Kimono Lessons

I offer both in person and online lessons.  I have experience and extensive training with many kinds of wafuku.  Simply select the lesson you would like to take below.  For now, all lessons are going to be conducted online.  Lessons will also be conducted in person beginning next year.  One-day presentations and workshops can be conducted in person.  Please be aware: the methods learned here are going to vary from the way I learned while getting my certification. 

Yukata Lesson

This is a ONE class, 2 hour course is for those who want to learn how to wear a yukata and tie a hanhaba obi.
Curriculum
1. Introduction to the yukata
2. How to put on underpinnings
3. How to put on yukata
4. How to put on a hanhaba obi: kai no kuchi, chocho

$80

What you need:

• yukata
• hanhaba obi
• kimono slip
• obi ita (preferably summer)
• kimono clip
• korin belt/kimono Belt
• date jime
• koshi himo (3)
  
• obi age
• obi jime

Beginner Lesson

This is a 5-lesson course, 2 hours per class that is for those who what to get started learning how to wear kimono.  You will learn how to wear a kimono and an obi with a Nagoya obi, including all accessories.  There will also be lectures on various kimono topics.

Curriculum
1. How to put on underpinnings, including padding (basic techniques).  Lecture: Types of kimono and obi and function of each item for wearing kimono.
2. How to put on kimono, review of how to put on underpinnings.  Lecture: Proper kimono fit and parts of a kimono
3. How to put on a Nagoya obi with an ichijyudaiko, review on how to put on underpinnings and kimono.  Lecture: Kimono TPO and seasonality
4. How to put on a Fukuro obi with a nijyudaiko, review on how to put on underpinnings and kimono.  Lecture: Folding kimono and obi
5. Review of how to put on everything independently.  Lecture: Kimono manner and walking outside (please bring zouri).

$375

What you need

• kimono
• fukuro obi
• Nagoya obi
• hadajuban and susoyoke OR kimono slip
• nagajuban
• obi ita
• obi makura
• kari himo
•  koshihimo
  

• 2 date jime
• eri shin
• tabi
• kimono clip
• kimono belt
• waist pad
• 3 kimono towels
  
• obi age
• obi jime

Save Time! Purchase a Package in the Shop!

Intermediate Lesson

This is a 5-lesson course, 2 hours per class.  You will learn how to do other obi musubi for kimono.  There will also be lectures on various kimono topics.
Prerequisite: Beginner Lesson or show you are able to dress yourself
Curriculum
1. Review of how to put on kimono.  Lecture: Advanced TPO and seasonality.
2. Alternative ways to put on kimono using only himo, padding techniques.  Lecture: Kimono history part 1
3. Nagoya obi: Ginza musubi, Kawari musubi.  Lecture: Kimono history part 2
4. Fukuro obi: Ginza musubi, Suehiro musubi.  Lecture: Kimono history part 3
5. Fixing mistakes, presentation.  Lecture: Folding kimono and obi practice

$375

What you need

• kimono
• fukuro obi
• Nagoya obi
• hadajuban and susoyoke OR kimono slip
• nagajuban
• obi ita
• obi makura
• kari himo
• 4 koshihimo
  

• 2 date jime
• eri shin
• tabi
• 3 kimono clips
• kimono belt
• waist pad
• 6 kimono towels
  
• obi age
• obi jime

Target Lesson

If you need help with hosei padding, furisode, dressing others, or some other skill, please let me know.  I am ready to accommodate.  Please contact me with your detailed request and we can discuss a schedule and pricing options.

Kimonotown Special One-Day Class: In Person in Asakusa

Are you visiting Japan and want a crash course in the world of kimono?   This is intended for beginners who have little to no experience in kimono and want to learn more about kimono and kimono dressing.  This class is offered in English and I will be using women’s kimono.  All items for the lesson are free to rent.  Please let me know your size when booking this class.
 
Classes are available on Sundays by reservation from 10:00AM to 4:00PM or two evenings during the weekday from 6:30PM to 9:00PM.
Prices: $300.00 for one person, $175.00 each for two people, $150.00 each for three people, $125.00 each for four people.
 
Introduction to Kimono                                                                                                                       Sunday 10:00AM-11:00AM       Weekday 1 and 2  6:30PM- 7:00PM
               I will introduce you to the world of kimono, including a brief history of kimono, TPO (time, place, occasion), and the types of kimono and obi.  I will answer any questions you may have about kimono.
 
Putting on Kimono: Undergarments and Padding                                                               Sunday 11:00AM-12:00PM    Weekday 1 7:00PM-8:00PM
               We will go over each piece of the undergarment package up to the nagajuban.  I will first demonstrate on the mannequin to show you a visual of what it is supposed to look like and then we will go through the steps together.
 
