Sorry this review is two years late...! At the time I was in art school and needed kimonos for a film project. The shop kindly let me take a set at a good price. I'm very grateful, but for various reasons the film didn't come together well in the end, and I kept putting off this review. Although the outcome is not as expected, I still want to leave a review to support this shop. The lady who helped me was friendly and helpful, the atmosphere in the shop was relaxing, and the kimonos here are the most beautiful and finest among similar shops I've visited. Lastly, attaching a screenshot from the film, just to give a glimpse of the kimono's refinement. read more

Kimono no Kobeya - Traditional Clothing Near Me - Pasadena, California

One half of this store is a hair salon, the other half a kimono shop with a lot of Japanese sundries. The store is rather small so with only two other customers it felt a bit cramped. One of the later closing shops in the Burlington Arcade (open till 7:30pm) I mostly came to explore. There were a very interesting assortment of objects: beautiful fans, gorgeous cards and a lot of familiar Japonica (Daruma dolls, Maneki Nekos...etc.) They were definitely much higher in quality to what is sold in Little Tokyo gift shops. I bought a tiny book featuring cats in Edo-period Japan. The store owner was very kind and took good care of me, wrapping my purchase carefully. This looks like it could be a wonderful place for someone who wants to purchase a kimono. The number of silk samples and colors available seemed quite extensive. Since I was not in the market for one, I can't say much as to their affordability. But definitely worth a visit. read more

Kimono no Kobeya - Outside the shop. - Traditional Clothing Near Me - Pasadena, California

Very kind lady. Authentic Japanese clothes. Bought a kimono and love it. Recommend this place. read more

I feel so disappointed. My daughter wanted a kimono so I took her here from the nice reviews it got. We went in and asked the man there to help us find a kimono for my daughter. He told us we could look but didn't help. I waited hoping someone would help us locate some items in her size, but both shop employees ignored us. A Japanese woman came in after me and they helped her. We still waited. And waited for 20 minutes. Eventually we left. We aren't Japanese but I've actually taken many kitsuke lessons and have a lot of kimono and I would have bought one if they had a nice one in approximately my daughter's size. Instead her first experience is this. read more

I am a large woman, so kimonos are extremely hard for me to find in my size. After an online search, I found a real kimono shop. This is a REAL shop, where the owner is trained in kitsuke (the art of dressing in kimono). It is not a gift store that happens to sell kimonos, which are always too small for me, and sometimes fake and cheap. The owner was so very wonderful to me! I basically said, "whatever you've got in my size, hang it on me". First of all, I was extremely surprised that she had anything in my size. I had driven two hours to get there, but I still wasn't sure if she would have anything. I figured that even if she didn't have anything for me to wear, I could buy some himo (belts), or a bag or wall hanging or something. (I do have a yukata - a light casual summer kimono that I made myself - but it's not a kimono). My gamble was well-rewarded. She chose a beautiful shibori kimono for me, and an obi that she thought matched. I actually wasn't sure about the combo, but as I said, I don't usually have much of a choice when it comes to Asian clothing. She even gave me a mini kitsuke lesson! It turned out that I had been tying my himo way too low, which causes my ohashori (the fold that goes under the obi) to always come out. I also bought a juban (the underslip), and an eri (the collar stiffener). She showed me how to put it all together. She also had zori in my size, which I will go back for later, but at that point, my credit card started to whine, so I had to stop (I would have LOVED to go on! hahaha!). Let me also say that she doesn't "hard sell". I mentioned that I was done for the day, and she was so respectful about that! Big plus - she got called away to help her neighbor, who had hurt herself. I didn't mind, I wasn't in a hurry, and I totally understand that you need to help someone who needs it. This gave me the opportunity, however, to make friends with Mikke, her totally adorable and incredibly friendly shop cat! I spent a few minutes with Mikke purring in my lap, and that was a great experience. I love cats, and this was an especially cool kitty! I took the whole ensemble home and put it together, using videos and advice from my friends on the "Immortal Geisha" Facebook page. Remember that I said that I wasn't sure about the combination? (I'm older, and I was worried that it might be too "wild"). When I put it together, I LOVED IT!! So did all my friends over at Immortal Geisha and on my regular Facebook page. I have uploaded the results. I hope she sees it. :) My first kimono. What a great day that was. read more

