Photo= University students and international students enjoy strolling in kimono (Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto)

On January 25 there was an event for university students and international students in the Kansai area to wear kimono and stroll around Kyoto City. Enjoying a walk in the streets and sightseeing in temples and shrines, the young students tasted a part of Japanese culture.

The event was held by "Kyoto Smile Project," a group of university students in Kansai for promoting urban development. There were 31 participants.

After receiving assistance in putting on kimono at a hotel in Higashiayama Ward, the participants set off in three groups. They roamed around enjoying the cityscape and taking commemorative photos. They visited "Murin-an" garden in Sakyo Ward, Shoren-in Temple and Kenninji Temple, both in Higashiyama Ward, and other places respectively.

A 22-year-old Ritsumeikan University student from France said with smile, "It’s the first time I've worn a kimono. It's comfortable."

The event for strolling around Kyoto in kimono, as well as the summer event in "Yukata," or a summer kimono, has taken place three times so far. In response to its growing popularity, this time it was held for two days, on January 18 and 25.