Where to buy a yukata without breaking the bank in Tokyo? 東京でやすい浴衣を買う
Girls in yukata
Ant the Breton
Who said yukata cost a lot?
Much lighter than the kimono, the yukata is an essential item of clothing for the summer season. Whether it is to go admire the fireworks or simply to enjoy a matsuri, many Japanese wear it when the good weather returns. However, this little piece of cotton comes at a certain cost. Between the yukata itself, the obi that accompanies it, and the accessories that enhance the outfit, being fashionable in Japan is an investment! And especially in Tokyo, where prices are generally higher than in the rest of the archipelago. To be able to fully enjoy the clothing traditions of the summer without leaving too many yen, here are a few tips for getting an inexpensive yukata in the capital.
The yukata, the must-have for summer matsuri
Very popular with the Japanese for its lightness, the yukata is on everyone's back during the matsuri season.
Usually, in cotton or synthetic, it is indeed much more suitable for summer temperatures than its cousin the kimono. And men and women alike can easily wear it to enjoy festivals without suffering from the heat.
Composed '' only '' of a drape and an obi (traditional belt used to tie the yukata ), it is also much less complex to put on than its winter version which requires several layers of fabric to be worn correctly. An undeniable asset, which first made him famous in the onsen locker rooms before bringing him on the way to festivals.
Yukata are very popular for their lightness during matsuri
Pexels
Indeed, the yukata was originally a bathrobe!
Used in the onsen to cover up after bathing, yutabira is the direct ancestor of yukata. Made of linen, this very light garment did not leave the premises of the house. And it is only after the democratization of the bath on the archipelago that it will transform to adapt to new lifestyles and become the cotton garment we know today.
Now, the yukata is an integral part of Japanese culture. And it is found in onsen as well as in ryokan (traditional inns) and the streets!
Where to buy a cheap yukata in Tokyo?
Between the yukata itself, the obi, and sometimes even the geta (traditional wooden sandals) that come with them, buying a yukata can quickly turn out to be expensive. On average? Between 5000 and 15,000 yen for one yukata (39 to 117 euros), and between 3000 and 8000 yen (between 23 and 63 euros) for an obi in specialty stores.
Fortunately, solutions exist to get a 'complete' yukata without breaking the bank. Starting with the rental!
With rates starting at 3000 yen the day ($26/23.50€), the yukata rental is a good way to discover the port of this traditional garment without necessarily investing in the long term. Ideal for a visit to the temple or an evening in the shade of the fireworks, renting is not the most economical solution if you plan to wear the yukata more than once.
Indeed, the purchase is always the most advantageous solution in the long term. Especially when you know where to find good deals!
The sets of major brands
Sets are always a good idea to save a few yen!
With prices ranging from 3000 to 6000 yen (between $26-52 and 47-94€), these yukata ''all-inclusive '' (Yukata + Obi + Geta) are a good way to dress for summer cheaply.
Very popular, we then found everywhere in art bazaars and 100 yen shops, such as Don Q Quijote, but also in some loan stores to wear as Uniqlo, which each year offer u new five or six models collection for men and women. S highly anticipated collection of s who like hot-cakes when summer arrives!
Un magasin Don Quijote qui propose des vêtements à bas prix
ThomasJohnson
Supermarkets
Based on the same principle as major brands, supermarkets sometimes offer sets that are cheaper than those in bazaars. Like the Aeon, Ito-Yokado, and Daie chains which offer “complete” yukata for less than 3,000 yen ($26/23.50€23). Only problem? The sets are produced in limited quantities and are sold from May to June only in the largest supermarkets of these brands. Better to do it in advance!
Second-hand stores
Thrift stores are a good place to find clothes and this also applies to yukata!
A ''yukata" section is created every year as the season approaches. Whether vintage or almost new, patterned or uniform, the yukata and obi offered there are generally within the reach of all budgets.
A good way to save money, which is also proving to be a very interesting solution for all Tokyo fashionistas who want to compose them- even though their own set.
Among the thrift stores concerned, Chicago and ModeOff, two brands that can be found all over the capital, offer a wide choice of models every summer. The arrival depends on the wardrobes of Tokyoites and the neighborhoods where they come to drop their clothes, but there is always something to complete its panoply of the "perfect festival-goer'' in this kind of store (if only for the accessories).
Also note two addresses where you should not hesitate to stroll to find the rare pearl: Shimokitazawa, the hipster district of Tokyo (Keio-Inokashira line), and the adorable Koenji in the west of the city (JR Chuo line).
Shimokitazawa during the day
Flick-eerkmans
Flea markets
It is well known that you can find everything in flea markets. And even yukata!
Very popular with Tokyoites on sunny weekends, flea markets are very present in the Japanese capital. And you can do very good business there when you know that some people sell yukata and obi for less than 1000 yen ($8.50/7.75€).
Among the most popular textile markets in the capital: that of Yoyogi Park, the Oi Keibajo flea market in Shinagawa, and the flea market at the west exit of Ikebukuro station (JR Yamanote) are sure to delight. bargain hunters went in search of. good deal.
Kimono and yukata can also be found on flea markets
Japantravel
Kimono stores
There is only one rule for smart shopping in shops specializing in kimono: do not panic in front of the prices which can quickly take off!
Indeed, some brands also offer low-cost pick-ups. This is particularly the case with Tansuya, which can be found everywhere in Tokyo, Sakaeya in Harajuku (JR Yamanote line) which sometimes offers yukata for only 1,000 yen ($8.50/7.75€), and Wataro in Itabashi (line Saikyo) which also sells fabrics for less than 3000 yen ($25,50/23.25€). Who says kimono shops have to be expensive?
Magasin de kimono à Tokyo
Wikimédia
A few little tips
No matter where you buy your yukata, don't wait until the matsuri season is well underway to get there: June is the perfect month for the best deals, whether with the supermarket collections coming out. at that time or on the net.
Indeed, buying online is also a good option to save money. And sites like Rakuten (the leader in online sales in Japan) still offer a wide variety of yukata in early summer. Think about it!
Do you appreciate traditional patterns and the art of Japanese textiles? Why not let yourself be tempted by the purchase of a small everyday object, created from Kimono or Yukata fabrics. We recommend in particular the independent store Monoya Tokyo which offers you wallets, pouches, bags or even cushion covers handcrafted from these precious textiles. You will also find second-hand traditional clothes in their online store!
