Where to buy a yukata without breaking the bank in Tokyo?
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.
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
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?
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
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!
Magasin de kimono à Tokyo
Wikimédia
La location de yukata : une alternative intéressante pour les touristes
Pour les touristes de passage à Tokyo, la location de yukata peut être une option très intéressante. Avec des tarifs débutant à 3000 yens par jour (environ 23 euros), c'est un excellent moyen de vivre l'expérience du yukata sans investissement à long terme.
De nombreuses boutiques proposent ce service, notamment dans les quartiers touristiques comme Shimokitazawa ou Asakusa. Certaines offrent même des forfaits incluant la coiffure et le maquillage, pour une immersion complète dans la culture japonaise. C'est une option idéale pour ceux qui souhaitent porter un yukata le temps d'une visite au temple ou d'une soirée de festival, sans se soucier de l'entretien ou du stockage du vêtement.
Conseils pour acheter un yukata pas cher à Tokyo
Pour conclure, voici quelques conseils supplémentaires pour acheter un yukata à bon prix à Tokyo :
- Anticipez vos achats : le mois de juin est idéal pour faire les meilleures affaires, que ce soit dans les supermarchés ou en ligne.
- Explorez l'achat en ligne : des sites comme Rakuten proposent une grande variété de yukata au début de l'été, souvent à des prix avantageux.
- Visitez les 100 yens shops : ces magasins discount peuvent parfois avoir des accessoires pour yukata à prix très bas.
- N'hésitez pas à marchander dans les marchés aux puces, c'est une pratique courante.
- Pour les amateurs de textile japonais, considérez l'achat d'objets fabriqués à partir de tissus de kimono ou de yukata, comme ceux proposés par la boutique indépendante Monoya Tokyo.
En suivant ces conseils et en explorant les différentes options présentées, vous devriez pouvoir trouver le yukata parfait à un prix abordable, vous permettant ainsi de profiter pleinement des traditions estivales japonaises sans vous ruiner.
