Sandogasa (Ronin Samurai Hat)

Sandogasa (Ronin Samurai Hat) is a wide, deep hat woven from bamboo palms, making it very light weight.  It is wide enough to protect the shoulders from rain and sun, while being deep enough to protect the eyes from the sun while not blocking the face from view. Inside there is a round band called an atamadai which helps the hat fit comfortably on your head.

The sandogasa was worn by most travelers, whether samurai, shinobi (ninja), monk or merchant and it is believed to have become common during the Jokyo era (1684 -88) by foot messengers.  These messengers would travel 3 times a month between Kyoto, Osaka and Edo (now known as Tokyo).  As this was their preferred style of hat, the hat became known as “sandogasa“. The name is made up of 3 characters. San “3”, Do “times” and Gasa “hat” making the name “Three Time Hat” or “Messenger’s Hat” for the messenger traveling 3 times a month between 3 cities.  In modern times this style of gasa has become synonymous with Ronin Samurai (masterless samurai). It is now commonly known as the Ronin Samurai Hat.

Sometimes called a samurai hat or ronin hat. Similar to this sandogasa is the takuhatsugasa which is deeper in design, so it blocks the face more, protecting it from the sun and allowing the wearer more anonymity.  The takuhatsugasa was more likely favored by samurai while traveling on horseback as they could see easier while up higher.  Although the hat itself it not too costly, the size of it, makes it costly to ship around the world.

Features:

• Handmade in Japan
• Traditional Design
• Cosplay samurai hat, ronin hat

References: Wikipedia