Topics / Tips for Enjoying Japanese Summer at AEON

Tip for Finding Summer Souvenirs#1: Check Out the "Yukata" Section!

The yukata, originally created in the Heian period (794-1185) as a bathrobe called "yukatabira," became popular as casual outdoor wear during the Edo period (1603-1868). Its breathable, lightweight fabric is perfect for Japan's humid summers. Easier to wear than a kimono, yukatas are a favorite summer fashion choice. You'll often see them at fireworks festivals, summer events, and even while strolling around town.

Back view of woman in yukata. — Yukatas are perfect for summer outings!

At AEON, you can try on our original yukatas right in the store. We also have a great selection of accessories like decorative cords and hair ornaments to complete your look. Feel free to stop by, choose your favorite yukata, and change into it on the spot before heading out to enjoy your day. Our lineup includes the stylish "KUSUMI Yukata" with trendy muted colors and the new 2024 "One-piece Yukata," which is super easy to put on by yourself and can even be worn as a dress after you return home. Come in and find the perfect yukata for you!

Separate yukata that can also be used as a one-piece dress.

Video of dressing one-piece yukata.

Video of how to tie a yukata obi (pleated ribbon knot).

Video of how to tie a yukata obi (ribbon patter knot).

Wear a dress yukata!

How to put on a dress yukata.

While wearing the dress, put the upper jacket over your shoulders and put your arms through the sleeves.
Wrap the upper jacket around your body with the left side layered on top.
Pull out the cord from under your left arm, wrap both cords behind you around your waist, and then tie them together in the front. Tuck in the loose ends.
Put on the obi. Try wrapping it around you however you think looks nice.
When you've finished tying the obi, adjust the shape of the knot and bow, and rotate the obi in a clockwise direction to the back of the body.
Make any final adjustments to the obi, and you're done!

How to tie Butterfly Obi.

Take the outer obi and fold the 'te' end in half. Keep the 'te' end 50 cm away from the center of the body and wrap the rest of the obi around the waist twice.
Hold the 'te' end up and tie the 'tare' and 'te' ends together.
Use the 'tare' end to make the butterfly wings. The length of the wings should be about the width of your shoulders.
Make pleats in the center of the butterfly wings.
Wrap the 'te' end around the butterfly wings twice.
Tuck the excess portion of the 'te' end into the space between the obi and the front board (maeita). Rotate the butterfly obi in a clockwise direction to the back of the body.

The thin fabric yukata can be folded compactly without adding to your luggage, and you can use the "Happy Coupon" exclusively for foreign visitors to Japan, which is available for most products sold at AEON, for a 5% discount!

Yukata (light cotton kimono) store. — In Japan, you can wear it as a yukata and as a dress after returning home.

Hair ornaments — Cute hair ornaments for a different hair arrangement.

Accessories — Full lineup of accessories such as bags and clogs.

Tip for Finding Summer Souvenirs#2: Check Out the "Cooling Items" Section!

Summer in Japan is known for its high temperature and humidity. Let's head to the cooling items section to find products that reduce the discomfort of stickiness and dampness!
A must-have for outdoor activities like strolling in the city, waiting in line at shops or amusement parks - the handy fan. AEON's private brand "Top Valu" offers a lightweight (120g) handheld fan with a stand, making it convenient for use at home as well. With six stylish designs, compact size, and affordable price, it's also a great souvenir option.

Handy Fan is a reassuring ally when going out in summer.

We also have a lineup of essential products for outings, including cooling sheets that provide long-lasting refreshment by reducing body stickiness, and deodorant water "Sea Breeze" that helps control sweat and unwanted odors.

Experience a refreshing sensation that lasts, like taking a shower, with 'Sea Breeze'

Tip for Finding Summer Souvenirs#3: Check Out the "Kitchen Goods" Section!

If you like Japanese summer gourmet food, head to AEON's kitchen goods section.
There is a wide variety of nagashi somen machines, including basic ones that flow with water and deluxe versions with sliders, which are full of entertainment that children will love, and retro manual types to electric types that can make fluffy and creamy shaved ice like those made at a specialty store. We sell various types of shaved ice machines. Even after returning home, you can enjoy nagashi somen and shaved ice at home whenever you like! If you get glasses and bowls that look cool, your presentation will look even more authentic.

Shaved ice equipment sales area — Enjoy shaved ice and flowing somen noodles in cool containers!

Some products may not be available at all stores.