LOCAL FIT KUMANOBack to list
In June, the Kumano Kodo Is Both Muggy and Cool at the Same Time
When walking the Kumano Kodo in June, the question isn't really "will it be hot or cold?" — the answer is both. During the rainy season the air is heavy with moisture, and climbs will have you sweating nonstop. On the other hand, step into a cedar grove or the shade of a stone-paved path, and the moment you stop moving, that sweat cools and you may suddenly feel chilly.
That's why, for this season, the trick is to choose your clothes based not on the temperature reading but on "will it dry after I sweat?"
The Basic Formula: Light Layers That Dry Quickly
Tops: A Quick-Drying Short Sleeve Plus a Light Long Sleeve
For the layer against your skin, a quick-drying synthetic T-shirt is easy to work with. Cotton holds moisture and dries slowly, which can leave you chilled at every rest stop. Add a thin long-sleeved shirt or a UV-blocking light jacket over it, and you'll also protect your arms from the sun, insects, and brushing branches. This combination makes it easy to take a layer off when you're hot and put it back on when you cool down at a break.
Bottoms: Stretchy and Fast-Drying
The steps on stone-paved sections sometimes require you to lift your legs high. Long pants with some stretch that dry quickly even when wet are ideal. Denim becomes heavy and slow to dry when wet, so it's best avoided this time of year.
Footwear: Assume You'll Get Wet
In June, stone and dirt paths can be damp and slippery even without rain. Choose shoes with solid tread patterns, and pair them with quick-drying socks that aren't too thick. Carrying one spare pair of socks lets you change at lunch — a surprisingly refreshing reset.
Use Accessories to Manage Heat and Sun
A hat, a sweat towel, and a thin cloth you can dampen to cool your neck are reliable allies. UV rays still filter through the leafy canopy, so don't forget sunscreen.
Rain Gear: Breathability Matters Too
During the rainy season, it's reassuring to keep rain gear in an easy-to-reach pocket of your pack. That said, highly waterproof rain jackets tend to get stuffy inside. Some hikers prefer models with underarm vents, or opt for a poncho-style cover. We've touched on rainy-day thinking in another article, so please refer to that as well.
Insect and Humidity Protection Is Part of Dressing, Too
This season brings more mosquitoes, horseflies, and other insects. Covering your sleeves and ankles properly, along with using insect repellent, makes the walk more pleasant. Depending on the location and time, creatures that like damp environments may also appear, so keeping skin covered is a sensible choice.
Don't Forget an Extra Layer for After the Walk
Once you finish walking, you'll likely board a bus or train in clothes still damp with sweat. Air-conditioned vehicles can feel surprisingly cold, so it's a good idea to pack a dry shirt or a thin layer in a bag. If you're planning to stop at a hot spring, bringing a towel that can double for both purposes will keep you traveling light.
Summary
In June, the humidity of the Kumano Kodo clings to your skin — but it also deepens the green of the trees and the color of the moss. If you keep in mind four things — quick-drying, lightweight, layered, and spare — your clothing will handle both the mugginess and the cool of the shade. Leave yourself enough leeway to make final adjustments on the morning of your walk after checking the forecast, and savor the moist, atmospheric air of the ancient trail.
Image: 熊野古道中辺路 大門坂 (via (公社)和歌山県観光連盟)
