On our 3rd day in Tokyo, Japan, we scheduled a “TOKYO KIMONO EXPERIENCE” to fully embrace and understand the culture. I did try to wear Kimono a few times ago but having to do it here in Japan is something I am really looking forward to. Imagine, I can roam around without the hassle of being judge (specially if you do it here in Manila) and act like I was definitely part of the scenery (I hope you’ll getting what I am saying).
The photo is included in the package to be taken by Aiwafuku staff.
Anyway, we booked this service via KLOOK a few days before our flight in Japan. It is a hassle free booking and they are also giving a full refund if ever you decided to back out. Just make sure to do it 48 hours before the scheduled time.
Priced for only Php 1,550 (discounted priced) availing this services is really something you should definitely try – Tokyo Kimono Experience
How To Get There (Directions via Klook):
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station Exit 5 and walk for 2 minutes
- Tobu Railway Asakusa Station and walk for 1 minute
- Toei Subway Asakusa Line Asakusa Station Exit 5 and walk for 4 minutes
- Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station and walk for 8 minutes
On our way to Asakusa
Asahi Brewery Building
Having a location with easy access transportation is the key when staying here in Japan. From our place in Shin-Okobu, we took the Yamanote Line, doing 11 stops before reaching Ueno Station.
From Ueno, we transferred via Ginza line and make 3 stops to Asakusa Station.
From Asakusa, we walk a few before reaching Kimono Rental Asakusa Love Kimono.
Kimono Rental Asakusa Love Kimono is located at Hanagawa-do 1-11-4 NW Buildings 1 – 3F (3,000.01 km)
111-0033 Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan
They got three different stores here coded into Red, Blue or Green. Better check your tickets on to which shop you should pick up your Kimonos. Upon your arrival you must remember the following details:
Random Street shot of Asakusa
The Rickshaw Ride is a thing here
Tokyo Kimono Experience Itinerary Summary:
- Arrive at kimono rental store on time
- Kimono selection (10 minutes)
- Put on kimono (15 minutes)
- Hair styling (15 minutes)
- Walk through Tokyo
- 4:30pm kimonos must be returned to the shop
Being late at the store for pick up will mean an additional fee on your end. Staff charges JPY500 (per person) for handling fee and rearranging your scheduled time.
INSIDE: Kimono Rental Asakusa Love Kimono
After showing our voucher via email, the staff put us into queue. They gave us a huge bag where our stuff will be kept while touring. After putting are bags inside, we were then assisted on the second floor where a huge line up of Kimono and Yukata are lined up. By the way, it was awesome that someone in the store speaks a little English!
Just a quick trivia: Yukata is the casual version of Kimono. This is used mostly during summer or as a robe or bathing cloth.
There were a lot to choose from at the shop and the kimonos are basically categorized by sizes; XL as the largest. After picking my black and white kimono, a personnel then assisted me and brought me at the back for fitting.
I am guessing, if you are a newbie, you would definitely need someone to clothe you the kimono for traditional it should be worn properly.
There were I think, 3 layers of clothing that were putted on to me. That didn’t include my pants and shirt, which I just folded up to be covered. There was also a belt that was placed under my belly that would keep me from eating a lot. LOL!
After the fitting, I was given a special socks (two finger socks), and slippers to complete the outfit.
Rod finished early, while I came out next. Ruth was taking a bit longer for females got added steps to take, which is the hair styling. If you decided to a have a more elaborate style, you would need to pay extra. Kids can also do wear Kimonos for they got also sizes and designs specifically for them.
When everybody was ready, time for us to strut our kimonos and explore!
Summary on how to Used the Klook Voucher
- You can present either a printed or a mobile voucher for this activity
- The voucher is valid only on the tour date and time specified
- Opening hours: 9:00am-6:00pm
- Kimonos must be returned to the shop by 4:30pm
- If you are late for more than 30 minutes, JPY500 may be charged as handling fee
Getting Around Asakusa (By Foot)
The best way to stroll around Asakusa is by foot. But if you have extra, you can try another popular attraction/service in the place – Tokyo Asakusa Rickshaw Tour.
Asakusa has been considered as an entertainment district even during the Edo period, which we can say really long time ago. Asakusa is one of the district located in Taito, Japan. One of the famous landmarks in the area is the Buddhist temple called Senso-ji.
Other destinations that you can visit in Asakusa includes:
- Hanayashiki, which is the oldest amusement park in Japan
- Sumida River, where you can cruise while sight seeing
- Sumida Park
- Tokyo Skytree
- Nakamise Shopping Street
- Kappabashi Shopping Street
- Rokku Entertainment District
- Asahi Beer Tower, and more.
So summing it up, a day to thoroughly explore Asakusa isn’t enough specially if you would really indulge your self in the culture. Trying the tradition Ryokan homes here in Asakusa, could also be something worth trying.
Trivia: Did you know that Asakusa is Tokyo’s oldest geisha district, and still has around 45 actively working geisha.
The Tokyo Kimono Experience!
Our goal after wearing our putting our Kimono’s was to look for a place to eat lunch or Brunch! After walking a few and was really feeling the hunger, we decided to enter a ramen house nearby. We had our favorite combo: Curry rice and Ramen!
After brunch, we decided to walk again towards Senso-ji, passing through Nakamise Shopping Street.
After exploring and taking lots of photos in the area, we decided to head back at the shop to return the Kimonos, for we do not want to be late in returning for it might incur an extra amount of payment.
The Kimono Warriors! Rod, Ruth and Rodel!
If was around 3’o clock already in the afternoon. The clock ticks really fast specially if you are enjoying the place. We decided to do a stop over at the Sumida Park (which is actually just at the back where the shop is located) to take a nice view of Tokyo Skytree.
Pikura Time! For JPY 200 each session!
Tokyo Skytree viewed at Sumida Park
And because we are traveling with no definite itinerary on hand, in that instant we decided to walk for more than 30minutes to reach Tokyo National Museum located in Ueno. LOL! It just sinks in to me today how far we’ve walked on that day! Well if you are doing the same, better to wear really comfy shoes!
Will tell you more about my trip in Tokyo Japan, soon!
Enjoy your trip! Domo Arigato Gozaimasu
Visit http://aiwafuku.com/ for more info about the Tokyo Kimono Experience
