My Kimono

This Saturday I attended the full moon viewing festival in Kitsuki. Kitsuki is an samurai town north-west of Kunisaki. Mostly it is famous for 2 things, its castle and two hills – which people walk up the one side and then up the other. The castle (Kitsuki-jo), was built in 1394 by Lord Kitsuki Yorinao. Other attractions include the Samurai house.

Hundreds of bamboo candles were set up all over Kitsuki for the festival and the teahouses were open to visitors wanting to experience a traditional tea ceremony. I skipped this as I had the chance to attended one at my school Cultural Festival where I was served by my students.

The highlight of my evening however, was getting to rent a Kimono for the evening. I knew that they were complicated but I had no idea until it took 15 minutes to strap me in.

Kimono’s are full length, t-shaped robes that are wrapped over the body (left over right). They seem to be one standard size and are fitted to the wearer (with multiple sashes, belts and ropes). The main securing sash is called an obi and our outfit included zori (traditional straw sandals). I had to buy some tabi (split toe socks).

It was quite an experience being dressed – and there is no way I could have dressed myself. The little old lady dressing me also had to have been pretty strong what with all the tugging and tying and pulling going on. It seemed to take ages and in the end I was well aware of what a corset must have felt like. I have also uncovered the reason for the style of walking – it’s all in the shoes. I suppose it didn’t help that biggest size they had were still too small for my giant flipper feet.

For all my pics from the evening click here