Kimono Wearing in Asakusa: An Essential Japan Experience!
About Asakusa
Asakusa is a district in Taito, Tokyo, famous for temples and also Sky Tree. It is also where an atmosphere of the past survives.
Wearing a Kimono
Most of you know the Kimono — a traditional robe-like garment in Japan, which wraps around the body and is now generally worn on formal occasions.
Whenever I think about Japan's culture, what comes into my mind is a Japanese citizen wearing a Kimono. Although some of my friends told me that it is difficult to walk in, but still I wanted to have the real Japanese experience by wearing one.
I got excited when I was invited by a friend to experience wearing a kimono in Asakusa. The place was exactly how it is mentioned when I searched it in the internet, the atmosphere will give you the feeling of Tokyo's past.
Kimono Rental in Asakusa
The most exciting experience I have had in Asakusa was being dressed in a kimono. There are different shops where you can rent a kimono, with different rates depending also on the package plan. We were happy to rent one at a cheaper price — they give discounts during the summer season because wearing a kimono is quite hot and heavy.
The package includes: a kimono, one hair accessory, and one hand-carry Japanese pouch.
For additional payments you can have your photo taken by a professional in a studio, and can also have a kimono hairstyle. But If you want to save money, you can still take awesome photos while wearing a kimono. I assure you that you will truly love the historical thrill of Asakusa and would love to take photos with your kimono in them. You can also do your own hairstyle, I suggest you to look on Pinterest or Youtube on how to do a kimono style. Just add a flower to make it look perfect!
A staff will be the one to dress you, and you can leave your things in the shop — you will be given a number and you can have it back when you're done. They will lend you a Japanese pouch for you to carry your necessities.
That is not where the story ends! You can wear the kimono from 9 in the morning till 5:30 in the afternoon, giving you lots of time to enjoy the place.
Since there are more foreigners than locals in Asakusa, you might encounter some foreigners who want to take a photo of you or with you because the sight of wearing a kimono really gives them the real experience of visiting Japan.
It truly will be difficult to walk and move around in but at the end of the day, the experience you will have wearing a kimono will truly be one of your best experiences in Japan and the photos will also be memories that will make you feel like visiting again!
Name of the shop I went to: Kyoto Kimono Rental Wargo
Address: 1-41-8 Asakusa Atelier Bldg., Taito-ku, Tokyo
The following are places to go while wearing a Kimono!
Nakamise Dori
The shops lined up on the street leading to Senso-ji Temple. It really is crowded but it is great for buying souvenirs and you will find different kinds of Japanese snacks. Try their melon bread with ice cream inside. It was my first time to see a melon bread with ice cream in Asakusa. It really tasted good!
Jinrikisha
Asakusa can be explored easily by foot but you can also have a tour guide by riding on a Jinrikisha (rickshaw, literally "man powered vehicle"). It is a 30 minute tour for 1 to 2 people and if you want, you can make the tour longer.
Senso-ji Temple Grounds
I really appreciate how beautiful this landscape was made. This is a garden near by Senso-ji Temple.
Local Shops in Asakusa
There are lots of arcades in Asakusa! You will find restaurants, cafes, food, and apparel shops!
Real Italian Gelato in Asakusa
End your day with a refreshing and delicious gelato! And since the best highlight of traveling is food, I would like to share one gelato place in Asakusa which I really love! This shop is an authentically Italian style gelato. Their menu includes chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, matcha, tofu, and kinako (roasted soybean flour). Which you can buy at an affordable price. You can also either choose a paper cup or a cone.
Address of the gelato shop: 1-1-7 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo Prefecture 111-0032
