Getting Ready for a Japanese Summer Festival!

[@吉田湖幸]

Ahhh I'm Japanese and work at Ueno. I think the festival you two went is a bit different from typical matsuri in our countries. If you have a chance, please go to another matsuri. There are many yukata people, I think.

[@sharlainjapan]

+ちゃんぽん Ahh ok! :) Yeah I was thinking it might be more of the type of festival we have in Canada, with stage performances. Thanks for the information!! 😊✨

[@吉田湖幸]

Sharmander Your welcome! I hope you can enjoy a nice matsuri with wonderful yukata🌼😊

[@duaasabah4048]

Omg, thank you for saying that I really loved it when people wore them in animes and i thought that they don't do that anymore

[@jelenaradojcic528]

I am really easily embarrassed so I would be running back home if that happened to me 😂. Can't wait for the next part hah

[@3DJapan]

Eh it's not so bad wearing kimono or yukata in public. I did and nobody gave even looked twice (or once in a bad way)

[@Peorhum]

They likely got as much looks for the cameras and being blonde, then being only ones wearing the yukata.

[@rebeccamcfarlen7678]

Jelena R

[@pikolinahina7023]

This makes me think of when these poor tourists come on the wrong day for Kingsday in the Netherlands and show up in full orange clothes looking completely confused 😂 I hope you still had fun together though!

[@bermanmo6237]

I still remember when I first came to this country from Hong Kong. It was the day before Halloween. Most Chinese are scared of ghosts, demons, and other unwordly creatures. So, the last thing we would do is dress our children in costumes and going around neighborhoods asking for candies. Well, that is what happened; I went along with my cousins. I think I was somewhere in between scare to what the heck is going on.

[@argo12]

You both looked beautiful, no need to feel embarrassed! I was in Kyoto in November 2015. It was a Friday night and the crowds going up the hill to Kiyomizu-dera were insane, but so many young women were in yukatas and kimonos. They were absolutely gorgeous! I wasn't sure what the occasion was, or if it was just like a date night or something, but they were so lovely to look at.

[@goldfish1871]

Omg this has happened to me where I got super dressed up and hyped but it turns out that the event was like a week ago or something >_< it was so embarrassing

[@NyalaDescoudres]

I was actually reading about this on Time Out this morning (being in Tokyo right now for the first time it sounds incredible), guessing this is what you're looking for? Ueno's natsu matsuri kicks off for real with a parade down the area's central street on July 22 (from 5.30pm), while the rest of the event period includes happenings like the picturesque toro nagashi ceremony (July 17, from 7pm), in which paper lanterns are floated on Shinobazu Pond.

[@LoveLexi227]

Nyala Descoudres I hope she sees this, it sounds like this was what they were looking for.

[@sharlainjapan]

Alexis Bruner Yeah that's the one! The official Ueno website says it starts on the 15th with not much other info, so I guess the stage performances were also included as part of the festival and the food stalls etc don't start until later? Possibly? 🤔

[@Punk3rGirl]

Sharmander I just read the article online too. And I think all the stalls you passed and the stage performance was all part of the festival. Just seems like it wasn't really popular/you went on a day that wasn't busy so the food stalls closed early. Might be more crowded if you go today (July 22) for the parade at 5.30pm or on any of the days with official events being held to draw a crowd.

[@Syrephine]

@Sharmander Please check your twitter messages I have the festival page for you and Taylor!

[@tokyochemist]

The Ueno matsuri is very mislabeled. It's more like a "summer celebration of events" so when you walked past the antique stalls, that was actually part of the "matsuri" as those are temporary. The food stalls you walked past are always there and don't change.

[@dendentime9945]

Sharla's Yukata is so pretty! I really wanted to wear one while I was in Japan. But it was too early in the year so I ended wearing a kimono instead. I like yukatas more because I think their prints of super cutesy and I think they are more comfortable haha.

[@andrean9413]

Aww...I felt so sorry for you. My theory when things like that happens is you might as well laugh now because in the future this story is definitely something you will remember and laugh.

[@bronwynecg]

Oh yeah those posture corrector things really work. Somebody I know uses one and she swears by it... It may take some time to get used to though

[@sharlainjapan]

RedDragon Smaug Oh cool! Maybe I'll get one and try it!! I always have such bad posture from sitting at my comp so much ( ꒪⌓꒪)

[@thatdesiree]

I've always wondered if they'd help... I have some serious desk/computer back nonsense going on haha.

