Kimono rental experience with centuries of history

Putting on a kimono is a fun experience. While the dressing process may seem relatively simple at first glance, it’s not. The process of wearing a kimono requires meticulous attention to ensure that each piece of clothing is in the correct position, and is a true art form that takes years of practice to master.

Recently, a large number of studios and rental shops offering kimono-wearing experiences have opened across Japan, giving customers the opportunity to participate in this ancient art. in, Twelve-one river Tokyo stand out. Its focus is on “junihitoe,” a highly formal and sophisticated type of kimono often worn by nobles, especially in historical palace settings. It offers visitors the rare opportunity to wear these exquisite, multi-layered garments, giving them a new understanding and appreciation of Japan’s traditional clothing and the society that wears these items.

What are the Twelve? Multiple layers of history, culture and art

Junihitoe means “12th floor”. This style of kimono is associated with the Heian period (795 to 1185) and was worn by noble women and maids at the court. The tiara is still worn today by members of the royal family, albeit rarely – only on special ceremonial occasions such as weddings and enthronement ceremonies.

As the name suggests, a junihitoe consists of many robes, but not necessarily 12. The layers are carefully arranged, each with an aesthetic and symbolic meaning, paying particular attention to color symbolism and the harmonious interplay of tones.

During the Heian period, over 100 variations of layered color combinations were recorded in charts called “kasane no ironome”. These charts were indispensable in helping nobles dress appropriately for seasons and occasions. One popular spring color combination references the Japanese plum blossom—considered the harbinger of the season—and includes shades representing everything from deep maroon buds to delicate pink blooms. Other seasonal palettes include pinks and greens for summer carnations, reds and beiges for fall chestnuts, and winter creams and whites to coordinate with the snow and ice.

Opportunity to experience National Day in Tokyo

Juunihitoe Tokyo aims to make the extraordinary experience of wearing juunihitoe more accessible. The studio has a collection of about 40 different twelve people In addition to “sokutai”, there are also clothing items worn by men during the Heian period to choose from. Tourists and lovers of traditional culture can participate in one of the activities Twelve people experience planheld at a salon in Kagurazaka and at the Naruko Ten Shrine in Tokyo’s Nishi-Shinjuku neighborhood. There are several different options and add-ons, including the possibility of hiring a professional photographer. (If you don’t want to, the staff will take a photo and send it to your smartphone for free.)

The studio also offers wedding rental packages, as well as pop-up workshops in schools and hotels; they are currently exploring offering experiences such as junihitoe fitting parties. No matter which package is chosen, participants will be expertly dressed by experts, with each layer of junihitoe finely tuned to create a dazzling array of vibrant colors and textures.

Fashion that permeates culture

For many years, Juunihitoe Tokyo has been working with celebrities and media platforms to provide professional juunihitoe dressing services for many productions, including providing professional juunihitoe dressing services for actor Kanna Hashimoto in the film Kaguya-sama: Love is warthe film stars Suzu Hirose and Moe Kamishiroishi Chihako A clip from the TBS program with Suzuka Tomita, the singer of the idol group Hyugazaka46 love it.

You’ve most likely encountered junihitoe in the following ways: Hina doll — Dolls made with the likenesses of members of the Heian Period court and displayed during Hinamatsuri — or dolls made through the legend of Princess Kaguya. This story, also known as “The Tale of the Bamboo Sword,” is a famous folktale that dates back to the ninth or tenth century. Since the story takes place during the Heian period, the princess is usually depicted wearing a twelve-person costume.

In 2013, Studio Ghibli released an animated version of this folk tale. The film tells the story of a princess who went from a simple and happy life in the countryside to a gorgeous and desperate life in the capital. In one of the most poignant scenes, Kaguya rushes out of the party, stripping off her colorful red robes as she escapes under the light of an impressive, ever-present full moon.

The junihitoe dressing experience offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly immerse yourself in Japan’s cultural heritage and imitate the nobility of the Heian period. Juunihitoe Tokyo’s extensive experience ensures you have an authentic and unforgettable time while wearing ancient Japanese costumes.

More information

Visit juunihitoe.com to book your junihitoe experience online. If you have any questions, please contact Juunihitoe Tokyo via Line, click this link. To stay up to date with the latest workshops and experiences, follow the studio Instagram, Tik Tok and Youtube.