The articles I've written about my impressions of Kyoto wouldn’t be complete without mentioning kimono.
In Tokyo, because I only spotted people in kimono at shrines during wedding ceremonies, I wondered if wearing the traditional kimono was still popular in Japan. When I asked my Japanese friend she explained that first, the kimono is quite expensive so not everyone now has one. Second, putting on a kimono is not easy and requires assistance. I understood that last point as I recall watching a TV show about it. Third, wearing a kimono requires a certain grace and mobility. In everyday life, modern clothes are much more comfortable and practical. But, she added, there was a city where people actually went to wear kimono - Kyoto!
It turned out to be true and in Kyoto I really came across a lot of people of both genders in kimono or yukata (light cotton kimono). Watching attentively, I noticed that some people were acquainted with kimono and really had the habit and grace while wearing it. Others some seemed to be uncomfortable with it. In Kyoto there are numerous places where you can rent a kimono and receive proper hair-styling and make-up.
During our walks in Kyoto we came across some young girls dressed as maiko. They walked in a very proud manner and didn’t mind being photographed by tourists. This was a big difference compared with real maiko! The appearance of those girls pretending to be maiko was like a ‘cosplay’ whereas the real maiko was like a ‘living art piece’ whose skills and traditions are centuries old. I bet it might be interesting to try, but I didn’t!
On the streets of Kyoto I saw mostly females in kimono and only a few males. However at the Miyako Odori show, I did see many men in grey kimono and wide trousers known as hakama. When it is warm, yukata are more popular. It’s not expensive and certainly worth trying. I thought it interesting that some restaurants in Kyoto offered discounts for people dressed in kimono.
It was a memorable experience to visit Kyoto and see people wearing kimono like nowhere else in Japan, a most atmospheric and charming image of the old miyako.
