complimentary yukatas

The Katsuraro Annex, a ryokan near Ueno Park in Tokyo, is a hidden treasure. It’s a favorite of Europeans on a budget. When Michael and I stayed there, we chose a room with a bath for $125/night. Continental breakfast ($8) and bicycles ($2/day) were additional.

Don’t expect any furniture in your room besides two futons on the floor. Do expect two crisply pressed yukatas.

asakusa shopping, tokyo

Just outside the Thunder Gate of Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, is a street of open stores called Nakamise. At a busy store filled with kimono, I bought a XXL yukata for Chef William of Bakery Nouveau in West Seattle. The white cotton fabric is adorned with squatting sumo wrestlers in indigo blue. Although the shopping area is definitely a tourist trap, it’s always fun to interact with Japanese store owners.

check out j list

Porcelain Lucky Cat with manpuki (“full of happiness”) written on tummy, with newest vintage yukata fabric as background.

Irresistible is a great way to describe this Japanese Lucky Cat. I begged it off my friend Dick Worthington who bought it on jlist.com. A great site for all things Japanese, be forewarned that jlist.com is R-rated. (Some anime characters can be very risque!)