Proven Mountain Safety Organization
Operating under JRT Trading Pty. Ltd. (Travel License 2-768). Backed by two decades of mountain leadership and Mattias Hosogai’s 2017 Kumano guiding legacy.
Bridging Alpine Discipline with Ancient Trails
While Kumano Kodo Tours operates during the Spring and Autumn shoulder seasons, our organizational infrastructure is year-round. Parent entity JRT Trading Pty. Ltd. (Est. September 2005) operates Hokkaido Backcountry Club and Niseko Basecamp in winter, and Mt. Fuji Guides in summer.
In spring and autumn, our lead mountain safety professionals apply that exact same safety discipline, microclimate monitoring, and high-touch hospitality to the sacred pilgrimage trails of the Kii Peninsula.
Parent Entity Verification
JRT Trading Pty. Ltd. — Established September 2005
Travel Operator Number: 2-768 • Hotel Business Registration: 678-31
2017 Guiding Legacy
Head Guide Mattias Hosogai has designed and operated these exact Kumano routes since 2017, refining lodging partnerships and trail pacing over nearly a decade.
Strict WFR Standards
All lead guides hold active Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certifications with international emergency protocol training.
Bilingual Fixers
Our guides are fluent in Japanese and English, acting as cultural fixers between guests, Buddhist monks, and traditional Ryokan innkeepers.
Frictionless Logistics
Daily private baggage forwarding, pre-booked monastery stays, regional train/vehicle transfers, and dietary accommodations managed flawlessly.
Verified Team Credentials & Profiles
We do not hire standard trail walking contractors. Our crew consists of veteran mountain professionals with verified emergency rescue and wilderness medical certifications.
Mattias Takehiro Hosogai
Lead Itinerary Architect & Head Guide
As the original architect of our specific itineraries, Mattias brings over a decade of professional mountain guiding to the trail. Having personally operated these exact Kumano Kodo routes since 2017 under Kumano Kodo Guides, he ensures safety and logistical precision.
Dylan O'Neil
Cultural Bridge & Guide
Fully bilingual with a profound understanding of Japanese heritage and Shingon Buddhism, Dylan transforms physical hikes into deeply contextualized cultural immersions. He grants guests authentic access to local communities and monks.
Clayton Kernaghan
Founder & Logistics Director
The founder of our parent company, JRT Trading. Clayton anchors the team with decades of registered travel agency expertise, guaranteeing that our complex logistical frameworks run flawlessly behind the scenes.
David Benitez
Mountain Safety Guide
With over seven years of professional mountain guiding, David applies strict safety discipline to the forested trails of the Kii Peninsula. His rigorous training in backcountry safety ensures a secure, smoothly managed pace.
Shu Hara
Native Navigation Guide
Holding official certification from the Japan Mountain Guides Association (JMGA), Shu represents native trail navigation. His deep familiarity with Japan’s mountain terrain provides an essential layer of ground capability.
Our Sister Companies
Behind Kumano Kodo Tours is JRT Trading’s decade of operations. Explore our year-round outdoor sports and mountain guiding divisions across Japan.
Mt. Fuji Guides | Fuji Outdoor
High-altitude summer guided treks, summit ascents, and private alpine expeditions on Japan’s iconic peak under strict safety protocols.
Hokkaido Backcountry Club
Premier winter cat-skiing, heli-skiing, and guided backcountry powder operations based out of Niseko, Hokkaido.
Niseko Basecamp
Premier ski & snowboard equipment rentals, custom boot fitting, and winter mountain logistics centered in Niseko, Hokkaido.
Parent Operator
JRT Trading Pty. Ltd.
Travel Agency License
Japan Travel License No. 2-768
Operational Bases
Gotemba HQ & Niseko, Hokkaido
Operating Windows
Spring (Mar-Jun) & Autumn (Sep-Nov)