The Yukata Experience: Key Points to Remember for an Authentic Japanese Experience
Have you ever come across the term “Yukata(浴衣)"? This is a traditional Japanese garment, particularly popular during the summer season and often seen at Ryokans (旅館: traditional Japanese inns).
Here, we’ll delve into the charm of Yukata, how to wear it, when to wear it, the advantages of wearing Yukata, and points to remember while donning it.
What is a Yukata?
A Yukata is a light and breezy traditional Japanese garment. Originally worn by people going for hot-spring bathing, it gets its name from the Japanese words 'Yu(湯)’ (bath) and 'Katabira(帷子)’ (under clothing). Made primarily from cotton, Yukata is distinct for its vibrant patterns and is wrapped around the body with an obi (帯: a sash). Often seen as a casual form of Kimono(着物), it’s commonly worn during summer festivals and fireworks displays.
However, it’s important to note the differences between Yukatas worn at summer events and those provided at Ryokans.
Yukata seen at Summer Events:
Even though they’re casual, these Yukatas are distinguished by their vivid and sophisticated designs. The patterns and colors are diverse, ranging from floral to abstract designs, to traditional Japanese patterns. For women, they’re usually coordinated with brightly colored obi and accessories, while men’s Yukatas are typically of simpler designs.
Yukata provided at Ryokans:
These are designed with an emphasis on relaxation and comfort. Typically, the colors are muted and patterns are simple and serene. This is because the Yukata at Ryokans are primarily worn for relaxing indoors or for walking to the open-air bath or banquet hall, thus, comfort and practicality are prioritized.
Yukatas in Ryokans are usually provided in the guest rooms and can be freely worn by the guests. On the other hand, Yukatas for festivals or fireworks are individually owned or rented, and are typically chosen to match one’s personal style.
How to Wear a Yukata at a Ryokan
The yukata at a ryokan is typically found somewhere within your room, often located in the room’s closet.
Once you know the steps, wearing a yukata is quite simple!
First, put your arms through the sleeves of the yukata.
Then, hold the right front against your body and fold the left front over it. With the left side on top, tightly wrap the yukata’s obi around your waist and secure it.
It’s customary in Japan to have the left side on top, as doing the opposite is how a deceased person is dressed – a crucial point to remember!
Decades ago, I once walked into the dining hall for breakfast with the right and left fronts of my yukata mistakenly reversed. A female staff member serving breakfast came up to me and whispered in my ear, “I’m sorry, but you have your yukata on wrong. Would you like to adjust it behind that screen over there?” Thanks to her, I was able to correct my yukata behind the beautiful folding screen.
Even if you mistakenly wear your yukata reversed, Japanese people around you will often understand that it’s an innocent mistake, but there will definitely be some who notice the error. If you have respect for Japanese culture, please keep this point in mind.
The obi of a yukata should not be tightened too tightly, just enough that you feel comfortable.
It’s standard to wear a yukata with bare feet, but you can wear socks if your feet get cold. It’s also acceptable to wear underwear or an undergarment under your yukata.
Since the obi is the only thing holding your yukata in place, it can become loose as you move around. If your yukata becomes loose and reveals your underwear or body, it can be uncomfortable for both you and the people around you. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check occasionally to see if your yukata has become loose.
When to Wear a Yukata
You can wear a ryokan’s yukata primarily during the following times:
Relaxing in the room:
Yukatas are regarded as relaxation wear, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing or traveling. As soon as you return to your room, you can change into your yukata and relax.
Sleeping:
Many Japanese guests sleep in yukata at ryokans.
Meal times:
Meals at a ryokan are usually served in your room or in a dedicated dining area. Many guests also wear yukata at this time.
When using an open-air bath or public bath:
Yukatas also serve as relaxation wear after taking a bath. It’s common to wear your yukata when returning to your room from the open-air bath or public bath. When worn after a bath, it will dissipate body heat and perspiration to a moderate degree.
Walking around the ryokan’s premises:
It’s common to take a stroll around the ryokan’s grounds in your yukata. In some hot spring towns, there’s a culture of walking around town in your yukata.
You might want to go shopping at the ryokan’s souvenir shop, sing some karaoke if available, grab a bowl of ramen, have a drink, or play table tennis.
However, rules might slightly vary depending on the ryokan or hotel, so asking the front desk staff if you have any uncertainties is recommended.
In addition, no matter how much you like the yukata, it is still a ryokan yukata. Unlike the yukata you might see at a Japanese summer event, it is obvious to the Japanese people around you that it is a ryokan yukata, so you should not continue your trip or board a train while wearing that yukata!
If you’re strolling around the hot spring town, you might want to try wearing 'geta(下駄),’ wooden sandals. The ryokan might lend you a pair. (They can be a bit hard, so be prepared for potential discomfort…)
In colder seasons or when you’re feeling chilly, you can wear a 'haori(羽織)’ or 'tanzen(丹前 )’ over your yukata.
In the morning, it’s perfectly fine to go to the breakfast hall in your yukata. However, some guests might already be dressed in their own clothes, ready to start the day.
The comfort and functionality of a yukata enhance your ease during your stay at a ryokan. It also lets you experience Japanese traditional culture up close, making your trip to Japan even more memorable.