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Mikko Samma and her husband are truly genuine kind hearted people that I will do business with again and again. If you are coming from the 210 north please keep in mind that when you get off and head south on Lake Blvd. you are still in the end of the north section of street. Keep heading south and soon the numbers will start over from 100 to 380 where the shop is for the South end of the street. It is located in an antique looking strip of shops. "Burlington Arcade" There really is 2 hours of free parking in the back. It is also right across the street from Macys, so turn left on Del Mar and make an immediate right into the parking lot and park down by the Macy's end. Mrs. Mikko Samma was very kind and helpful on the phone when I asked for directions and there was never any pressure to sell. Even without any guarantee of making a sell, she really wanted me to have the kimono experience since I have never got to try one on before. The silk kimonos are breath taking and if it wasnt California I would have bought one of those. I am very happy with my cotton Kimono in the range of colors I had fantasized about since the Japan family day in Arcadia in April. The shop has two rooms filled with all kinds of artifacts, clothing, (mens and womens) even bento boxes and just everything from lucky cats to small hair pins. There is a small platform to try on the kimono. You take off your shoes and ofc I had sandals on. So I step up there barefooted and was amazed at how the Tatami felt so silky under my feet. The ones from Hawaii are so scratchy! Ms.Miko Samma was very precise in instructing me how to wrap the kimono and tie the very long obi. She went over it a couple of times and I remember the 45 degree angle you use to tie it in place and then wrap again. There is a secret fold you use to tuck the tail up under the bun roll which I forgot about in my previous education from 3 years ago at Geishagold.com Honestly I was so in bliss an it was such a wonderful surreal experience that it was dream like... I will practice over and over until Obon festival gets here in July and they invited me to come to the shop as many times as I needed for another lesson. Her Husband was so sweet showing me videos of the actual Obon Festival in Japan. Ms. Mikko also does professional makeup, hair and photography. I feel very honored to get the attention I received and to have experienced this most exquisite shop. *Bows to honor Mrs. Mikko Samma and her Husband. Adomo Aarrigtto !!! P.S.To Lydia, I am glad that the toddler wasnt allowed to run free in that shop. The fact that anyone would think that letting a toddler age baby run free in any shop is ok or appropriate is mind blowing. I mean REALLY? Good for you Mrs. Mikko for putting your foot down. A true Japanese that knows what honor and respect really is. read more

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Miko is the Best!!! She truly loves kimono and Japanese culture. Also she cares about customer and always there to assist you in anyway she can. She has so much knowledge of kimono and Japanese culture. Any question you have, she has answers. I really appreciate that she spend a lot of time for me for my company Holiday Party. I got so much complements. She made me look beautiful. Thank you Miko!! read more

Kimono no Kobeya - Miko did my hair and dressed me for my holiday party! - Traditional Clothing Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I came in one day to buy an obi. I ended up buying one that was already made and easy to put on. I ended up using the obi for my small family only wedding in the east coast. Cute little store. The husband helped me out since he said he wife was out of town in Japan. They have such a cute cat walking around. I petted him a bit but he kept following me which was adorable. I was the only person there, which was great! I definately like there's a kinomo shop here in Pasadena. I don't have to go to Little Tokyo to get items I need. I rather go local. read more

This shop, and Mikko, are THE BEST! She is knowledgeable and very stylish and I was able to find all the kimono supplies I could want in the shop. They have kimono and yukata, plus obis, but also all the small clips, ties and little items that keep your outfit together and in place. I plan to go back often! read more

I had no idea there was a kimono shop in Pasadena. They have vintage kimonos in various sizes, colors, and eras, and lots of accessories to go with them like obis, socks, footwear, hair clips (apologies for not remembering the exact Japanese names for these!) They do fittings right there and even will assist you in a photo shoot! The people are very nice and will help you if you have any questions. And everything is kawaii!!! Go! You will love it! read more