[@jprspereira]

They work as long as you're using them (if they can actually hold your posture). Having a bad posture means that your muscles from the back aren't strong enough to hold. Best way to fix your posture FOR GOOD? Work out :D

[@lifelove_]

Ladies I love both your vlogs. Even better when you do one together. Sooooo relaxes me!! Don't you stop 😃

[@baybeehannah19]

You should have asked those girls if there was a festival on. Or at least some random person. I would have been so embarrased if that happened to me. I'd turn around go home. LOL. 😂

[@NexusFIX]

Sharla=Sailor Moon Taylor=Sailor Venus

[@nesadon7187]

The thumbnail is so pretty! Pink looks beautiful on you guys! Love all the videos with the best 2 Canadians in world😂

[@차아이리스]

How cute!!!!! You two are super! ⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️❤️❤️

[@perdomot]

You two look so cute! So happy to see Ueno Park as I always stay near there when I visit Japan. Can't believe Shar hasn't explored the area in all the years she's been in Japan.

[@emilycobb9875]

You guys are so much fun! Your Yukata's are so cute ❤❤❤.

[@chempanda6388]

The huge bow is so cute

[@riaelc]

Oh no!! I hope part 2 turned out better for you guys!

[@tehloukas]

Oh god. I would feel so self conscious and embarrassed , that's me though. I think you both pulled it off though haha. And looked amazing!!

[@lovelife8007]

Hi Sharla! I love your videos so much! I just came home from Japan today actually. I went to Sapporo for two weeks and I never had more fun in my life! I got to attend school while I was there and I made a lot of friends. I wanted to thank you for all the help your videos gave me. You and Rachel and Jun helped me with my trip and I can't wait to go back to Japan!

[@mandutangerine5576]

Shaylor sleepovers are one of my fave things about yours and Taylors vlogs. :')

[@abbyrose1868]

This is so sad hahaha 😭

[@katetheworld4053]

My secondhand embarrassment is killing me right now hahaha

[@emilyclark8607]

kat Same here! I don't know what I would have done if I was in the same situation. 😂

[@Kay-kn4qt]

Oh my lord, I was dying. I would've just went back home right away.

[@Mic_Glow]

I imagine it's not that odd to see a random person in a yukata/ kimono in Japan sometimes, even if it's not a festival. If you'd wear one in the west you'd be in local news... unless it's on Halloween or something.

[@kittenbee2984]

YAYYY SHAYLOR ALWAYS WARMS MY HEART WHEN I'M SAD💗💗🌸🦄

[@gayanemelqout917]

Same for me too! ^-^♡

[@PeachMilky_]

OMG guys how disappointing lol! You looked so cute tho :D

[@bermanmo6237]

I guess it depends on which part of a foreign country you are in. Unfortunately, sometimes you have foreigners that kind more about the festivals than others. Or in the case of certain foreign holidays that are celebrated in the United States, ex. Cinco De Mayo, it became just another excuse to party and get drunk.

[@amalaboobacker7505]

Its ok in modern days some japanese people don't wear yukata , Unless they have some sort of fun plan or want to celebrate the event in the traditional way

[@NihonKitty]

You guys look super cute in yukata!! For future reference those ties are called koshihimo and the cord you tied around your waist is an obijime. You can use ribbon instead of koshihimo in a pinch next time, it might work a bit better than safety pins (I've even used the laces from my docs before when I didn't have enough koshihimo).

[@tinyshashashadow5477]

I think Matsuri festival is july 24 at Tenmangu Shrine, so you can still go !!!

[@Tomodachi323]

I enjoy watching Sharla and Taylor's cooking vlogs. 👍😊

[@teasadventures1623]

At least you you both had fun dressing up and celebrating on your own that's all that matters. Love Pocky!! Great Video! have a great night!

