Hunter Medical Research Institute - Japan 2027

How challenging is this adventure?

This adventure is ranked 3.5/5. While no extensive trekking experience is required prior to registering, our adventures are specifically designed for people who are relatively fit and willing to train. The Kumano Kodō Japan trek is a physical challenge, involving trekking approximately 66 kilometres over 5 days. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the experience. 

You will be well supported on the adventure, with the guide and your team all cheering you on. You are free to move at your own pace and we will take frequent breaks. 

How many people will be on my adventure? 

We believe small group travel is better for the planet, and better for you. We can take up to 10 participants on our Kumano Kodō adventures, connected by their commitment to the greater good.

Can I join an Inspired Adventure on my own?

Of course, most people do! Throughout your adventure journey, we will connect you with your fellow adventurers so you can get to know each other before you hit the road.

What is the general age range of participants?

The minimum age for this adventure is 18, however younger ages are considered on application. We have had participants aged 16–84+ take part in our challenges, all united by their sense of philanthropy and adventure.

I have dietary requirements, will I be catered for? 

Along the Kumano Kodō trail, the owner-operated inns prepare delicious meals in house which showcase the local seasonal fare, therefore most meals will be Japanese cuisine. Many of the inns are smaller family-run establishments, proud of their regular set menus. When it comes to a case of a food preference or dislike, we kindly ask if guests can accept regular meals. 

We will happily request meat-free meals if you’ve noted this during your booking. We can also request meals which are without fish and seafood, though they may still contain traditional fish stock called dashi. It is hard for the Japanese inns to produce meals without dashi and choices for vegans are limited, please feel free to enquire at the time of booking. We can not guarantee 100% gluten free meals in Japan as small quantities of gluten are present in soy sauce and miso which are commonly used in many dishes. 

Do I have to carry my own bag?

On this adventure, you'll only need to carry a day bag with essentials for your day of activities. Your luggage/big backpacks will be transferred to your next accommodation.

Who is Inspired Adventures?

HMRI has partnered with Inspired Adventures to bring you this adventure of a lifetime. Over the last 20 years, Inspired Adventures has taken over 8,000 people, just like you, on adventures all around the world, raising over $52 million for important causes. When you choose to travel with Inspired Adventures and HMRI, you can be confident you’re in the best hands.

When will the dates for the trip be released?

Exact dates for the Kumano Kodō Trek 2027 are confirmed once participant numbers have been met. The trek will take place in September 2027, with final dates confirmed by February 2027. Once dates are confirmed, you’ll have one week to review and confirm your participation. If the dates don’t suit, you can cancel within that window and receive a full refund of your deposit.

How do I train for this adventure? 

We will provide you with information on how to prepare for your adventure when you register. In addition, we recommend that you consult your GP and a personal trainer to develop a training plan that will prepare you for the challenge.

As part of your training, we recommend making use of your free time to complete several day hikes. You should aim to be able to walk in hilly terrain for 6-8 hours comfortably and get up and do it again the next day.

It is sensible to start training as early as possible before you go on your trek.

What is the accommodation like? 

Accommodation on this adventure is twin-share in small, traditional Japanese inns (ryokan or minshuku). You will be sleeping on a futon laid on a tatami mat. Ryokan rooms sometimes have private bathrooms, but minshuku offer shared toilet and bathing facilities ‘along the corridor’. Larger groups will be split between inns where they will sleep and dine. 

Will I be sharing accommodation?

Accommodation on this adventure is based on twin-share. You will be paired with a teammate of the same gender and, whenever possible, age group. Single rooms are available at an additional cost and subject to availability.

I’m travelling with a friend, can we stay together?

Absolutely! If you’re travelling with a friend, please make note of this and we will pair you together.

How is my luggage transported?

You will need to manage your main luggage on the train to/from the start and end of the trail. During the trek, your main luggage will be transferred from inn to inn each day, allowing you to access it each evening.

