If your wanderlust has made you pack your bags and hit the road, I suggest visiting Matsushima, a popular sightseeing area famous for its iconic pine-covered islets. Your trip can be more memorable by going sightseeing in kimono or yukata, traditional Japanese clothing. I will introduce a Muslim-friendly kimono- and yukata-wearing experience offered by Ume Luv, a kimono rental shop in Matsushima. Owner Yumi Nakano opened Ume Luv two years ago.

Ume Luv is close to five of Matsushima’s most famous sights: Godaido Temple, Entsuin Temple, Zuiganji Temple, the Matsushima Castle observation deck, and the Matsushima Bay sightseeing boat pier. From Ume Luv, it takes only about ten or fifteen minutes on foot to reach these sights. Wearing a kimono and walking around the area doubled the attractiveness of being in Matsushima. A kimono is more than just clothing; it is part of Japanese identity. Wearing a kimono is a great opportunity to get acquainted with Japanese culture. Moreover, the staff will kindly explain the differences between kimono and yukata and teach how to fold them. This helps communicate to visitors just how valuable kimono are.

Ume Luv offers over one hundred kimono and yukata styles to choose from. Their number-one recommendation is a colorful silk kimono. In consideration of Muslim women, the staff will offer colors that go with their head scarves. In addition, Ume Luv shows their consideration to Muslims by letting them pray in the store.