A symbol of traditional Japanese beauty, just about everyone is familiar with the kimono! What you may not know, however, is that ‘kimono’ simply means ‘thing that is worn’ in Japanese, and thus encompasses numerous styles for dozens of occasions.

From casual, lightweight yukata for summer festivals to expensive, high-quality furisode worn for formal occasions, kimono are woven into all facets of Japanese life, even in modern times.

While today the kimono is often seen as a costume, it was once worn on a daily basis. To get to the bottom and find out just how much scope this garment really has, we visited the famous souvenir shop Oriental Bazaar in Omotesando to study their extensive collection!

From historic marvels to modern fashion, you’ll be surprised at the versatility of this humble cloth!

Have you ever fantasized about living in ancient Japan? Wandering on cobblestoned laneways in your kimono, savoring sake in tatami rooms, and appreciating the beauty and art of the time. Well, good news! You can do all that, and more, in the 21st century, and there’s nowhere more suitable than Kyoto!

Step back into an ancient, simpler way of life with one of Kyoto’s ‘maiko’ (apprentice geisha) experiences! From makeup and hair to clothes and etiquette, a professional beauty guru will transform you into the gorgeous maiko of your dreams!

You don’t have to travel all the way to Kyoto for a kimono experience! In Asakusa, Tokyo’s legendary sightseeing hotspot, JAPAN CULTURE EXPERIENCE TOURS -YUMENOYA- offers customers the chance to casually try on traditional Japanese clothing without the fuss!

On top of that, they'll do your hair, take your pictures, and give you photos all on the same day! We followed four students currently studying Japanese as they stopped by the store on their way back from Asakusa and transformed into kimono-clad beauties! Check out the full story here!

One of the main goals when visiting Japan is to sample as much local culture as possible. From tea ceremonies to sushi-making, there’s more than enough to fill your itinerary twice over!

Of course, nothing says ‘traditional Japan’ like wandering the streets of Tokyo in a kimono! But the idea of putting on one of these complex and delicate looking things can be intimidating. And where can you even find one? And what about the language barrier!?

Don’t stress! We’ve got you covered. To put your concerns to bed and allow you the Japanese experience of a lifetime, we’ve found 5 popular and easy-going kimono rental shops in and around Tokyo geared up for tourists of all kinds!

Kimonos are as Japanese as sushi, sumo, and rice-cookers! Once the main clothing worn by all classes, it is now a special symbol of traditional Japan harking back to the spirits of ancestors. However, Japanese people are extremely open and even thrilled to see foreigners joining in the fun and trying on a kimono, so don’t be shy! Learn all about kimono culture and how to get one for yourself with our kimono guides here!