[@yasminesg]

I went to a matsuri in yokohama last week and there is also another one today near nishi hachioji if you still want to try and go

[@shivp22]

I mean, the main thing is you look great 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@深田章弘]

2人共綺麗すぎでしょ

[@LoveSasukeKai]

The flowers on the store yukata is Chrysanthemum, the ones on your one are peonies, and the giant pads are lotus! 🌸

[@obsercule583]

Awww I feel so bad for your and Taylor, you guys looked gorgeous though! I hope you had a fun summer festival at home xx

[@user-nx3du6xh9j]

I wear a yukata to celebrate festivals every year and I live I the uk so don't worry 👌

[@sabrightside6429]

When I went to Tokyo in summer 2015 I had the same experience (only without a yukatata). I heard about that Matsuri in Ueno and me and a friend went there and a few stands were closed already on the same spot like the one you went to (in front of the shrine) and then we were searching to find that noise also assuming it has to be something matsuri-ish too only to find the stage you also went to😂

[@wolfco47]

You can you use a ribbon or a thin belt or long shoes strings. The ties are nice because they are designed for use with yukata, but you don't have to have them. Also, I doubt anyone was particularly judging you. They probably were admiring the outfits and just thought you were heading to an event.

[@rielamarcellis]

Not your typical Japanese Summer Festival video, bonus points for that :)

[@nancyslifeinmexico7297]

Yay...! I love watching videos where you hang out with Taylor :3

[@alexandrak6648]

exactly the same thing happened to me and my sister before😂 we were so confused and lost and people were talking shit like what are they doing and stuff, I ran back home as quickly as possible lmao 😂

[@isisathena5237]

super pretty! I got my first yukata recently a friend gave me her old one! hopefully I can wear it to a hanabi festival next week if I figure out how to tie the obi.

[@true6541]

It's like going to celebrate Independence day on June 4th in the USA......something that I might have done....like showing up for school during on Spring break.......walked to the Administration desk and asked the janitor " Where's all the students and teachers ? "

[@feyriefire]

😂😂😂 Kudos to you guys for walking on. I'm easily embarrassed so I think I would've turned around and headed home!

[@rockyontheroad]

your yukatas look great! If you ever get a chance, go to the Nagatoro Funadama summer festival just north of Tokyo! It's the best one I've ever been too. And since foreigners don't really know it, me and my friends are always the only non Japanese people there and have lots of curious and excited locals wanting to talk with us :)

[@engao]

How do you go to the toilet wearing these yukata?

[@flanthief]

Those colors are so perfect for you guys!

[@Tomodachi323]

Sharla, you look nice in your yukata. Everything matches perfectly. 😊👍

[@lilac6257]

No matter what, you guys looked absolutely adorable, hopefully, you'll catch a yukata-heavy matsuri soon :)

[@pollypocket2282]

Morning guys! I love festival season!!! I have so many, but there are so few times to wear them here in the states. Thank you for taking us along!

[@あえああえ]

浴衣姿めちゃ可愛いやん❤ very cute！

[@rareposts]

Oh my god! So this old adventure popped up on my feed. I can imagine how you two felt...

[@Strider_Shinryu]

I actually had this exact same thing happen to me last year when I was in Tokyo. Well, I wasn't in yukata or anything, but I saw a notice about a matsuri in Ueno park and went there in the evening during the window the festival was supposed to be happening and found exactly the same thing you did. Just closed food stalls and some lanterns. lol

[@summer4971]

I saw the substitute matsuri on Taylor's channel--it looked so cozy!! Even though there wasn't a real one, you guys at least had fun

[@lilmermaidgod766]

Those plants in the pond are lotus! Those where at my school in China growing in the pond then they harvested the leaves and used them to cook meals in the cafeteria

[@jurajilpcy5440]

you guys looked great!!! 😍😍

[@elorarose7816]

I always used to think That I will go to Japan summer festival.. And wearing Kimono Beautiful looking like a princess just like Nezuko😊😊...Hope I will go somewhere and watch the 🎆 fireworks

[@makaihime]

Sharla you look so pretty! And you've got some serious yukata wearing skills lol.

[@momof2plusotaku657]

lol oh no! they've only just realized they are the only ones in Yukata and the awkwardness is so hilarious. 😂 watching this dying laughing

[@hotangel7766]

OMG SHARLA!! You girls are so funny that day. U missed the matsuri. Hahahahha.. But thank u for this video. Coz i remember the years when i was walking, biking and feeding the pigeons in the morning along at ueno park. I miss the sound of crickets and the amazing views there. ✌️😁

[@RAMSIL882]

I recommend going to a fireworks festival at Sumida River, on the end of July, since the sight is incredible, and also you will see many people in ukatas.

[@cheryldailey5310]

You get all decked out and the festival stood you up!

[@AmzWandering]

I really love your yukata sharla! The colors are super cute and your hair pin and personal touches

[@starlightvampire]

My friend's mom always uses pantyhose for ties when she dresses us in yukata LMAO I didn't even know there are specific ties made for them!! Also Sharla's nails are an amazing color!

