Etiquette for Wearing Yukata and Using Yukago in the Dogo Onsen Area

The Role of Yukata and Yukago as a Strolling Style in the Onsen Town

When walking through the streets of Dogo Onsen, many travelers can be seen wearing cotton yukata and carrying a small bamboo-woven basket called a "yukago." This style is based on the traditional strolling culture of Dogo Onsen, where people head directly from their ryokan or public bath to external baths or footbaths. The yukata is a garment designed for cooling off after bathing and for ease of changing clothes, while the yukago has been used as a practical tool to pack and carry towels and other small items necessary for bathing. By understanding the cultural background and observing the correct attire and etiquette, you can familiarize yourself more naturally with the atmosphere of the hot spring town.

Correct Way of Folding the Collar (Migimae) and Tying the Obi When Wearing a Yukata

The most important rule when wearing a yukata is how to overlap the collar of the kimono. The correct way to wear Japanese clothing is called "migimae," where the right collar from the observer's perspective (the fabric on the right side of your chest from your perspective) is placed against the body first, and then the left collar is folded over it. This means "a state where you can insert your right hand into the breast of the kimono." The opposite overlap (placing the left side against the body first) is called "hidarimae" in traditional Japanese culture and is a taboo dressing style used for the burial garments of the deceased. When dressing, check in a mirror to ensure that the left collar is on top. Tie the obi firmly at hip height and adjust the length so that the hem does not drag on the ground.

Selection of Items to Put in the Yukago and Etiquette When Carrying It

Since a yukago is often an open-top bamboo basket, care must be taken in managing the items placed inside. Inside the yukago, place a face towel to be used at the public bath, a plastic bag for wet towels, and small items for changing. Carrying valuables such as wallets, passports, and smartphones directly and exposed in the yukago poses risks of dropping them while walking or security concerns. When carrying valuables, it is a safe practice to prepare a zippered inner pouch or a small shoulder bag, and place it at the bottom of the yukago or keep it close to your body.

Points of Caution When Walking in Geta and Tips to Reduce the Burden on Your Feet

When strolling in wooden geta to match your yukata, you need to be mindful of a walking sensation that differs from regular shoes. Because geta are made of wood, they lack sole cushioning, and the hanao touches between your toes, which can cause foot pain during long or long-distance walks. The trick to walking in geta is to take small, quiet steps instead of taking large strides. In addition, avoid striking the geta hard against the ground to make loud noises or running, as this can cause inconvenience to surrounding pedestrians or lead to a risk of falling. If you are concerned about foot pain, it is also effective to wear socks or tabi socks beforehand, or to choose familiar, easy-to-walk-in shoes.

Use of Innerwear and Cold Weather Gear According to Seasonal and Temperature Changes

Because the temperature and humidity in the Dogo Onsen area change depending on the season, going out in just a single yukata may lead to poor physical condition. Since temperatures tend to drop in early spring, early autumn, and during night strolls, it is helpful to layer a "haori" or "hanten" jacket over the yukata, or to wear heat-retaining inner shirts or leggings under the yukata. In addition, during the hot summer season, wearing a thin cotton inner layer that easily absorbs sweat underneath can prevent sweat stains on the yukata and keep you comfortable. It is important to flexibly adjust your clothing according to the weather conditions of the time of your visit.

Etiquette When Using Shopping Streets, Public Baths, and Footbath Spots

Basic public etiquette is also required when using the Dogo Haikara-dori (shopping street), restaurants, and public baths in a yukata. Before entering stores in the shopping street, check in advance that the obi of the yukata is not loose and the collar is not greatly disarranged. When using footbath spots (such as Hojoen or Sora no Sanpodo), take off your geta and arrange them neatly by the edge of the footbath, and show consideration by lightly rinsing your feet with water before putting them in. Be sure to bring a towel to wipe your feet after soaking, and wipe off the moisture before putting on your geta to avoid walking with wet feet and wetting benches or walkways.

Rules for Rental and Return of Yukata and Tools at Accommodations and Public Baths

The rental system for yukata and yukago varies depending on the facility you use. Dogo Onsen Honkan (second-floor seats and third-floor private rooms) and Asuka-no-Yu (each second-floor course) include the rental of yukata for indoor use as a service of the relaxation courses. In addition, many ryokan and hotels in the Dogo area offer free or paid rentals of colorful yukata and yukago for staying guests. However, the scope of where you can take the rented yukata or yukago (whether it is limited to the facility or if you can also stroll in the hot spring town outside) and the rules for return procedures are specified by each lodging facility. When using them, please check the latest rental conditions and take-out rules at the front desk of your lodging or the counter of the public bath, and use and return them according to the rules.

※ Operating hours, fees, and operation schedules of each facility are subject to change. Please check the detail pages of each spot and official information for the latest details.