Japan Travel: Experience wearing Yukata in the ancient town of Gion, Kyoto

Amidst the modern pace of life, there is still a small corner where you can touch the memories of ancient Japan, where footsteps in a thin yukata blend with the sound of wooden clogs echoing steadily on the paved streets. The experience of wearing a yukata and walking through the streets of Gion, Kyoto is not only a journey to enjoy traditional fashion but also a door for you to touch Japanese culture in a subtle, gentle and graceful way.

Việt Nam•28/07/2025

Gion Street – The Heart of Ancient Kyoto

The original beauty of Gion Kyoto with ancient wooden houses, red lanterns and stone-paved streets. (Photo: Collected)

Located in the east of Kyoto , Gion Kyoto is one of the oldest old districts, which still retains its traditional wooden architecture, red lanterns, and small teahouses hidden behind noren curtains. It was once a high-class entertainment district for the aristocracy and merchants, and is still the “stage” of Maiko and Geisha – artisans who preserve the long-standing traditional arts of Japan .

It is this nostalgic atmosphere that makes Gion the ideal place to experience wearing a yukata. When you put on that traditional outfit, every step you take is like blending into history whispering between each curved roof tile, each red lantern swaying in the afternoon wind.

What is Yukata? How is it different from kimono?

Summer yukata outfit with traditional patterns, gentle, simple and delicate, different from kimono. (Photo: Collected)

Yukata is a lighter and more casual version of kimono, often worn in summer or on festive occasions. Unlike kimono, yukata is made from thin, absorbent cotton or linen, helping the wearer feel cool in the sweltering heat of the Japanese summer.

One of the big differences between yukata and kimono is the structure and purpose of wearing. Kimono is usually for formal occasions and comes with many accessories such as obi belt, juban, tabi socks... Meanwhile, yukata is simpler, easier to wear and is very popular with young people during festivals such as fireworks, Obon or when traveling to Japan in the summer.

More than just a costume, yukata also carries a traditional spirit. And for visitors, the experience of wearing yukata is not only a fashion experiment, but also an opportunity to feel more deeply about the beauty of ancient culture.

How to rent a yukata in Kyoto and tips for choosing

A tourist is choosing a yukata at a shop in the Gion district, with bright colors and friendly service. (Photo: Collected)

You can easily rent a yukata at shops that cater to tourists around the Gion area of Kyoto . Most shops offer services such as choosing clothes, wearing a yukata, doing your hair in a traditional style, and taking souvenir photos.

When you visit the shop, you will be guided to choose the color that suits your body shape and the season of the year. Soft pastel colors are often favored in the summer, while bold, bold patterns are more suitable for the evening or special occasions. Men can also choose yukata with dark, elegant and samurai-style tones.

Don’t forget to choose wooden clogs (geta), light hair accessories or a small traditional purse. A little tip when experiencing wearing yukata is that you should walk slowly, straighten your back, and relax your arms as a gentle greeting to the whole city standing still watching you.

Experience wearing yukata and walking around Gion – A moment of pure Japanese style

Sunset scene on Gion street, golden sunlight covers the ancient tiled roof, blending with the silhouette of a person wearing yukata. (Photo: Collected)

Feeling of wearing yukata for the first time

From the moment you step out of the rental shop, you will notice that everyone’s gaze becomes softer and more affectionate. The locals will smile and nod as if you are truly immersed in their culture. The thin yukata fabric, the gentle scent of hinoki wood or lavender from the laundry – everything is so subtle that it is unforgettable.

Each step makes the hem of your robe flutter, the obi tied at your back seems to support your whole figure. You are no longer just a tourist, but a part of this scene.

Must-check-in places when wearing yukata in Gion

Maiko and Geisha appear in the frame – The mysterious and elegant beauty makes Gion street even more magical. (Photo: Collected)

Gion is not short of beautiful photo spots. But if you want to take photos with “Japanese style”, you should go to Tatsumi Bridge, famous for its weeping willow trees on the banks of Shirakawa Canal. Next is Hanamikoji Street – an ancient stone-paved street where you can see real Maiko in the evening. Hanamikoji was originally a temple-visiting street, then developed into a teahouse district and is now considered a special historical landscape area.

Yasaka Shrine at the end of Shijo-dori is also a must-see. Dressed in a yukata, walking under the lanterns of the shrine at dusk will make you feel like you've stepped into a Studio Ghibli movie scene.

Meet Geisha, Maiko and moments like in movies

There is nothing more exciting than unexpectedly encountering a Maiko (Geisha apprentice) on the street. Their elaborately coiffed hair, white makeup, and elaborate kimono stand out against the quiet wooden background, and they walk lightly and quickly like a gliding bird. If you want to take pictures, keep your distance, do not use flash, and do not block their path. Respect is an important part of Japanese travel culture.

Suggested 1-day short itinerary around Gion wearing yukata

Taking photos at the temples in Hanamikoji – A relaxing and memorable experience. (Photo: Collected)

A perfect day to experience wearing yukata can start at 9am with renting the outfit, which takes about 30–45 minutes to complete the outfit and hair. After that, you can take photos along Hanamikoji Street, stop by a small tea house to enjoy matcha and wagashi.

At noon, dine at a traditional Japanese restaurant or simply enjoy a bowl of soba by the window overlooking the old streets. In the afternoon, stroll past Tatsumi Bridge and Yasaka Shrine, where the golden sunlight shines on the tall lanterns. Before returning your yukata, you can sit quietly in the shrine grounds and feel the tranquility embracing you.

The experience of wearing yukata is not only a gentle transformation when traveling to Japan , but also a way for you to touch the ancient rhythm of Japanese life: slow, calm and full of art. In the ancient space of Gion Kyoto , each step in yukata is a step back to the profound traditional beauty. If you have the opportunity to come to Kyoto , do not miss the journey of putting on your first yukata. Because who knows, that will be the most memorable moment of the whole trip.