Traditional Japanese Clothing Kimono

Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, located in Nagaokakyo City, west to Kyoto City, is dedicated to the god of learning. Within its grounds is a salon and photo studio that specializes in kimono dressing. For years, they have provided professional services, from kimono dressing to hair and makeup, capturing precious moments with photography. Kimono comes in various styles, and the choice of patterns, accessories, obi knots, and hair and makeup vary depending on the occasion and season. Dressing in a kimono, especially for formal events, requires deep expertise and technical skill. This experience offers the chance to wear ceremonial kimonos under the guidance of seasoned professionals, enjoying the full cultural richness of traditional Japanese attire. Once dressed, participants will have a professional photoshoot amidst the beautiful surroundings of Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine.

Although Western clothing is now common in Japan, the tradition of wearing kimono for major life events, such as weddings and graduation ceremonies, remains strong. In a traditional Japanese wedding, formal attire is required: men wear a montsuki hakama with a family crest, and women wear either the pure white shiromuku or a colorful iro-uchikake. (In our Japanese-style wedding dressing experience, participants can wear montsuki hakama and iro-uchikake depending on their preference.) Many people in modern Japan still prefer the elegance of kimono for wedding ceremonies. Additionally, Japan has the tradition of Shichi-Go-San, a ceremony celebrating children at ages 3, 5, and 7, during which they wear kimono and visit a shrine to pray for continued growth and well-being. Even today, wearing kimono for significant moments in life is deeply cherished, and the professionals who help maintain this tradition through their skills play an essential role in preserving these cultural practices.