There are quite a number of kimono rental shops in Kyoto and I rented ours from Kimono-Ok (きもの桜京) through Klook. I bought the Couple Package and added hairstyling for 1 pax (for yours truly). Best decision made because getting my hair done by the professionals really completes the entire look!
Couple Package costs S$71.90 in total and consists of 2 sets of Kimonos, inclusive of undergarment, waistband, handbag, toe socks and sandals.
Hairstyling costs S$18.89 and is only applicable to women, with different hairstyle options available.
We went to the outlet at Kiyomizu-Gojō Station, and our fitting time slot was at 9am. We reached slightly earlier, but the shop was already quite packed. By the time we were done with our fitting, it was already 10:30am, and the shop was getting even more crowded.
We took a bus down to Gojōzaka Kiyomizu-dera Entrance (五条坂) and started our journey up towards the temple. Along the way up, everywhere seemed to be a great spot for some photos to be taken, so we posed and shoot.
The closer we get to Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺), the more crowded it gets, and that was also how we knew we were reaching our destination. It was a very tiring walk (at least for me, it was) in those sandals and socks because it was so slippery to walk in them, especially when walking uphill. I was so glad when we reached our destination.
We came across the Tainai-meguri (胎内めぐり) at the Zuigudō Hall (随求堂) and decided to experience it. So, we paid ¥100 each (admission cost), took out our slippers and held onto the handrail with our left hand and proceeded in.
The Tainai Meguri is also known as the Tour of the Womb. It symbolises the walking in the womb of a female bodhisattva and coming out of it symbolises being reborn.
The walk starts with us proceeding down the stairs into complete darkness and we were to finish the walk through the darkness by following the beaded handrail. When I say complete darkness, it really is ABSOLUTE DARKNESS. You see literally nothing. Boyfriend had to keep his right hand on me the entire walk just to make me feel safer. Though I can see nothing, I still closed my eyes throughout because it made me feel better as well. This was definitely one of the most unique experiences we ever had and I'm glad we did it.
There were so many people in their kimonos (mostly girls), having their photos taken everywhere, and it was tough to find a good photo spot. We took a few shots and continued to explore the area instead. We came across a small traditional noodle place called Takinoya (滝の家) near the Otowa Waterfall that sells some simple and reasonably priced Japanese dishes. Since we were famished, we decided to settle our lunch there.
Shortly after we were done with lunch, we came across another small restaurant, Chubokuchaya (忠僕茶屋), and this time, we ordered a stick of Matcha Dango (茶団子) each. It was so good! It was springy and of the right softness, making every bite fantastic! Especially when it is paired with a cup of hot green tea. Ahh. So wonderful.
Kōdaiji Temple (高台寺) was approximately a 15-minutes walk away from Kiyomizu-dera. There are many shops along the way, including the Starbucks that is located in the 100-years old traditional Japanese house, which is also the Starbucks's first tatami style coffee house. The Starbucks was full packed but we managed to find ourselves a seat at the second level. So great to chill and rest our feet after so much walking!
After almost 1.5 hours of shopping, munching and resting, we finally reached Kōdaiji Temple, and by the time we were there, the place was pretty much empty. Unlike Kiyomizu-dera, it was very peaceful and quiet. The trees are beginning to be coloured in the shades of autumn and the scenery is a beau without the crowd of people all around. I am totally loving it.
We spent quite some time roaming around before finally making our way back to Kimono-Ok, which we took longer than expected to get back because we were lost. Fortunately, we managed to return our kimonos on time at 6:30pm, so no extra charges there! After the entire day, it felt so great to be out of the kimono because of the tightness. I CAN FINALLY BREATHE PROPERLY! Still, I love being in a kimono, ok!
For dinner, we headed over to Ponotocho Alley (先斗町), a place that comes alive at night. It was also the place where people go to for geisha spotting but by the time we were there, it was long past the "prime hours" of spotting those geishas. Oh well.
Anyway, I initially planned to have our dinner at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu (牛カツ京都勝牛), a restaurant that is famous for its beef cutlet, but, instead, we ended up at this small traditional barbeque shop, and oh my. It was the best barbeque I ever had!
Dinner was super shiok! So satisfying, so great, and we were so full from it that we took a walk down Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, and slowly strolled back to our guesthouse, which was just a 15-minutes walk away.
Wow. The next time we are back in Japan, we would probably spend more time in Kyoto if we have the chance to because 3 days 2 nights is definitely not enough for us!
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