Fleeing an unnamed homeland after parents attempted forced surgery, Kino escaped with aid from a male traveler who sacrificed himself. Inspired by his final protective act, the character adopted his name, "Kino," and his motorrad, "Hermes." Under the secluded markswoman Shishou's mentorship, Kino underwent rigorous training in firearms, survival, and motorrad operation. This included mastering the revolver "Canon" and learning Hermes' mechanics through trial and error—such as forgetting the kickstand during riding practice. Early attire of ill-fitting hand-me-downs or a pink dress with apron was replaced by Shishou's gift: an iconic traveler's coat for an early birthday.

A formative journey to return the original Kino's coat to his presumed mother became pivotal. The woman, consumed by grief and madness, drugged Kino and attempted murder, blaming travelers for her son's death. In self-defense, Kino fatally shot her. This event triggered an identity shift: long hair was cut short—by a neighbor in the novel or independently in the anime—and the pronoun "boku" replaced feminine forms. The coat, later revealed as the original Kino's birthday gift from his mother with a note designating ownership, became a permanent fixture, symbolizing acceptance of the traveler identity.

Resolving to grow stronger, Kino instituted a three-day rule for country visits to avoid attachment. Traits include exceptional daily-practiced marksmanship, a preference for gender-neutral language, and a detached, observational approach to cultures—rooted in the philosophy that "the world is not beautiful, therefore it is." Practical skills encompass multilingual knife collecting, combat pragmatism favoring speed over strength, and Hermes maintenance. Notably, culinary efforts often yield overspiced dishes, and tidiness is prioritized despite travel hardships. Multiple concealed blades are carried, including a combined knife and .22 caliber pistol, reflecting preparedness without conflict-seeking.