Before Renting Clothes for the Kumano Kodo: The 'Three-Point Outfit' Idea Inspired by the Three-Legged Yatagarasu

Can You Rent Everything You Need for the Kumano Kodo? What to Know First

"I'd love to walk the Kumano Kodo, but I don't own any hiking gear." We hear this a lot. That's why many travelers wonder about renting clothing for the Kumano Kodo.

To cut to the chase, what's available for rent — and the terms — vary by season and by provider. This article doesn't mention specific facilities or conditions. Instead, we'll share a way of thinking about rentals and how to prioritize when you're unsure.

Why Does the Yatagarasu Have Three Legs? A Hint for Dressing the Part

When it comes to guides along the Kumano paths, the Yatagarasu — said to have led Emperor Jimmu — is the most famous. Several theories explain why it has three legs:

• It derives from the ancient Chinese legend of a "three-legged crow living in the sun"
• It symbolizes the connection between Heaven, Earth, and Humankind
• It represents the three Kumano Sanzan shrines (Hongu, Hayatama, and Nachi)

None is the definitive answer — in reality, multiple theories coexist.

Those "three legs" can also serve as a framework for how to dress. If you cover the three points of footwear, rain gear, and temperature control, walking the old roads becomes much more comfortable.

Three Points to Consider When Renting Clothes

1. Footwear: Shoes You're Used to Matter Most

Stone-paved and dirt paths put more strain on your feet than you might expect. Even if shoes are available for rent, sizing and fit can leave you uneasy. As locals, we recommend bringing your own shoes — ones you've already broken in, with non-slip grooved soles.

2. Rain Gear: One of the Most Commonly Rentable Items

Kumano is a rainy region. Many people only need rainwear for a single day, so it's often offered for rent. However, size availability and whether you need to reserve can change by season. Once your travel dates are set, check as early as possible.

3. Temperature Control: Layering With What You Already Own Is Enough

You don't need special clothing. A moisture-wicking shirt plus one light outer layer you can throw on will cover most seasons. Cotton tends to chill you once it absorbs sweat, so if you have everyday clothes in synthetic or quick-drying fabrics, make use of those. For season-by-season guidance, see our article "When Is the Best Time to Walk the Kumano Kodo?" on this site.

A Pre-Trip Checklist

If you'd like to use a rental, confirming the following will give you peace of mind:

1. What's available to rent (clothing, rain gear, walking sticks, etc.) and how it's handed over on the day
2. Whether reservations are required and whether sizes can be selected
3. The return location and time (consider this alongside the section you plan to walk)
4. The policy for bad weather or last-minute changes

Official information and inquiries to your lodging or the tourist information center are the most reliable sources. Don't rely on outdated online information — always confirm the latest details.

In Summary: With Three Legs in Place, the Path Is Kind

You don't need to rent everything for the Kumano Kodo, nor do you need to buy everything new. Bring your own shoes, consider renting rain gear, and use what you already have for layering. Thinking in these three points makes preparation far easier.

Take a cue from the guiding crow: set your own "three legs" of preparation firmly in place, then step out onto Kumano's stone paths.

Image: 熊野本宮大社　八咫烏神事 (via (公社)和歌山県観光連盟)