The summer 'must do' list: don a yukata

One of the many things my family and I like to do each summer is dress up in traditional Japanese summer wear. Particularly, yukata or jinbei. Especially when attending a traditional festival, such as a Yasaka shrine festival, or a fireworks display. Just putting on a yukata gets you into the festival spirit. I love seeing dozens of people wearing yukata and children in jinbei at such events.

Even if you are visiting Japan for a short time, a yukata (or jinbei or happi coat) are a nice item to treat yourself to as a memory of your visit. They come in handy for Halloween and themed parties back home too! In fact, several countries have Japanese festivals nowadays too, where its not unusual to see kids or even adults in yukata or jinbei. 

Many souvenir shops sell affordable yukata, but if you are on a particularly tight budget its worth taking a look in one of the second hand chain stores to see if you can find a bargain. Children's jimbei are sold cheaply in chain children's clothes wear shops such as Nishimatsuya. You can pick up affordable, yet cute, jimbei at shops like Shimamura or Avail. Then a trip to the 100 yen store to pick up cheap accessories such as fans, hair accessories and ribbons! There is also the option to rent an yukata and have a professional dress you.

Although many people automatically don a yukata, some festivals try to encourage even more people to wear them by offering rewards for wearing them. For example, some festivals give small gifts to yukata wearers. You'll even find some festivals where there are discounts on purchases at the festival stalls for people wearing yukata. 

Do you own your own yukata? If so, do you wear it often? If not, do you plan to buy one?