The Japanese love fashion. The current trends are diverse. Some trends come from abroad, while others have evolved within Japan. But what they all have in common is that they have roots in Western-style clothes. However, that doesn’t mean that the Japanese do not wear their traditional clothes. They love them, especially during summer! It is the perfect season to try a yukata, a kind of summer kimono made out of cotton. Today I would like to introduce you to a yukata rental shop that also offers Japanese hairstyling!
Who can wear a yukata?
The Japanese yukata is for women and men. Unlike the beautiful kimono, which is often made of silk, the yukata is like a “bathrobe” made of cotton and (lately) out of polyester. Although it is traditional clothing, it is very popular among young people.
By the way, there is nothing against foreigners wearing these traditional clothes. Instead, if you are a foreigner wearing a yukata, you are likely to be told by people on the streets; “Oh, how wonderful! You look so pretty!”. So don’t worry – yukatas are for everyone!
Yukata professionals and Japanese hairstyling
In the immediate vicinity of the “Hard Rock Café” in Roppongi, you can rent your yukata at the beauty salon “GEKKABIJIN” on the 6th floor of the building with a fish restaurant on the first floor.
Here, you can not only rent a yukata, but they offer a set, where you also get your hair done. When a woman wears a yukata, certain updo-styles that show off the back of her neck are popular. Wouldn’t you like to know how you would look with a Japanese hairstyle?
First, choose a yukata!
“GEKKABIJIN” is only a small shop, but there is a huge selection of yukatas with cute pink flower patterns, big goldfish, and geometric patterns. There is something for every taste!
Depending on how busy the salon is, you might get your hair done first. By the way, do not worry if you don’t speak Japanese! The salon has an original photo book with photos of different updos. Just point at a hairstyle you like.
With a yukata the obi (sash) is crucial!
Before I knew it, my hairdresser had done some magic and created an amazing hairstyle on my head. Now it was time to get dressed in the yukata. The staff showed me different obis (sashes), which in her opinion would go well with the yukata. Japanese often combine the pattern of their yukata with a completely different patterned sash.
This combination and the sense of “what goes together” is completely different from what we know from Western clothing. Every time I am surprised at how yukata and sashes are combined. Often the things fit together best, which I never thought of. That’s the great thing about a yukata rental: you have a huge selection and staff to help you make the right choice.
Under a yukata, you wear a white robe. Depending on how pronounced your waist is, your figure must be balanced with the help of towels that are wrapped around your waist. With the help of a pro, putting on the Yukata went super-fast.
As soon as you wear a Yukata, you want to show off and say: “Look at me! Don’t I look great? “Go to town with your yukata, to a summer festival, fireworks, take photos in the city or relax in the café! No matter what you do, everything becomes a special experience when wearing a yukata.
By the way, it takes about 1 hour for the hairstyle and to get dressed. “GEKKABIJIN” is very popular, so please reserve in advance!
Where would you want to go wearing your perfect summer outfit?
Shop Information:
Hairdresser & Kimono Rental GEKKABIJIN
HP: http://www.gekkabijin-hairmake.com (Japanese)
Address: TK Building 6F, 5-2-6 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access: Hibiya Line and Toei Oedo Line “Roppongi” station, a 3 minutes walk from “Exit 3”
Reservation Tel: 03-3401-4744 (All day 12: 00-22: 00)
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday 12:00 to 22:00
Sat: 6: 00 – 22: 00
Sun / Holiday: 6: 00 – 17: 00