Enjoy Summer Events in Kawagoe with a Yukata Rental!
Events in Kawagoe Perfect for Wearing Yukata
Kawagoe, which is also famous as a tourist destination, sees many people strolling in yukata during the summer season.
During the hot summer months, yukata, with its lighter fabric compared to kimono, is a popular choice. It offers a different atmosphere for yukata dates compared to events like fireworks festivals.
While Kawagoe’s tourist spots, such as the Time Bell, warehouse-style streets, and the Kashiya Yokocho (Confectionery Alley), are well-known, visiting during the timing of summer events allows you to experience unique scenery associated with these events.
Participate in the “Yukata Fashion Show” on Kawagoe Kimono Day
The annual “Yukata Fashion Show” held on August 18th allows tourists to participate if they apply in advance.
Even if you don’t participate in the fashion show, you can rent a yukata and enjoy watching the fashion show. Around the auditorium, the “Kawagoe Showa Street” handmade market is held, so you can also have fun searching for your favorite goods there.
Experience Summer in Yukata at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine’s “Enmusubi Wind Chimes”
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is known for its popular pink “Taikuji” (sea bream) omikuji (fortune-telling strips). During the summer season, they also host enjoyable events for visitors wearing yukata.
When you rent a yukata in Kawagoe for a leisurely stroll, consider participating in the festival events held at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
One such event is the “Enmusubi Wind Chimes,” which takes place at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and runs from July to early September each year.
The “Enmusubi Wind Chimes” event, which started in 2014, is held with the hope that wishes of love will reach the Milky Way and that visitors can enjoy a moment of coolness at the shrine at night.
During the event, numerous Edo-style wind chimes are hung within the shrine grounds. These wind chimes create a pleasant sound during the day and add even more charm to your yukata rental experience.
Enjoy Instagram-Worthy Moments in Yukata at the “Wind Chime Corridor”
One of the highlights of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine’s “Enmusubi Wind Chimes” event is the popular “Wind Chime Corridor.” Here, you can walk through a corridor adorned with many wind chimes.
This corridor is perfect for yukata attire, and many people rent yukatas to attend this event.
If you capture the scene of people walking through the corridor in photos, it’s sure to look stunning. The Edo-style wind chimes are meticulously crafted by artisans, and their colorful and vibrant appearance enhances the beauty of the corridor.
Furthermore, with the Edo-style wind chimes, you can write your wishes on small strips of paper and hang them. If you wish to do so, you can visit the shrine office located within the shrine grounds, pay an initial offering of 500 yen, and purchase the paper strips.
“Koi Hanabi” Distributed at the Enmusubi Wind Chimes Event
During the Enmusubi Wind Chimes event, in addition to the Edo-style wind chimes, “Koi Hanabi” is also distributed at the shrine office. “Koi Hanabi” refers to incense fireworks that you can enjoy with your loved one. What sets it apart from regular incense fireworks is that it has two separate handles for two people to hold together.
Try lighting one “Koi Hanabi” together as a couple. The symbolism of sharing the same incense firework suggests spending a longer time together. It’s a recommended yukata event for couples since the opportunity to view fireworks while wearing yukata is unexpectedly rare.
If you haven’t had the chance to view fireworks in yukata attire, this event provides a unique experience that you shouldn’t miss.
Rikawafuku Kimono Kawagoe Shop offers special Kawagoe Kimono & Yukata Couple Plans for couples. Be sure to check them out!
The Enchanted “River of Light” at the Enmusubi Wind Chimes Event!?
One of the highlights of the Enmusubi Wind Chimes event is the “River of Light,” inspired by the legend of the “Glowing River” passed down in Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
In the “River of Light,” they illuminate the sacred water drawn from underground sources with changing lights during the event, creating a captivating and somewhat ethereal atmosphere. It replicates the light seen at the bottom of the Iruma River, and witnessing this spectacle once will leave a lasting impression.
As yukata rentals typically have return times around 5:30 PM, participating in activities like “Koi Hanabi” or the illuminated events might make it difficult to return on time. However, you don’t have to miss out on the events.
Yukata rental shops often offer services like optional next-day returns. By utilizing these services, you can enjoy your yukata rental to the fullest and still participate in events like the “Yukata Fashion Show” or the “Enmusubi Wind Chimes.”
When renting a yukata, it’s advisable to inquire with the shop about these options to ensure a worry-free rental experience.
If you visit Kawagoe between July and September, you can not only enjoy a regular yukata stroll but also participate in events. It’s a double delight in sightseeing!
4．Author of this article
Rikawafuku Kimono Kawagoe Store
(Operated by TripFarm Corporation)
〒350-0043
1-3-5 Shin-Tomi-cho, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama Actree Kawagoe 7F
2 minutes walk from Seibu Shinjuku Line “Hon-Kawagoe Station”
9 minutes walk from Tobu Tojo Line “Kawagoe-shi Station”
