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Yukata, Kimono in Kyoto

By Shibuya246 · · 2 min read · 14 photos · 19 comments

This was a classic Fuji film momentPhoto dataCameraNikon D700Focal length40mmAperturef/9Shutter1/320sISO200Taken1 Jul 2009, 10:21
This was a classic Fuji film moment

The photos I took in Kyoto are going to take quite a bit of sorting out. Whilst I am still on the laptop and with the memory cards filling up quickly, I'll share a few of the photos as best I can over the next few days. Once I get back to Tokyo I can sort them out better and give a full update.

These ladies enjoying the tour for the day. Great way to visit KiyomizideraPhoto dataCameraNikon D700Focal length82mmAperturef/5.3Shutter1/125sISO200Taken1 Jul 2009, 12:28
These ladies enjoying the tour for the day. Great way to visit Kiyomizidera

With the weather turning very nice in Kyoto, rather than the forecast rain, we went to Kiyomizudera 清水寺 to enjoy the fine view, the temple and the tourist shops that cater to both the Japanese domestic tourists as well as the many international visitors.

Today's selection of photos are themed on the many girls who were wearing yukata and kimono around the Kiyomizudera area when we visited.

Kimonobox on left gets in the act with 2 friendly girlsPhoto dataCameraNikon D700Focal length45mmAperturef/6.3Shutter1/160sISO200Taken1 Jul 2009, 10:25
Kimonobox on left gets in on the act with 2 friendly girls
Showing off the obi of these ladies yukata as they get their tour explainedPhoto dataCameraNikon D700Focal length120mmAperturef/5.6Shutter1/30sISO200Taken1 Jul 2009, 10:49
Showing off the obi of these ladies yukata as they get their tour explained
It's hot work for everyone behind and in front of the camerasPhoto dataCameraNikon D700Focal length75mmAperturef/5.3Shutter1/100sISO200Taken1 Jul 2009, 11:09
It's hot work for everyone behind and in front of the cameras

Most of the girls, ladies were very obliging and more than willing to have their photo taken. There were a lot of school children around as well who wanted to ask questions and take photos.

This gentleman out for a stroll with his well dressed ladyPhoto dataCameraNikon D700Focal length120mmAperturef/8Shutter1/250sISO200Taken1 Jul 2009, 11:46
This gentleman out for a stroll with his well dressed lady
Like a scene from a movie as these 2 walked off into the distancePhoto dataCameraNikon D700Focal length120mmAperturef/5.6Shutter1/60sISO200Taken1 Jul 2009, 11:49
Like a scene from a movie as these 2 walked off into the distance

This next lady I spotted when I was inside a store. I came out and asked whether she would mind some photos. She was delighted to have some taken.

Great colors in this kimonoPhoto dataCameraNikon D700Focal length85mmAperturef/13Shutter1/640sISO800Taken1 Jul 2009, 13:23
Great colors in this kimono
great Kyoto scene. textbook stuffPhoto dataCameraNikon D700Focal length100mmAperturef/11Shutter1/500sISO800Taken1 Jul 2009, 13:23
great Kyoto scene. textbook stuff
As she wanders off, a reminder that its just another day in beautiful KyotoPhoto dataCameraNikon D700Focal length120mmAperturef/11Shutter1/500sISO800Taken1 Jul 2009, 13:26
As she wanders off, a reminder that its just another day in beautiful Kyoto

@Kimonobox hadn't been back to Kiyomizudera since her first visit over 20 years ago, so she was keen to jump into a few photos with new made friends.

