Kimono Daikichi: Affordable Authentic Japanese Kimono Experience

The neck is kind of what’s sexy in Japan, so you have to have the kimono a little bit back. It was just a whole different way of appealing to what was sexy. – Lucy Liu

“Kimono”, when you think of this word you think of ‘Japan’. Known for being Japan’s traditional clothing, the word itself caused some buzz online recently as it was used as the brand name of a certain celebrity’s line up of clothing, it’s so popular that even Hollywood actors and actresses including Micheal Jackson wore one. So when I found myself planning for a trip to Asakusa, I knew I had to try one and wear it as I walk the streets Sensoji Temple — Japan’s oldest temple. Join me as I search for the most affordable Kimono rental shop near Sensoji and experience the authentic Japanese Kimono experience. 

Kimono Daikichi offers different plans for different purposes. Each day they offer a discounted price for the first 6 customers to arrive at their store through reservation, you will get a discounted price which is 1,880 yen per person instead of the usual 2,500 yen per head. For those wanting to upgrade their style, you may also choose their plan that includes “hair setting”. 

I chose the hair set plan because setting up my hair isn’t really one of my forte. A woman helped me wear my kimono then sat me down in front of a beautiful vanity mirror and started to set my hair. Another thing is, she let me choose my hair ornament from a different selection hidden inside their drawer and my purse from a different line up that was more beautiful and elegant than the regular ones. Yes, it was a little bit more pricey but it was more convenient, more aesthetically pleasing and what’s best is they have no hidden charges. You will get exactly what is included in your plan. 

Yukata is a type of Kimono worn during the Summer season in Japan, it is made of unlined cotton and is comprised of wide sleeves and robe length. In Kimono Daikichi, you will see many patterns of Kimono and Yukata available for men, women and kids.

There are ones with geometrical shapes, floral ones and plain ones with vertical stripes to make you look slimmer and taller. They were separated according to size and quality. If you want to choose a Kimono with very high quality you may have to add some fee.

Kimono / Yukata

Geta or Sandals

Purse

All of the plans include a free photo session with a professional photographer. He will instruct you on how to pose and choose which accessory goes well with your Yukata or Kimono. In my case, we chose a red traditional Japanese umbrella. Next, there are a few backgrounds you may choose from. They have the plain white background and the floral one which you will see in my picture below. 

This is my first experience to rent a Kimono in Asakusa, however, I could say that I want to try again some time in the future. This kimono shop is very popular that when we tried to make a reservation there was only one slot left in the morning time. Also, the owner is a local Japanese man who is well equipped with knowledge about Kimono and Yukata and the accessories you may add to your get-up. Their staff can speak English and is very helpful to accommodate your needs and requests. They also offer advises on which pattern or design to choose according to your body type. Kimono Daikichi is also one of the original Kimono shops owned by Japanese locals which established it’s business in Asakusa early on.

TRIVIA

• In the past, Kimonos were made from silk brocade and silk, making them very expensive. 
• After the Heian period in 1185, a simpler and more lightweight version of Kimono was made, it was more affordable than the ones made from silk too.
• Kimonos have different colors and designs according to the event and the season. Formal event Kimonos are heavier and is more accessorized while Kimonos worn during funerals are generally darker and simpler. 
• Visit their website for ongoing sale and other information: https://kimono-daikichi.com/

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