Kansai Day Trips

The yukata is a garment similar to a kimono worn in summer, particularly at matsuri (festivals). It is so popular some festivals celebrate it; these are called Yukata Matsuri. The original yukata festival takes place every June in Himeji — a city in Kansai famous for its castle. About the Yukata The yukata dates back to the Heian Period, which lasted from the late 8th century to the late 12th century. It was originally worn as a bathrobe with nothing underneath, like underwear,  and never outside the home. The first Yukata Matsuri in Himeji changed all this, leading to the transformation of yukata into an informal alternative to a kimono. The History of Yukata Matsuri The festival in Himeji was held for the first time almost 300 years ago. It came about because the Lord of the Himeji Domain, Sakakibara Masamine, moved the Osakabe Shrine out of the castle and into downtown Himeji. This move allowed everyone — not just the samurai — to visit this shrine dedicated to the local god Himeyama. To commemorate the moving of the shrine, Sakakibara Masamine wanted to hold a festival on the summer solstice. However, many people didn’t have the time or the…