What are the types of kimono, and which one should I choose in Asakusa?

Kimono names sound complicated until you know that only two things set the formality: how long the sleeves are, and where the pattern sits. Once you can read those two, you can choose at the counter in Asakusa without memorising a single Japanese term.

What decides how formal a kimono is?

Sleeve length and pattern placement. The longer the sleeve, and the more the pattern runs across the seams as one continuous picture, the more formal the kimono. Short sleeves and a small repeating motif scattered over the whole cloth mean an everyday piece.

Ranked that way, our plans start with komon, lace kimono and short-sleeve furisode at the casual end, move through homongi, iromuji and the two tomesode in the formal middle, and finish with furisode.

Komon, lace and short-sleeve furisode — when are they worn?

On a day of walking. Komon carries a small repeating pattern and starts at ¥6,000; lace kimono and short-sleeve furisode both start at ¥7,000. All three come with a half-width obi, which sits lighter around the waist and stays comfortable for six or seven hours.

Short-sleeve furisode, or nishakusode, is a furisode cut shorter. It keeps the festive look while the sleeves stay clear of the ground — useful in the Nakamise crowds and at the table.

How do homongi, iromuji and tomesode differ?

By where the pattern sits. On a homongi it flows from the shoulder down through the sleeve to the hem as one image, from ¥16,000. An iromuji has no pattern at all, just a single dyed colour, from ¥13,000. A tomesode keeps the upper body plain and places the pattern only along the hem: a black ground makes it a kurotomesode, any other colour an irotomesode. Both start at ¥16,000.

Kurotomesode has long been the most formal dress for married women, while irotomesode is worn by married and unmarried guests alike. For one day on a trip, homongi and iromuji are the easier two to carry off.

Who wears furisode?

Furisode is the long-sleeved formal style, historically the most formal dress for unmarried women and the standard choice at Coming of Age ceremonies. It is also the strongest kimono in a photograph. From ¥25,000. The security deposit for a premium furisode is ¥20,000 per person and ¥10,000 for other kimono, and we return it in full when the kimono comes back.

Those long sleeves ask for a little attention on stairs and over a meal, so furisode suits a day built around photographs.

Does the obi change with the type?

Yes. Lace, komon and short-sleeve furisode plans include a half-width obi, and an upgrade to a fukuro obi costs ¥1,500 for an otaiko knot or ¥3,000 for a decorative kawari knot. Iromuji, homongi, tomesode and furisode plans include the fukuro obi at no extra charge.

Every plan covers the kimono itself, zori sandals, a matching bag and basic hair styling with an accessory.

What about men’s and children’s kimono?

Men’s kimono starts at ¥8,000 and children’s kimono at ¥5,500. The fitting range for children is narrow, so telling us the child’s gender and height before you book helps us have the right size ready. Guests over 180cm, or anyone unsure about fit, are welcome to ask us in advance.

Can I reserve the exact kimono I like?

A kimono can be held only when it is paid in full, and it cannot be swapped after you arrive. If you would rather see the rack in person, book without a hold and choose at the counter — plenty of guests try several on before deciding.