Coloring Takahata with Kimono

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, I came to feel that kimono was quietly slipping out of daily life, and I kept wondering what I could do. 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.

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.”

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.

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.

* Dates may change. Please check Instagram for the latest.

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