Yukata, a popular and casual summer kimono, is something that many people want to try. Today, let’s talk about rental services that make it easy to enjoy wearing a yukata.
A Brief History of Yukata
The yukata is a traditional Japanese summer garment. Its name comes from “yukatabira (湯帷子),” which was worn by nobles in the Heian period when they used steam baths, similar to modern saunas. It protected them from burns, absorbed sweat, and covered their bodies.
Later, people started wearing them after bathing and as pajamas because they absorbed sweat and were breathable. In the Meiji era, new dyeing techniques made mass production possible, making yukata popular all over Japan. Nowadays, thanks to a revival in traditional Japanese clothing, yukatas are especially trendy among young people. When visiting Japan, why don’t you try wearing a yukata? In recent years, you can easily buy one at shopping malls or online. However, putting it on by yourself can be tricky. Sadly, even among Japanese people, fewer and fewer can dress themselves in a yukata on their own. To be honest, I’ve practiced it several times but still struggle with it. One reason is that with more nuclear families, fewer young people have a chance to learn Japanese traditions from older generations.
But what if you still want to wear a yukata? The answer is rental services!
Why Choose a Yukata Rental?
Renting a yukata lets you enjoy stylish, trendy designs. Plus, you can leave the dressing and hairstyling to professionals, making it easy to achieve a perfect look.
This article will explain why renting a yukata is a great idea and what to keep in mind.
Reasons to Recommend Yukata Rental
- Choose your favorite colors and patterns to match your mood on the day.
- Get professionally dressed.
- Rent everything you need: kimono undergarments, accessories, bags, and geta (traditional shoes).
- No need to wash!
Things to Note
- Stains and Damage: Basic stains like sweat or dust are usually not charged, but stubborn stains or irreparable damage might incur extra fees. If the store offers insurance services, it might be a good idea to buy them, but it’s up to you.
- Directions to the Store: In an unfamiliar area, finding a rental store can be tricky. Research the location in advance and choose a rental store that you can reach on your own.
- Return Time: Each store has different return times. Make sure to check before you leave and return on time.
- Difficulty of Movement: Wearing a yukata and geta might feel restrictive. Geta can cause blisters, so consider wearing sneakers for walking and bringing geta along to switch into when taking photos. If you stick to walking with geta, make sure to apply bandages in advance to the parts where the straps rub, which are the base of the big toe and the index toe, and between the two toes. That means you’ll need a total of six bandages for both feet. It’s recommended to have some extra ones in case they come off.
- Reservation Timing: During festivals, weekends, and holidays, reservations can fill up quickly. Book early to ensure availability. Many stores have an online reservation system.
- Heatstroke Prevention: Yukata are breathable, but many still find them warmer than regular clothes. Don’t forget to bring useful items that may help relieve the heat, like a portable fan, cooling towel, a parasol, and drinks. A large rental bag is handy for carrying these items.
For your reference, Sakuto Kyoto, Station Branch provides photos of directions from Kyoto Station on their website, making it easy to find. Check the middle of their webpage for detailed directions: 4 minutes walk from (Subway)Kyoto Station , Porta A-3 exit, 7 minutes walk from (JR)Kyoto Station, Central ticket gate.
*Kyoto Subway Station and JR Kyoto Station are different stations. If you arrive at JR Kyoto Station, head to Kyoto Subway Station first, then look for the Porta A-3 exit.
The staff at this store are very cheerful and kind. The ideas mentioned earlier about wearing sneakers or putting on bandages beforehand were suggested by them. Their beautiful smiles and quick kimono dressing will surely be part of the fun memories from your trip to Kyoto.
If you scroll down a bit more to the directions explanation, you can see a 360° view of the inside of the Sakuto Miyako, Kyoto Station Branch. Just getting a glimpse of the yukata in their store is really exciting!
They provide rentals not only for yukata but also for traditional kimono, including furisode, which is worn by Japanese women for their coming-of-age celebration. Rentals are also available for men and children, and they offer free luggage storage as well. When you visit Kyoto, why not enjoy the kimono experience with your family?
Conclusion
Renting a yukata is a fantastic way to experience traditional Japanese culture. It allows you to enjoy a stylish and authentic look without the hassle of purchasing and dressing yourself. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, renting a yukata can enhance your cultural experience and create lasting memories.
I live in Osaka and teach Japanese as a volunteer. My dream is to live in Malta, an island country in the Mediterranean, after retirement.
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Hi Akiko,
Thank you for the fascinating article. The last time I visited the Gion District of Kyoto in 2019, we saw many tourists renting Yukata. I liked your advice to wear bandages to protect your feet! The Yukatas you show are much fancier than the ones hotels let us borrow at hot springs. I have a jinbei but I rarely have a reason to wear it here in Boston.
Hi, Manning! Thank you, as always, for your warm comment. Yukata at hot springs are mainly used as pajamas, but I’m sure you’d look great in one for going out! Jinbei can be great as loungewear since they absorb sweat just as well as yukata, and they’re much easier to move around in. Plus, jinbei might be more comfortable than sleeveless shirts because they absorb sweat from your arms, too. Why not give it a try?
This is very informative, but I would probably just buy a Yukata for myself because I would be too self-conscious to return a sweaty Yukata to the rental store.
Thank you for reading my blog. Don’t worry too much about it—humans are naturally sweaty creatures. I hope we can wear yukata in Japan and go sightseeing together one day! Actually, I didn’t know much about the history of yukata until I wrote this blog. The beauty of writing blogs is that I get to learn new things about Japan.