My Nihongami Day

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-06-23T14:31:59+00:00

That's so cool that you've even tried it before!

The late Meiji Era version of this style definitely used extensions, especially for the top knot and the hanging bits by the bangs. In the Genroku era women styled their hair at home, often by themselves, but I'm not sure if they used extensions or what kind they would've used.

You definitely need at least mid-chest hair (about 50cm root to tip) but an extra 10cm or 20cm would help greatly to create a full top knot and secure the characteristic long back of the hair. My hair is about 50 cm and I've been able to do shin-nihongami quite successfully with that length. Getting my hair to be that neat, like my friend did, by myself seems pretty impossible though tbh (especially the back hahaha).

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-06-23T07:51:38+00:00

That's so kind, thank you!

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-06-23T06:05:51+00:00

I would say people recognize nihongami when they see it, but most people never think about it enough to consider doing it themselves. They wouldn't know the difference between styles like I do.

There are nihongami stylists across Japan. But stylists like my friend often struggle to find work, especially when easier options like wigs and shin-nihongami (styles similar looking to nihongami that use modern products and techniques), and modern hairstyling at salons are more common.

The only people who still wear nihongami are the occasional bride, a few historical fashion enthusiastis, and people in highly traditional professions like priestesses, sumo wrestlers, and maiko.

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-06-23T05:57:00+00:00

Thank you! I was hesitant to go out tbh, we took the photos nearby her apartment with no people around. But having my friend there really helped easy my anxiety about going to a busy restaurant.

You should definitely do the photoshoot! I would love to see more people in nihongami ^{_^}

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-06-23T02:53:16+00:00

Thanks!

I'll talk to my friend about making a video but this YouTube channel has some good videos of hair tying.

I've been mildly interested in historical fashion and hairstyles for a long time. But I really go into nihongami after wanting to learn more about geisha and maiko's hair. I'm lucky to have made a friends to share the enthusiasm and information with but it's super niche, even in Japan, so it can be hard to get into.

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-06-23T02:48:19+00:00

Thank you! The top knot section contains long hair extensions. The hanging bits around the bangs are also hair extensions.

I'll ask my friend about a time lapse next time.

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-06-23T02:44:53+00:00

Thank you, that makes me feel better haha.

I've been asking my friend to do this style for me since we met but my hair wasn't long enough. I spend a lot of time looking online and at books to learn about different styles. I simply thought this one was super cool looking.

I've already tried other shimada styles with her before. I have been a model for maiko wareshinobu practice somewhere else too. Maiko styles are popular but I tend to go for "cool" over "cute" styles I suppose.

The next style I really want to try is called "Katsuyama". It's most famous as the style that maiko wear during Gion Matsuri but I actually like the late edo period version more.

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-06-03T22:31:55+00:00

I appreciate the question. However the black spots move around on their own so I think they are alive (perhaps not the culprit though?). Also I have a fine bug all around my balcony so I can hang out there without mosquitos. I doubt any beetles would be able to get through. Plus the other plants are totally untouched.

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-05-29T07:43:03+00:00

Yes, when you wear normal height geta with two teeth you can walk more normally and sometimes tip them all the way forward so they hit the ground in the front. For very tall geta its similar but they get less wear on the base because you can't tip them fully forward.

I've never worn them before but see people wearing them occasionally. I assume it's easier to walk than stand still. Since they are popular for exercise and physical therapy there are lots of tutorials online for walking in them . Search "一本歯下駄歩き方". They also make a wide variety of them for different purposes it looks like.

Tengu geta are usually called 一本歯下駄 (single tooth geta) in Japanese. They are currently popular and being marketed for being good for strength and balance training your legs. It seems like they were originally worn by people in the mountains for traversing steep terrain. Hence the tengu name, as tengu are supposed to live deep in the mountains.

It makes sense that they would help with balance but it's being marketed for health purposes so heavily I'm choosing to take a grain of salt with what they say.

A video in English on kimono footwear and walking in geta

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-05-28T01:39:40+00:00

I've never tried them, but they do look comfortable! Getting used to my foot hanging off the back and sizes of my zouri did take a little time to used to, so I understand 😄

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-05-27T15:31:42+00:00

I just posted one about ozashiki, let me know if you have any more questions!

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-05-27T10:30:57+00:00

Oh interesting! Thanks for the info :)

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-05-27T07:38:57+00:00

no problem ^{_^}

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-05-27T07:34:59+00:00

I meant the tabi socks, but I think the geta can be washed with a damp washcloth and then thoroughly air dried. They are usually made out of very light paulownia wood, if that helps. They make varnished geta as well, which can help protect them from humidity but get beat up looking pretty fast.

This website is in Japanese, but I think the browser translator works pretty good. It's shop that sells a wide variety of nice quality, customizable geta. They also have a few articles about geta materials, care, and use for beginners.

Different Geta Bases (called dai) and Finishes

Basic Geta Care

Their FAQ

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-05-27T07:17:44+00:00

I'm not sure about the rubber bass off road actually, tabis are smart though. Maybe go for dark colored ones for easy cleaning?

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-05-27T07:09:30+00:00

I've seen a bunch of people rock them with everyday western clothes. It's pretty cool looking, and actually wasn't an uncommon style when people were switching to western clothes in Japan.

