Purchasing a kimono
Photo: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This kimono buying guide is aimed at the average traveller in Japan looking to purchase a kimono as a gift, a souvenir, or as something to wear occasionally. It is aimed mainly at budget travellers looking to purchase a kimono and accessories for the first time. For this reason, we're going to focus on buying second-hand kimono.
UnderstandFirst off, a clarification on what a kimono is and what a kimono isn't. A kimono (着物) is a wrapped-front, T-shaped garment.
What aren't kimono?Here's some tips on what kimono aren't, and how to avoid fake kimono:
What you need to wear different types of kimonoA kimono can be an elaborate outfit, consisting of a number of elements, to the point where it's actively easier to have someone else dress you rather than try to dress yourself; or, it can be simple enough that you…
BuySome good news. You can pick up a 100% authentic kimono, including all of these elements, quite cheaply – for less than ¥10,000 by frequenting second hand stores.
WearOkay, you've got all the stuff.
WashTraditionally, kimono were washed in a process called toki arai – you unstitched all the panels and washed them by hand individually, after which you'd stretch them out on boards to dry, a process known as arai hari.
Put awayDon't store your kimono on a hanger in your wardrobe, unless it's folded up on a trouser hanger – and even then, it's not advisable.
Respect
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Purchasing a kimono" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons