Dressed in a kimono, sipping matcha, and strolling around Asakusa.

📌This time, we were traveling with our family, so the ladies decided to dress up in kimonos, sip matcha, and stroll around Asakusa.

Don't be shy when wearing a kimono here! Both foreigners and Japanese people stroll around the area wearing kimonos. There are many kimono shops to choose from. You can read reviews and make a reservation in advance, or just walk in.

Today, we chose to dress up in kimonos at Ookini Kimono Rental Asakusa. The shop is very easy to find, located in THE ROOM building, opposite Sanrio Asakusa. It's very popular among Thais and Chinese tourists.

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- First, take the elevator on the side of the building to the second floor.

- If you've made a reservation, show the staff your reservation slip. Or, if you just walk in, you can choose a package and pay with the staff.

- You'll receive a wristband and a cloth bag with your number. This wristband will indicate your package, so the staff can take care of you properly.

- Next, you'll need to choose your outfit, sash, and cord, based on your chosen package (we chose the basic option). (which is the cheapest price)

- After choosing, go up to the 3rd floor to get dressed and get your hair and makeup done.

- Upon arrival, a Japanese staff member will greet you and dress you. You must remove your shoes and socks, put your bag in a cloth bag provided, and place it on the shelf.

- The staff will then ask to see your outfit. My sister and I chose a kimono, which received white socks. My mother and aunt chose a yukata, which did not receive socks.

- We proceeded to dressing. Putting on a kimono is very elaborate. It involves many layers, steps, and is very tight. Plus, it comes with a white undergarment (adding to the heat), unlike a yukata, which does not have a white undergarment. Once you put it on, you immediately assume a feminine, charming demeanor (short steps, no sprinting, no raising your arms high, and you're instantly calm and composed).

- After leaving the dressing room, choose shoes of your choice (all the same size). Choose a bag that matches your outfit. Put your valuables and passport in the bag you chose, as you must put your bag in a cloth bag and put it on the shelf, as shown in the picture. There's no security.

- After that, you sit and wait for a while for your hair to be done. The queue system here isn't very good. It emphasizes trust. Because the stylist will ask which person came first.

- We proceeded to the hair salon. The package we chose allowed us to choose from four hairstyles. We chose a back bun and even added a flower to our hair.

- After finishing our hair, it took an hour, and we were ready to get going.

P.S. I'm not comfortable wearing the flip-flops they provided, so I wore my sneakers, which gave me a modern look.

🎎 After getting dressed and leaving the salon, we started exploring Asakusa, looking for beautiful photo spots. This area combines modern Japan, Japanese-style markets, temples, and cultural experiences. It's no wonder it's a must-visit destination for people all over the world.

🛍 Must-visit shopping spots:
1. Nakamise Shopping Street, the shopping street in front of the temple
2. Donki Asakusa: Don't miss the leg-breaking walk.
3. ASAKUSA ROX: For fans of UNIQLO and Muji.

🏯 Cultural spots in Asakusa:
1. Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo
2. Kaminarimon Gate, the entrance to Sensoji Temple, with its large red lanterns
3. Sumida Park, a park along the Sumida River

🎌Kimono and Yukata Trivia
1. Differences Between Kimono and Yukata
Yukata is made of cotton and requires no undergarment or socks. Kimono is made of silk and has a white undergarment and requires socks.

2. Always wear it with your left hand over your right.
The correct way to wear a kimono or yukata is to wear it with your left hand over your right hand! This is only for living people. If you accidentally dress yourself at a hotel onsen and wear it with your right hand over your left hand, you might get confused, as it's considered inauspicious. (Wearing your right hand over your left hand is only used for funerals.)

Don't worry, the shop will help you dress correctly when renting a kimono. Knowing this meaning will help you gain a deeper understanding of the culture.

📍Location: 2nd and 3rd floors of THE ROOM building, across from Sanrio Asakusa

💴Cost: 3,000 yen per person (kimono can be worn for an unlimited time, but must be returned before closing time) 6:00 PM, free hair styling (4 styles, bag, shoes)

🚇 Access: 3-minute walk from Asakusa Station Exit 1 // Parking is difficult and expensive if you drive.

💡 Caution: Please bring valuables with you, as there is no security on the storage shelves.

Homework done, let's go!

#asakusa #sensojitemple #nakamisestreet #tokyo #japan