There’s so much to learn from the Japanese and their way of life.
Take the sakura, or cherry blossom, for example. It blooms for a few weeks a year, bringing everyone out of their homes or offices to gather beneath its branches and enjoy it. Parks and gardens are full of tourists and locals alike soaking it in. Restaurants and shops are beautifully decorated, selling sakura-themed foods and drinks. It is celebrated for its beauty, yet it is so fragile and fleeting. Perhaps we should apply this reverence to our own life.
If you’re visiting Kyoto during any season then definitely add dressing in traditional Japanese kimono to your list.
There are plenty of kimono hire stores in Kyoto, we went with Dreamy Kimono. It’s located in the Old Town or Gion district where you have easy access to traditional homes, temples and gardens to take photos. Most accept walk-ins but we booked an appointment to avoid disappointment. It lasted approximately 30-45 minutes and involved choosing your kimono and bag, getting dressed (quite a process with undergarments and many layers!) and hair styling. You’ll also choose zori sandals to wear.
Once done you’re free to roam the city in your kimono, as long as you’re back before the store closes, usually around 6pm. Kimono hire costs approximately 6000 yen per person.
The whole experience of dressing in kimono was so much fun! The Japanese have a playful energy which can be seen in many parts of their culture and I definitely felt this while dressing in kimono. We playfully posed under the cherry blossoms, while people smiled and commented on our outfits. It was great to see both tourists and locals doing the same. It was a truly memorable experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
