Rainy Days and a Japanese Buddhist Monk’s Footwear

Why Rainy Days Are a Challenge for a Japanese Buddhist Monk

When people think of monks, they may imagine quiet temples, incense, chanting, and peaceful gardens. What they don’t usually imagine is… struggling with wet socks on a rainy day.

But rain creates a surprisingly practical challenge for Japanese Buddhist monks.

In Japan, monks regularly visit parishioners’ homes to chant sutras and conduct memorial services. This means walking outdoors, getting in and out of cars, and entering private homes — all while wearing traditional robes.

And those robes do not mix well with rain.

Traditional Robes and Why Rain Is a Problem

Japanese Buddhist monks wear layered garments called koromo (robes) and sometimes ornate brocade stoles. These fabrics are beautiful — but delicate.

When rainwater hits them, it can leave visible water stains. Unlike modern synthetic clothing, these traditional materials are not designed to repel water.

Even with an umbrella, wind and splashing water can easily soak the lower part of the robe and especially the feet.

Which brings us to footwear.

Special Rain Sandals (Yes, Sandals)

On rainy days, monks wear special traditional sandals designed for wet conditions. They look similar to regular Japanese sandals, but they have two important modifications:

A Transparent Toe Cover

The front of the sandal has a clear plastic shield to protect the white split-toe socks (called tabi) from rain and mud splashes.

It’s subtle — many people don’t even notice it — but it makes a big difference.

A Slightly Elevated Heel

The back of the sandal is slightly thicker than usual.
This small elevation helps reduce water absorption and adds some grip on wet pavement.

It’s a simple but thoughtful design.

However… it’s not perfect.

The Unexpected Problem: Wet Heels

Even with special rain sandals, one problem remains:

My heels still get wet.

Why?

Because when we walk normally, we push off the ground with our toes. On a rainy surface, that motion flicks water backward — straight onto the exposed heel.

If I’m in a hurry between appointments, the splashing becomes worse.

And here is where things become uniquely “Japanese.”

Sitting on Wet Heels

When visiting someone’s home in Japan, we remove our shoes at the entrance. Services are often conducted while sitting on the floor in a formal posture called seiza (kneeling with your feet tucked under you).

In seiza, your heels press directly against your body.

If those heels are damp?

You feel it immediately.

It’s cold. Slightly clammy. Distracting.

While chanting sutras, part of your mind may be thinking:
“I really wish my heels were dry right now.”

Of course, you never show it.

But it’s a small, very human struggle hidden beneath the ceremony.

Walking Carefully in the Rain

I once learned a trick to reduce heel splashing:

Instead of pushing off strongly with your toes, place your foot gently and lift it straight upward. Shorter steps. Softer movement.

It works.

But modern temple schedules are precise.
We promise to arrive at specific times — 2:00 PM means 2:00 PM.

When I realize I only have five minutes to reach the next home, I naturally walk faster.

And then… splash.

What About Geta? (Traditional Wooden Sandals)

Some readers may imagine monks wearing wooden sandals called geta.

Geta are traditional Japanese footwear with two wooden “teeth” underneath that raise the foot above the ground. Historically, they were actually very practical in muddy conditions. Because the foot is elevated, it stays above puddles and wet ground.

In fact, in old Japan — when roads were not paved — geta were useful.

However, modern monks rarely wear them today.

Why?

There are several simple, practical reasons.

First, most roads in Japan are now paved. On smooth surfaces such as wet tile, polished stone, or asphalt, wooden geta can actually be slippery.

Second, geta are not ideal when driving. The raised wooden base makes it difficult — and unsafe — to press a car’s accelerator or brake pedal properly. Since monks often travel by car between homes, this matters.

And finally, geta are loud. They make a distinctive clacking sound while walking. In today’s cities, almost no one wears them in daily life. A monk walking through town in geta would attract a great deal of attention — not always the kind we want when visiting someone’s home quietly and respectfully.

For these reasons, modern monks usually choose more practical footwear.

Still, rain has a way of creating new challenges.

Another Concern: Slippery Surfaces

Wet tile at an entrance.
Rainy asphalt in a parking lot.
Getting out of a car while holding ceremonial items.

Even with anti-slip soles, rainy days require extra awareness.

Being careful is part of the job.

A Small Detail, A Sincere Effort

Sometimes I think:
“Wouldn’t it be nice if there were full protective covers for men’s sandals?”

For now, on days of heavy rain, I simply carry an extra pair of socks.

It may seem like a small thing — worrying about wet heels — but behind that small concern is something important:

A desire to enter someone’s home respectfully.
To sit properly.
To perform the service with composure.

So if you ever see a Japanese Buddhist monk walking carefully in the rain, perhaps wearing sandals with clear plastic at the toes, you’ll know:

He’s not just avoiding puddles.

He’s trying his best to serve with dignity — even on a rainy day.

If you’re curious about traditional Japanese monk footwear — including geta, rain sandals, and seiza — here are a few common questions people often ask.

Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Buddhist Monk Footwear

This article was originally written in Japanese.
You can read the Japanese version here.