Give Yourself a Day in a Kimono in Kyoto

The idea was simple. Rent a kimono for Inna, walk through the old neighbourhoods of Kyoto and take a few beautiful photographs. The only thing is, I am a photographer, and “a few photographs” is a fairly relative concept in my world.

After several days of photographing streets, parks, gardens and temples, I was genuinely delighted to have a beautiful model in front of my camera. Kyoto is a dream of a natural set, where almost every corner feels like a new scene and rarely disappoints.

The Preparation Is Part of the Experience

Renting a kimono in Kyoto is extremely popular, so booking in advance is a good idea, especially in spring during cherry blossom season and again in autumn. The experience begins in the studio itself, with the choice of kimono, obi belt, small bag, accessories and hairstyle.

I had no idea how much work went into the finished look. A kimono is not something you simply put on and walk out wearing. Everything is carefully layered, adjusted, tightened and shaped with that unmistakable Japanese precision — now also turned into a very successful business. Finally come the hairstyle, ornaments and traditional sandals.

My own dilemma about whether I should wear a kimono too was resolved very quickly once I imagined spending the day in wooden sandals while walking backwards and forwards, searching for the right angle, crouching down, changing perspective and looking for the next shot. Hmm, no. Once I switch into photographer mode, comfortable shoes and beautiful images are definitely my choice.

We were in Kyoto in April, and the day turned out to be sunny but cold. I kept looking at Inna and wondering whether she was freezing, while she assured me that there were so many layers underneath the kimono that the cold was definitely not the main problem. Reassured, I could return to the question that mattered far more to me at that moment — where would the next shot be?

Why So Many People Choose to Spend a Day in a Kimono

In Kyoto, we constantly saw people dressed this way. There were Japanese locals and international visitors, couples, groups of friends and entire families. Some were having photo shoots, while others were simply walking around and enjoying the day dressed in a way that made it feel special.

For Japanese people, the kimono has a deep connection to tradition and continues to be part of festivals, ceremonies and special occasions. For visitors, the experience is different, of course. It is a chance to come a little closer to a beautiful tradition and, for a few hours, to see the city from another perspective.

I think that is exactly why so many people enjoy it. A kimono changes the way you move, slows your pace and turns an ordinary walk into a bright, memorable and special day.

The Best Part Was That Beautiful Locations Were All Around Us

The place where we rented the kimono turned out to be perfectly located for our day. Some of Kyoto's most photogenic areas were nearby, so we did not have to spend hours travelling between locations. We simply stepped outside and started taking photographs.

The old streets of Higashiyama, traditional wooden houses, small temples, gardens and the area around Yasaka Pagoda constantly offered a new backdrop. Just when I thought we had probably taken enough photographs, another street, another gate or another beautifully lit corner appeared around the next turn. We were also lucky to have a truly sunny day.

Perhaps another hundred metres would reveal a prettier street. Perhaps the light would become softer. Perhaps we would come across a small garden where the red kimono would look even more beautiful. So we kept walking, and I kept shooting. For around six hours.

I did not have to invent a set or create an atmosphere. Kyoto had already done all of that for me.

The crowds, however, were almost impossible to avoid, so gradually they became part of the story too. At first, I waited for people to leave the frame. Later, I began to use their movement. One of my favourite images from the day is exactly like that — Inna standing quietly while the city continues to move around her.

I Would Recommend Giving Yourself a Day Like This

You do not need to be a photographer, and you certainly do not need to plan a large photo shoot. The experience itself is worth it: choosing the kimono, the preparation, the walk and the feeling that this particular day is a little different from the rest of your trip.

There are also shorter kimono experiences, including photo shoots, walks and tea ceremonies. These are a lovely option if you do not have an entire day or would like to combine wearing a kimono with another Japanese tradition.

Personally, I would choose the longer option again. I loved the fact that we were not rushing and had enough time to move at our own pace. Of course, my own pace included rather more photography stops than Inna had probably expected.

When I look at the photographs now, this day feels like much more than a photo shoot. I remember the April air, the preparation, the slow walk, the old streets and that constant feeling that perhaps, just a little further ahead, the next beautiful frame was waiting for us.

I sincerely recommend this experience. For one day, Kyoto stops being merely a city you are visiting. You are left with the feeling that, for a little while, you experienced it in a different, slower and much more personal way.

This is only one of our stories from Japan — a journey that left me with many photographs, impressions and many more stories still waiting to be told.