“Kimono” is a traditional Japanese costume, also called “Wafuku”. You wear a long robe called “Nagagi” like a bath robe, and tie it with “Obi” (a long belt 30cm wide). It is particular about its color, died designs and embroideries. In the past people used to wear daily, but today it is worn as formal dress-up for auspicious occasions like weddings or the New Year days. You can buy “Kimono” at specialized shops called “Gofukuya” or a designated floor in department stores.
≫If you want to buy “Kimono” for souvenir, please see the article “Traditional Japanese “Kimono” Culture : How to Buy “Kimono” in Japan?”
Second Hand “Kimono”: Good for souvenir with affordable price
New “Kimonos” are expensive which would cost you from a few hundred thousand Yen up to million Yen. On the other hand second hand “kimonos” are affordable with the price from a few thousand Yen to several ten thousand Yen. When you wear “Kimono”, you need “Juban” (underwear for “Kimono”) and “Hakimono” (shoes suitable for “Kimono”). At old-clothes shop you can buy all of them at an affordable price. You will find antique “Kimono” among second hand “Kimonos”. You can pick up designs then in fashion during the period from 1600 (the Edo Period) to 1930 (the Showa Period). It would be fun to make your favorable combinations of “Kimono” in different periods looking back to the history.
Recommended shop for second hand “Kimono”
“CHICAGO”, Omote-sando, Harajuku, Tokyo
Source: flickr
“CHICAGO” sells second hand clothes of both western and Japanese. You will find extensive collection of second hand “Kimono” with many colors and designs. You won’t miss a signboard in English at the entrance.
Address: B1F, Olympia Annex bldg, 6-31-21 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 – 20:00
Gallery “Kawano”, Harajuku, Tokyo
Source: gallery kawano
At “Gallery Kawano” you can buy second hand “Kimono” and “Obi” (a belt) with brilliant colors and designs, among which you will find antique ones going back to 100 years old. There are all sizes available for foreigners as well.
Address: “Flats Omote Sando” 102, 4-4-9 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 – 18:00
“ichi-man-ben”, Kyoto Sanjo
Source: KYOTO TRAVEL
“ichi-man-ben” is located in the building built around 100 years ago and designated as “Tangible Cultural Property”. You would feel as if you have time traveled to the past when you find antique “Kimono” in the old building. Various second hand “kimonos” are available such as “Komon” died by colors and designs on white textile, “Tsumugi” designed by colored threads, etc.
Address: Nihon Semei Kyoto Sanjo bldg 1F, 75 Sanjo-dri Yanagibaba-nishi-iru-masuya-machi, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 11:00 – 20:00
What is “Kimono”?
≫For further information about “Kimono”, please see the article “What is Kimono? : Traditional Japanese Kimono Culture”.