番 傘(ばんがさ)

ばんがさ

noun

traditional Japanese umbrella; oiled paper umbrella

1. traditional Japanese paper umbrella

A type of traditional Japanese umbrella made with bamboo and oiled Japanese paper (washi). Used for protection from rain.

時代劇(じだいげき)で番傘(ばんがさ)を差(さ)している場面(ばめん)をよく見(み)る。

You often see scenes with traditional umbrellas in period dramas.

京都(きょうと)のお土産(みやげ)に番傘(ばんがさ)を買(か)った。

I bought a traditional umbrella as a Kyoto souvenir.

番傘(ばんがさ)は竹(たけ)と和紙(わし)で作(つく)られている。

Traditional umbrellas are made from bamboo and Japanese paper.

Cultural note

番傘(ばんがさ) is a type of traditional Japanese umbrella (和傘(わがさ)) used for rain protection. The name is usually explained by the numbers (番号(ばんごう)) painted on umbrellas that shops lent to customers.

Common patterns

Frame: Bamboo (竹(たけ))
Canopy: Oiled Japanese paper (油紙(あぶらがみ)/和紙(わし))
Handle: Bamboo or wood

Types

番傘(ばんがさ): Everyday rain umbrella (sturdy, practical)
蛇(じゃ)の目傘(めがさ): Decorative umbrella with bullseye pattern
日傘(ひがさ): Parasol (for sun protection)

Usage

While largely replaced by Western-style umbrellas, 番傘(ばんがさ) are still used:

In 茶道(さどう) (tea ceremony)
At traditional inns (旅館(りょかん))
In festivals and traditional events
As decorative items and souvenirs

Related Words

Related: 蛇(じゃ)の目傘(めがさ)

general

Added 2026.1.17 17:48 · Revised 2026.10.11 4:52

06000/06295_bangasa