For couples, Christmas is a special event of the year.

Why not enjoy a date in Kyoto wearing a kimono this Christmas?

This time, we will introduce some recommended date spots where you can enjoy the mismatch of kimono and Christmas.

■ 4 recommended spots for a Christmas date in Kyoto

 

Kyoto is a treasure trove of date spots.

We have carefully selected four recommended date spots, from places that look great in kimonos to places that don't have the typical image of kimonos.

Use this as a reference when choosing a date spot to make your Christmas a memorable one.

 

◇Tofukuji Temple

Tofukuji Temple, where you can enjoy autumn leaves even in December, is also recommended for an adult Christmas date.

Tofukuji Temple, one of Kyoto's most famous spots for viewing autumn leaves, offers a spectacular view of the autumn leaves from the covered Tsutenkyo Bridge that extends from the main hall.

The contrast between the kimono and the autumn leaves will make for some Instagram-worthy photos.

It gets extremely crowded in November, when the autumn leaves are at their peak, but as the year draws to a close it becomes less crowded, so why not enjoy a Christmas date in a kimono and viewing the autumn leaves?

 

Reference: Tofukuji Temple

 

◇Sagano Trolley Train

The trolley train that runs from Sagano Station in Sakyo Ward to Kameoka Station is famous as a major tourist attraction in Sagano.

During the Christmas season, the roofs of the carriages are lit up with illuminations. The scenery of the snow-covered trees and Hozugawa River, which is different from the season of fresh greenery, is a spectacular sight that can only be enjoyed in winter.

However, since the trolley trains do not have windows, you will definitely feel the cold of winter directly. If you are sensitive to the cold, some carriages have stoves, so it is better to choose one of those. Also, the trolley trains are very popular even in winter, so we recommend making reservations as early as possible.

 

Reference: Sagano Scenic Train

 

◇Kyoto Aquarium

For couples who want a spectacular view but would rather stay indoors, we recommend Kyoto Aquarium, located close to Kyoto Station!

Events are held every season, and the content is different every year, so you never get bored.

During the Christmas season in 2017, an innovative and romantic event called "Starry Sky Jellyfish" was held, in which images were projected onto jellyfish.

The mismatch between the aquarium and the kimonos is photogenic, and you'll definitely want to take lots of pictures.

You can spend time comfortably indoors, so even those who are not used to wearing kimonos should be able to enjoy it.

 

Reference: Kyoto Aquarium

 

◇Toei Kyoto Studio Park

Toei Kyoto Studio Park is famous as a theme park with sets for period dramas.

Christmas and Edo don't seem to go together, but the greatest charm of the story is that they fit perfectly together because people are wearing kimonos.

Surprisingly, illuminations are held from Christmas through to the New Year, and the streets of Edo are enveloped in a magical light that will make your kimono look even more beautiful.

We recommend experiencing what it's like to be an actress on the open set often seen on TV and in movies, a unique experience at Kyoto Studio Park.

You can also enjoy attractions such as a haunted house and trick art museum, so why not spend the whole day there from day to night?

 

Reference: Toei Kyoto Studio Park

 

◇Tsaryou Tsujiri Kodaiji store

The Gion branch of Tsujiri, where you can enjoy the finest matcha sweets in Kyoto, is so popular that you will inevitably have to queue up due to its deliciousness. The line is so long that you may give up.

However, the Kodaiji store, located a 15-minute walk from Keihan Shijo Station, is a hidden gem with little waiting time.

The sweets made with plenty of Tsujiri's matcha are a little pricey, but they are definitely something you'll want to try at least once. We also recommend spending some relaxing time at Tsujiri during your Christmas date break.

 

Reference: Saryo Tsujiri Kodaiji store

■Is it cold to spend Christmas in Kyoto in a kimono?

Winter in Kyoto can be very cold, but if you take the right measures to protect yourself from the cold, you can stay comfortable. When it comes to protection from the cold, a kimono overcoat is the perfect solution.

However, if it's very cold, your cold protection may not be sufficient, so be sure to keep the following points in mind!

Since kimonos have an open neckline, items to keep the neck warm are essential.

Fur or shawls for women and scarves for men go well with kimonos.

Also, if you try to dress yourself with a disposable heating pad still attached, it will be difficult to take off the garment, and in the worst case scenario, you could suffer a "low-temperature burn."

Remember that heat packs are not stick-on types and are meant to warm your hands.

Wear thin, heat-generating underwear such as Heattech.

For women in particular, it is recommended to wear a kimono with a wide open collar, as it will not be visible under the kimono. To protect your lower body from the cold, wearing leggings can help reduce the coldness of your feet.

However, the most vulnerable part of the body is the feet. If the feet get cold, the whole body will get cold, so they are the part that needs the most protection from the cold.

We recommend special innerwear to wear under tabi socks, or tabi socks with fleece lining for protection against the cold. You'll be able to enjoy your date without feeling cold even in the cold winters of Kyoto. VASARA also has these items available. Please feel free to contact us.

■ Summary

We have introduced some Christmas date spots in Kyoto where you can look great in a kimono. What do you think?

A classic Christmas date is nice, but enjoying Christmas in a kimono every once in a while is sure to create some great memories.

Couples in kimonos tend to attract attention, but in a city like Kyoto, they will blend in naturally. Why not take on the challenge of a comfortable kimono Christmas date, taking precautions against the cold?