Not a Kimono?... The Outfit Worn on the Hot Spring Trip, Explaining the Differences [Nichiyoubi Culture]

Bathing and Summer Clothing Yukata
Kimono for Formal Occasions like Weddings and Graduations

Those planning a winter vacation trip to Japan often include onsen (hot spring) visits in their itinerary. Typically, accommodations with bathing facilities provide a Japanese-style gown to wear inside. Most people simply call it a kimono, but actually, although they look similar, they have different names. Today, I will share some information about two traditional Japanese garments: kimono and yukata.

The garment provided at Japanese accommodations... it is a yukata

First, the garment given at Japanese accommodations is a yukata. Yukata is written in Japanese as '浴衣'. It means "clothes worn when bathing," and is related to onsen culture. In fact, the origin of yukata comes from the word 'yukatabira,' written in Japanese as '湯?子,' meaning a thin garment worn during bathing. This origin dates back to the Heian period in Japan, from the 8th to 12th centuries. At that time, the bathing culture began to be known in Japan. Back then, baths were not about immersing in water but rather a steam bath method. Nobles in the Heian period wore thin garments made of hemp material when entering the steam bath to avoid steam burns, conceal their naked bodies, and absorb sweat simultaneously.

Later, these garments evolved from being worn only inside the steam bath to comfortable clothes worn outside to absorb sweat as well. At this point, materials like cotton and ramie began to be used.

Models are posing wearing yukata. Mimatsu Group

The current bathing culture, where people immerse their bodies in hot water, was established from the Edo period onward. From then on, people entered the bath naked. Yukata became a kind of bathrobe worn after bathing, and gradually it came to be considered acceptable to wear outside as well. From the Edo period, it became popular to wear yukata when going out for flower viewing or summer festivals. From the Meiji period, mass production became possible, and yukata established itself as traditional summer clothing.

The footwear worn with yukata is called geta, which are wooden clogs worn barefoot. If you see someone wearing geta in Japanese attire, it is very likely they are wearing a yukata.

Japanese wooden clogs worn barefoot, 'Geta'. Ryumeikan Tokyo

Since yukata are clothes worn during bathing and in summer, you might get the idea that they are basically thin and often worn directly over underwear. Also, unlike kimono, yukata usually have a thinner belt around the waist, which is often tied simply.

Kimono is formal attire

Kimono is written in Japanese as '着物,' which literally means "thing to wear." Originally, it referred to clothing in general in Japan. However, after the Meiji period, when Japan adopted Western clothing, kimono came to be used as a synonym for traditional Japanese clothing.

The origin of kimono also dates back to the Heian period. Traditional Japanese clothing was originally heavily influenced by Chinese styles. High-ranking court ladies wore multiple layers of clothing, and kimono developed from the tubular undergarments worn underneath. The fabric is cut in straight lines and sewn so as not to restrict the wearer's body shape. There are no buttons or fasteners; instead, a large belt called an obi is used to tie the garment. At that time, kimono were worn only by the aristocracy and samurai classes. During the Kamakura period, when samurai rose to power, commanders wore brightly colored kimono to express their individuality.

Kimono attire introduced by a kimono rental shop. The kimono is worn with a large obi belt, paired with Japanese-style tabi socks and zori sandals. Okamoto Kimono.

From the Edo period, as the commoner class developed, kimono culture spread nationwide. Nobles wore kimono made of silk or fine silk fabric, while commoners wore cotton material.

During the Meiji period, as Japan followed Western policies, the government issued clothing regulations instructing officials and soldiers to wear Western-style suits instead of kimono at formal occasions, gradually shifting Japanese fashion toward Western styles.

While yukata are worn barefoot with geta, when wearing kimono, traditional socks called tabi are worn along with traditional footwear called zori, which have straps that go between the toes. The slippers we call "jjori" in Korea are probably derived from these. The higher the heel, the more formal the footwear.

Kimono are still worn today at weddings, funerals, and university graduation ceremonies. Because they are worn at formal occasions, the method of wearing kimono is more complicated than that of yukata.