Wear a High-Quality Kimono from a Historic Weaver and Stroll Asakusa

A Historic Weaving Company in Asakusa

Asakusa is a historic downtown area of Tokyo and one of the city’s most popular spots, centered around the 1400-year-old Sensoji Temple. Known for its vibrant culture and charm, it features numerous shrines, temples, Edo-period streets, and a rich food culture. 

Kimono Oriden is located on Denpouin Street, which intersects with Nakamise Street, connecting Kaminarimon and Sensoji Temple. Run by a textile manufacturer founded in Kyoto about 230 years ago, this shop is known for its exceptional weaving technique, karaori, passed down through generations. They also restore and repair historically valuable kimonos.

Kimono Oriden's storefront

Inside the shop, beautiful kimonos and fabric items are on display. Behind the noren curtain, you'll find a stunning array of karaori kimonos featuring lustrous and intricate patterns, made with only the world’s finest raw silk.

Explore Karaori and Kimono Culture

The experience begins with a lecture by the owner, Ko Inoue, to deepen your knowledge of kimonos. You'll view precious costumes restored by Oriden for the National Museum in Kyoto and other institutions while learning about the history of karaori and silk, a key material for kimonos.

While Inoue, the owner of Oriden, speaks, you can also feel the texture of the kimono

Karaori is a textile with three-dimensional patterns created through weaving, often resembling embroidery. Crafting the fabric for one kimono, starting with the intricate weaving blueprint called mongami, can take two to three years.

One of Oriden's signature patterns, "Bamboo Grass"

You’ll get to see magnificent restored karaori costumes up close, with explanations from Inoue. You may encounter precious costumes said to have been worn by heroines from the turbulent Warring States period of the 15th and 16th centuries (available costumes vary by experience date). As you examine these costumes, you'll hear the fascinating story of how the finest raw silk, essential for restoration, is made.

You may also see a restored costume of Oichi, the younger sister of Oda Nobunaga, a famous warlord from the Warring States period (15th to 16th centuries)

You'll also learn more about Japan's four seasons and kimono culture. Silk, with its excellent heat and moisture retention, is favored in the chilly seasons, while breathable linen or casual kimonos called “yukata” are worn in the hot, humid summers. Understanding which kimonos suit each season brings you closer to Japan's kimono culture.

Experience the “Real Thing” on Your Skin

Finally, you'll dress in your Oriden kimono. In summer, a linen hemp yukata awaits; in other seasons, a karaori kimono is prepared. Select your favorite kimono and obi from Oriden’s curation. Enjoy picking out your kimono while consulting with the dresser who will help you.

The joy of wearing a kimono lies in creating various combinations with the kimono, obi, and obi tying styles

A professional dresser will dress you, so don't worry if it's your first time wearing a kimono. You'll be amazed by the quality that you can only truly appreciate when wearing it. You'll also learn about the patterns and techniques of your chosen kimono and obi. It's a special opportunity to feel the beauty of a real kimono and learn about traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

A karaori houmongi (a semi-formal kimono for both married and unmarried women) with autumn leaves woven throughout, radiating beauty and luster

Strolling Asakusa in a Kimono

After getting dressed, take a leisurely stroll around Asakusa. Capture beautiful photos in your kimono at scenic spots like Sensoji Temple, Kaminarimon, and Denpoin Temple. (No accompanying guides; please return to the store by 5:00 pm.)

Wearing a kimono naturally gives you a sophisticated air

If you need recommendations, feel free to ask Inoue and the knowledgeable Oriden staff, who are familiar with Asakusa. Exploring the unique sightseeing spots and food culture of Asakusa in a stylish kimono will help you create unforgettable memories.

Enjoy a Real Kimono Experience in Charming Asakusa

Asakusa, with a history of about 1,400 years, brims with charm. In the Edo period (1603-1868), it fostered cutting-edge culture in fashion and gourmet food, making it a vibrant hub of diverse Japanese culture today. Embrace this unique atmosphere by wearing an Oriden kimono, steeped in over 230 years of history, and take a journey back to old Japan.

Contemplate the histories of Asakusa and kimono, interwoven like raw silk