Can I Wear a Yukata to Breakfast at a Japanese Hotel or Ryokan?

BJLC School
Jul 31
3 min read

Can I Wear a Yukata for Breakfast at the Hotel?

If you've booked a stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan or even a modern hotel in Japan, you may find a neatly folded yukata waiting for you in your room. Light, comfortable, and stylish, the yukata is one of those uniquely Japanese touches that makes your stay feel special. But many travelers find themselves wondering—can I wear my yukata to breakfast?

The short answer is: Yes, you absolutely can—but it depends on where you're staying. Let's break it down.

What is a Yukata, Anyway?

A yukata is a casual cotton robe traditionally worn during summer festivals, after bathing, or while lounging in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). Unlike the more formal silk kimono, yukata are light, breathable, and easy to wear. In the context of a hotel or ryokan, it's essentially loungewear—but elevated.

Eating Japanese Meal at Ryokan wearing Yukata

Wearing Yukata at a Ryokan

If you’re staying at a ryokan, wearing your yukata to breakfast is not only acceptable—it’s encouraged. In fact, it's completely normal to wear your yukata around the ryokan: to dinner, in the common areas, to the onsen (hot spring), and yes, even to breakfast.

The staff will often be wearing traditional attire themselves, and you’ll see other guests in their yukata as well. It’s part of the experience and helps create the relaxed, culturally immersive atmosphere ryokans are known for.

Tip: Be sure to wear the yukata properly: left side over right (the opposite is reserved for the deceased), and tie the obi (belt) around your waist—not your hips.

Wearing Yukata at a Modern Hotel

If you're staying at a Western-style hotel, the rules are a bit more mixed.

Some hotels, especially those that offer onsen facilities or have Japanese-style rooms, may provide yukata or jinbei in the room. In these cases, it's generally fine to wear them inside your room or to the onsen area, but not usually to public spaces like the restaurant.
However, some hotels do allow it, especially in hot spring towns like Hakone, Beppu, or Kusatsu. To be sure, check the hotel guidebook or signage in your room, or ask the front desk. They'll appreciate your thoughtfulness.

What About Luxury Hotels?

In high-end or international hotel chains, wearing a yukata outside your room is often considered inappropriate. Breakfast areas in these hotels may have a more formal atmosphere, and guests usually dress in casual Western clothes.

How to Ask in Japanese.

If you're unsure, you can politely ask the hotel staff:

“Yukata de asagohan ii desu ka?” ゆかたで　あさごはん　いいですか。 (Can I wear a yukata for breakfast?)

Or, show them a picture and ask:

“Kore o kite mo ii desu ka?”　これを　きても　いいですか。 (Is it okay if I wear this?)

Staff are usually very helpful and will let you know what's appropriate.

Final Thoughts

Wearing a yukata is one of those lovely cultural experiences that adds charm to your stay in Japan. When in doubt, look around and see what other guests are doing—or simply ask. Whether you're enjoying a steaming bowl of miso soup or sipping green tea on a tatami mat, doing it in a yukata just feels right.

So yes, go ahead—slip into that yukata and enjoy your breakfast like a local. 🍵🥢

Have you worn a yukata during your Japan travels? Let us know your favorite ryokan moments in the comments below! If you have questions about Japanese culture and want to ask those questions to native speakers of Japanese and want to be prepared for next trip to Japan, we are offering variety of Japanese conversation courses. Our new Absolute Beginner Japanese Courses are about to begin—don't miss out! Join now and invite your friends to start learning Japanese together! Next FREE Course Introduction Session Date: Sat. Aug. 2025 Time: 11:30am-12:15pm Location: Unit 5 468 Enoggera Road, Alderley QLD 4051 Book via our Enrolment Form