Explore Kyoto in beautiful silk kimono ❤︎

Kimono, the traditional Japanese attire that reflects seasonal changes through use of colors and motifs.  Cherry blossoms represent spring, cool blues are reminiscent of summer, golden browns and falling leaves reflect on autumn, while plum blossoms and snowflakes bring forth thoughts of winter.

Each pattern is seeped in meaning, such as the crane representing longevity or marital harmony, the butterfly representing feminine growth, and the rabbit representing prosperity and happiness.

Once worn by all of Japanese society, kimono and its intricate production processes originated in Kyoto within the Imperial Court during the Heian period (794 to 1185).  In Heian times, there was great disparity amongst the classes and initially, kimono were limited aristocrats, who commissioned silk weavers to produce colorful, high-quality fabrics.  Thereafter, commoners began wearing hemp kimono and the garment became national attire until it fell out of fashion during the Showa era (1926-1989), when western clothing became mainstream in Japan.

Re-branded in the 1980s by the kimono industry as high-end attire suitable for ceremonious occasions, in present day, while kimono manufacturing continues in Kyoto, kimono are rarely worn by Japanese on a regular basis and are typically reserved for special occasions such as weddings, funerals, festivals and ceremonies.  In recent years, Japanese and international tourists alike don rented kimono when visiting traditional towns like Kyoto.

In this exclusive Nichome Connect experience, you will be fitted in a high quality, silk kimono in the 100 year old shop of a kimono merchant or in a traditional machiya by an impressively accomplished maiko/geiko kimono dresser.  This kimono dressing experience is exquisite, as all of our our kimonos are hand-made—many right here in Kyoto—using traditional weaving, dyeing and hand stitching techniques.

Experience authentic and elegant kimono in Kyoto with Nichome Connect.