[@ni0819]

超キレイ！ Super Beautiful!!!

[@sweetstuff9985]

Love the yukatas, you both look so cute and simple. I love it.

[@Japandaman]

Can't wait to see part 2 and hopefully a happy ending!!

[@3DJapan]

Was that the Donki in Ikebukuro? I wish we had more time to browse that one. As for men's yukata, it sucks that we get such boring materials for them and kimono. It's like just a few solid colors to choose from. My friend Katherine wore a flower thing in her hair similar to yours but it had little bells and she said they drove her crazy! lol

[@shallowsleep15]

Aww, sorry there was no festival. But what you guys did at Taylor's house looked fun anyway. :) And you both looked so beautiful in your yukata! That must have felt so awkward walking around though since no one else was in them, lol.

[@skywingg12]

aww but you both looked so good!!! you should go to the sumida river fireworks festival next saturday and wear the beautiful yukata together ♡♡

[@Ginsengstar]

both of you looked great!

[@mumugung3393]

nice and peaceful summer festival...

[@ChaimaDZ]

at least you weren't all alone there

[@mikobura]

This was us in 2010, walking through Tokyo all dressed and not a matsuri to be found... xD A few days later we did catch a huge fireworks festival, but we decided to attend casually this time (haha).

[@maxisingh8656]

I know what a yukata is because of Kimi No Na Wa 😂 Was really hoping to see a festival similar to there Autumn festival 😭 It's such a great movie!

[@JerNela]

Aww~ love the yukata on you! If you need a makeshift koshi himo (the string that was missing in the package) you can use ribbon (grossgrain is very good) or even shoelaces :D You need about 1.5-2 m of it to tie around you :) It's a shame the matsuri didn't work out, hopefully you can make it next time!

[@LifeWithMrsB]

oh no! After getting all dressed up!

[@cscha101]

You guys look so great! Wear yukata all the time please!!

[@marcusc5106]

Ugh I wanna spend a summer in Japan so bad!!!😭❤️😍

[@thisismelissaaaa]

cannot wait for a reunion!!!

[@IssaHudgins]

Omg, my anxiety is just going crazy thinking about this. I would be soooo upset! You both looked so cute!

[@dktmzk8595]

浴衣すごく似合いますね！！かわいい😍😍

[@xoxo2280]

we usually use obidome for yukata. but you can do whatever you want. I'll leave it to you. 👍

[@jessamy16]

the calmest i've ever seen donquijote

[@lauraelainedesilets1189]

Awe. I felt bad. My friend and did simular to this... Love you two. You both looked great...💞💋💝

[@nea_lyu]

You two are so cute in your Yukata !! Even if you end up to be only you too, I'm sure it will be nice :p Friends always make every moments very cool ^^

[@mikachu8876]

Haha the little girl in the back was like "oh what.,.heyyyy"

[@jeantumbagahan2053]

Sharla's yukata looks so pretty

[@AM-og3cx]

really hope you went to adachi fireworks festival last night, it was so nice and lots of people wearing yukata!

[@kahiaut.6925]

Yes! I've been waiting for a new vlog!!

[@チョピちゃん]

Im sorry that the matsuri was not like that you were expecting the one , but Sharla and Taylor are so gorgeous in yukata

[@samex8275]

Haha it's okay to make mistakes lol You girls looked amazing

[@CharlotRawRStudios]

Atleast you and Taylor looked amazing in the yukatas! You two should go to the Marine's Day festival in Nagoya next year. It was last week this year and it was pretty amazing. I'm sure you'll love it :) x

[@stormydavis8546]

You two are adorable!

[@myahwinter4567]

Looks like you two ladies are having fun, good video guys (:

[@irisgonzalez5028]

Omg I was hearing right lol Don Quixote... or well Quijote... I was like... that doesn't sound japanese, sounded more Mexican

[@curvygamer2775]

That really sucks!! When I go to Japan that's one of the things I want to experience.

[@pipperrytook2314]

I love your yukatas!!! 💖

[@detales91]

this was so real and funny. haha, "I wanna go home." :,D

[@lee67sheldon]

I thought this video was awesome. You both looked great and what great sports you are. I did a Halloween a day before Halloween and wondered why no else wasn't in costume. Made my boyfriend costume up too, in Waikiki. A bit embarrassed but still had a great time. Thanks for being you.