About a week before my arrival in Japan, I contacted my friend Ayumi on Facebook. We met in Australia several months earlier while touring Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island, and I’m looking forward to catching up in Kyoto, her hometown. Ayumi responds that yes, she is available, and would I like to try wearing kimono during our day together?

Kimono is the traditional Japanese dress worn by women for special occasions like weddings or tea ceremonies. It came into popular fashion in the 8th century and has played a role in Japanese culture ever since.

While I had admired kimonos on women I’d passed on the street, I had no inclination to wear one myself. I was sure I’d look out of place wearing a kimono with my height and blonde hair among the more petite Japanese women. I don’t like to draw attention to myself, especially while traveling. But when a local — a friend — kindly offers to share an aspect of her culture, the only answer is yes.

After our morning at Fushimi Inari, Ayumi and I head to our appointment at the kimono shop. We select patterns for our kimonos and belts among several hundreds of available options. We’re just renting them for the day, but I see lots of stores where you can purchase them.

Ayumi gravitates towards a lovely shade of pink and the woman assisting us helps her decide on a belt color.

After some input from Ayumi, I settle on a black kimono with bright splashes of color.

Next we’re escorted to a dressing area and instructed to strip down. We stand still as the dressers go to work, moving our arms and torsos around like they’re dressing dolls, adding layers of fabric to support the kimono. The garment under the belt is essentially a corset and as my dresser pulls tighter, I begin to feel like I’ve crossed cultures into a Japanese version of Downton Abbey. It’s a far more complicated process than I expected and I’ll never again think of a kimono as ‘just’ a robe.

Once we’re properly girdled, they offer us accessories — shoes and a purse in colors to match our kimonos. This is what our feet look like, in split-toe socks:

Then we’re off!

And here’s what the bow looks like from the back:

What a fun treat to partake in this tradition! Yes, I get some stares, but I’m thrilled to try this.

I can’t resist posing in front of the most American chain in Japan while wearing the kimono.

Our first stop is lunch at a nearby sushi restaurant.

Next we hop on a bus and visit Nijo Castle.

By now lunch is settling in and the belt / corset is more restrictive. I’ve never been more aware of my posture.

I continue to draw attention and a few locals ask to take photos of or with me.

After about an hour of exploring Nijo Castle, we catch a bus back to the dress shop. By now I’m relieved to take off that darn belt! And so grateful that Ayumi has included me in this part of Japanese culture.

Thank you, Ayumi! I hope you can visit the States some day so I can return the favor!