Happi Coats

A happi is a traditional Japanese robe, similar to a cardigan, made of an indigo, blue, or brown cotton with the family crest or mon printed on the back. They are usually only worn at festivals or other special events when appropriate. During a festival in the summer, it isn't uncommon to see hundreds of people wearing happi coats while celebrating. While the happi originally featured family crests or mons, over time the coats began to display the logos and crests of shops or organizations. If the event is sponsored by a Japanese company, it wouldn't be a surprise to see many of the employees wearing a happi coat with their company's logo on the back. The practice is done by many Japanese companies operating both in and out of Japan. When translating happi into English, many refer to them simply as happy coats instead.

Not only are happi coats common place during festivals, it isn't uncommon to see some workers wearing the coats at food stalls, pop-ups, while performing on Taiko drums, or other events during the summer. In fact, Japan Deluxe Tours has our own happi coats we use when our travel specialists represent us at various travel shows and events. A happi coat could be considered a summer uniform for some vocations.

Given how popular happi coats are during festivals, Japan Deluxe Tours recommends picking up a happi coat as a souvenir for friends or loved ones back home after your Japan vacation. Put on a happi coat and a happy face during any of Japan Deluxe Tour's fully-guided Takayama Festival or Gion Festival Japan tours available Spring, Summer, or Fall! You can also customize a vacation to include time at a Japanese festival with our flexible line of custom and private Japan tours!