Creatures to be wary of on the Kumano Kodo
There are a few creatures to be wary of on the Kumano Kodo.
Japanese Pit Viper
(Gloydius blomhoffii) Mamushi
The Japanese Pit Viper has the classic triangle head of a pit viper and is grey to reddish brown with irregular yellow bands and speckled sides. It is a poisonous snake, so it is best to avoid when sighted. Its length is 40-80 cm. The triangle head is a good way to distinguish the mamushi.
(Gloydius blomhoffii) Mamushi
The Japanese Pit Viper has the classic triangle head of a pit viper and is grey to reddish brown with irregular yellow bands and speckled sides. It is a poisonous snake, so it is best to avoid when sighted. Its length is 40-80 cm. The triangle head is a good way to distinguish the mamushi.
Giant Centipede
(Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans) Tobizu Mukade
The Mukade is a giant centipede (up to 20 cm), and its bite can be painful. They are black with yellow-orange legs. Mukade are active in the hot and humid months and like to hide in hiking shoes, so check your boots in the morning before you put them on!
(Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans) Tobizu Mukade
The Mukade is a giant centipede (up to 20 cm), and its bite can be painful. They are black with yellow-orange legs. Mukade are active in the hot and humid months and like to hide in hiking shoes, so check your boots in the morning before you put them on!
Asian Giant Hornet
(Vespa mandarinia japonica) Suzumebachi
The Asian Giant Hornet can have a painful sting. If you see a nest, avoid the area. If one flies near you, do not swat at it but stay calm and move away. They can be most aggressive in the fall season.
(Vespa mandarinia japonica) Suzumebachi
The Asian Giant Hornet can have a painful sting. If you see a nest, avoid the area. If one flies near you, do not swat at it but stay calm and move away. They can be most aggressive in the fall season.
Japanese Land Leech
(Haemadipsa zeylanica japonica) Yamabiru
The Japanese Land Leech can be red, brown or black, and about 25 to 35 mm before feeding. Although not poisonous, their sucking of blood and general appearance can be unpleasant. They drop from their host when full, but their bite wounds continue to bleed for a while. They usually attach themselves to prey from low-hanging leaves, often in wet areas.
(Haemadipsa zeylanica japonica) Yamabiru
The Japanese Land Leech can be red, brown or black, and about 25 to 35 mm before feeding. Although not poisonous, their sucking of blood and general appearance can be unpleasant. They drop from their host when full, but their bite wounds continue to bleed for a while. They usually attach themselves to prey from low-hanging leaves, often in wet areas.
Tick
(Arachnida ixodidae) Madani
Ticks are reddish-brown with hard exoskeletons, 3 to 5 mm in length. They attach to skin and suck blood. Wear long-sleeve shirts and pants to prevent tick exposure, and check your body after hikes. Although remote, some cases of tick-borne viruses have been reported in Japan.
(Arachnida ixodidae) Madani
Ticks are reddish-brown with hard exoskeletons, 3 to 5 mm in length. They attach to skin and suck blood. Wear long-sleeve shirts and pants to prevent tick exposure, and check your body after hikes. Although remote, some cases of tick-borne viruses have been reported in Japan.
Asiatic Bear
(Ursus thibetanus japonicus) Tsukinowaguma
Tsuginowaguma means “moon circle bear” because of the distinctive white crescent marking on their chest. There are not many left in the area, but have been known to be seen on rare occasions. If spotted, keep a distance and report them first chance you get to local authorities.
Tsuginowaguma means “moon circle bear” because of the distinctive white crescent marking on their chest. There are not many left in the area, but have been known to be seen on rare occasions. If spotted, keep a distance and report them first chance you get to local authorities.
The content on this page was sourced directly from the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau website.