The kimono (’…•¨) is a traditional Japanese dress. In modern day, it is worn only sparingly or during special occasions such as weddings, tea ceremonies, formal traditional events and funerals. An appropriate style and color of kimono is to be worn depending on the occasion and the person's age and marital status. In recent years, kimono rental services for tourists have become very popular.

Men's kimono usually have more subdued colors and are made typically from matte fabrics. Partly for this reason, it is the women's kimono that generate more interest because their beautiful designs make them art pieces as much as they are garments. The women's kimono is traditionally made of silk, but these days they are also made of polyester. Decoration techniques include embroidery, yuzen painting and dyeing.

Kimono cost from around 10,000 yen for a simple set made of cheap fabric to millions of yen for a luxurious silk outfit with intricate embroidery or yuzen designs. The outfit is accompanied by traditional footwear and a small handbag for women. One price level lower are yukata, a casual version of the kimono popularly worn at ryokan and during summer festivals.

Where to see kimono

Kimono can be a joy to look at just as one might appreciate a piece of art. Here are some destinations where you can see valuable kimono as exhibits or learn about the techniques used to make and decorate them:

Kyoto

Nishijin Textile Center

The Nishijin Textile Center is named after the city district in Kyoto and its local kimono weaving technique. It offers interesting displays on kimono, and a kimono fashion show is held several times a day. Visitors can observe kimono weaving and decoration demonstrations, or participate in a hand weaving workshop. There is also a large shopping section, where kimono and accessories can be purchased.

Kanazawa

Nagamachi Yuzenkan

Nagamachi Yuzenkan stands on the site of a former samurai house in Kanazawa and is now a kimono silk painting workshop open to the public. Visitors can observe the artists as they perform the Kaga technique of yuzen painting on silk, or participate in a workshop to try painting themselves. There is a showroom where kimono are exhibited. For a fee, visitors can put on a kimono and tour the streets.

Fuji Five Lakes

Kubota Itchiku Art Museum

The Kubota Itchiku Art Museum showcases outstanding creations of kimono by the late artist Kubota Itchiku. Kubota had revived the lost art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing, used to decorate elaborate kimono during the Muromachi Period (1333-1573). Kimono depicting themes of nature, the cosmos and the seasons are on display.

Trying on kimono

Dressing up in kimono and other traditional clothing has become a popular attraction in Kyoto and many other tourist destinations across Japan, including Nara, Kanazawa, Kawagoe, Kitsuki, Kamakura and Miyajima. It is also popularly offered at history-themed amusement parks, such as Toei Eigamura in Kyoto or Nikko Edomura.

Typical fees for a basic kimono or yukata start from around 4000-5000 yen and include the obi belt, sandals and accessories. More formal or intricate styles, such as dressing like a geisha or samurai, usually cost around 10,000-13,000 yen. Hair-styling and makeup services, as well as studio and outdoor photography sessions may also be available for an additional fee. Once dressed, you are usually able to go sightseeing in your dress.

Buying kimono

Kimono can be purchased at specialized stores, which are most numerous in Kyoto. They can also be found in department stores and shopping malls across the country. A large number of online stores dealing with new and used kimono have also been set up.

When buying kimono, take into account that maintenance is an issue. Silk kimono, in particular, are difficult to clean and washing without the proper methods might result in damaging the garment. Kimono of polyester material are easier to clean, but you should always check with the merchant the appropriate way of maintaining them.