The yukata, with its lightweight fabric and floral motifs is a symbol of summer in Japan. Could you imagine yourself wearing one of these on your way to a 花火 (hanabi) “fireworks” festival or while participating in the Japanese traditional 盆踊り(bon odori) “Bon dance”? Awesome Tokyo has the scoop on how to find your perfect summer yukata.

What exactly is a yukata?

Yukata actually roughly translates to “summer kimono”. You can find many young women wearing them in a variety of colors and styles during summer events. Their origins date back around 1,000 years and were originally used as sleep clothes. Men also have their own version of the yukata but it is much more common to see women wearing them.

How is a yukata different than a kimono?

These are often more casual (and much cheaper) versions of traditional kimonos. Yukata are made from cotton while kimonos are traditionally made from silk. Kimonos can also be worn at any time of the year with a variety of lining or padding to keep the wearer warm. Yukata, however, are worn almost exclusively during the summer months.


An important rule to remember is that whether you wear a yukata or a kimono, be sure to wear it left panel over right. Similar to the rule of not passing food from chopsticks to chopsticks, wearing your garment the other way is actually how Japanese people traditionally dress the dead before burial. Make sure you ask a knowledgeable friend or “Google-sensei” before you step out in your garb.

What kind of yukata are there?

Bold contrasting colors such as blue and pink or black and red are used for yukata. There are also a variety of motifs to choose from depending on your preference. Some of the most popular include butterflies, dragonflies, flowers and reeds. An interesting fact is that while many color motifs are worn during the day, indigo was traditionally worn at night because the scent of the dye repelled insects.


Yukata are also traditionally worn with a contrasting-colored obi belt and geta sandals. Many girls also add cute hair accessories that match their yukata’s motif. 

Where can I buy a yukata?

Of course there are many places online to buy yukata but make sure you check your measurements. For example, if you would prefer to buy a “snap-on” obi (the Japanese accessory version of a “clip-on” tie) for easier wear, they don’t usually come above a certain size. If you are in the city, many department stores have yukata stores ranging from luxury shops like Jotaro Saito to the more edgy and modern like Tsukikageya.

Tsukikageya



However, despite being cheaper than traditional kimonos, designer and even new yukata can come with a hefty price tag. If you are planning to wear your yukata multiple times, it may be worth the splurge. However, if this is something you may pull out of your closet only once or twice a year, we suggest buying a slightly-used one. Koenji Hirari has both yukata and kimono for sale and rent.


Even Uniqlo and Aeon are selling yukata these days! So make sure to visit many different shops to find the one that suits you the best. 

Wearing a yukata is a unique Japanese cultural experience, make sure to give it a try if you’re in Tokyo during the summer!