Wear a Yukata and Make Matching Mizuhiki Accessories – Take Your Casual Kimono Home

Experience Traditional Japanese Culture in a Charming Downtown Area

The Nezu area, located next to Ueno Park, is a popular tourist spot known for its nostalgic atmosphere and Nezu Shrine, one of Tokyo's oldest shrines. In this quiet residential neighborhood stands Sandan-zaka no Wakan, a historic wooden building over a century old. A Registered Tangible Cultural Property since 2023, it now hosts art exhibitions and cultural exchanges.

The gate of Sandan-zaka no Wakan, a Japanese-style building. Its simple design reflects traditional Japanese aesthetics

In this experience, enjoy private use of a Japanese-style room at Sandan-zaka no Wakan, wear a casual kimono called a yukata, and make accessories using the traditional Japanese craft of mizuhiki. Mizuhiki, dating back to the 6th or 7th century (501-700), is a decorative paper cord used in gift-giving to express respect and emotion. You'll learn to create modern accessories with this traditional technique.

Mizuhiki artist Anna Tanaka, who also teaches accessory-making

Your instructor, Anna Tanaka, is a popular mizuhiki artist and founder of the handicraft brand "hare." She creates a range of mizuhiki items and also teaches the art to the public. While preserving mizuhiki's rich history and traditions, Tanaka crafts modern pieces that reflect Japan's four seasons and annual events, sharing the beauty and depth of mizuhiki with a wide audience.

Anna Tanaka’s works, blending modern lightness with the beauty of traditional curves

Feel the Four Seasons of Japan on Your Skin While Wearing a Yukata

The experience begins with Haruna Tsunoda, a kimono dressing instructor, explaining yukata and how to wear it. A yukata is a casual cotton kimono that is usually worn in summer, known for its vivid patterns and easy home washing. You'll choose your favorite combination of yukata, obi, and geta, and take the complete set home as a souvenir. After the experience, you'll also receive a video guide on how to wear it yourself.

Yukata and obi pairings. If you're unsure about your choice, feel free to ask Tsunoda about the story behind the patterns

Tsunoda will help you put on your yukata, and all necessary accessories are provided for your convenience. Unlike formal silk kimonos, cotton yukatas are surprisingly lightweight and comfortable, keeping you cool.

The standard obi for a yukata is the hanhaba-obi. It's thin, around 16 cm wide, with the atmosphere varying based on the weave and material

Additionally, there's an option to choose an extra obi for a fee. Tsunoda suggests having both the slimming hanhaba-obi and the soft heko-obi. The heko-obi, especially, is easy to tie even for beginners and can be paired with the hanhaba-obi for a gorgeous look.

Listen to Tsunoda's commentary as you admire the yukata and picture Japan’s beautiful landscapes changing with the seasons

After dressing, Tsunoda will discuss kimono, explaining how patterns evoke seasonal plants and landscapes and the traditional weaving in the obi. You'll experience the Japanese spirituality in how the changing seasons are expressed through the kimono. Along with this talk, she'll teach you how to walk, sit, and stand gracefully in a yukata, ensuring you look your best.

Japan's Cherished Tradition of Gift-Giving

Once dressed in your yukata and after Tsunoda’s sharing, Tanaka will introduce you to mizuhiki. Though popular as modern decor, mizuhiki is rooted in traditional Japanese culture. Its knots symbolize the connection of people and hearts, blending practicality with deeper meaning. You’ll learn to appreciate the charm of mizuhiki beyond its visual beauty.

Understanding the significance of mizuhiki adds to the enjoyment of the next step

In this activity, you'll make accessories using two basic mizuhiki knots: "awabi-musubi" and "ume-musubi," which is a variation of the awabi-musubi. Named after the abalone and plum respectively, both considered lucky symbols in Japan due to their shapes, these knots offer versatility. By switching up the arrangement and color, you can create accessories with entirely different vibes. You can choose to make either earrings, a brooch, a badge, or a charm.

Examples of ume-musubi (plum knot) accessories you can make with this plan: (from bottom left) badge, charm, brooch

Make Mizuhiki Accessories

Once you've chosen the item you want to create, you’ll pick the mizuhiki colors. Tanaka has handpicked three stunning shades: gold, silver, and pearl white, along with three traditional Japanese colors: indigo, plum, and walnut. Put together your own combinations with your favorite colors — the possibilities for unique creations are endless.

Pick up to three colors from six versatile options that complement both kimonos and Western attire

"Because mizuhiki is made of paper, retying may leave marks. Hence, following the correct procedure and technique is very important," explains Tanaka. Don't fret if you're not confident with your hands; there's a thorough lecture. Take your time tying it. Once done, assemble the parts according to the item, and your one-of-a-kind mizuhiki accessory is complete. Consider gifting it to someone special, honoring the culture of gift-giving you've just learned about.

Mizuhiki gracefully curves with the pressure of your fingertips

Experience the Essence of Japanese Aesthetics and Spirituality

Once your creation is complete, feel free to spend your time as you wish. Chat with your instructor or take photos of your mizuhiki accessories and yukata ensemble. Afterward, consider taking a stroll in your yukata. Soak in the Japanese atmosphere to the fullest while showcasing your mizuhiki creation.

Completed contemporary Japanese-style earrings

With a Japanese building steeped in history, yukata boasting diverse patterns and obi weaves, and mizuhiki conveying emotions for loved ones, this plan captures all the charms of Japanese traditional culture and crafts. It promises an unforgettable experience.

A yukata complements the nostalgic cityscape