Unique Experience | ramonadetravels

We travel because we love to eat. One of the joys we get from traveling to foreign countries is discovering and eating local foods. Dining at Giro Giro Hitoshina was top on my list to do while in Kyoto. It’s a famous restaurant, written up in guide books and in New York Times, with branch in Paris and Honolulu. As soon as we got to Kyoto Hyatt Regency hotel, I asked the hotel Concierge to make reservation at the restaurant for two seats at the counter of the open kitchen and indicated we would take any day, any time as we were staying in Kyoto for only 4 nights. We lucked out and got dinner reservations at 5:30pm on our last night in Kyoto. The counter seats (10 people max) allow diners to watch the Chef prepare the 8-course meal. Additional seats are available on second floor.

Searing a filet of fish

This unorthodox Japanese restaurant serves a ‘modern’ Kyoto Kaiseiki meal in a casual and converted warehouse in a nice residential neighborhood right by Takase–gawa canal. Definitely difficult to find, esp. it only puts out its portable sign only when they opened. Thankfully, we met a young Japanese man who speaks limited English and preferred to walk us to the exact location than give us directions.

The street where Giro Giro is located.

Along side the picturesque Takagase-gawa canl.

Along side the picturesque Takagase-gawa canal.

Each course was a small serving, yet took a long time for the Chef to prepare. It was fascinating how he meticulously arranged each food item on the plate, resulting in a masterfully designed work of art. I did not jot down the name of each course we were served, but can tell you they were all gourmet delights!

Our first course

Some type of sushi

Ending our meal with some type of cheesecake for dessert.

The Chefs are so creative, thinking outside the box, such as using this leaf for artful presentation.

A colorful leaf adds interest and color to their food presentation.

Kaiseiki dinner normally cost between $100 – $150 per person. At Giro Giro, it’s surprisingly affordable at about fifty bucks, a super real bargain without compromising quality, ambience or service. The place is really small and can accommodate only few diners; serving 2 seating per night. of dinner every night. Book way in advance or you’ll be disappointed. Their set menu changes seasonally. This place is truly a hidden gem in Kyoto, and will not disappoint any food lover. Giro Giro Hitoshina 420-7 Nanbacho matsubara sagaru Nishikiyamachi dori Shimogyo-ku Kyoto Tel: +81 075 343 7070 Daily: 5.30 – 11pm Closed last Mon of the month

A MUST DO on my list while in Japan is to rent Kimono and walk the streets in style. I originally planned to do it while in Tokyo in Asakusa, but plans got changed due to typhoon expected to hit Tokyo. I do believe things happened for good reasons, for renting in Kyoto turned out better. We were allowed longer time to keep our Kimono, and options to return it to the shop the next day or get picked up from our hotel.

A bit of information about Kimono.

Kimono is a traditional Japanese garment. It is a T-shaped, straight-lined robes worn so that the hem falls to the ankle, with attached collars and long, wide sleeves. Kimono is wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right (except when dressing the dead for burial) and secured by a sash called obi, which is tied at the back. Kimonos are generally worn with traditional footwear (especially zōri or geta) and split-toe socks, tabi.

Kimonos are available in silk for special or formal occasions, but in the summertime the Japanese like to relax in comfortable, cotton kimonos called Yukata. Cotton kimonos were traditionally worn after taking a long, hot bath, but they are also worn during the summer, to feel cool on a hot day. Both young and old Japanese people enjoy dressing up in them to take in the local “Matsuri”, one of the many festivals that celebrates special days or events during the summer months.

Now a days Kimono is worn only on special occasions such as weddings, tea ceremonies, formal traditional events. Depending on occasion, age and marital status, the appropriate style and colors are worn. Men’s kimono usually are more subdued in colors, and typically from matte fabrics. Women’s kimono, in contrast, is made of silk (also polyester) with beautiful designs made with embroidery, painting and dyeing making them art pieces as much as they are garments.

Armed with map and directions, we took the bus to find our way to Okimoto Kimono Rental shop near Kiyuzumidera temple. As usual, we struggled finding the shop, and solicited lots of help. TIP: Bring a map with names of attractions translated or written in Japanese character, this way even if you can’t communicate you just point on the map where you want to go; and with help of body language you’ll eventually find your way.

Okiwoto Kimono Rental, one of their 2 shops located near Kiyomizu temple.

I recommend making an early appointment, even better be the 1^st appointment. I’m glad we did for just a bit later people started arriving and quickly filled the shop, which is quite small.

The shop has several rows of fabric in different colors, materials made of silk and polyester, embroidered or painted designs. After choosing the main fabric, you choose other parts of your ensemble such as collar, sash or obi, c hair pieces & handbags. It was overwhelming finding the right one. Rental price depends on your choice of fabric, and whether you want make-up and your hair-styled. Hair pieces rent for $3 US, but handbags and socks (you keep) and slippers included. Visit their website for pricing and options.

The shop has a wide selection of fabrics, designs and colors.

We removed our shoes before entering, then handed separate bags to store our street clothes, shoes and other belongings. On 2nd floor are separate dressing rooms for men and women, and a large mirror. BTW, no pictures are allowed at this point.

I did not realize a Kimono took many layers of fabrics to complete the whole ensemble and requires special skills or techniques to do it right. The lady suggested I go use the bathroom before my fitting for obvious reason. There were only two of us in the dressing room so it took quicker, about 15-20 min to get me fitted. I’m sure with a big crowd waiting, the process would have taken longer. The whole process (fabric selection, fitting & hair style) takes from 1 1/2 to 2 hours, but I was ready in an hour and even shorter for my husband. Definitely helpful and saves a lot of time, if you checked the website and get some idea on what colors and designs you prefer (based on some photos) before arriving at the shop.

I chose a fabric that was bright orange and a complimentary color (yellow) for obi. Well, what do you think? Did I make the right choice?

The shop has a small garden that provides a nice backdrop for us to

The shop takes CASH ONLY, and paid about $125 US for the two of us. Rental cost depends on the fabric & accessories and whether you want make-up and hair style included. Handbag, slippers and socks (we got to keep) were included. Hair pieces added $3 to rent, and must be returned. When we first entered, they gave us separate bags to put our street clothes, shoes, purse and any personal belongings. On our way out, they tagged the bags with our names for storage and reminded us to be back by 5:30pm.

The rental shop has another branch, The Main Shop, which has a studio if you prefer to have a professional photographer take your pictures. We opted to do it, and the pro shoot about twelve pictures. For $25 US we chose two photos placed on a hardcover souvenir. However, we liked more the photos we shoot ourselves, in and around the small garden at this place (the other branch does not have a garden for photo-taking opportunities. In fact, I did not even include any of the studio shot on this blog. My advice skipped the studio.

I wanted to take advantage of our special outfit and we posed and took as many pictures as possible. See the gallery.