We combine visits to family in Japan with our buying trips, arranging to visit markets and shops while there. We choose things from the vendors that catch our eye--things we would enjoy owning and using ourselves. Some accessory pieces are purchased from retail shops, as they are not available any other way. Our clothing items are all previously owned and were found in the greater Tokyo area.

Susan Fatemi may have added some patterns for antique Japanese garments. To learn more about Susan's offerings you can find more about her site on our links page. Updated August 2006:Also, in the last year or so (since 2005) a number of patterns for making kimono (and other Japanese garments) have become available. A search on google for kimono patterns turns up quite a few we didn't know existed.(You can go to that google search page by clicking HERE).

The kimono is colorful, artistic and dramatic--everything needed to create a unique and beautiful display in your home. A large wedding kimono is perfect to fill an expansive wall or provide a focal point in a large room or hall. Children's kimono or haori give the same effect when less space is available. Try using a children's kimono in a play room or nursery to complete a "children of the world" theme.

Kimono were traditionally taken apart, laundered and sewn back together. Because the fabric content is not always known, we do not suggest home washing for your kimono. You can use a dry cloth to brush off surface dirt or dust, but water may cause the colors to run and the fabric to shrink. We have some success with professional cleaners, but dry cleaning destroys metallic painting and sometimes embroidery. The chemicals may weaken silk.

Kimono belts are folded and lightly stitched into one of the sleeves. Belts for Short Kimonos can be found tucked inside the collar.

We give our best and most thorough answer to this in an audio interview conducted by ePubliceye.com. To hear it click HERE. Also, for thorough information on vintage kimono please see the links section of our site. In brief, vintage is defined differently by different people. For our use, used and recycled kimono from the 1970's or earlier are vintage. Our kimonos and fabrics are generally from the 1930's-1960's. Things earlier than that we classify as antique.

Stephanie Masae Kimura has published 2 lovely books, her latest May of 2004: Bags With Style; Prior to this (Septemer, 2001) she published Art to Wear with Asian Flair. Stephanie is a visitor to our site and a customer of ours. We first heard of her work with vintage kimono fabric at our 2001 fall Quilt show from a number of quilters who recommended her book of that year.

Well, FINALLY, someone has found a book which they say should help folks with the whole matter of tying obis etc. Please find below an email we recently received, for which we are most grateful: I read your FAQ page on kimonos and I have a suggestion that people who are trying to wear a kimono might want to try. I bought a book called "The Book of Kimono" by Norio Yamanaka from Amazon.com. The book shows how to put on a kimono, tie an obi in a drum bow, and how to store it.

Yes! Although western-style clothing has long been worn in Japan, the traditional kimono is still an important part of Japan's culture. Weddings, graduations, tea ceremony, holidays and festivals are all important events where the kimono or yukata will be seen. Older Japanese women can still be seen wearing kimono and haori as they go about their daily lives. Many women and men of various ages wear yukata in the evening or at the bathhouse.

the very least, you'll need a belt or sash. A strip of pretty fabric of any kind will work. We are in the process of photographing and making available a wide selection of shibori nylon sashes.

Kimono Place is a family business, created out of sheer love of the kimono. We travel to Japan and hand-pick our kimono, haori, obi, dolls and accessories from the shops and markets of greater Tokyo. Our pieces are not bought in bulk or from unknown sources. Each piece is authentic and previously owned by someone who used and treasured it. As a small business, we offer individual attention to your order and will respond to your special interests.

Sorry, no. Many of our customers have acquired vintage Japanese items from family or travel and ask us for more information or value. As much as we might like to assist, we are not certified appraisers. Our prices here are based on availability, condition and decorative appeal of each item.

Anything that is flammable should not and can not be moved by the mover. Also, try to avoid anything that may leak or spill

I collect haori and obi and rotate them often on my walls for decoration. I also wear most of my haori to the ballet and opera, usually getting outright praise or looks of admiration. But to get to the point, I have been steaming all of my haori and some obi (I use a standard "Jiffy" steamer) and so far, no problem. Just don't put the nozzle right on the fabric, as this can cause water spots. I do store each folded and separated by acid-free tissue paper.

For the really special garments, with hand-painting & quite old, we recommend getting a professional opinion on cleaning. (We recommend Frank Connet a textile expert conservator and artist in Chicago, contact is below). However, we can share with you the common practice we know from being raised in Japan. So, here are some pointers on the care of the older silk: Dry heat is bad for it. **Direct sunlight is bad for it.

There are quite a few online places where you can buy kimono and accessories. The below links have been recommended to me by various people.

Yes you can! If you know how to sew a straight line, you should be able to sew a kimono! Traditional kimono patterns are very straight forward and relatively easy to create. If you know how to draft your own patterns, you can use this following template:- If you are unable to draft your own patterns, check out your local fabric store for Butterick pattern no:- 6698 (Japanese Kimono), or you can order it from their web site:- You can also find that same pattern for auction on www.ebay.

We welcome international buyers and enjoy knowing our items are finding appreciation all over the world. Our standard shipping costs are intended for the US only, so if you do not see an appropriate shipping option for your location, please contact us. Let us know what you are ordering and we will enter a shipping option just for you and your location. You will then be able to select this shipping option in the order process, just like our stateside customers.

Please read our 'about us' page to learn more about Yoko and how she works closely with her family in Japan. Her family's network of alliances within the Japanese antiques and textiles trades serve us well. Also, her family has been in the recycling industry for some time. Our sources for these kimono are from throughout Japan using our connections in the Japanese recycling industry as well as other sources (auctions, markets, store liquidations, estate sales, family network, etc.

Yes! Dedication to Satisfaction: We Offer the finest Body Jewelry and Body Jewelry Products that we can find from the best manufacturers, or we make it ourselves. We are dedicated to providing the customer with 100% satisfaction! We feel that the best way to build repeat business and a long lasting relationship with our customers and clients is by treating them right, giving them good, fair prices, and quality service.