How to Wear a Yukata: A Guide for Festival-Goers
Would you like to try wearing a kimono while traveling in Japan? If you want to wear a formal silk kimono, experiences such as the Maiko transformation in Kyoto make it possible. However, silk kimonos are heavy and require multiple layers, making them quite challenging to wear. On the other hand, yukata originated as cotton or linen garments worn for bathing or sleeping and later evolved into summer casual wear. Since they provide an easy way to experience the feeling of wearing a kimono, they are popular among foreign tourists. In this article, we provide practical information for those who want to try wearing a yukata while traveling in Japan.
What is a Yukata?
Most yukata are made of cotton, making them lightweight. There are several differences between formal kimonos and yukata. For example, silk kimonos require wearing an undergarment called a “juban” before layering the kimono on top, whereas a yukata is worn on its own. Additionally, silk kimonos use long, heavy silk obi belts tied in elaborate styles, while yukata use shorter, narrower cotton obi, tied in a more casual manner. Another difference is footwear: kimonos are worn with tabi socks and zori sandals, while yukata are worn barefoot with geta (wooden clogs). Compared to formal kimonos, yukata are much simpler to wear.
Season for Wearing Yukata
Traditional Japanese clothing (kimono) follows seasonal rules, and yukata are only worn outdoors from July to August. Except for tourists visiting hot spring towns, wearing a yukata outside of these months is uncommon.
Types of Yukata
In modern Japan, there are two main types of yukata that tourists can easily try:
- Yukata provided at ryokan (traditional inns): These are simple and plain yukata offered to guests. Some inns also provide colorful yukata and dressing services.
- Festive yukata for summer events: These are brightly colored yukata worn at fireworks festivals and summer festivals. In Japan, many young couples wear yukata on summer dates, especially at festivals and Bon Odori events. Since this type of yukata can be difficult for beginners to put on, using a dressing service is recommended.
Events and Places to Wear a Yukata
Many summer events across Japan are perfect for wearing a yukata. Below are some major events in Tokyo:
ECO EDO Nihonbashi 2025 (Chuo Ward)
- Date: July 20 – August 30, 2025
- Website: https://www.ecoedo.jp/
- Location: Nihonbashi area, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
- Description: A summer festival featuring eco-friendly lantern displays and workshops.
Edogawa Fireworks Festival (Edogawa Ward)
- Date: July 31, 2025
- Website: https://www.edogawa-hanabi.com/
- Location: Edogawa Riverbanks, Edogawa Ward, Tokyo
- Description: A spectacular fireworks display with approximately 12,000 fireworks lighting up the sky.
Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Sumida Ward)
- Date: July 25, 2025
- Website: https://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com/
- Location: Sumida River, Sumida Ward, Tokyo
- Description: Japan’s oldest fireworks festival, featuring around 20,000 fireworks.
Sumida Kinshicho Kawachi Ondo Bon Odori (Sumida Ward)
- Date: August 1–3, 2025
- Website: https://www.sumida-ondo.com/
- Location: Kinshi Park, Sumida Ward, Tokyo
- Description: A Bon Odori dance festival featuring traditional Kawachi Ondo folk music.
Suzumushi Café (Minato Ward)
- Date: July 15 – August 15, 2025
- Website: https://www.suzumushi-cafe.com/
- Location: Roppongi Hills Mori Tower Rooftop, Minato Ward, Tokyo
- Description: A seasonal café where visitors can enjoy the sound of crickets while relaxing.
Tokyo Bay Evening Cruise (Minato Ward)
- Date: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from July 10 – August 31, 2025
- Website: https://www.tokyobay-nouryousen.com/
- Location: Departs from Takeshiba Pier, Minato Ward, Tokyo
- Description: A cruise offering views of Tokyo Bay and fireworks.
Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia (Minato Ward)
- Date: July 1 – August 31, 2025
- Website: https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/event/
- Location: Tokyo Tower, Minato Ward, Tokyo
- Description: A light and music show set against the backdrop of Tokyo Tower.
Hoshizora Summer Festival (Chiyoda Ward)
- Date: August 7, 2025
- Website: https://www.hoshizora-natsumatsuri.com/
- Location: Hibiya Park, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
- Description: A cultural event featuring outdoor music and film screenings under the stars.
OMATSURI SHIBUYA (Shibuya Ward)
- Date: August 15–16, 2025
- Website: https://www.omatsuri-shibuya.com/
- Location: Shibuya Station area, Tokyo
- Description: A festival with Bon Odori dancing and street stalls in the heart of Shibuya.
Keyaki Festa 2025 Yosakoi in Fuchu (Fuchu City)
- Date: August 22, 2025
- Website: https://www.keyaki-festa.com/
- Location: Fuchu Station area, Fuchu City, Tokyo
- Description: A large-scale Yosakoi dance festival featuring vibrant performances and food stalls.
Yukata Rental and Dressing Services
If you don’t own a yukata, you can easily rent one. Major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka have many rental shops, especially during the summer season. These services often include yukata, obi, accessories, and sandals. Some shops also provide dressing and hairstyling services. Since rentals can be fully booked during festival peak times, it is recommended to make reservations in advance.
Yukata Rental Shops in Tokyo
- Rental Kimono Hirari
- Address: Shibuya Modi 4F, 29-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
- Website: https://www.hirari-yukata.com
- Features: Located in Shibuya with English-friendly services.
- Asakusa Marugoto Nippon
- Address: 2-6-7 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo
- Website: https://www.marugotonippon.com
- Features: Close to Sensoji Temple, offering rental and photography services.
- Yukata Rental “Angelina”
- Address: 7-4-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Website: https://www.angelina-yukata.com
- Features: Located in Shinjuku with full dressing and hairstyling services.
- Maiko & Kimono Studio “Hana”
- Address: 1-35-8 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo
- Website: https://www.wafuku-hana.com
- Features: Offers professional kimono dressing and hairstyling in Asakusa.
Enjoy Japan’s summer in a beautiful yukata!