When you arent looking for treasure, it suddenly finds you and its quite a surprise! I live around the area and yet I never really take the time to just walk around, but last week I decided to take a stroll down lake and really take a look at what's there instead of driving past the stores. I found that on one side of the street, there are actually corridors to more stores but hidden away from the view of the street. This is where I found this store. It has so many cute japanese related gift items and kimonos! They sell really beautiful kimonos and very adorable japanese gift items. They are a bit expensive though. Its very cute and quaint and the ladies who run are so friendly and adorable. read more

What a wonderful shop and wonderful resource for those looking for authentic Japanese kimonos & assessories. I rented a kimono for my son's ShichiGoSan photo session. The shop seems to have all your kimono needs. The owner was wonderful! We went in for a fitting to have my son measured and to choose a kimono. She was very personable and had a great repour with my son while he tried different kimonos. On the big day, she dressed him in layers of kimonos while talking to him and keeping him entertained. It took about 45 minutes to dress him & it was a great experience for my son. I definately recommend Kimono no Kobeya for all your Japanese kimono needs! read more

Kimono no Kobeya - Traditional Clothing Near Me - Pasadena, California

This place is so unique and really a little slice of Japan in Pasadena. It's a cozy little kimono shop reminds me of a small kimono section in a Japanese department store. It has everything you'd need for a kimono ensemble. Naga juban, han eri, kimono, haori, tabi, kanzashi, hakama, uchikake, zori....you name it. Although, you don't have to know anything about kimono to appreciate this store. There's lots of cute gift ideas from wallets, purses, etc that are made out of kimono or obi fabric. Plus, it's just amazing to look at. The fabrics and items are just treasures to behold. The owner is extremely friendly and she is more than happy to tell you about any of the kimono items and even ask you to step onto her tatami mats to let you try them on. She is very skilled at kitsuke (kimono dressing) and will show you how to wear them properly. She mentioned to me that she goes to Kyoto twice a year to buy the stock for the store. Since kimono and many of the accessories to kimono are works of art, things can easily cost in the $100-$300 dollar range depending on the age and quality of the item. You can easily buy a few beautiful items in here and still have it be less $100 though. I know they also to kimono photography here as well as wedding rentals. Overall, a gorgeous place and I can't wait to go back! read more

The person who owns this place is so well informed and has the most beautiful garments. She spent a long time with me trying to find the perfect gift and gave us a ton of information on how to care for the haori we purchased. Every item in her shop was so special and she brings them from Japan. Cannot recommend this place enough for quality, service and its stunning and unique pieces. read more

Just got a chance to get dressed up the kimono by the owner Mikko and she is really a nice and friendly person. There are many beautiful kimonos and the lovely items for Japanese gifts especially a lot of the Japanese lucky cats in the store. Also don't forget to say hi to her popular cat Mikke chan when you visit. =^.^= read more

Kimono no Kobeya - The owner Mikko is very nice and friendly for dressing up her customers! Also there are many beautiful kimonos in the store! - Traditional Clothing Near Me - Pasadena, California

Five star experience for sure! Our entire family rented formal kimono for our son and daughter's Seijin-no-hi (Coming of Age, 20 years old) photo shoot. Aside from the fact that all kimonos and accessories here are genuine and of the highest quality, what truly sets this shop apart is Mikko-san's impeccable taste and artistic sense. Her choice of colors and accessories, plus the overall coordination of our family's outfits was flawless. She has the extensive knowledge and experience required to dress someone properly in kimono. First you go into the shop for a fitting where you work with her to choose the most flattering and appropriate pattern, design and color of kimono. She takes into consideration your age, the occasion, and your particularly physical features. Fear not - she has a lot of choice and the expertise and patience to guide you. Once you choose the kimono, you can leave it up to Mikko-san to choose the perfect accessories, including the important obi (sash). On the day of the photo shoot, I had my daughter go into her beauty shop across from this kimono shop to do hair and makeup. Mikko-san also did my hair and dressed me. She went to the photo shoot, finished dressing my daughter, husband and son and stuck around all day to make sure the outfits were still properly aligned and that every hair was still in place. We are indeed fortunate to live in this area to have the real deal. If you have a 7, 5, or 3 year old, you can have a "Shichi-Go-San" photo shoot. read more

