Tips on Kyoto Kimono Rental

                         Japanese kimono is very beautiful. I think, every girl who is interested with Japanese culture would like to wear it at least once. However, it's so expensive (more than 2000 dollars) that most Japanese who buy it pass it to the next generation of women in their families. For foreigners and anyone who can't afford to buy, maybe it's a good idea to go to a kimono rental shop to be dressed in kimono by real specialists (it's almost impossible to wear a kimono on your own and there are specialists who were well-trained to do it). I have tried this experience last cherry blossoms festival in Kyoto so here are some tips for those who would like to experience it too!

1. Search for the best rental shop for you. You might want to consider these when choosing;

• Details about the price- Of course, everyone wants to save money. The cheapest might be catchy but make sure what's included in the package. You wouldn't like to pay additional charges for somthing like choosing kimono colors etc. 
• Location- Is the place accessible from where you will come from and where you are planning to go? You might spend less for the kimono but spend more for transportation.

Here are some with English websites- Okamoto, Kyokogoro, Yumekyoto, Umesakura and more. I had mine at Yumeyakata because it was only 2,500 that time. It's my Japanese friend who made a reservation for us so I'm not sure if the staffs can talk in English or not.

2. When you find the answers to number one, call the company and make a reservation so you can avoid hassles on your chosen date if ever there'll be lots of people on that day. Also, don't forget to ask the rental shop where you can have your hair done if you would like a Japanese hairstyle. Ask for the salon's number and make a reservation there too.

3. Before you go to the rental shop, make sure you bring your make-up and accessories (including the artificial flower that you want to put in your hair if you have one). You might also want to bring a smaller wallet so it can fit in your small kimono pouch when you leave your things at the rental shop and start walking around Kyoto.


4. Go to the rental shop at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time. They wouldn't like you to be neither very early nor late since the Japanese follow time strictly, they might not accommodate you well in that case.


5. There's plenty of flamboyant kimonos to choose from. Ask for permission if you can be allowed to mix and match the kimonos and the obis (belts). Remember to be orderly when doing this.



6. Enjoy the whole process of being dolled up like a real Japanese girl! Be cautious when taking pictures at the dressing room.

7. Choose your slippers and pouch (included in the fee) then go to the salon to have your hair done. You can also buy hair ornaments there. I preferred to put real sakura flowers, they're free! haha

8. Remember not to stain your kimono. Keep in mind how expensive it is.

9. As soon as you start walking wearing a kimono, you'll know you have to move finely. It was honestly hard for me. Also, tourists would love to take photos of you so be kind in talking to them. (Funny how many of them hesitated to talk to me in English because they thought I'm Japanese).

10. Return to the rental shop on time or else you'll have to pay more. Go early if you don't want to rush in changing your clothes because the shop has to close on their scheduled time. You can also bring home the socks that they've given you.

Me while enjoying the beautiful sakura trees.

Side Trip in Ogaki

                         Ogaki City is one of the progressive cities in Gifu prefecture. There are lots of interesting shops and restaurants near Ogaki station. Just ten minutes away from it, you can reach Ogaki castle on foot. I decided to go to this castle on my way to Osaka because I know the important role it played during the Battle of Sekigahara.

                         I was surprised to know that the castle is surrounded by many residential houses. Anyone not looking for it but found himself in the area would be surprised that there's a town's jewel right in the middle of ordinary houses.

                     It might not be so special to someone who has been to bigger Japanese castles but it's still worth to see especially during the cherry blossoms season. It's a very good spot for having hanami (flower viewing) picnic. It also has a small playground near the castle ground so families with children would surely enjoy their stay here.

                        On my way back to the station, I was lucky to pass by a line of cherry blossom trees next to the river. I also witnessed a group of people who were riding on a boat to enjoy the season more.

It must really be a great experience but I unfortunately didn't have time to do it too. 

Common Questions from Japanese Students

Heads up to all those who are going to start teaching in Japan! Here are common questions from students.

1. How old are you? 
Tell them you're 100 if you don't want them to know your age.

2.What is your favorite food? 
They'll laugh at you when you say ordinary Japanese food such as takoyaki,melon pan,onigiri etc.

3. What is your favorite sports? 
You'll make soccer players happy when you say soccer,it's as if they suddenly found a special connection with you.

4. What is your hometown like? 
You're goin to introduce it anyway, just remember to use simple English.

5. Why did you go to Japan? 
Coz I love Japan then wink!lol They might want to hear something interesting from you.

6. How many people are there in your family? 
Weird but it's a very common Japanese question, sometimes they include their pets when answering this question.

7. What do you like in Japan? 
They'll be glad to hear good things about their country.

8. What is strange in Japan? 
Try not to make a face when you hear this,haha..In my case, I talked about Japanese gestures such as pointing their noses when referring to themselves, waving their hands in front of them when they say no [which means "smelly" for us] or anything that you can think of because they really don't know those.

9. When will you go back to your country? 
Rude right? But they don't mean to make you go home,they just wanna know how long are you planning to stay with them. You might as well avoid saying that you just wanna stay for a short time so you won't disappoint them.

10. Do you have a girlfriend/boyfriend? 
The ice breaker! I remember I was asked if how many boyfriends do I have and I unconsciously gestured "stop" using my hands but my students understood it as "10 boyfriends!" lol

Just have fun guys! You don't have to be very serious in answering their questions,make it light because your students might be 10x more nervous than you! Try not to reveal your country right away, ask them to guess then give hints (the magic word for The Philippines is "banana"!). When you make a speech, keep it short and simple then smile!

Gambatte kudasai!Yoroshiku ne!