A Must-Visit in Japan: A Kimono Experience Shop in Central Sapporo – The Japanese Owner Speaks Fluent Chinese

▲ The kimono display area at Mizuki Sakura.

▲ Interior of the Sapporo kimono experience shop “Mizuki Sakura.” (Photo / Reporter Tsai Wen-jun)

Reported and photographed by Tsai Wen-jun / Hokkaido, Japan

No matter when you visit Japan, putting on a beautiful kimono or yukata and strolling through the streets is something many Taiwanese travelers consider a must-do. Located within the shopping street Tanukikoji in central Sapporo,the kimono experience shop “Mizuki Sakura”not only offers hundreds of kimonos to choose from, but the owner herself speaks Chinese, so Taiwanese visitors don’t have to worry about any language barriers.

Mizuki Sakura has been open for nearly four years and is arguably the most conveniently located kimono experience shop in central Sapporo. The owner, Kasumoto Minako, mentioned that having studied in Shanghai, she can speak Chinese, and simple communication poses no problem for her.

▲ Kasumoto Minako, the owner of Mizuki Sakura.

Kasumoto said that currently, Mizuki Sakura has around 500 kimonos to choose from, in addition to wedding attire like shiromuku and geisha costumes, all of which can be reserved for trying on. She also mentioned that opening a kimono experience shop wasn’t just about personally helping travelers from all over the world put on beautiful kimonos, but also about sharing fun and delicious travel information about Hokkaido. Through this, she’s made many friends among her customers, even joining them for ramen outings — one of her fondest memories.

▲ Mizuki Sakura also offers a shiromuku experience. (Photo / From Mizuki Sakura’s Facebook page)

▲ Hokkaido turns into a world of silver in winter, creating an atmosphere completely different from other regions. (Photo / Authorized by Mizuki Sakura, please do not take unauthorized photos)

What’s different about wearing a kimono in Hokkaido compared to Tokyo or Kyoto? Kasumoto believes that once winter arrives in Hokkaido, it transforms into a world of silver under a blanket of snow. Walking in the snow wearing brightly colored kimonos creates a unique atmosphere that you simply can’t experience in Asakusa in Tokyo or Kyoto.

▲ Customers can freely choose several styles of kimonos they like.

The one-day rental price for kimonos at Mizuki Sakura starts from 5,400 yen (actual prices are subject to the official website), with hair and makeup charged separately. Among the services, the shop’s“fitting preview” service is especially memorable.

▲ Mizuki Sakura’s “fitting preview” service allows customers to confirm what suits them before the kimono is put on, which is very thoughtful.

Most kimono shops let customers pick their favorite colors and patterns themselves, then have staff help with belt selection and dressing. But Mizuki Sakura’s service is more meticulous.To ensure customers wear the kimono that best suits them, after selecting a few favorites, customers can try them on in front of a mirror to see if the color and pattern suit them, then decide which one they want to wear. This way, customers don’t have to worry about ending up with something that doesn’t look right.

▲ In addition to the inner kimono shirt, Mizuki Sakura also provides a petticoat for wearing underneath, which is only removed after the full outfit is put on.

Another thoughtful service is the petticoat worn under the kimono. In addition to the inner shirt, the shop also provides a blue petticoat. Kasumoto explained that although most customers are female, many still feel shy about strangers seeing their lower half while wearing a kimono, so the petticoat is provided. It’s only removed after the full kimono is put on, making customers feel more at ease without affecting the overall aesthetic of the kimono.

▲ For the kimono sash, the owner will use her professional eye to help match colors.

▲ The traditional-Japanese-style photo space inside Mizuki Sakura, with a variety of props to choose from.

▲ Fans, flowers, and masks all make great photo companions.

After changing into your kimono, besides exploring the town, Mizuki Sakura also has a dedicated photo area and provides various props like fans, paper umbrellas, and flowers for taking beautiful photos. These thoughtful services and space designs make Mizuki Sakura one of the most popular kimono experience shops in Sapporo.

Travelers should note that Mizuki Sakura is located inside a building within Tanukikoji Shopping Street. Here's how to get there:

▲ Walk along Tanukikoji Shopping Street toward Block 6, passing the Tokyu Inn first.

1. Walk along Tanukikoji Shopping Street to Block 6 (you’ll pass the wooden-facade Tokyu Inn first).

▲ Turn left after seeing the building

2. After seeing the building in the picture above, turn left and you will see "Jalan Tanukikoji."

▲Enter through the main gate of "Jalan Tanukikoji."

▲Tsukimi Sakura is on the 5th floor. First press 5, then press the "Call Button" at the bottom left.

3. After entering the gate, first press the floor number, then press the "Call Button" at the bottom left.

Tsukimi Sakura
Address: 501, Jalan Tanukikoji, 3-3, Nishi 6-chome, Minami 3-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Business hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Tsukimi Sakura official website
Tsukimi Sakura Facebook page
※Reservation is required in advance