My First Time Wearing a Kimono

Ever since I saw a picture of my aunt (who lived in Japan) wearing a kimono, I dreamed of putting it on someday. So, when I moved to the Land of the Rising Sun, I made sure I would cross that off my bucket list.

What is a Kimono?

A kimono is traditional item of Japanese clothing that is usually made from silk and worn during events like weddings, funerals, graduations, etc. It looks like a robe, but the sleeves have a square shape, it has at least two collars, and it has a wide sash called an “obi” that is wrapped around the waist and tied on the back.

This garment is worn by men, women, and children.

Kimono vs. Yukata

When I moved to Japan, I didn’t know the difference between a yukata and kimono. I just became aware of it once I bought my first yukata.

So, based on the articles I’ve read, a yukata is a very casual kimono. Its fabric is usually made of cotton and is much cheaper than that of a kimono.

In addition, you don’t wear a “juban” (a type of underwear you wear under a kimono) with a yukata, making it more breathable to wear and ideal to put on throughout summer. So, if you are planning to wear a yukata during autumn, winter, or early spring, you’ll freeze because its layer is not thick enough to keep you warm.

My first time wearing it

Despite living in Japan for more than seven years, I wore my first kimono only two years ago.

The reason behind this is that I usually travel on my own (before I met my husband), so I never really had a companion to wear it with me.

I feel that it’s more fun to wear a kimono with friends or your special someone, especially when you are a foreigner. We can perhaps only experience this in Japan, thus we want to cherish the memory as much as we can by taking lots of photos, which could be difficult if you are on your own.

That’s why when my husband and I planned a trip to Gifu, I thought that it would be the perfect opportunity to wear a kimono because this prefecture has a Japanese traditional street (Sanmachi Suji) in Takayama City.

When I suggested the idea to my husband, he immediately agreed. I knew that my husband would love it because he also likes Japanese traditional garments and we usually wear yukata together in summer.

Where to rent?

After arriving in Gifu, that’s the only time that we rented a kimono. We booked it by going to the store ourselves. The staff weren't fluent in English but they try their best to accommodate their customers.

The name of the shop we went to is Kimono Shop Nakada (Nakada Gofukuten Takayama). It has a website in English, thus it’s easy to navigate. You can make bookings by phone, but only in Japanese. However, you could also make a reservation by email--- this might take a while, hence I highly recommend booking early.

We bought this umbrella from Shirakawago.

• Price:

For kimono, it costs 4,800 yen (+ tax) and for yukata (only in summer) it’s 3,500 yen (+ tax). This is a FULL-DAY rental, so you’ll be able to enjoy wearing it for a long time. On the other hand, you must return it by 5:30 pm. Kimono Shop Nakada doesn’t have a make-up service, but you can pay 600 yen (+ tax) to style your hair.

• Location:

It takes 10 minutes on foot from JR Takayama Station and the bus terminal.

• Process:

The process of putting on the Kimono was around 20 minutes. I did my make-up and hairstyle beforehand, hence I finished in no time.

Kimono Shop Nakada lets you borrow some decorative hairpins, bags, and shawl--- don’t worry about paying extra, because it’s all included in the fee. In addition, the staff asked me if I wanted a heating pad, and I said, “yes,” because I easily get cold.

The pad was put under my obi at my back,

After my husband and I were done putting on our kimono, one of the staff took our pictures, which I really appreciate.

Walking around while wearing a kimono

For those who have never worn a yukata or kimono, you might feel restricted and a little impatient, because you’ll walk like a slowpoke. Since I’ve already worn yukata several times, I didn’t find it difficult and I just enjoyed walking around Takayama’s traditional street.

Aside from sauntering, we checked out a couple of shops around Sanmachi Suji and had coffee and some desserts in a traditional-style café called “CAFÉ 青 (Café Ao).”

There weren’t that many people when we went in, so we were able to take a lot of nice pictures inside and we were able to choose a seat near the window, where you can see a Japanese garden. However, it was winter, therefore the view wasn’t vibrant.

Entrance at CAFÉ 青

Verdict

Overall, it was a wonderful experience. I was able to fulfill my childhood dream of wearing a kimono, plus walk around a traditional Japanese street that had a lot of delicious food, beautiful architecture, and Japan-made products. It made me feel that I just went back in time. Moreover, I was with my husband, making the experience even more wonderful.

Thinking of what to order at CAFÉ 青

Kimono - such a stunning garment that not only makes you look beautiful outside, but inside too. When I wore it, I felt very elegant and feminine. I hope one day I can afford to buy a new kimono and learn how to wear it on my own.

Have you ever worn a kimono or yukata? Let’s talk in the comment below.

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