A Kimono Experience with Friends from Abroad: Getting Around Asakusa with English Support
When a friend or colleague visits from abroad and asks you for “one really Japanese thing to do”, a kimono experience is a safe bet. The catch is language. Sorting out sizes and preferences involves more detail than you would expect.
We speak English, Chinese and Vietnamese
HANAYAKA has staff who handle English, Chinese and Vietnamese. From picking the kimono to adjustments during dressing to tips on how to pose, your guest can say what they want in their own language. There is a language selection on the online booking form as well.
A combination we recommend
For a first-time visitor, kimono plus a tea ceremony experience (¥12,100) goes down best. Walk to Sensoji in kimono, then whisk your own tea. Half a day, with Japan concentrated into it. For payment we take Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay and others.
What the conversations actually sound like, by language
The talk involved in choosing a kimono is finer-grained than people expect. “Something a bit brighter.” “The sleeves are too long.” “I want my hair up.” Run that through a translation app and the rhythm breaks, and half the fun goes with it. Our English, Chinese and Vietnamese speaking staff handle it directly, so guests can express what they like in their own words.
A sample “day in Japan” that guests enjoy
This is a combination we see often. 10:00 dressing, 11:00 Sensoji and a walk down Nakamise, 13:00 tempura lunch, 14:30 tea ceremony experience (¥12,100), 16:00 photos in Sumida Park with Skytree behind you, 17:30 return. That fits kimono, a temple, Japanese food, tea ceremony and a view into one day. It should also make life much easier for whoever is hosting.
Getting ahead of the payment, tipping and etiquette questions
Answers to what overseas guests usually ask, up front. No tipping. Payment by Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay and cards. Take your hat off inside the temple grounds, and do not walk down the centre of the approach. Telling them that much is enough. Our staff will cover the finer points on the spot.
Frequently asked questions
- Q. Can I book in English?
- The online booking form is in Japanese, but you are welcome to write in English in the notes field. On the day, English-speaking staff will look after you.
- Q. Do you make arrangements for Muslim guests?
- Please talk to us in advance. We will do what we can, for example with which staff handle the dressing.
- Q. Can I book on someone else’s behalf?
- Yes, you can book online for a friend. Please note the participants’ language in the notes field.
- Q. Can you recommend halal or vegetarian restaurants?
- We can point you to places nearby that cater for this. Just ask when you come in.
- Q. Can you take groups of five or more?
- Yes. Let us know the number of people and your preferred date by phone or in the notes field of the online booking. Groups of three or more get 15% off.
Book here