After grabbing a 7Eleven breakfast, I took a 20min train to Asakusa.

It was kimono rental time! I’d pre-booked an appointment at Yae Kimono Rental, which was probably wise considering how busy it was.

The 6F is where I got checked in, picked a kimono and matching bag and paid. There is a certain chaotic vibe to the whole process, never really knowing what you should be doing next.

Then off to the 2F to be fitted by a lovely lady, who essentially does origami by folding layers and layers of materials around your body.

Final step is to get your hair styled to your liking and pick a pair of traditional shoes.

Then shuttle off to your preferred photo location.

Mine was the nearby and very busy Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Market (tourist prices).

Taking photos at every opportunity.

I paid ¥100 to determine my fortune, by shake a stick out of the tube, find the corresponding numbered drawer with fortunes (with help from some locals – thank you) and determine whether I had received a good or bad fortune.

Luckily it was very good! Bad fortunes get tide up to contain their bad luck.

I walked away from the hectic temple and street food stalls, towards Sumida Park with its view of Sky Tree.

The park offered some much needed respite from the crowds and for my feet.

Getting hungry, I chose to eat at a traditional tempura restaurant, coincidentally just around the corner from Yae Kimono Rental.

So it was very convenient for me to return the kimono after eating a late lunch.

Making good time as the heavens opened up and it began raining just after I got there.

After defrocking, I caught a train back to Shinjinku for a pit stop at Starbucks to catch up on some writing.

Then called it a day!