The first second-hand kimono shop I visited was Kimono Daiyasu in its landmark blue building. The customers of this shop span generations, including Kyoto kimono fans from their 20s to their 60s. It is a shop adored by the locals.

On the first floor, you will mostly find traditional kimono accessories. I go up to the second floor in search of the perfect antique kimono...

Kimono and obi sashes completely line the shelves and tatami flooring! It seems as if there are at least several thousand items, maybe even more. From new to old items, Daiyasu is known to have a wide variety.

Daiyasu defines a portion of the second-hand Kyoto kimono and antique kimono they sell as "pre-war, kimono made before the war that have been recycled."

Although a natural concern about recycled kimono is about cleanliness, the items at this shop are carefully selected according to (1) having as little dirt or stains possible, and at a size that fits modern people, as well as (2) high-quality silk.

Also, since they make sure to explain about the antiqueness of the items before you purchase, even those not used to shopping for kimono can shop with confidence.

The shop representative, Ms. Kako Naomi, gave me some tips on coordination.

"A good tip is to match an old kimono with an old obi because it is easier to match similar styles. On the contrary, it can also be fun to experiment combining an older obi with a modern kimono," explains Kako.

Whether you're looking for where to buy kimono in Kyoto or just want to hop in and have a look around, the staff are very welcoming. And if you are interested in buying, you can set a budget, such as "up to ¥10,000," and plan a kimono coordination that meets those conditions.

"Please do not hesitate to consult the staff," Kako reminds me. In a shop such as this, even beginners can feel free to try on kimono without any hesitation and can even consult the staff for help with coordination.

The next shop I visited was Ochikochiya, located in a Buddhist Temple on Karasuma-dori, which I went down from Shijo-dori. It is a reputable Kyoto kimono shop amongst kimono fans.

The shopkeeper, Ms. Kyoko Tanaka, was originally a homemaker who loved kimono. As her love for kimono increased she decided to open her own shop.

"A kimono is not something you can just throw away," states Tanaka. "Long ago, Japanese people used to say, 'Never throw away a cloth that can hold at least three beans,' and so growing up following that habit, I would alter and use old cloths, too." It is a nice to know that the kimono have been carefully handed down for generations.

Taking advantage of the good quality of such kimono, this shop also sells "sakiori" bands and accessories hand-woven with used kimono fabrics.

There are also kimono and obi as old as 90 to 100 years lining the shop. There are also many reasonably priced items such as kimono from ¥1,000, and obi from ¥3000.

Because Tanaka herself was once a "kimono buyer," she says, "I want familiarize you with the kimono at affordable prices, because I want you to use it carefully without throwing it away." It seems she tries to keep the prices as low as possible. When you can get these items so easily and affordably, you will have more fun coordinating your kimono.

According to Ms. Tanaka, the atmosphere of a kimono can change just by changing the obi. For example, look at the two pictures below. Even though it is the same kimono (¥7,020, tax included), you can wear it in a wide range of styles, simply by changing the obi.

As I talk with Ms. Tanaka, my interest in kimono deepens. You can also have them help you coordinate an outfit according to your budget and usage. If the length of the kimono you want is off, her surprising suggestion was to "Just add kimono cloth to the waist to extend the length." Another suggestion was to "use a scrap cloth with a pattern you like as an obi sash."

You will have a nice time here chatting with Tanaka, with a gentle personality, and answering any questions you may ask. Thanks to her helpful kimono consultation, you can shop her with confidence.

Teramachi-dori is the street that runs north and south between Shijo-dori and Sanjo-dori. I had intended to visit a kimono shop right here on this street when I saw it... What!? Jeans at a Kyoto kimono shop! Yes, this shop is a long-established used-clothing store CHICAGO, which even has a branch in Tokyo.

When you hear the word "Chicago," many people probably think American casual. Who would imagine that it is actually a Kyoto shop with 6,000 kimonos! Their product lineup is also the best of the best within the city. The entire second floor only has kimono.

Because you can freely go between both floors, you can enjoy creating mixed coords with western clothes. For example, you can even combine vintage hats and accessories with your kimono.

Because it is operated as both a western-style clothing store and a kimono store, the display is quite different from your average kimono shop. For example, some kimono are hung on hangers so you can pick quickly like western clothes. I was also relieved not to have staff calling out to me, so I could focus on trying on and coordinating my clothes as I pleased.

On the day I came here, the staff who assisted me was wearing fur sandals along with her kimono. This was her technique to include only smaller items that are western style. I would really like to imitate her style!

CHICAGO is a shop where you can freely choose items just as you would in any large clothing store. There seems to be some customers who wear coords such as a kimono haori over a western one-piece dress, or an obi in place of a denim belt.

You may drop in for a quick peek, or spend time to focus on coordinating an outfit. Why not pick and choose until you find your favorite one?

Ichi · man · ben, a vintage kimono shop along Sanjo-dori which is also frequented by foreign tourists, sells all kinds of recycled kimono, regardless of year and age. Kimono and obi are available from ¥10,000 and up.

With good transportation as well as being a popular sightseeing spot, I have also passed by the shops of Sanjo-dori. The mannequins wearing kimono certainly grab the attention of passers-by. Drawn in by its cuteness, many customers just walk right in.

This cozy shop houses plenty of kimono, obi, and accessories. It is known for its wide assortment that guarantees you will never tire of coming here.

The best trick to coordinating your kimono is to unify the colors in the kimono pattern with the color of the obi. For example, if a kimono has a pink pattern, the obi should include a similar color.

On the contrary, if matching kimono and obi with opposing colors, picking shades that stand out will add a unique finish to the outfit.

In addition to kimono accessories, they also sell things like corsages that are made from kimono cloth scraps.

Even if you don't wear kimono, it is a western-style accessory that can be easily incorporated into your usual outfit. There is also a fitting room in the back of the shop, so you can coordinate your outfit with the assistance of a clerk.

In closing, I would like to share two points you should know when choosing an antique kimono.

● Open Up the Kimono and Try it On:
With kimono, it’s hard to know how it fits unless you actually try it on. If there are vintage kimono that interest you at the shop, you could simply open it and hold against your body and check it with a full-length mirror.

● When the Length is not Right:
Because antique kimono were made according to the stature of older Japanese people from quite long ago, the length will likely not be suitable for your height. In such cases, there are methods you can use to fix it, or you can consult with the staff to help you find the perfect one.

Because they are antique kimono, you will most likely never encounter one of the same kind. That is the real thrill of antiques. When looking for where to buy kimono in Kyoto, why not seek out your own favorite clothes as if it was a treasure hunt? Check out the kimono shops as you enjoy the best sightseeing spot in Kyoto City!

Text by:kurashisa

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