Enjoy the Fukagawa Festival in Monzen-Nakacho with a Yukata Rental!
After the long rainy season ends, it turns into a hot and humid summer. Simply enduring the summer heat is not impossible, but it’s more enjoyable to make the most of it. Some people choose to spend their time in nature, such as mountains, beaches, and rivers.
However, not everyone may be up for physically demanding outdoor activities. For those people, festivals may be the perfect choice, especially during the summer.
This time, we will introduce you to the Fukagawa Festival held in Monzen-Nakacho.
You can also rent a yukata in Asakusa and get there easily from Asakusa Station, which is just a 17-minute ride on the Toei Asakusa Line!
Fukagawa Festival in Monzen-Nakacho
Fukagawa Festival Schedule [Kagematsuri]
The Fukagawa Festival in 2019 is known as Kagematsuri (Shadow Festival). Therefore, last year’s Fukagawa Festival was the Honsha Festival. Next year will be the main Fukagawa Festival. Kagematsuri mainly features children’s mikoshi (portable shrine) and has a shorter route due to the children’s physical capabilities.
The Fukagawa Festival takes place from August 11th to August 15th, with varying hours, but the basic schedule is from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. During this festival, various performances such as dance and songs are presented as dedications within the shrine grounds, attracting many participants.
◆ Main Schedule of the Fukagawa Festival (Start times are mentioned)
- August 11th (Sunday) 9:00 AM – Children’s Mikoshi Procession
Koto, Shamisen Performance, Japanese Dance, Karate, Shaolin Kung Fu, Jazz Performance, Taiko Drumming, and Dance - August 12th (Monday) 3:00 PM – 24th Tomioka Hachimangu Taiko Festival
- August 13th (Tuesday) 12:30 PM – Song, Koto Performance, Taiko Drumming
- August 15th (Thursday) 11:00 – Regular Festival Ceremony, Dance, Marimba Performance, Koto Performance, Tea Ceremony
Gamelan Performance and Dance
Please note that the schedule may change, so it’s recommended to plan your visit to the Fukagawa Festival with some flexibility.
The Fukagawa Festival, also known as the “Mizukake Matsuri,” is held annually around August 15th at the Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine. It is one of the three major festivals in Tokyo and is considered one of the Edo Sanja Matsuri (Edo Three Major Festivals).
As its name suggests, Fukagawa Festival’s main highlight is carrying mikoshi (portable shrines). The festival includes three variations: the Main Festival, the Honsha Festival, and the Kagematsuri. These are not held three times a year but follow a yearly cycle.
In all variations, the common element is carrying mikoshi while shouting and moving through the streets of Fukagawa during the festival.
Another Name for Fukagawa Festival
The Fukagawa Festival is known by another name, and some people find this name more endearing than Fukagawa Festival itself. This name is the “Mizukake Matsuri,” which translates to the “Water-Throwing Festival.”
The name comes from the practice of splashing water to cool down during the hot weather. Water is splashed on the participants carrying the mikoshi as a form of support and blessing during the Fukagawa Festival.
Depending on the route of the Fukagawa Festival, you may witness vigorous water-splashing using fire truck hoses, living up to the festival’s name. It’s also sometimes referred to as the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival due to its association with the Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine.
How to Enjoy the Fukagawa Festival
The highlight of the Fukagawa Festival is experiencing the enthusiasm of the people carrying the main mikoshi.
Of course, you can also enjoy watching the lively Fukagawa Festival from a distance, appreciating the splashing of water.
Additionally, the Fukagawa Festival is a massive event with approximately 200 food stalls set up around the Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine. From takoyaki to shaved ice, you can enjoy a variety of street food while exploring the festival grounds.
Points to Consider When Going in a Yukata
Even in Japan, where Western clothing dominates, there are still many people who choose to wear yukata when attending summer festivals. It’s easy to understand that anyone would want to enjoy a summer festival wearing a yukata.
However, when wearing a yukata, some different precautions are necessary compared to regular clothing.
