Hakone Sekisho (checkpoint) was an important passage for travelers in the 1600s
Hakone is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Japan. It holds unlimited attractions including Owakudani, a famous hot spring spot offering a dynamic, volcanic landscape, and a splendid view of Mt. Fuji. Hakone Sekisho is located on the bank of Lake Ashi which offers a great view of Mt. Fuji. This was a place to control traffic for travelers entering or leaving Edo (former name for Tokyo) in the 1600s, with functions similar to that of an immigration bureau.
You will feel as if you have traveled back to Japan of the olden times when you walk through this area where the impressive architecture and atmosphere of that time have been reproduced. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get dressed in a kimono and walk through such a fantastic place!? Actually, there aren’t many rental kimono shops in Hakone and therefore, dressing up in a kimono is not easily possible here. But we have great news for you! Tabimonogatari-kan (hall), next to the Hakone Sekisho, has started with rental kimono and other services to experience Japanese culture!
Check below for more details!
http://www.tabi-wataiken.fujihakoneizu.com/en
Experience a photo shoot, tea ceremony, and even enjoy a stroll!
You can select your favorite kimono from a variety of colors and patterns!
Then the professional staff will help you wear your choice of kimono.
Since you can also purchase cute hair ornaments that match your kimono here, wouldn’t it be lovely to purchase one at this rental store.
Rental kimono for men are also available. So, both couples and friends can enjoy this experience.
Tabimonogatari-kan opens at 8:45 in the morning. Since you need to return the kimono by 16:00, you can experience a variety of Japanese attractions as you have plenty of time to wander around in your kimono.
◆ Tea ceremony experience
You can experience Japanese traditional tea ceremony at a perfect reproduction of an authentic tea room. You can enjoy watching how matcha (green tea) is prepared in front of you!
◆ Strolling and photo shoot at a Japanese-style garden overlooking Lake Ashi!
This Japanese-style garden is perfect for taking photos. You can see a great view of Lake Ashi and, when it is sunny, Mt. Fuji too. How about showing off dressed in a kimono by uploading photos to social media?
◆ Get dressed in a kimono and stroll around Hakone Sekisho
Hakone Sekisho is a place where travelers passed through in the olden days. It has been perfectly reproduced as it was back in the day including the atmosphere of its building and the doll display. You will feel as if you have traveled back in time by strolling around in a kimono here.
◆ Have Japanese confectionery called Odango at Obansho Chaya!
In Japan, cafés used to be called “chaya”. Obansho Chaya is a reproduction of an old Japanese café. Why don’t you have odango (usually a dumpling made using rice flour), a confectionery that Japanese people have eaten for a long time!
◆ Cedar avenue of Hakone Old Tokaido (highway)
Hakone Old Tokaido is a highway that was used by travelers in the old times and is located right across the street from the Hakone Sekisho.
Japanese cedars over 100 years old are lined along the street is a beautiful sight. This is the best place for strolling in a kimono!
◆ Cruising around Lake Ashi by a sightseeing boat
Hakone Sekisho-atoko (port) is located next to the Hakone Sekisho. You can get on a sightseeing boat from here. The mystical view of the red gates of Hakone shrine from the boat is breathtaking!
◆ Travel a little further and worship at Hakone shrine
Even though it is a little far, it is recommended that you go visit the Hakone shrine, whose symbol is the red gate that you can see from the boat.
The area under the large red gates is the most popular photo spot.
Unbeatable set plan!
A kimono rental up to 16:00 including dressing will cost only 3,000 yen at Tabimonogatari-kan. Although it’s already very reasonable, it is definitely wise to choose the set plan introduced above when you plan to visit the places! The plan will cost just 4,100 yen including a rental kimono with dressing, tea ceremony experience with confectionery, and a Lake Ashino cruise! It will be 1,100 yen cheaper than when you would pay for all of the three separately.
Please check the official site for detailed plans and their prices!
Official site:
http://www.tabi-wataiken.fujihakoneizu.com/en
Many tourists from different countries have already dressed in a kimono and strolled around at Hakone Sekisho!
Although you can see many tourists dressed in a rental kimono, strolling at artificial amusement parks or at temples in the centre of big cities, Tabimonogatari-kan is currently the only place where you can rent a kimono and walk around Hakone Sekisho, an authentically reproduced historical site, Hakone shrine, Lake Ashino and enjoy a view of Mt. Fuji. We have already seen many tourists all over the world enjoying this great experience with joy.
Why don’t you become like a Japanese by wearing a kimono if you plan to visit Hakone on your next trip?
