Kumano has a Humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light to no snowfall.

The city of Kumano was established on November 3, 1954 by the merger of Kinomoto with the surrounding villages of Isato, Kamikawa, Arii, Atashika, Arasaki and Tomari (all from Minamimuro District).

Kumano has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 14 members.

Kumano, collectively with the towns of Mihama of Kihō, contributes two members to the Mie Prefectural Assembly.

In terms of national politics, the city is part of Mie 4th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.