Asakusa Taisho Romankan: Chic Kimono Styling and Colorful Desserts

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Asakusa Taisho Romankan, a stylish cafe located near Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, opened in September 2021. In addition to the colorful sodas and delicious crepes they offer, the cafe has garnered attention for its kimono styling services inspired by the fashion of early 20th century Japan.

Written by

Miyuki Okamoto

Hyogo

Asakusa Taisho Romankan is a cafe and kimono rental shop located near Sensoji Temple in Tokyo. Since opening in September 2021, Taisho Romankan has become a favorite among Asakusa visitors due to their attractive cafe menu and elegant kimono styling inspired by the fashion of Taisho-period Japan.

Taisho-style kimono fashion employs vividly colored patterns, pearls, and lace

The Taisho period lasted from 1912 until 1926. It was a time when Japanese and western elements were creatively mixed in fashion, art, cuisine, architecture, and many other social and cultural fields in Japan. This period coincided with the beginnings of women's emancipation, a time when more and more women started being independent and dared to oppose social rules that limited what they should wear, how they should style their hair, or how to behave.

The Taisho period is remembered as a time when Japan started to embrace diversity and the idea of people standing out through individual fashion. The collective memories surrounding this period in Japanese history tend to be bright and colorful.

Asakusa Taisho Romankan offers its customers a chance to time travel back to that era by wearing Taisho-style kimonos and tasting sweet treats that first appeared in Japan during that time.

Taisho Romankan Cafe: Crepes, Colorful Cream Sodas, and Other Treats

The cafe occupies the first floor of Asakusa Taisho Romankan. Its interior tastefully combines retro-looking objects with sleek contemporary furniture. It is a cozy space where you can relax during a a stroll around Asakusa.

The cafe menu includes gorgeous crepe desserts, cream soda drinks, ice cream desserts with a retro Japanese touch, and float drinks.

Some of the menu items are seasonal, which means that no matter how many times you come, you'll be enjoying new flavors through creative desserts.

If you're looking for a light, sweet treat, we recommend the Marble Fruit Punch. The fresh, aromatic jelly marbles contain pieces of fruit; they are topped with yogurt-flavored ice cream.

The High-Collar Cream Sodas have become the iconic drink at Asakusa Taisho Romankan. "High-collar" refers to the western fashion that started trending in Japan at the beginning of the 20th century. These beverages come in three flavors: melon (green), strawberry (red), and ramune (sky blue, *1).

Cream soda beverages are believed to have appeared in Japan in the Taisho period. To the locals, these drinks invoke nostalgia and the feeling they've traveled one hundred years back to that era of creative mixes and unhindered curiosity.

*1 Ramune... A Japanese carbonated soft drink first introduced in 1884 in Kobe by a British pharmacist.

Elegant Kimono Styling Inspired by Taisho Era Fashion

If you've always wanted to try on a fashionable kimono and enjoy a stroll in style, then do use the kimono rental services of Asakusa Taisho Romankan!

First, you'll select your kimono on the third floor. There are so many beautiful vintage kimonos to choose from! A member of the staff will assist you in finding a nice obi sash to match the color and pattern of your kimono.

You can choose between a standard kimono (5,000 yen) and kimono with hakama (6,000 yen).

Hakama is a skirt-like clothing item worn over the kimono. In the Taisho period, when many girls and women started working in factories, hakama outfits enjoyed great popularity because they were versatile and easier to move around in. Hakama became the symbol of dynamic working women. If you're seeking a Taisho-era look, do try a hakama kimono outfit.

There is a wide variety of accessories available, too! For an added fee ranging between 500 yen and 2,000 yen, you can also rent a purse, lace accessories, decorative items for your obi, ribbons, and other cute items.

Men's kimono plans are also available, as well as convenient plans for couples who wish to enjoy strolling around wearing kimonos together. If you plan to use the kimono styling services of Asakusa Taisho Romankan, we recommend booking online in advance on their official website (Japanese).

Photography is not allowed in the styling room. This picture was taken with special permission.
You'll put on the kimono in the styling room on the second floor. Helpful staff are there to assist you.

A hairstyle to match your outfit is included in the rental plan!

Photography is not allowed in the styling room. This picture was taken with special permission.

The staff will help you find matching footwear for your kimono. In addition to various types of zori, there are also elegant boots available that go great in combination with a Taisho-style hakama outfit or kimono.

Photography is not allowed in the styling room. This picture was taken with special permission.

Last but not least, you can borrow cute accessories to take beautiful photos with. If you plan to post your photos on Instagram, these accessories can be borrowed free of charge!

There are several photo spots within the building, including this photogenic corner in the cafe.

Picture from PR Times

Customers who use the kimono rental service at Asakusa Taisho Romankan get a 20% discount on the cafe menu!

Feel free to take as many pictures as you want in the nostalgic atmosphere of this establishment and create beautiful memories of your time in Asakusa. If you go out for a stroll wearing your kimono, please remember to return it by 17:30.

Souvenir Shop: Cute Accessories and Interior Items

At Asakusa Taisho Romankan No. 2, the souvenir shop adjacent to the cafe, you can find lovely accessories and interior items that make great souvenirs of your visit to Asakusa. All the products are good quality handicraft items made by Japanese artisans.

Some of the accessories are limited to the Asakusa store featuring local motifs such as the Kaminarimon Gate and its red lantern.

The colorful handkechiefs, towels, and purses are ideal if you're looking for practical items.

Alternatively, you can find cute glassware and other daily items with colorful retro motifs. These beautiful glasses are also used at the Taisho Romankan Cafe so they might just be perfect souvenir that will remind you of your visit here.

Enjoy Asakusa in a Unique Way at Taisho Romankan!

Why just visit Asakusa, when you can actually experience part of its history and culture? Drop by Taisho Romankan next time you're in the area, to put on an elegant Taisho-era kimono, enjoy nostalgic sweet treats, and explore Asakusa in style.

Asakusa Taisho Romankan

2-2-4 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032

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In cooperation with Asakusa Taisho Romankan

Written by

Miyuki Okamoto

Hyogo

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