3 very pretty girls posing with a happy @kimonoboxPhoto dataCameraNikon D700Focal length120mmAperturef/14Shutter1/800sISO800Taken1 Jul 2009, 13:31
3 very pretty girls posing with a happy @kimonobox
Thanks girls. See you next timePhoto dataCameraNikon D700Focal length78mmAperturef/14Shutter1/800sISO800Taken1 Jul 2009, 13:31
Thanks girls. See you next time

As we walked back down past Koudaiji, Yasaka-jinja and through Gion before getting to back to the hotel, we passed these ladies in Gion Corner. They were not dressed up for an outing, these are their work clothes. Understandably, they were not quite as keen to have photos taken.

dropping off hand written letters for customersPhoto dataCameraNikon D700Focal length120mmAperturef/8Shutter1/400sISO800Taken1 Jul 2009, 14:46
dropping off hand written letters for customers
Just a casual walk to workPhoto dataCameraNikon D700Focal length120mmAperturef/7.1Shutter1/320sISO800Taken1 Jul 2009, 14:45
Just a casual walk to work

This was a great day at Kiyomizudera with so many super sites. I have about 500 photos from this day alone and am keen to share them all with you. Once back in Tokyo I promise to post more about this day and the rest of the trip. By the time the trip is over the photo count might get as high as 2,000 !! Stand by.

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19 comments

Comments are closed. These are from readers when the post was first published.

  1. remino

    Please correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't most of the girls pictured here wearing summer yukata rather than kimono?

  2. Pau

    Kyoto is my favorite city in the world. Always remember fondly the walks along Gion or its beautiful temples. Indeed, some very beautiful and evocative photos. A greeting from Spain.

  3. dr.bear

    sugoi....o.o i really want to see kyoto in my whole two naked eyes personally... i want to be there someday.. really... hope so...^-^ the yukatas were great... especially the light blue flowery one in -3 very pretty girls posing with a happy @kimonobox- kawaii..!! <(^~^<)(>^~^)> ^~^ i usually want to have kimonos and wearing it..but its better for me not too... it will just end up making me look like a pathetic small girl if i do it here in our country...^-^ ->dr.bear(>^^)v

  4. nyhunter

    Wow, great pictures and looks like a beautiful day!

  5. whipcracker

    You've got your work cut out for you when you get back. just a few observations but in the first picture girl third from the left doesn't look Japanese her complexion is lighter,the yukatas really makes them look more comfortable. Hand written letters,surely that's not mail delivery?lol o.0 Kimonobox looks like she is having a great time also, I have here on my RSS feed page I'll have to check her's out also. The photo of the couple in the park that you took reminds me of the song by Little River Band "Reminissing" Btw any conbinis in Kyoto? Look forward to the rest of the great photos very soon, don't run out of memory cards!B) Have fun

  6. shibuya246

    Most of them are Yukata. Wearing a kimono takes a lot more preparation and care than a Yukata. Also, the walk up to Kiyomizudera is not really suited to full kimono. The Yukata are nice and light for the summer months.

  7. Shibuya246

    Nice to hear from Spain. Thanks for your comments. Kyoto is very beautiful, particularly on a nice sunny day.

  8. Shibuya246

    I hope you get to see Kyoto soon :)

  9. Shibuya246

    Thanks. KimonoBox will be pleased :). They looked a lot cooler in Yukata than I did in Western clothes. There are heaps of conbini's in Kyoto. Many of the same products as Tokyo though.

  10. Shibuya246

    Thanks for dropping by. Hope to hear from you again soon. :)

  11. Observer Ordinaire

    What sort of job is that? Are they mailwomen? I've never seen that before!

  12. Shibuya246

    They are most likely maiko (geisha in training) or junior geisha. Whilst they generally perform their music or dancing in the evening, during the day they will either practice or be sent out to visit potential customers to help improve business. :)

  13. Observer Ordinaire

    Oh! Thnx for replying :D

  14. shibuya246

    Wish I could have stayed to see Gion Matsuri. I remember going to it years ago and it was great. Enjoy :)

  15. Jay

    Terrific photos! Seems like it wasn't so long since I was there but really makes me wanna go back. Thanks for sharing!:D

  16. Shibuya246

    Thanks. Really enjoyed this trip and taking the photos

  17. xine

    Another reason to visit Japan, beautiful Kyoto. Love the pictures. Great job!

  18. Shibuya246

    Thanks. Glad you liked the pictures. :)

  19. magan

    We have been travelling through Japan independently for month and half. I took many photos to make sure I bring back memories of beauty, excitement, magic and mystery and of meeting Japanese people. After seeing your photos I have to say you captured it all. You are true artist. But most of all, your wonderment and love shines through. Thank you for sharing your talent.