Even if you want to wear it just like regular clothes, a yukata is still a unique garment. To avoid any mishaps when wearing a yukata at the Fukagawa Festival, it’s a good idea to keep in mind what you need to be careful about.
Caution ①: Keep the Yukata Clean
Nobody intentionally wants to soil their yukata, but it’s natural for your attention to wander when you’re walking through a crowd or enjoying festival food. Especially at large festivals like the Fukagawa Festival, accidents like spilling food or bumping into someone and getting dirty can happen all too easily.
While it may be difficult to stay vigilant at all times, it’s essential to at least pay attention to not getting your yukata dirty, as it can greatly affect your experience if it gets stained, especially early on in the event.
Caution ②: Proper Yukata Dressing
The number of people who can dress in a traditional yukata has decreased as fewer people wear kimono. Consequently, even if you have a yukata, it might be your first time dressing in one. One common mistake when dressing in a yukata for the first time is that it tends to come loose as you walk.
It can become progressively more uncomfortable and unsightly as you move around. To avoid mistakes and ensure a smooth experience, it’s better to have a skilled professional dress you in a yukata or ask someone experienced to help you. Trying to dress in a yukata on your own may lead to avoidable errors.
If You Need to Rent a Yukata, Visit Rikawafuku Kimono Asakusa
If you don’t have a yukata at home, the first step is to find a way to obtain one. Finding someone to lend you a yukata can be challenging, and purchasing one might not be convenient due to space constraints.
That’s where yukata rental services come in handy. Rikawafuku Kimono, a kimono rental shop, offers yukata rentals alongside regular kimono rentals. Moreover, Rikawafuku Kimono provides all the essential accessories, so you can come empty-handed. You can arrive comfortably and return your yukata smoothly, making it a convenient rental option.
Advantage ①: Late Returns are Possible!
The Fukagawa Festival mainly takes place during the day.
However, attending the Fukagawa Festival just for the purpose of returning the yukata and leaving early would not allow you to fully enjoy the festival. It can be challenging to fully appreciate the festival booths and activities with only a short time.
Rikawafuku Kimono Asakusa is open until 8 PM, so returning your yukata by 7:30 PM is perfectly fine. They also accommodate next-day returns, so if you’re unable to return it immediately after enjoying the Fukagawa Festival, you can discuss alternatives.
Advantage ②: Same-Day Reservations Available!
If you’re hesitant about renting a yukata and have been debating until the last moment, you might find yourself suddenly wanting to wear a yukata on the day of the event. At Rikawafuku Kimono Asakusa, you can make same-day reservations, so there’s no need to worry.
Their professional staff can efficiently assist with dressing, typically taking only about thirty minutes. This means you can easily make it in time for the summer festival, making Rikawafuku Kimono a lifesaver for those who decide to rent a yukata on the day of the event.
If you’re interested in renting a yukata on the same day in Asakusa, check here.
Enhance Your Enjoyment of the Fukagawa Festival with a Yukata!
The Fukagawa Festival, held during the summer, is a uniquely Japanese event that thrives in the hot weather.
One way to make it even more special and comfortable in the heat is by wearing a yukata. While Western clothing is nice, wearing a yukata can truly enhance your enjoyment of the Fukagawa Festival.
If you don’t have a yukata or aren’t familiar with dressing in one, Rikawafuku Kimono can help you with yukata rental, ensuring that you can fully embrace the Fukagawa Festival.
So, whether you’re going to the Fukagawa Festival or considering renting a yukata, be sure to check out Rikawafuku Kimono Asakusa.
Author of this article
Kimono rental Rikawafuku Asakusa store
(Operating company: TripFarm Co., Ltd.)
By 2023, more than 230,000 people will be wearing kimonos in a year
2-16-9 HULIC & New Kaminarimon 6F, Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0034
3 minutes walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
1 minute walk to Kaminarimon
Click here for the website of our sister store, Kano-Wafuku（浅草の着物レンタル 花乃和服）.