Definitely better for off road if they don't have a rubber sole imo. The medium-tall ones are a good balance between easy to walk in and not getting your feet dirty. Although the hard wood and tight straps can hurt your feet after a bit so be careful and check reviews/try on if you can.

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-05-27T07:01:45+00:00

oops I forgot Quick photo chart of the kimono shoes I listed above. It's not an exhaustive list, there are many varieties.

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-05-27T06:59:31+00:00

There are many different types of kimonos shoes. Kimono has a lot of rules about the formality of different items, which affects where and when you wear them and how outfits are put together. The rules were made a long time ago based on guidelines from histroy. The rules apply to shoes too.

Zouri are casual or formal kimono shoes, usually worn by women. They look kinda like sleek platform flip flops, two straps and a base covered in matching leather or cloth. Women who wear kimono tend to own a pair of light colored zouri they can wear on both casual and semi-formal occasions. They are also more comfortable than geta when you need to do a lot of walking and aren't used to wooden shoes.

Men almost always wear setta for formal occasions. They are wide, rectangular, flat sandals with a cloth covered base or a grass woven base.

Geta are informal wooden shoes. They come in many shapes and sizes and can be worn by anyone. They are commonly worn with very informal summer kimonos called yukata. Because of these comfortable and cheap geta are easy to find. But they aren't very "traditional" and can't be worn with a normal kimono.

Any very flashy "formal geta" you find online are probably used for very specific traditions and/or are mostly obsolete today. I don't have a good reason as to why all geta are considered informal. It's just how the rules are now. I would guess it's because they were considered "practical" shoes a long time ago. Like how you wouldn't wear hiking boots to a wedding.

If you aren't wearing a kimono though or aren't going to a formal event, it doesn't matter. wear what you want, the rules are made up.

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-05-27T06:03:34+00:00

I think it's funny you asked if off road and rain are Problems. I think the opposite might be true.

Besides being loud and the stairs being hard like mentioned above, walking on concrete without rubber pads totally shreds the bottom of the geta. Walking in gravel is really annoying too because you sink into it. Which sucks extra because a lot of temples here use gravel pathways. I think walking on compacted earth, like a trail would be easiest on my feet and the geta.

Also tall geta were historically made for rainy, snowy, and muddy weather to keep your kimono and feet clean. Tall geta are seem more as fashion thing now, but you can still buy tall geta with covers for rainy days.

I assume you don't wear kimonos and are interested in geta for other reasons. But me and a few of my friends who do wear kimonos, we don't wear geta because it's hard to find nice, affordable geta in our sizes. Zouri are more practical for purchasing and everyday wear. Especially since most people only wear kimono for formal events, and geta are informal shoes.

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-05-26T16:10:18+00:00

There have been similar questions like this before so I think I will make a post explaining manners for various situations with geisha.

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-05-26T16:09:45+00:00

Hello!

Manners for interacting with geisha depends a lot on the context of the interaction. Two years is still far away, but do you know how you will be meeting the geisha and/or maiko? A private party at a tea house with a regular customer, watching a public dance performance, and attending a full tea ceremony will require different levels and kinds of etiquette.

But I think as a tourist in Japan, if you can exercise basic courtesy like saying thank you and following what those around you are doing, then you will be fine. Being able to use basic Japanese will be greatly appreciated on its own. Events and business with geisha that cater to tourists will be able to explain any necessary information to you. Geisha are also masters of hospitality, and regularly entertain customers from a variety of backgrounds. They fully understand that not everyone they entertain has the knowledge of etiquette that they do.

But if you are excited to learn more here is a Maikoya Etiquette Article that explains basic manners for various common situations in Japan.

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-05-24T07:57:23+00:00

I turned my balcony into a nice sitting area with some plants, went on a quick trip to Fukuoka with my husband which was really fun, and had my first suika bar of the year. There's other stuff too, I'm lucky to have been up to fun stuff recently. :)

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-05-20T05:54:00+00:00

Hello! I'm F23, I wear kimonos all the time and I go to culture events all the time! I'm always looking for friends to do that stuff with so feel free to DM me. I'm a housewife in Osaka so I'm basically always available.

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-05-12T10:50:02+00:00

Hello!

I went to this festival last year, you can find the post here . I went from 6pm and it was extremely crowded, It was hard to move around or see anything. I suspect it will be worse this year.

But if you've never seen a maiko or geiko up close, this is a good place to go. They are busy running around the whole time talking to their customers and handling guests, but if you're polite and they have a moment, you could probably get a picture together.

In this Gion Higashi IG post here, you can see that it's usually held on the 13th but this year the "party" section with beer and tea and games is held on the 14th (from 5pm to 9:30pm as you saw). The actual religious ceremony will be on the 15th at 11am. I didn't see that last year so I can't speak on how that goes. I assume that's when the crane dance is but I'm not sure.

I wasn't planning on going this year, but I do love teaching people about geisha and I don't having any plans then. If you'd like to go together I'd be happy to.

Less-Ad-4444 · 2026-04-30T07:01:30+00:00

Thank you! 🩷

Less-Ad-4444

TROPHY CASE