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L1. In order to take lessons, what should I do?
All lessons are reservation-only. Please fill in the reservation form and send it to us. We consider requests until 18:00 on the day before the lesson.
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L2. How many people in a class?
We have private lessons only. That means one person in one class.
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L3. Can I have a makeup lesson if I fail to attend?
If you cancel by 15:00 on the day before the lesson, we offer a makeup lesson. If you cancel after that time or are absent without notice, it will be considered as one lesson taken. It means that one ticket is used.
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L4. What kind of fee structure do you have?
We have a ticket purchasing system. Please find more details in this page.
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L5. How long is one lesson?
Two hours.
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L6. How many lessons are needed in order to learn how to wear kimono?
For beginners, around ten lessons are needed.
You need to learn the mechanisms of kimono and obi (belt), to understand the meaning of each action, and to repeat the practice of wearing the kimono. In order to be more specific, we use a mannequin so that you can see the parts which are usually invisible and understand the whole structure of kimono.
If you are in a hurry, you can book multiple classes in a week so that you learn in a short period of time.
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L7. Do you have a visiting or experience class?
No we don’t. Purchasing a single ticket is good for the purpose. After the first lesson, you can decide whether to continue the successive lessons or not.
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L8. What is the content of the first lesson?
First, you will prepare your kimono and other items. We ask you to bring what you have. Then, we will see what has to be additionally obtained, and consult how to arrange them by the next lesson.
Then, you will learn the functions of each item such as kimono, obi, and other materials and how to use them.
Finally, you will observe the demonstration we dress the mannequin so that you can easily understand how those items fit together.
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L9. I am taking kimono wearing lessons in a different place. Can I take your class as well at the same time?
We don’t refuse. As long as you concentrate on our method while you are in our class, we have no problem. However, you may be confused since each class has a different method.
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L10. Do you have any particular curriculum?
It depends on customer’s needs. We start from where the customer wants to learn.
For example, if you want to learn how to wear formal kimono, we start with houmongi (semiformal kimono) and the obi which corresponds to it. If you want to learn how to wear yukata (informal cotton kimono), we start with yukata.
In any case, in the first lesson, we do the preparation of your items, explanation of each item, and observation of actual dressing. In the second lesson, you will learn hosei (padding the body) and how to wear underwear and juban (undergarment). This process is very important so we take our time here. Then, from the third lesson, you will learn how to wear kimono.
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L11. I don’t have a kimono. Can I still take a lesson?
We ask you to purchase a set of items of your own since repetition of practices is needed in order for you to acquire the skill.
In the first lesson, we will tell you what you need to get. You are required to have a complete set of items of your own by the second lesson.
You may choose where to purchase these items.
At Atelier Zen, we sell used kimono as well as brand-new underwear, juban (undergarment), and other small articles.
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L12. How much does a used kimono cost?
The price of a silk casual kimono such as komon and tsumugi ranges from about 20,000 yen including obi (belt), obijime (decorative string), and obiage (sash). Those are in a sufficient condition for wearing outside.
This does not include other small items such as underwear and juban (undergarment). We sell these items in brand-new condition for extra cost.
We do not sell yukata (informal cotton kimono) or half-breadth obi (belt)
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L13. Can I obtain a qualification to become a teacher?
No, you can’t obtain such qualification at Atelier Zen.
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L14. Can I come to lessons in common clothes other than kimono?
Yes, you can. Please bring a set of kimono items with you.
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S1. How to make a reservation?
Please fill in the reservation form and send it to us. We receive requests until 15:00 three days before the day of dressing.
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S2. Do you have a visiting service?
No we don’t. We do the dressing service only at Atelier-Zen.
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S3. Do you have a dressing service outside of business hours?
We respond to private inquiries. Please contact.
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S4. Do you take same day reservations?
No, we don’t. Please make a reservation by 15:00 three days before the day of dressing.
For example, please make a reservation by 15:00 on May 2 when you want a dressing service on May 5.
In order to ensure your dressing is perfect, we need to schedule an advance consultation so that we can confirm that you have all items needed, and they all fit you correctly. In this way, your appearance will be just right and you won’t get tired on the day of dressing. We want to make sure you are fully satisfied with your kimono wearing.
Obviously it is best to have a face-to-face consultation at the atelier. However, we can arrange a phone or email consultation if you prefer. The consultation is included in the dressing service fee.
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S5. Do you have a hair set service?
No, we don’t. We have kimono wearing service only.
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S6. Do you dress furisode (kimono with long, trailing sleeves)?
Yes, we do. In case of furisode, reservation of dressing service must be made by 15:00 one week before the day of dressing. Please note that, if you need to purchase a used furisode, your reservation must be made by 15:00 three months before the day of dressing.
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S7. Do you dress men and children in kimono?
No we don’t. We do it only for women.
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S8. How long do you take to dress?
About one hour.
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E1. Can travelers make a reservation?
Yes, we welcome travelers. Please fill in the reservation form and send it to us.
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E2. I don’t speak Japanese. Is it OK?
Yes, it is fine. We communicate in simple English.
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E3. Can I rent a kimono?
No you can’t. We ask you to purchase a set of kimono items, which includes kimono, obi (belt), juban (undergarment), underwear, komono (small itmes), and zori (sandals).
Kimono and obi are used ones, but made of silk and in a good condition.
The price of a set of items ranges from 23,000 yen.
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E4. Can you keep my luggage?
Yes we can. We take your luggage up to 18:00.
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E5. Can I change into my clothes at the atelier?
Yes, you can until 18:00 although the place we can provide is not very spacious.
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E6. Is kimono suitable in the very hot season?
You may find it difficult to go out in kimono in the middle of summer since it is extremely humid in Tokyo. However, you can take pictures in the atelier within the time span of the session.
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E7. How long do you take to dress?
About one hour.
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E8. Can we make a reservation for more than two people at the same time?
You can make reservation for two people at the same time.
For more than three people, please contact us.
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E9. Are there any good places nearby for taking pictures?
Yes, there are some good places. For example;
A promenade (in cherry blossom in the spring) 1 minute
Local shrine (Kitazawa Hachiman) and temple (Shinganji) 8 minutes
The Meiji Shrine 15 minutes by taxi or 35 minutes by train
The Nezu Museum 15 minutes by taxi or 35 minutes by train
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E10. Is it necessary to wear zori (sandals)?
No, it is not necessary. If you don’t feel like wearing them, please bring your own comfortable sandals. We will subtract the price of zori from the service fee. Please tell us about it at the time of reservation.
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E11. What happens in the case of rain?
You can take pictures in the atelier within the time span of the session.
Alternatively, you can easily get to Shibuya. It is only a one minute walk to the bus stop where you can take a bus for Shibuya.
