official Website

All courses are led by guides who are local instructors certified by the Japan Nordic Walking Association, making it easy for even beginners to try. ◎

With the desire to let people know more about Kunma, the guide will not only show you the way, but also explain about the plants and history.

This time, we experienced the “Hirashiro Ruins Course” with the guidance of our guide, Mr./Ms. Ebihara!

As the name “Hirashiro Ruins” suggests, this is a recommended course where you can see the remains of Jomon period dwellings.

The walking distance is a little longer at 7.5km and takes about 3 hours. Let’s go right away!

First, check-in and warm-up!

After checking in at the office, all participants will do some warm-up exercises and walking practice.

Even if you are new to Nordic walking or don’t have poles, you can join in with ease as the participation fee includes pole rental fees.

During walking practice, you will also practice how to adjust the poles and how to walk.

You will be shown examples and given careful instruction, so even beginners can feel at ease!

Let's get going! Walking along old roads that cars can't even use

Once the walking practice is done, it’s time to start. Soon after we started walking we began climbing up an old mossy path.

As you walk step by step along the road that even cars cannot enter, you will forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

This is an old marker stone.

There are traces of the Akiha Kaido road here and there along the way, which makes you think, “Perhaps people in the past also walked this road on their way to Akiha Shrine.”

Get to know Kunma

When walking along old roads, you can come across many interesting things.

Each time, the guide will give you explanations about the history of bears and plants, so one of the charms of “Nordic Walk in Kunma” is that you can enjoy it without getting bored.

This is the Mitsumata tree, the material used to make banknotes.

I also found wild walnuts growing there…and there were many other interesting discoveries to be made in places that I would have simply passed by if I had just walked on my own.

On the way, we took a break and stopped at the Amida Buddha statue, which is highly cherished by Kunma. Here, we were taught about the historical background of Amida Buddha.

Seeing the magnificent view will give you a sense of accomplishment and make you feel refreshed!

The route I took this time was the Hirashiro Ruins Course, and the journey to the Hirashiro Ruins was entirely uphill.

I was a little worried about whether we would be able to make it to the top, but our guide, Mr./Ms. Ebiwara, watched our pace and gave us breaks in between, so it didn’t feel too difficult.

And the spectacular view that spreads out before your eyes when you reach the top gives you a sense of accomplishment.

I was a little lacking in exercise, so when I first started I was worried whether I could walk 7.5km, but thanks to the poles and the breaks I took, I was able to finish the walk without any difficulty.

Not only did it satisfy my lack of physical activity, it also satisfied my curiosity and made me want to take other courses.

Nordic Walk in Kunma Basic Information

Healthy Longevity Village “Kunma”

Nordic Walking Office

Address: 2100-1 Kunma, Tenryu-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture

TEL: 090-7956-3745

Web site: https://kunmakenkou.com/

<Nordic Walking Event Information>

Date: Every Saturday and the third Sunday

Participation fee: 2,000 yen for first timers / 1,500 yen for repeaters

*Half price for elementary school students and younger.

The participation fee includes insurance, guide fee, and pole rental fee.

Nordic Walking in Kunma

Make a reservation here https://kunmakenkou.com/iventall/

*Advance reservations are required

*The course will vary depending on the date.

*If the tour is cancelled due to weather or other reasons, you will be contacted at least 2 days before the tour date.

The Nordic Walk in Kunma event introduced this time is an event where people of all ages and genders can enjoy hiking

This is also recommended for those who feel they are lacking in exercise on a daily basis! You can walk while talking with not only the guide but also the other participants, so you can enjoy it even if you participate alone.

We encourage everyone to try Nordic Walking in Kunma and experience the nature of Hamamatsu.