How do I fundraise?

Never fundraised before? Not sure where to start? No worries, we don’t expect you to do it alone. You will have regular support from the Inspired Adventures fundraising team, who will help you make a fundraising plan to meet your target. Alongside personalised coaching, we will also send you lots of ideas and resources on how to fundraise. From online fundraising to trivia nights, to bake sales and out-of-the-box ideas, we have years and years of tried and tested tips to make your fundraising a success.

What happens if I don’t meet my fundraising target? 

It’s normal to worry you won’t meet your fundraising target, but we know you can do it. In fact, with the support of Inspired Adventures, almost everyone goes on to raise far more than they imagined. 

By registering for the adventure, you agree to raise the minimum fundraising amount specified. Like you, we are looking to make a significant impact for our charity partners, so the goal is for each person to have met their fundraising target before departure. If you fail to raise the minimum fundraising target by this time, we will review the situation on a case-by-case basis.

I’m travelling with a friend, can we fundraise together? 

Absolutely! Fundraising with a friend is a great idea. Just remember the fundraising target is per person, so you will each need to meet the minimum fundraising goal to participate. We know you can do it.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

The funds raised for HMRI are tax-deductible (conditions apply).

The total cost to participate in this adventure is $4,019 which is inclusive of:

• Travel deposit: $950 
• Travel cost: $3,069 (Does NOT include flights - these are to be arranged by the individual)

In addition, you are also committing to raising $3,000 (per person) for HMRI. 

What happens after I pay my deposit?

Your $950 deposit secures your place on the trek. No further payments are required until the dates are confirmed. We will inform all participants as soon as dates are confirmed. 

What if the confirmed dates don’t work for me?

Once dates are confirmed, you’ll have one week to review and confirm your participation. If the dates don’t suit, you can cancel within that window and receive a full refund of your deposit.

When will I need to make further payments?

Further payments will only be scheduled once the dates are locked in and you’ve confirmed you’re able to proceed.

What happens if I need to cancel?

If you find yourself unable to attend, please notify us in writing as soon as possible.

• If you cancel up to one week after we confirm the trip dates, your travel deposit will be refunded. 
• Cancellations made more than 7 days after trip dates are confirmed are non-refundable. However, Inspired Adventures will issue a credit voucher for the full travel cost, valid for use on another challenge within 12 months of the original departure date. If the voucher is used after 12 months, it will be valid for 50% of the original travel cost.

Do I need to have insurance?

Travel insurance is required for international travel to cover cancellation, hospital, emergency evacuation and lost luggage. We recommend purchasing your policy as soon as possible. It is up to you to ensure you have fully comprehensive travel insurance and you will need to share these details with our team before departure. For more information, please visit www.inspiredadventures.com.au/travel-insurance-information.

What happens if there is a medical emergency?

Providing the safest possible environment is our highest priority and we have an outstanding safety record. All Inspired Adventures guides are first aid trained. Our guides carry satellite phones to be used if further assistance is required.

Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?

No, Australian and New Zealand passport holders can travel to Japan for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. They are part of Japan's visa exemption scheme, requiring only a valid passport, proof of return/onward travel, and completion of disembarkation/customs forms upon arrival. For the most current requirements, refer to the Smartraveller website.

Take this new and exciting corporate social responsibility initiative and see your staff and brand take on this adventure as a team.

An Inspired Adventure with Hunter Medical Research Foundation offers the following benefits:

• Employee engagement opportunities to attract and retain staff
• Long-term partnership with Hunter Medical Research Foundation and increased community engagement
• Improved employee wellness through the impact of paying it forward
• Increased brand value through unique PR opportunities
• Improved workplace mental and physical health with a focus on fitness and training for the challenge
• Increased visibility through an innovative approach to corporate social responsibility
• Team building opportunities across departments through the achievement of a common goal
• Great networking opportunities

Find out more by downloading our corporate sponsorship pack HERE.