Japanese festivals are even more colorful and a bit nostalgic with the costumes the attendees are wearing. These festive clothing can also make you feel the joy and the vibe. Wearing casual clothes may make you feel excluded and left-out.
What you will wear will depend also on the type of matsuri (festival) you will join. So here's some of the things you can wear to complete your matsuri get-up from head to toe:
1. Yukata - Yukata is most commonly worn in hanabi (fireworks festival), hanami (cherry blossom viewing festival) and summer festivals. These are the inexpensive less-formal robe-like kimonos.
Photo by Corpse Reviver. Licensed under Creative Commons.
2. Happi - This is a robe-like vest usually worn by festival teams, which comes in different colors. Sometimes the emblem of shrine, temple, school or an organization are embroidered with the happi. You can always see this in shrine festivals when a team is carrying portable shrines (mikoshi).
Photo by cotaro70s. Licensed under Creative Commons.
3. Geta - Geta are the traditional wooden sandals of the Japanese which originated from the Edo era. It is elevated with one or two teeth (or heels) that can test your balancing skills!
Photo by Haragayato. Licensed under Creative Commons.
4. Tabi - Tabi is basically a pair of socks that is designed for geta and zori. Although it isn't always required to wear this, it is good to partner your yukata and dance costumes with these unique socks.
Photo by CoCreatr. Licensed under Creative Commons.
5. Jikatabi - Jikatabi is a footwear that resembles boots, but the big toe is separated. Historically, jikatabi is worn by samurais and farmers.
6. Zori - Zori is a more comfy and formal sandals compared to geta. They are usually made with rice straw, cloth, wood leather, rubber or synthetic materials.
7. Fundoshi - Fundoshi is a white loincloth worn by men. Just like happi, it is also worn as a team uniform. It is usally worn in a festival that involves the showcase of strength and endurance like mikoshi.
Photo by CES. Licensed under Creative Commons.
Now you are ready to attend a matsuri! Don't forget to participate in festivals actively other than just wearing a costume!
Login with Google