Kumano Kodo Nakahechi in December

Hi

My son and I want to do th Kumano kodo Nakahechi in december, what conditions should we expect there in that season?

Thank you

No first hand experience in December (I hiked a short section, mid October I think), but the forecast says "cold, little risk of rain".

However the days are going to be very short. Even in October, when you are deep in the forest, it starts getting dark around 4~4:30pm, and I expect it will be even worse in December.

I have not hiked in Japan in the dark but plenty in Estonia in national parks where already in october - when it is dark in the forest - you cant even see your hands if you do not have good light solution.

I guess you would have no issues if you have one good headlamp per person, for example:

https://www.valostore.com/en/product/headlamp_nitecore_hc65_uhe?gad_so...

That kind of headlamp is almost as good as the main front light of the train :-)
Also i recommend a lightweight backup headlight just in case - because when it is dark in the forest and main light fails - it is pretty tough to get out.
For example:
https://www.decathlon.ee/p/302568-27152-laetav-pealamp-hl100-usb-120-l...

Of course, hiking in the dark has its own merits; i highly recommend it, when you do and feel it you know it.

BR,
Lauri

To second what Lauri said, you should bring a headlamp even if you are not planning to hike in the dark.