n Kunma, Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu, visitors can enjoy Nordic walking amid beautiful natural scenery. We joined the “Nordic Walk in Kunma” ourselves and are excited to share a full report on its highlights and how to enjoy it…

In Kunma, Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu, surrounded by rich natural beauty, visitors can enjoy Nordic walking while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Image credit: Kenkō Chōju no Sato Kuma Official Website

This time, we joined the “Nordic Walk in Kuma” ourselves, and we’re excited to share a full report on its charm and how to enjoy it!

What is the “Nordic Walk in Kunma”?

The “Nordic Walk in Kunma” is an event held in Kunma, Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where participants can enjoy Nordic walking in the local area.

What makes it especially popular is that, along with getting some exercise while surrounded by beautiful scenery, participants can also learn about local plants and history along the way.

Image credit: Kenkō Chōju no Sato Kuma Official Website

The “Nordic Walk in Kunma” is organized by the local group Kenkō Chōju no Sato Kunma, which is active in the community.

The event takes place every Saturday and on the third Sunday of each month, offering nine diverse courses with different themes and distances.

Image credit: Kenkō Chōju no Sato Kuma Official Website

Each course is guided by certified instructors from the All Japan Nordic Walking Federation, making it easy for even first-time participants to join with confidence.

With the desire to help visitors learn more about Kunma, the guides not only show the way along the trails but also explain the local plants and history.

This time, we experienced the “Hirashiro Ruins Course” with guidance from Mr. Ebihara, one of the knowledgeable local guides!

As its name suggests, the “Hirashiro Ruins Course” is a recommended route where you can see the remains of Jomon-period dwellings.

The course is a bit longer at 7.5 km, taking about three hours to complete.

Let’s get started!

First, Registration and Warm-Up!

After checking in at the office, all participants take part in a group warm-up and practice walking before setting off.

Even if it’s your first time trying Nordic walking, or if you don’t have poles, you can join easily, as pole rental is included in the participation fee.

During the walking practice, participants learn how to adjust their poles and proper walking techniques.

With demonstrations and careful guidance, even beginners can feel confident joining in!

And We’re Off! Walking Along a Historic Trail Closed to Cars

After finishing the walking practice, it’s time to set off.

Soon after starting, we entered a moss-covered uphill section of the old trail.

Walking step by step along a path that cars can’t access, you quickly forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

This is said to be an old milestone.

Along the trail, remnants of the old Akiha Road can be seen, letting you imagine how people in the past walked this path on their way to Akiha Shrine.

Get to know Kunma

As you walk along the historic trails, you’ll encounter all sorts of interesting sights.

Each time, the guides provide explanations about Kunma’s history and local plants, making the “Nordic Walk in Kunma” enjoyable from start to finish.

This is a mitsumata tree, used as a raw material for traditional charms.

Along the way, we also spotted wild walnut trees bearing fruit… and many other little discoveries that you might miss if you were just walking on your own.

Along the way, we took a break to visit the revered Amida statue, which is cherished in Kunma.

Here, we learned about the historical background of the statue.

Feeling a Sense of Achievement with Beautiful Views!

The “Hirashiro Ruins Course” we tried features a steady uphill climb on the way to the ruins.

I was a little worried, wondering if I could make it to the top, but Mr. Ebihara, our guide, paced us carefully and included breaks along the way, so it didn’t feel too strenuous.

And the beautiful view that spreads out below you at the top gives a real sense of accomplishment.

I was a bit out of shape and wondered at the start if I could manage all 7.5 km, but thanks to the poles and regular breaks, I was able to complete the course without any trouble.

Not only did it help me get some exercise, but it also satisfied my curiosity, making me want to try one of the other courses as well.

Nordic Walk in Kunma – Basic Information

Organizer: Kenkō Chōju no Sato Kunma, Nordic Walk Office

Address: 2100-1 Kunma, Tenryu-ku, Hamamatsu-shi

Phone: 090-7956-3745

Official Website: https://www.kunmakenkou.com/

Nordic Walk Event Information

Dates: Every Saturday and the third Sunday of each month

Participation Fee: First-time participants ¥2,000 / Returning participants ¥1,500

*Children in elementary school or younger: half price

*The fee includes insurance, guide service, and pole rental

*Advance reservation is required.

*Courses vary depending on the event date.

*In case of cancellation due to weather or other conditions, participants will be notified at least two days in advance.

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The “Nordic Walk in Kunma” we introduced is an event where people of all ages can enjoy walking in the mountains!

It’s also recommended for anyone feeling a bit out of shape in their daily life!

Not only do the guides provide support, but you can also chat with fellow participants while walking, so even solo visitors can have a great time.

Be sure to experience the natural beauty of Hamamatsu on the “Nordic Walk in Kunma”!