Kumano Kodo Nakahechi, Koyazaka

What to Wear on the Kumano Kodo in October Changes Between the First and Second Half of the Month

"It's October, so autumn clothes should be fine, right?"—then you set out walking and end up drenched in sweat. We often hear this on the Kumano Kodo. October is a month where the remnants of summer and the signs of autumn coexist. Rather than lumping the whole month together, we recommend thinking about your mountain trail attire in two parts: early October and late October.

*Temperatures vary significantly depending on the year and elevation. Before setting out, always check the weather forecast and recent temperatures for your destination.*

Early October: An Extension of Summer—Expect to Sweat

Quick-drying short sleeves + a light layer

In early October, there are still days when walking during the daytime feels hot. You'll sweat more than expected on climbs, so a quick-drying T-shirt is a good base layer. Cotton dries slowly and can leave you chilled with cold sweat during breaks, so it's a material to avoid if possible.

When a breeze passes through tree shade or at a mountain pass, cooling sweat can make you feel chilly. Keep a thin long-sleeve shirt or lightweight wind shell easily accessible in your pack.

Mind the sun and insects

On sunny days, the sunlight can feel intense in open areas. A hat or a towel around your neck will give you peace of mind. On paths lined with grass and trees, you may feel uncomfortable with too much skin exposed. Many people find lightweight long pants more comfortable for walking.

Late October: Be Aware of Morning and Evening Chill

Layer up and adjust as you go

By late October, the air in the mornings and evenings turns crisp. Even if you feel warm while moving during the day, you'll feel the cold as soon as you stop. A setup like the following makes it easy to adjust by adding or removing layers:

Small accessories for hands and neck make a difference

Thin gloves and a neck warmer don't take up space and are very effective for fine-tuning your warmth. You may feel cold at the start, but you'll warm up quickly once walking, so dressing in layers you can easily take off keeps you comfortable.

Things to Watch Out for in October

Prepare for autumn rain and typhoon season

October is also a time when the weather can turn quickly. To prepare for sudden rain, it's reassuring to carry a two-piece rain suit (jacket and pants). Wet stone paths and fallen leaves can be slippery underfoot, so choose shoes with good grip and walk slowly. On days when typhoons or heavy rain are forecast, it's important to be willing to revise your plans rather than push through.

Sunset comes earlier

As autumn deepens, the sun sets earlier. In terms of clothing, having an extra layer to wear in the evening and a small flashlight will help you stay calm if your timing runs a little late.

A Summary for When You're Unsure

As the harvest season approaches, the mountain trails of Kumano offer crisp, refreshing air that makes walking a pleasure. Dress well and take your time savoring the autumn Kodo.

Image: 熊野古道中辺路　高野坂 (via (公社)和歌山県観光連盟)