I visited Kyoto for the first time back in December (it was actually my first time visiting Japan itself) – and one of the highlights of my trip has to be my kimono day.
Kyoto is one of the oldest empire cities in Japan where the Royal Palace is open for public visitors (although visits must be arranged in advance); its countless temples, castles and historical Japanese buildings are what make Kyoto such a unique city, both now and forever.
Image from Travelieu.com
Many tourists decide to make Tokyo, the country’s new capital, as their first stop to experience modern Japan. However, I always like to dig into a country’s traditions first before witnessing the changes. Kyoto certainly did not disappoint – a place where it’s perfectly normal to dress up in a kimono and tour the city by foot. This gives you that extra feeling of becoming part of the culture, and blending in with your surroundings.
After some thorough research online, I decided to rent a kimono for a day from http://sensho-kitamura.jp. Sensho Kitamura is a home-run kimono rental shop offering high-quality handmade silk kimonos (unlike many of the other options I found). Sensho doesn’t carry those familiar modern designs featuring big flowers and bright patterns but instead focuses on subtle classic silks that truly reflect what kimonos have represented for centuries in Japan’s culture.
You need one or two ladies to help put on your kimono, wrapping around layers upon layers, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes; after that, they will help you fix your hair! Don’t be worried about the cold either – the kimono layers keep you warm, whilst the ladies also equip you with some peel-and-stick body warmers & a warm piece of scarf.
The hair styling and accessories offered at Sensho are very simple, which goes well with the elegant styles of kimono they have. After everything is done, they will help you take photos outside their shop/house, and your photo will also be published on their blog here: http://sensho.exblog.jp.
I highly recommend that you make a reservation with Sensho two months ahead of your visit to secure the earliest time slot possible, so you can choose from their full kimono collection (they only only have one of each design, and the choices available differ depending on your size too) – plus that way, you get the whole day to wear the kimono too.
[I actually wanted to make a reservation three months ahead, but they don’t take reservations further than two months ahead of your chosen time slot.]
A few tips for wearing a kimono:
- Don’t eat or drink too much before or during your kimono experience as it can be a bit troublesome visiting the bathroom while you are wearing it!
- Do your own make-up as most kimono rental shops will only provide kimono, kimono shoes, hair, accessories and kimono handbags.
- Plan your journey around the kimono rental shop as you won’t be able to walk fast, and it’s nice to spend a day exploring the city on foot.
- Don’t forget to ask for the “kimono passport” from the kimono rental shop; most attractions in the city offer discounts to people who are in kimono and have the kimono passport with them (although sometimes you will automatically be given discounts because it’s OBVIOUS you are in a kimono!)
For those who want few more options than Sensho, try:
- Okamoto Kimono Kyoto – They have three shops in Kyoto and you can also get your kimono photos taken at one of their studios. Kimono dressage rental for your whole attire costs the same as Sensho’s, around 5,000 YEN.
- Yume Kimono Kyoto – You have to pay extra for them to do your hair, but you get the option to return the kimono the day after or just leave it at hotel for them to pick it up. Price wise, it’s the same at 5,000 YEN for a full kimono rental.
- Yumeyakata Kimono Kyoto – The best deal for couple kimono rental at only 6,500 YEN. But this deal provides more of a summer kimono which is lighter in texture and a lot easier to put on, hence fewer layers. You can also get the Geisha look here, and have a photographer to follow you to different places and take photos for you.
Tags: asia, japan, kimono, Kyoto, travel, 亞洲, 京都, 和服, 旅遊, 日本
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