The Day We Became the Scenery | Walking Through Kyoto in Spring Wearing Kimono
Wondering if the cherry blossoms were out yet, a friend and I wandered through the streets of Kyoto, both dressed in spring-like kimonos.
As we were taking pictures of each other on a bridge over the Shirakawa River, a kind foreign tourist offered, "I'll take your photo," and proceeded to snap a rapid-fire series of shots. Next, a young man asked, "Take a picture with me," and we stood side-by-side with him as he struck a pose.
Japanese people walking through tourist spots in kimonos are just like characters at a theme park.
We quietly slipped into the memories of those who had come to see the sights of their travels.
Off to the antique shop I've always admired.
Today, we are carrying the ultimate charm against evil.
"A wild grape vine basket bag."
Once you start loving kimonos, this is one of the things you eventually want to own.
It blends quietly into any outfit and any season.
When you walk around with this while wearing a pure silk kimono, shop clerks who know their stuff won't approach you lightly, nor will they treat you poorly.
I find myself boldly entering antique shops that usually feel too intimidating.
Not just the shop I intended to visit, but the one next door and the one across the street, too.
We think we are looking at and enjoying the city of Kyoto, but the city of Kyoto is watching us as we walk by in our pure silk kimonos with our wild grape vine bags.
Oh my, that's a bit scary.
But, a stroll through Kyoto like this isn't so bad either.
Now, the main event of the day is Kabuki at the Minamiza Theatre.
Young Kabuki actors are performing "Sonezaki Shinju," a play made famous by the movie "National Treasure."
I want to see these two young actors perform with their youthful perspective.
The effect of the movie is tremendous, and a "Sold Out" sign is hanging up.
The audience is much younger than usual!
The merchandise sales are also going strong!
The production of "Sonezaki Shinju" had been changed to be more compact and easier to understand than usual.
You want to get to those lines everyone is waiting to hear as quickly as possible, after all.
Even after the curtain falls, the day in Kyoto is not yet over.
Next, we head to a collar shop.
The colors of the small obi-age and obi-jime are just wonderful!
We are taught the beauty of color coordination, such as how using different shades of the same color can pull an outfit together.
Our conversation flows easily, covering topics like history and more.
Perhaps the protective charm was working here, too.
Spring in Kyoto is a place to go and see, but it is also a city where you yourself become part of the scenery.