Now that festivals are back on the menu again, you may find yourself at one. Or perhaps, while taking in one of the restarted firework festivals, you may have noticed many people wearing traditional Japanese dress and wondered what was going on. Well, summer festivals are a time when Japanese and foreigners alike can wear yukata, an informal summer variant of the famous kimono.<\/p>\n
What is Yukata?<\/b><\/p>\n
The word \u2018yukata\u2019 means \u2018after bathing\u2019, as they are the clothing that is often worn after onsen or sento in traditional Japanese \u2018ryokan\u2019 hotels. However, in the hot summer months, these unlined kimonos are worn by men, women, and children particularly when celebrating\u00a0hanabi.<\/p>\n
Yukata\u00a0are usually made of either cotton or synthetic fabric, being cooler than the silk of traditional kimonos, and are made up of three main aspects:\u00a0a\u00a0\u2018juban\u2019 cotton undergarment, the yukata itself, and an \u2018obi\u2019 belt that ties it together. On the feet wooden sandals called \u2018geta\u2019 are worn and to carry personal goods including cell phones, both men and women carry small bags called \u2018kinchaku\u2019.<\/p>\n
Traditional: Chikusen<\/b><\/p>\n
Having been around since the Edo era, Chikusen is the oldest yukata and kimono provider in Tokyo. Famed for their unique dying patterns that no other yukata makers are able to replicate, they are a beautiful, unique traditional maker in the city.<\/p>\n
Traditional rental: Sakaeya<\/b><\/p>\n
Sakaeya is a family business in the heart of Shinjuku and it is ideal for those of you who are looking for traditional yukata that won’t break the bank. Sakaeya deals in rental kimono and yukata, and prices tend to be around 6,000 JPY. If you spend 10,000 JPY, they will include dressing assistance and a tea ceremony. Appointments are required.<\/p>\n
Second hand\/vintage:\u00a0Chicago<\/b><\/p>\n
It’s pretty hard to miss the vintage clothing store Chicago in Harajuku. While its loud neon sign is not something that you would readily associate with the simple beauty of kimono, it has rack upon rack of secondhand and vintage yukata perfect for this summer’s festivals. There are also chains elsewhere in the city.<\/p>\n