When is the best time to hike the Kumano Kodo Trail?
Japan's Kumano Kodo Trail can be walked year-round, but most time their Kumano Kodo hike for the Spring and Autumn when the weather is driest. The Sakura (cherry blossom) season in late March and April is popular, as is the October and early November for the Autumn leaves. If you want to travel during this time, it is wise to book well in advance to secure the best dates as the these months book out early. If you are planning to combine your Kumano Kodo hike with walking in other areas of Japan, our Kumano Kodo weather guide and timing considerations below may help.
Weather on the Kumano Kodo Trail in late March, April, May and early June (Spring)
Many consider Spring the best time to walk the Kumano Kodo, with cherry blossoms in bloom from late March-April, followed by azaleas and rhododendrons in May. In May the weather is a bit warmer and skies are clearer. The mountains of the Kii Peninsula can be misty at any time of year though, so there are no guarantees. Early June is inching closer to Summer, so conditions are warm, but it is not yet the most humid and wet time of year so can be an okay time to visit the Kii Peninsula.
Weather on the Kumano Kodo Trail in late September, October and November (Autumn)
Autumn is a also a good time to hike the Kumano Kodo, with October and November offering peak conditions with less rain and a chance to see the vibrant red foliage of Autumn in late October and November. The end of September is also a good option, though earlier in the month the trail can be affected by higher rainfall and the occasional late typhoon passing Japan's coast,
Weather on the Kumano Kodo Trail in late June, July and August (Summer)
The Summer months, particularly July and August, can be humid and wet on the Kumano Kodo. It is still possible to enjoy a Kumano Kodo journey during this time, but you do need to be prepared for rain and be okay with warmer walking conditions. This time of year is less crowed on the Kumano Kodo, and can fit well with a trip to the Alps which can be at their best in Summer.
Weather on the Kumano Kodo Trail in Dec, January and February (Winter)
It is possible to hike the Kumano Kodo in the Winter months from December to early March, but snowfall can can make conditions slippery at times on the Nakahechi pilgrim route. The Kohechi and Omine routes are more challenging in Winter, and the towns of Yoshino and Koyasan can be blanketed in snow making hiking challenging. For this reason, modifications to some walk days may be needed when planning to hike the Kumano Kodo and Kii Peninsula in Winter, depending on which sections of which trails you plan to cover.
Some considerations for when to hike the Kumano Kodo
- Kumano Kodo and the Alps - If you are planning to combine your Kumano Kodo hike with time at Mount Fuji or in the Northern Alps around Kamikochi, we recommend timing your walk for the alpine season which commenced in late April and ends in early November. Keep in mind that some alpine hikes, like Nishi-Hotaka, are only possible in the Summer months when snow has cleared. This may mean June or September is the best time to visit Japan so you can hike both regions in the one trip.
- Nakasendo and Kumano Kodo - If you plan to combine your Kumano Kodo Walk with the NakasendoTrail, the best timing for the Nakasendo roughly lines up with the best time to hike the Kumano Kodo. Typically the best season for a combined Kumano-Nakasendo hike will be April, May, early June, late September, October or November.
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