Wearing a Kimono in Kyoto: Kyoto’s Kimono Culture
Until my trip to Kyoto and Osaka, my only visits to Japan had been to Tokyo. During my many visits over the years, I had seen women wearing kimonos but really had no idea about the traditional garment, other than how beautiful it is. I saw so many people wearing a kimono in Kyoto, it was such a visual delight everywhere we went!
While researching for my trip to Kyoto I learned that the city was the ancient capital of Japan. Also, that Kyoto has hundreds of temples and shrines, which served as Japan's main seat of government from the 8th to 17th centuries. People such as the emperor and his family, shoguns, priests, and politicians required beautiful clothing and Kyoto, therefore, became a major center for the textile industry, and by default the center for kimonos.
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Opinions are always my own and I’ll never promote something I don’t use or believe in. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Currently in most of Japan, kimonos are mainly worn for special occasions such as official holidays, however, Kyoto remains one of the few cities where people wearing a kimono can still be seen frequently. However, after discussing the topic with Gavin (our docent from our Kennin-ji Temple tour) its seems that kimono-wearing is very much in decline in Kyoto. The world is changing, with Starbucks and anime; and Kyoto's own “millennials” see fewer opportunities to wear kimonos.
So what to do?
In order to safeguard the traditional industries and retain the artistry involved in this cultural icon as well as to promote Kyoto's heritage, the city officials developed programs that encourage people to wear kimonos more often. Many temples, museums, transportation methods such as the subway, now offer discounts to [men] and women wearing kimonos. Restaurants are now doing the same. And for not only residents as well. Tourists are encouraged to rent (or buy) kimonos to wear and receive the same discounts.
Renting a kimono in Kyoto is pretty easy to do, here is a listing of a few spots that rent them. Above and beyond the discounts you'll get while wearing one, they make beautiful photos!
Every time I saw people wearing kimonos, I could not help but to stop and stare (and photograph). These are truly mobile works of art. For a little more reading on the art of it all, here is a great slideshow from the New York Times and an article on one of the master artists from the Washington Post, I encourage you to check them out.
Even the very “simplistic” kimonos worn by the priests were beautiful in their austerity.
Of course, as with anything, the higher up the food chain (even the religious one) the “uniform” becomes a little fancier.
But one thing is for sure, the “selfie” is a global phenomenon, especially when you are wearing a kimono!
If you are visiting Kyoto and want to learn more about the history of the kimono, visit the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts where you learn about the different types of kimonos, the dyeing techniques, and the painting styles. You can also try your hand in dying one yourself at Marumasu Nishimuraya (I didn't get to do this and want to next time!).
Also, if you visit and are interested in buying a kimono, I found this great post from a local Kyoto blogger on where to go.
Looking for some spots to wear your kimono in Kyoto? How about Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, or the Nishiki Market? Not only in Kyoto, but in Osaka or Tokyo as well. In spots like Osaka’s Kuromon-Ichiba Market, you'd fit right in!
How about you? Have you ever seen a kimono in person?
Like it? PIN it!
 |  |  |
I have never seen a kimono in person or anyone wearing one. I think they are so beautiful.
Many moons ago my Uncle was in the Air Force and stationed in Okinawa Japan. One year for Christmas he sent my Mother & I a kimono. I just loved it. I felt so dainty & exotic while wearing it.
I want to tell you that your pictures are absolutely wonderful ! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us.
I have never seen a kimono in person. I think they are beautiful.
I love this, Andi! Fantastic photos and fascinating history. I hope they can preserve this patrimony!
Kyoto just got bumped up a few notches on my Bucket List. Thank you for this piece.
I have not seen kimono in person. They are so beautiful. I don’t know if I would be able to pick just one. Thank you for sharing this post with us.
I love the kimonos in Japan. They have different kimonos for the different seasons as well. We saw the most kimono wearers during festival season (many of the festivals take place in August). Also, the yukatas (lightweight summer kimonos) were super popular. I bought baby yukatas for my nephew and goddaughter and luckily those are a lot cheaper than kimonos!
Love the pictures and the culture
OMG take me away, I so want to go there its like a forever dream of mine.. thanks so much for share and wonderful pictures
I had the pleasure of visiting Kyoto last summer and it was my favorite city in Japan. It’s hard to explain in words, but Kyoto was the exact cultural hub I imagined Japan to be- very different from Tokyo (which I am so sad to say I was disappointed in!). I happened to go the weekend it was a festival/holiday and I’d say at least 20% of people were wearing kimonos. You would have loved it. 🙂
Thank you for such a lovely post. I learned so much. And got to see so many colorful and pretty kimonos. For example, I didn’t know that there were kimonos for men. I thought only women wore them! I would love to travel to Japan some day. You are so lucky!
So interesting! I have a passion for textiles and your photos are magnificent. I want one of each! Even the priests’ relatively plain kimonos- that shade of purple is so lush. Thank you for a look into another way of life.
OMG This is soooo cool! I’ve always wanted to wear a kimono in Japan. But I didn’t know that it was offered as a Gov’t incentive to keep the tradition alive. That is really cool. What a clever idea. They are so so beautiful!
I love seeing all the kimono in Kyoto and Nara. If you ever have the chance, if you visit Japan in January, on Seijin-no-hi (Coming of Age Day, this year January 13th) Everyone that turned 20 within the previous year dresses up in beeeautiful kimono. I have never seen so many stunning works of art on one day. I think you would love it. <3
Kimonos are so beautiful and it looks like such a special honour to wear one!
I love kimonos and yukukas. Although I have never worn a kimono, I have worn yukatas several times. I love the patterns and texture of the kimono. I particularly love the wedding kimonos: the white version simple yet elegant and the red and vibrant ones.
Kimonos look so beautiful. I’ve never been to Japan, but I’d love to visit.
I saw a lady dressed in a kimono in Chicago, IL, years ago.