Delicious watermelon, people in yukata dancing Bon Odori, impressive fireworks at night, dozens of flavors of kakigoori (shaved ice), cicadas’ sound, nagashi soumen; all are significant elements of the Japanese summers.

Many tourists buy yukata for many different reasons.

Some people want to experience summers in the authentic Japanese way, others are just buying it as a gift for someone; regardless of the reason, yukatas have been quite popular among visitors in Japan and many decided on purchasing one or have at least wore one during their trip to Japan.

The beautiful traditional wear has a multitude of models and designs and the vivid colors and light fabric makes them perfect for the hot and humid season in Japan.

Yukatas are summer kimonos and they can be purchased a lot cheaper than kimonos are.

There are many places where you can buy one and I will be introducing you to the top three most affordable ones:

Don Quijote

Don Quijote is probably the most accessible and affordable choice out there and they have plenty of options you can choose from.

Prices range from 3,000 yen to 9,000 yen and you can find the Don Quijote stores wherever in Japan. Besides the casual summer garment, there are plenty of accessories and a lot of things you can buy as souvenirs while there.

I also bought one of my yukatas from Don Quijote and I got an obi set with geta and also a handmade bag to match it.

Official Website

Flea Markets

Another good and affordable option would be the flea markets.

In Kanto, especially Tokyo, there are many flea markets where you can look for yukata.

I remember the last time I went to Ibaraki, I found quite a few treasures; among a yukata and a nice handmade bag I knew I had to buy, I also purchased some summerish linen clothes, simple and classic and a pair of beautifully handcrafted earrings.

Going to a flea market is always fun and you never know what you might stumble upon, so I recommend trying it out!

The yukata bought there immediately became one of my favorites and it was no more than 3,000 yen! I must say I got myself a great deal!

Second-hand Kimono Stores

If you are okay with second-hand clothes, you can also purchase good quality yukatas from kimono stores that also sell recycled yukatas.

One of my favorites is located in Asakusa and is called Tansu-ya The Kimono Recycle Shop.

Official Website

Other than the three options presented above, you can also buy yukata from supermarkets (such as Ito Yokado, one of the largest supermarket chains in Japan), Amazon or other websites, department stores, and shopping malls (such as Aeon mall).