One of the most popular souvenir items for foreigners is the Japanese kimono. Kimonos for foreigners feature various motifs and designs that symbolize Japan, such as weeping cherry blossoms, pine trees and cranes, picture scrolls, dragons and tigers, and so on. Some foreigners may wish to purchase kimonos sold in Japan for their own use or to give as gifts to friends. Therefore, this article introduces six kimonos that are recommended Japanese souvenirs for foreigners. Please refer to this article when considering which to purchase as a souvenir at a nearby department store or general store during your trip to Kyoto or Osaka.
Robe-shaped and easy to wear “Kimono for foreigners: Heian Emaki
The kimono we recommend as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “Kimono for Foreigners: Heian Emaki” (7,150 yen including tax).
The “Kimono for Foreigners: Heian Emaki” is a robe-type kimono that allows you to easily enjoy the traditional beauty of Japan. Normal kimonos are expensive and difficult to put on, making them a difficult item for people from overseas. However, this kimono is made of polyester satin material, making it light and easy to wear. Since it can be easily woven like a robe, it would be ideal as relaxing wear at home. In addition, the design of this kimono is based on Japanese picture scrolls from the Heian period (794-1185), and the beautiful designs characteristic of picture scrolls are depicted throughout. An emakimono is an item in the form of a scroll with a set of text and pictures. If you like Japanese historical items, this is a recommended Japanese souvenir.
Kimono for Foreigners: Weeping Cherry Blossoms” in a light purple color that looks mature
The next most popular Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “Kimono for Foreigners: Shidare-Zakura” (7,150 yen including tax).
The “Kimono for Foreigners: Shidare-Zakura” is a piece that is popular among foreigners because of its calm, light purple color that enhances its mature look. It is made of polyester satin, making it light and soft to wear, and even kimono beginners can easily enjoy it. The size is 142 cm in length and 62 cm in width at the back, making it perfect for people 150-170 cm in height. The design is decorated with a weeping cherry blossom motif, which in the language of flowers means “grace,” “purity,” and “mature beauty. The drooping branches of weeping cherry trees evoke the image of a woman of age and dignity, adding a mature elegance to the kimono. On the other hand, weeping cherry trees also have a unique floral language, “deceit,” and have a fantastic image as if they are hiding something behind their branches. As a gift, it is an excellent item that reminds us of the beauty of Japan.
Cotton Kimono for Foreigners, Pine and Crane” with a cool black cloth
The “Cotton Kimono for Foreigners: Pine and Crane” (6,710 yen including tax), with its simple design, is another kimono recommended as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners.
This kimono is made of black cloth with a traditional design of pine trees and cranes, giving it a chic and cool look. It is made of 100% cotton and is comfortable to the touch. It is popular as relaxing wear, as it can be used as indoor wear, loungewear, or a bathrobe. In addition, the fact that it can be easily put on like a robe and can be worn without any knowledge of dressing is appreciated by people from overseas, making it a perfect souvenir or gift for foreigners. The pine tree depicted on the kimono symbolizes eternal life and is an auspicious design as a symbol of longevity. The crane also symbolizes the bond between husband and wife, and is meant to pray for longevity and prosperity. Since it is machine washable, it is easy to care for and highly practical.
Cotton Kimono for Foreigners “Dragon and Tiger in Navy Blue” with a dragon and tiger for a big impact
The next kimono recommended as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “Cotton Kimono for Foreigners – Dragon and Tiger – Navy Blue” (7,150 yen including tax).
This kimono features an eye-catching, bold design of a dragon and tiger, which will make a powerful impact on others just by wearing it. It comes with a thin obi made of the same fabric for a Japanese style. The dragon on the kimono is a symbol of power and dignity, while the tiger represents courage and strength, and the design of these two motifs woven together will give you a sense of toughness and Japanese tradition. The 100% cotton material is comfortable to the touch and can be worn comfortably as indoor or loungewear. In addition, since it can be easily put on like a robe, it can be easily enjoyed without any knowledge of dressing. The dragon and tiger design gives a sense of Japanese culture, making it a popular gift for foreigners.
Silk Touch Japanese Pattern Robe (Long) [Kaguyahime Black]” with a prominent Kaguyahime motif design
The “Silk Touch Japanese Pattern Robe (Long) [Kaguyahime Black]” (9,900 yen including tax) is another kimono recommended as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners.
This kimono features gorgeous floral patterns, and its design symbolizes the beauty of Japan. It can be easily dressed up by simply putting it on over casual clothes, and can also be worn in a variety of ways that can be arranged to look like a kimono by wrapping a red ribbon around it. The design of the flower wheel is also a wish for good luck and happiness, and the Japanese-style pattern is a key feature of this item. The story of “Kaguyahime,” which is the theme of the design, is a classic piece of Japanese classical literature that conveys the lesson that wealth and power will not win a person’s heart. This item would also be a good gift for those who love Japanese classical literature.
Silk-touch Japanese Pattern Robe (Long) [Five-story Pagoda in Dark Blue]” with a cherry blossom and crane pattern
The last recommended kimono we would like to introduce as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “Silk Touch Japanese Pattern Robe (Long) [Five-Story Pagoda in Navy Blue]” (9,900 yen including tax).
This kimono features the smooth texture of silk material and a crane design that shines against the pure white fabric. The luster of the silk and the crane design harmonize to express the elegant and refined beauty of Japan. In particular, the crane design on the white background enhances the glamour and gives an elegant impression. The kimono is arranged for foreigners and can be easily put on by simply putting it on. The crane used in the design is a symbol of longevity and good fortune in Japan, and has long been a popular motif with a celebratory meaning, as seen in the Noh play “Tsurukame” (The Crane and Turtle). In the Edo period (1603-1867), the custom of making 1,000 paper cranes to pray for recovery from illness and longevity spread, and they also came to be valued as a symbol of peace. If you like motifs that symbolize Japan, this is a must-have item for you to wear.
Conclusion
In this article, we have introduced six kimonos, which are recommended Japanese souvenirs for foreigners. In Japan, kimonos with various motifs such as flower carriages, cranes, and Heian-emaki are sold.
In addition, traditional designs that are not simple patterns, but rather show beauty and toughness, such as weeping cherry blossoms and dragons and tigers, are probably the most impactful patterns for foreigners. If you want to give kimonos as souvenirs to many friends, visit a general store and purchase kimonos. Also, if you are interested in Japanese kimonos made of high-end materials, we recommend that you visit department stores or kimono specialty stores in Kyoto or Osaka to select your souvenirs.