Lunch Break                                                                                                                                                  Sunday 12:00PM-1:00PM       Weekday NO LUNCH BREAK
               Feel free to explore various lunch spots within the area.  Please be sure to return in time to continue the class.
 
Putting on Kimono: Wearing the Kimono                                                                                  Sunday 1:00PM-2:00PM         Weekday 1 8:00-9:00PM
               We will practice how to put on the kimono.  I will demonstrate this step on the mannequin and then we will practice together. 
 
Putting on Kimono: Wearing the Nagoya Obi or the Fukuro Obi                                Sunday 2:00PM-3:00PM        Weekday 2 7:00PM-8:00PM
               I will show you how to put on a Nagoya Obi.  If you are plus size, we will use a fukuro obi.  We will practice the ichijyudaiko with accessories.  I will show you how to do this on the mannequin, and then we will practice together.
 
Wrapping Up                                                                                                                                                  Sunday 3:00PM-4:00PM      Weekday 2 8:00PM-9:00PM
               This is your opportunity to show me what you have learned.  You will put on your kimono from undergarments to obi.  I will offer you pointers and advice.  I will then show you how to fold your kimono and obi correctly.  Then I will offer you some tips on buying your own kimono and obi.     

Book a Customized Workshop

I can offer half-day group lessons in kimono dressing.  These lessons are for women's kimono, only.  Participants will need to bring their own kimono set.  Please contact me with your detailed request and we can discuss a schedule and pricing options.  A location in Shinjuku, Tokyo can be booked for a custom workshop for an additional fee.

Demonstrations and Presentations

Whether you are a lover of kimono, Japanese culture and history, a fashion enthusiast, or you are curious about traditional attire and its industry, these presentations will provide an insight into one of the world's most recognizable traditional garments.

Introduction to Kimono
2 hours, including a kimono dressing demonstration
This presentation will explore the origins of the kimono, tracing its evolution from ancient times to the modern era. We'll delve into the various styles and types of kimonos, each with its unique significance and occasion for wear. Learn about the meticulous process of creating a kimono, from creating the  fabrics to the art of dyeing and weaving.  I'll also highlight the cultural importance of the kimono in Japanese society, showcasing how it reflects social status, personal expression, and seasonal changes. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for the aesthetic and symbolic elements that make the kimono a masterpiece of wearable art.

Kimono: A History
2 hours, including a kimono dressing demonstration
Uncover the rich and intricate history of the kimono, Japan’s most iconic traditional garment. This presentation will delve into the cultural and historical evolution of the kimono, exploring its origins, transformations, and enduring legacy.  We will begin by examining the early influences that shaped the kimono, tracing its roots back to the Nara and Heian periods when the basic form of the kimono began to take shape. As we move through the centuries, you'll learn about the significant changes in style, fabric, and function during various historical periods, including the Kamakura, Muromachi, Edo, and Meiji eras.  Discover how the kimono evolved from everyday wear to a symbol of status and art, influenced by Japan's social, political, and economic changes. We will also explore the impact of Western influences in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  This presentation will also explore the various types of kimonos, each designed for specific occasions and seasons, and the symbolism behind the colors, patterns, and motifs used in kimono design.  Join me to gain a deeper understanding of how the kimono has remained a vital part of Japanese identity and culture, from its ancient origins to its modern-day revival.

Kimono in Contemporary Times
2 hours, including a kimono dressing demonstration
Explore the dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation with this presentation on the kimono in modern times. This presentation will delve into how Japan's iconic garment has evolved and adapted in contemporary society, maintaining its cultural significance while embracing new forms and functions.
We will begin by examining the kimono's role in modern-day Japan, from ceremonial attire to everyday fashion statements. Discover how the kimono continues to be a symbol of cultural heritage, worn during festivals, weddings, and other important events, and how it has found a place in the wardrobes of younger generations seeking to connect with their roots.  The presentation will also highlight the innovative approaches of contemporary designers who are reimagining the kimono. Learn about the fusion of traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, the use of unconventional materials, and the ways in which the kimono is being integrated into global fashion trends.  We'll also explore the resurgence of kimono culture worldwide, from fashion runways to street style, and the growing interest in kimono as sustainable fashion.

All About Kimono School
2 hours, including a kimono dressing demonstration
What is "kimono school"?  Who attends these schools and why?  What sort of things do students learn at these schools?  This presentation will provide a fascinating look at how these institutions preserve and teach the intricate art of kimono-making and wearing.  You will explore the history and cultural significance of kimono schools in Japan and learn about the different types of kimono schools, ranging from those that specialize in kimono-making and design to those focused on the proper techniques of wearing and accessorizing the kimono.  I will talk about the time I spent at a kimono school as a student who dedicated time to mastering this craft. Hear inspiring examples of how learning at a kimono school has impacted the lives of students who attend, fostering a deeper connection to Japanese culture and heritage.