Denim Kimono do you know it?
It is a cotton kimono called a "hitoe" (a kimono without a lining) made from denim fabric, focusing on color, pattern, processing, and texture after fading. It is compatible with various traditional garments besides kimono and has the feature of being washable in a household washing machine. The denim kimono, which allows for free combinations of accessories, is said to be popular among those who want to enjoy kimono freely, from young people to the elderly.
As the first denim kimono specialty store in the country, I wore a denim kimono from "Kurashiki Kimono Komachi," which rents and sells "denim kimono" made from denim from Okayama, the birthplace of domestic jeans, and walked around the Bikan Historical Area.
What is Kurashiki Kimono Komachi?
Kurashiki Kimono Komachi is a denim kimono specialty store located in the Bikan Historical Area.
As the first denim kimono specialty store in the country, Kurashiki Kimono Komachi rents and sells "denim kimono" made from denim from Okayama, the birthplace of domestic jeans.
In addition to denim kimono, Kurashiki Kimono Komachi also handles komon and formal kimono for special occasions. As of September 2024, the rental plans are as follows:
- Denim kimono rental
- Komon kimono and yukata rental
- Formal and special occasion kimono rental
Denim kimono rental and komon kimono/yukata rental are available in a day plan (9:30 AM to 5:00 PM) and a night plan (3:00 PM to 12:00 PM the next day).
For rentals, there is also a photo plan available for the day plan only, which includes a 40-minute guided tour of the Bikan Historical Area by a Kurashiki Kimono Komachi staff member with a camera for an additional rental fee of 3,300 yen (including tax) (if there are two or more people, it is an additional 2,200 yen per person). Not only the smartphone of the person dressed but also over 100 photo data taken with a camera will be handed over as DVD data, so it seems you can keep the memories.
At Kurashiki Kimono Komachi, not only rentals but also sales of denim kimono are available.
The original denim kimono brand "komachi" from Kurashiki Kimono Komachi uses denim fabric selected directly from denim fabric manufacturers in Kojima and Ibara City, known as the "holy land of jeans," to create a so-called hitoe cotton kimono.
For those who want to see and touch it in person, it can be checked at the store, and before purchasing, it is also possible to rent and walk around the Bikan Historical Area.
I experienced denim kimono rental
Having moved to Kurashiki from the Kanto region in December 2023, I have been learning tea ceremony since I lived in Kanto, so I dress in kimono myself. Since moving to Kurashiki, I have always wanted to try the unique denim kimono, so I decided to experience denim kimono rental.
Not only yukata but also hair accessories and small items, choose according to your preference
On the day of the reservation, when I went to the store at the reserved time, I was taken to a room on the second floor.
In the room, there are not only denim yukata but also komon (stylish kimono with patterns all over).
I had mentioned "denim yukata" at the time of reservation, but it seems that it is also possible to change to komon upon seeing the actual yukata on the day.
I chose a denim yukata with different patterns on each side.
Next is the hair set.
When I usually wear kimono or yukata myself, I do my own hair set, but this time, since it is a special opportunity, I had my hair styled to match the yukata.
Not only can you consult about what kind of style you want, but you can also choose hair accessories, which makes your heart dance.
It was hot that day, so I had my hair up and added denim hair accessories.
The hair set costs an additional 1,320 yen (including tax).
Hair accessories can also be purchased at the reception on the first floor.
You can also choose your favorite obi and obi cord. I am indecisive, so I struggled, but the staff helped me match several options in front of the mirror, and I finally made a decision. Because the staff interacts with various customers daily, the bold color combinations felt fresh.
You can choose from several types of bags and geta, and finally, the stroll in the Bikan Historical Area begins.
The compatibility of Achi Shrine, which feels historical, and kimono is excellent
First, while I still have energy, I head to Achi Shrine.
When I think of denim, I had the impression that it is not breathable and retains heat. However, the denim yukata from Kurashiki Kimono Komachi is breathable and feels the same as a regular yukata.
I felt that the historical buildings of Achi Shrine and the omikuji (fortune slips) blended well with the colors of the denim yukata like a landscape.
Denim kimono is also excellent with cold drinks
It was extremely hot that day, so I hydrated several times.
First, I headed to koba coffee in the Bikan Historical Area.
The red wall on the first floor of the store makes the indigo of the denim kimono stand out beautifully. The coffee float I ordered also contributed to a modern shot.
During my stroll through the town, I purchased ramune at the sake specialty store "土手森" (Dote Mori), which utilizes a building from the mid-Edo period.
When I captured a scene with the ramune bottle, denim yukata, and the landscape of the Bikan Historical Area, it created a very retro impression.
The Bikan Historical Area is a rare spot where you can walk in a denim kimono amidst Edo-period townscapes
I love traveling abroad, and when I go to a place, I often wear local clothes or traditional costumes.
Doing so allows the locals to approach me with familiarity, and it makes me feel like I am part of that town.
While walking in the Bikan Historical Area, I often see foreign tourists wearing yukata or kimono.
According to the staff at Kurashiki Kimono Komachi, many foreign tourists visiting the Bikan Historical Area are repeat customers, and some of them make reservations saying, "I didn't have the courage to wear it last time, but I really want to try wearing a kimono this time."
Komon yukata and kimono can be worn in other towns, but there are few spots where you can walk in historical townscapes wearing denim kimono made in Okayama Prefecture, such as Kojima and Ibara City.
Of course, for us Japanese, there are also very few spots where we can wear denim kimono and reflect on historical townscapes.
As I walked in front of the accommodation facility Kurashiki Ivy Square, which utilizes buildings that supported Kurashiki's textile industry, including the willow along the Kurashiki River and Kojima denim, I quickly found myself back at Kurashiki Kimono Komachi.
After returning the kimono and changing back into casual clothes, I was served cold tea. Although the kimono was comfortable to wear, changing into casual clothes without a waist cord and drinking tea felt refreshing, flowing through my body.
Walking through the Bikan Historical Area, where traces of the Edo period remain, in a kimono, reflecting on the past
The Bikan Historical Area is a preservation district of traditional buildings where the townscape from the Edo period remains intact.
People living in the Bikan Historical Area during the time this townscape was created likely wore kimonos.
While reflecting on the townscape and the lives of people from the Edo period, I donned a denim kimono that was born from the textile culture that flourished from the Edo to the Meiji period in Kurashiki.
How about experiencing wearing a kimono in the Bikan Historical Area, which continues to preserve its historical townscape?
- Photography: Yoshino Nako
Data on Kurashiki Kimono Komachi
| Name | Kurashiki Kimono Komachi |
|---|---|
| Location | 5-10 Honmachi, Kurashiki City |
| Contact | 086-486-2671 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular holidays For regular holidays, please refer to the official website |
| Usage Fee (including tax) | 3,850 yen (including tax) and up |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation Availability | Yes For available reservation dates, please refer to the official website |
| Toilet | No toilet |
| Childcare | Rental plan available for children |
| Barrier-Free | Stairs available |
| Website | Kurashiki Kimono Komachi |
