Coloring Takahata with Kimono
A small way to help the town come alive, just by wearing kimono
Will you wear kimono with us?
Just walking the town in kimono helps bring it to life.
Won’t you join us?
Bringing kimono back into everyday life
Hello, I’m Hana Iguchi — HANA. For more than 20 years I’ve done hair, make-up and kimono dressing for weddings and on location, and I’ve watched hundreds of moments when someone puts on a kimono.
Along the way, what I came to feel was this: kimono had become something only for special occasions.
I really believe kimono isn’t only for “special days” — it can be part of ordinary life again. It may never be what it once was, but if it doesn’t find a place in our everyday wardrobe, it could quietly disappear.
That was when I thought of my hometown, Takahata-Fudo. With its historic temple and shrine and its seasonal events, it is a town where kimono looks truly at home. I thought, what if kimono could make it even lovelier?
It’s a town that suits kimono so well, and yet you hardly ever see anyone wearing one. So why not use kimono to bring it to life? It doesn’t have to be Asakusa or Kyoto — I’d be happy if it simply became a lovely place to go out in kimono.
I want to make this town a place people go out of their way to visit. Through kimono, people come together and smile. Making that little flow happen is what I’m working on now.
Are there really that many people who want to wear kimono?
Plenty of people are curious about kimono. The kimono world has long been called a “declining” one, but online — among younger people and visitors from overseas alike — more and more are saying “I’d love to try wearing kimono” or “I want to learn to dress myself.”
But many can never take that first step: “I have no occasion to wear one,” “I don’t know where I could even try,” “I’m worried about how people would look at me…”
Have you ever felt that way too?
Wearing one on your own can feel a little scary — but with others, doesn’t it feel possible?
The first step: a small kimono circle
We begin by forming a small kimono circle. Members walk the town together, so that locals start to feel “there seem to be more people in kimono lately.” As kimono becomes a familiar sight to local shops and neighbors, we slowly widen what we do.
We ask local restaurants to offer little touches for guests in kimono, and set up kimono booths at the city’s larger events. In this way, we spread a circle of kimono throughout Hino City.
And we share it all on social media. As it spreads, kimono lovers beyond Hino — and travelers from overseas — discover how photogenic Takahata and Hino are. We think that will bring more visitors from overseas, too.
From a small kimono circle out to local shops and commerce, the area around Takahata-Fudoson, and all of Hino City.
The wider the circle grows, the more visitors come to this “town that suits kimono.”
What is the kimono circle?
People who love kimono — or are simply curious about it — gather to stroll around Hino in kimono, hold tea gatherings, and sometimes join the events at Takahata-Fudoson. It’s an easygoing group that gathers around some small get-together.
We meet once or twice a month, letting kimono become a familiar sight in Takahata. (Each plan is announced on Instagram and Threads as it comes up.)
If you can’t put on a kimono yourself, HANA will help you all the way. We also offer group lessons within the circle, and can introduce our kimono-dressing class. Anyone with an interest in kimono is welcome to join.
Upcoming gatherings
We hold kimono-circle days twice a month. Beyond the group lessons,
you’re very welcome to just drop by for tea. We mix weekends and weekdays.
* The latest schedule is always announced on Instagram and Threads.
Upcoming local events
Seasonal happenings worth dropping by in kimono
Obi Coordination (August circle)
Let’s find the perfect obi to pair with your kimono. We’ll share coordination tips, too — beginners very welcome.
Gozare Market Kimono Hunt
A secondhand-kimono market at Takahata-Fudoson. HANA supports styling advice and try-on sessions (¥500 tea donation for try-on guests).
Marché
A small Japanese-style marché held at HANA Kimono Salon. You’re very welcome to drop by in kimono.
Machi-Zemi: Basic Makeup Class
Before kimono, start with the simple joy of feeling your best — a small-group basic makeup class.
Hachioji (2 min from Hachioji Stn., south exit) Oct 1 (Thu) 10:30–11:30 / Oct 10 (Sat) 14:00–15:00 / Oct 14 (Wed) 19:00–20:00
Hino (HANA Kimono Salon, 1 min from Takahata-Fudo Stn.) Oct 16 (Fri) 19:00–20:00 / Oct 20 (Tue) 10:00–11:00 / Nov 1 (Sun) 14:00–15:00
Tama Oct 26 (Mon) 10:30–11:30 (Tama Center) / Nov 26 (Thu) 19:00–20:00 (Seiseki-Sakuragaoka) / Nov 29 (Sun) 15:00–16:00 (Seiseki-Sakuragaoka)
* Applications are taken directly by HANA Kimono Salon (phone 070-8522-8517 / e-mail / LINE).
Hachioji sessions open on September 16. Start dates for Hino and Tama will be announced.
* Dates may change. Please check Instagram for the latest.
Pass on the kimono you no longer wear
We’re glad to take in kimono that sit unused at home, any time. The kimono you give us are carefully passed on to their next wearer through our dressing class and circle. And if you ever think “actually, I’d love to wear it after all,” we’re always happy to help you put it on.
> Ask about handing over kimonoWe spoke on the radio
Hana was invited as a guest on Tama no Niche na Nakama-tachi, an interview show on Radio Tamanicchi
that introduces people with ties to the Tama area.
She talks about kimono, and about her wish to bring the streets of Takahata back to life through it.
Aired August 3, 2026 · about 29 min · in Japanese
* If the player does not load, you can listen on stand.fm.
Wear kimono in Takahata
Whether it’s your very first time, or it’s simply been a while.
Come and see what it’s like. Feel free to reach us by Instagram DM or email.
Instagram: @kimono_town_hino_ · Email: hana@kmnhana.com