Tabi town Gyoda

October 8th is "Tabi Day" . This is a commemorative day established to spread the appeal of tabi, an essential part of Japanese traditional clothing culture. Tabi are traditional footwear that have been an integral part of Japanese life and culture since ancient times. They are much like a sock, only more formal, with a split separating the big toe from all other toes.

Gyoda City in Saitama Prefecture is the largest producer of tabi in Japan. There is a tabi museum in the city, but you can also find several other tabi points of interest. Such as tabi amulets, pictured, at the Gyoda Hachiman shrine. This amulet is for foot and back health! Gyoda Hachiman Shrine is one of Saitama's most eminent shrines and is well worth a visit. Right now and until the 14th of the month they have beautiful 'hanachozu' floating flowers on display. 

Tabi Day was established by the Japan Tabi Industry Association in 1988 and was officially registered with the Japan Anniversary Association in 2018. It coincides with the seasons when people wear kimono for Shichi-Go-San. People are also planning for New Year's Day and Coming of Age Day which are other days that kimono, and thus tabi, are popular.