Kimono photoshoots in Tokyo are all the rage right now, but what if you could bring home a memento from the experience? Not just the photos, but the kimono itself? I've been wanting to buy a kimono for at least 3 years now, so I'm glad I was able to find this amazing "kimono making" experience on my 2024 trip to Tokyo.
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| My kimono at Meiji Shrine |
I found the Kimono Making Experience and booked for myself, my mom, and Grandmother through GetYourGuide (this is not sponsored btw). The price came out to about $43 per person, before the 15% off American Express Platinum discount. This price included:
- Base kimono selection (you can "upgrade" to a fancier design for an extra fee)
- Alteration supplies
- Obi rental (if you want to take photos in your kimono)
Since an obi was only included for photo purposes, I purchased one for an added fee (7,000 yen) to go with my kimono. There are many available in different shapes and designs; I went with a black obi shaped into a bow.
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| Our selected obi belts |
A tip for the kimono selection process: If you're buying an obi, start with that first since that will help narrow which kimono you'll choose (based on color and pattern).
The employees are incredibly kind and helpful in finding you a kimono. They spoke great english and didn't rush us at all!
Once we selected our kimonos, we went to an upstairs area that had ironing boards set out on the tatami mats. We were then instructed to cut(!) the kimono in half. This was SUPER scary, because I felt like I was ruining the kimono, but it all came together!
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| Applying hemming tape |
We were provided hemming tape and an iron to seal the edges where we cut, so the kimono basically became a two-piece set. We also attached ties with the hemming tape. This allows the wearer to tie the kimono top shut. These alterations allow the kimono to be put on by the wearer, without any assistance (usually you need at least 1 person to help)! The obi belt hides the middle part of the kimono, where it's been cut.
The end result was an easy to wear, but authentic kimono (and an amazing souvenir).
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| Mom's kimono |
The activity organizers will help dress you and offer to take photos indoors, which is fun! If you don't purchase an obi belt, they'll let you borrow one and walk around the area to take photos (there's a shrine nearby!) for a few hours.
It's not everyday 3 generations are dressed up in a picturesque city, so I booked a photographer (also through GetYourGuide) to commemorate. I booked the photo session with Smiler at Meiji Shrine (the experience was advertised for Yoyogi Park as well, but we let our photographer know we were fine with just Meiji Shrine since the park is a bit far). It was about a 20 minute taxi ride from the activity to Meiji Shrine.
Our photographer, Melvin, was local to the area and overall a delight. He captured absolutely amazing photos and was gave perfect direction to help everyone pose but still look natural. We also have beautiful candid shots (which usually look so fake, but I LOVE how ours turned out)!
Family time is incredibly important to me, so I'm glad we all were able to do this kimono-making activity and have the kimonos themselves as mementos (+ as a formal wear option). The photos turned out beautifully and are perfect for memory keeping.
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