They don't answer the phone regularly during business hours. When I finally got through, The lady I spoke to was not very helpful and condescending at times when asking very basic questions. I would not recommend going to her for kimono rentals. Very rude. read more

Being half Japanese, it is delightful to see an actual real kimono shop in Pasadena. There are many accessories, not only for the traditional Japanese. If you like fabrics and patterns, you'll like this shop. As any kimono shop, you can buy leftover kimono fabric which make great basics if you want to do some sewing and hand crafting. read more

We bought men's, women's, and toddler's yukata, obi, and geta here. The outfits got a lot of compliments. Mikko has great taste& very friendly. You would find what you need here. read more

I purchased an Obi for my Iaido class. Yes guys they have "stuff" for men there as well. The owners were very polite and business-like professionals. Remember! You are not in Chinatown where you touch and play with cheaply made articles and not even buy anything. It was my impression that she selects every product in Japan and brings it here. She seems proud of the products she sells because they are good quality. Prices? Same compared to the average online products. read more

Visited to find some accessories for an obon festival and I was overwhelmed with how amazing this shop was, especially the kitty who naps there. I will make this my main store now for all my yukata outfits. read more

Just payed a visit to this wonderful place today. The service was great and the selection was Amazing. Prices are shockingly competitive with online stores. Purchased a Kimono for our 11 month old baby with the help of the owner who was very patient and knowledgeable. Definitely look forward to returning one day. read more

The owner really knows what she is doing and will help you select the best kimono or yukata for you. The owner fixed my kimono at a Japanese Tea Ceremony performance (she is a tea ceremony teacher too so knows Japanese arts and culture very well) and did a fantastic job. I plan to visit her shop when I got to L.A. next time. I have had help with kimonos and buying them in Japan but she did the best "kitsuke," (kimono dressing) that I have ever had. She couldn't have been nicer too! read more

Mikko san helped my 13 and 10 year old daughters find a kimono that fit their age and taste. She took the time to make them feel special and showed them how to properly put one on. Her attention to detail and vast knowledge truly makes your shopping experience wonderful. Her selection of authentic Japanese kimonos and obis are amazing. It is not just a store, it's a whole experience. read more

I used to love going to this store because all of the interesting little things they have. My friend and I went into the store today after having lunch near by with my 2 years old daughter and I was absolutely discussed by the owner's attitude towards my daughter. She was yelling at her because she laid her little hand on one of the things on the display table. I would appreciate if she could kindly tell her not to touch instead of yelling at her. We left the store right the way after she yelled and on our way out the old lady gave us the dirtiest look ever. I will never go back to this store ever! I don't enjoy things sold by people with an ugly heart!! read more

I adore this establishment and the owner is a joy to work with. She speaks English and Japanese fluently and is well versed in the proper ways to wear both mens and women's kimonos. If you look to all the youtube videos currently on how to tie mens obis, you'd get a quick and simple (but horrendously cheap looking) off-centred bow for the backing. Mikko showed me three different ways to make seamless belt tying methods which allowed me to not look like a penniless clown during business meetings and major events where the style of the kimono is equivalent to a properly tailored suit. The prices are extremely fair as well as reasonable. If you're looking for a cheap generic costume for Halloween or a cosplay, go use ebay. If you want to own a work of art that will demand respect as you walk in a room, this is most certainly the place for you. I will be buying many more men's and women's kimonos for my fiancée and I in the future and can't dream of going anywhere else. Do feel free to check them out. You most certainly won't regret it. read more

They have very nice cotton kimono (yukata) for sale, the woman there is kind and will help you dress especially if it's your first time wearing kimono. She was a bit busy when I went for the first time as she had a prior appointment, she apologized a lot since we waited for a bit for her help, I would have went at a different time to not inconvenience her, but we came from an hour away, but she did not keep us waiting too long and helped me dress quickly as I had to leave soon. Thank you! I was looking forward to getting a kimono of my own- there is free parking for 90 min. In the parking lot. If it is your first time dressing in kimono I recommend calling and making an appointment first to not inconvenience schedules. Price is reasonable as all their kimono are handmade, with obi made from silk. I would call them for details on the whole ensemble as posting the price on yelp.... depends on the individual and depends on what you are looking for. Again thank you! My yukata is very lovely! read more