The Ryokan Yukata Guide: How to Wear It & Etiquette Tips

Relaxing at a traditional Japanese inn isn’t complete without slipping into a ryokan yukata. These light cotton robes are perfectly designed for lounging, sleeping, and even strolling to the hot springs. It really is the best way to switch off and embrace the local culture.

What is a Ryokan? A Guide to Traditional Japanese Inns

What is a Ryokan Yukata?

A ryokan yukata is a light, casual cotton kimono that you will find waiting for you at almost every traditional Japanese inn.

You can think of this robe as a combination of pyjamas, a bathrobe, and loungewear all rolled into one. It is completely acceptable to wear your ryokan yukata everywhere inside the building, whether you are heading to the communal bath, sitting down for a kaiseki dinner, or just relaxing in your room.

While they are technically summer garments, modern inns provide them all year round. If you are visiting during the colder months, you will likely find a thicker, padded jacket called a tanzen or a shorter haori to wear over the top to keep the chill away.

Where to Get Your Yukata at the Ryokan

You will typically find the yukata set neatly folded inside your room’s closet or drawer.

It includes the cotton robe, an obi sash, and sometimes a warm jacket or socks.

While staff often prepare the correct size for you, some modern ryokans allow you to choose your favorite colorful design in the lobby.

If the size doesn’t feel right, simply ask the staff for an adjustment.

How to Wear a Ryokan Yukata Correctly

Putting on a ryokan yukata is much simpler than it looks, so there is no need to worry about getting tangled up. You should start by slipping your arms through the sleeves and pulling the robe up so the hem sits just above your ankles. It is best to keep your undergarments on underneath for comfort and modesty.

There is one golden rule you must remember when wrapping the fabric. You need to take the right side of the yukata and wrap it across your body to your left hip first. Once that is tucked in, bring the left side over the top of the right.

It is vital to get this order correct because wrapping the right side over the left is traditionally reserved for dressing the deceased for funerals. Ensuring the left collar sits on top will keep you from making a major cultural faux pas.

Once the robe is folded correctly, hold it closed and wrap the obi sash around your body two or three times. Men usually tie the sash quite low on the hips, while women generally tie it higher up at the waist. Finally, simply tie the ends into a bow and adjust it so it sits comfortably.

Important Tips and Etiquette about Yukata

To wear your yukata with confidence, keep the collar and hem neat to avoid accidental exposure while moving.

Unlike a Western bathrobe, you should always wear standard undergarments underneath for comfort in public areas.

If it gets chilly, layer up with the provided outer jacket (hanten). This jacket keeps you warm and often has handy pockets for your room key.

Ryokan Etiquette and Manners

Ryokan Yukata FAQ

The yukata is essential for relaxing at a ryokan, but how exactly should you wear it?

We have compiled simple answers to common questions so you can enjoy the tradition without worry.

Can I change my yukata to a different size?

You certainly can. While the housekeeping staff usually try to guess your size before you arrive, they don’t always get it perfect. If you find the robe is dragging on the floor or looks like a t-shirt on you, just ask your room attendant for a swap.

Many modern inns also keep a stack of various sizes in the room or a hallway cabinet, so you might be able to grab a better fit yourself. The ideal length should rest just around your ankles, so try to find one that hits that mark.

Is it okay to wear a yukata outside of my room?

It is more than okay, it is actually encouraged. You can wear your ryokan yukata throughout the entire building, including to the dining hall for breakfast and dinner. It serves as loungewear that is perfectly acceptable in the lobby, corridors, and relaxation areas.

In famous hot spring towns like Kinosaki or Kusatsu, the custom extends even further. You will often see guests strolling down the main street in their robes and wooden sandals to visit public baths or shops. It creates a wonderful atmosphere where the whole town feels like one big resort.

Can I take the ryokan yukata home with me?

You must leave the robe behind when you check out. These garments are lent to guests free of charge specifically for use during their stay. Think of them like the towels or bathrobes in a Western hotel; they are property of the inn.

If you really fall in love with the pattern or the comfort of the cotton, head to the ryokan’s souvenir shop. They often sell brand new versions of their signature robes that you can purchase and take home as a memento.