Nanzenji Temple, Kyoto - May 2024 - Photographed by Shlomo Maghen @shlo_pho
Renting a kimono in Japan offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s rich cultural heritage and experience a time-honored tradition. The process begins with:
1.
Selecting your kimono, where you'll be guided through a variety of beautiful designs, from vibrant florals to elegant patterns, each representing a different season or occasion.
Selecting your kimono, where you'll be guided through a variety of beautiful designs, from vibrant florals to elegant patterns, each representing a different season or occasion.
2.
Next, you choose your kimono accessories, including the obi (sash), undergarments, and purse, each piece playing a key role in completing the ensemble.
Next, you choose your kimono accessories, including the obi (sash), undergarments, and purse, each piece playing a key role in completing the ensemble.
3.
Afterward, a professional kimono dresser will assist you in donning the traditional attire, carefully arranging the kimono in the authentic manner, which can take several minutes of meticulous work.
Afterward, a professional kimono dresser will assist you in donning the traditional attire, carefully arranging the kimono in the authentic manner, which can take several minutes of meticulous work.
4.
You’ll then choose a hairstyle, often adorned with delicate hairpins or ribbons, followed by slipping into tabi socks and selecting a pair of traditional wooden sandals or slippers.
You’ll then choose a hairstyle, often adorned with delicate hairpins or ribbons, followed by slipping into tabi socks and selecting a pair of traditional wooden sandals or slippers.
5.
Once you're dressed, you step outside to stroll around town, feeling connected to Japan’s cultural elegance and timeless beauty, whether you’re exploring ancient temples, bustling shopping streets, or scenic gardens. The entire experience deepens your appreciation of Japan’s heritage while providing a memorable way to engage with the country’s culture firsthand.
Once you're dressed, you step outside to stroll around town, feeling connected to Japan’s cultural elegance and timeless beauty, whether you’re exploring ancient temples, bustling shopping streets, or scenic gardens. The entire experience deepens your appreciation of Japan’s heritage while providing a memorable way to engage with the country’s culture firsthand.
My first kimono! I rented it as a part of a tea ceremony package with Maikoya in Kyoto
Shira and I in our kimonos - Maikoya - December 2019
Kyoto crew at our first Tea Ceremony - December 2019
Maikoya - December 2019
We were lucky to befriend Setsu San. She has her own Kimono shop. Check out Karakusa Kimono in Kyoto
Kanazawa- New Years Day 2020
During cold weather, kimono rental spots will give you a Haori, a Kimono jacket
Lili and Kanazawa Castle
Lili in Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa
Kenrokuen Garden Tea House, Kanazawa - January 2020
Wearing a kimono in a conbini. The Japanese grandmothers loved us when they saw us walking in Kimono
Ari and I at Kiyomizudera, Kyoto, November 2022
Yasaka Pagoda, Kyoto - November 2022
Ninnenzaka, Kyoto - November 2022
October 2023
Ninnenzaka, Kyoto - November 2024
Kimono rental spots will also do your hair for a small additional fee. I was able to choose as many hair accessories as I wanted!
