From Minnesota, USA, and Saga, Japan—to the sacred land of Nikko.
Wrapping oneself in a kimono for the very first time…
This is the true joy of travel, and the very “precious moment” that COCON NIKKO holds dear.
From Amanda’s work and life in Japan, to Jorgen’s passion for history, and even an incredibly cool episode featuring a Majin Buu tattoo—
we proudly present a New Year’s Report filled with emotion, celebrating their two-week adventure across Japan.
【International Exchange & New Year Report】
Minnesota × Saga × Nikko!
Amanda & Jorgen’s First Kimono Experience and a Dragon Ball–Inspired Connection for World Peace
— Welcoming a Happiest-Ever 2026 at Nikko Toshogu Shrine —
Happy New Year from Nikko!
A Wonderful Journey from Minnesota and Saga to COCON NIKKO
Hello!
My name is Misa Endo, Manager of Kimono Rental COCON NIKKO.
The year 2026 has begun!
How are you all spending the New Year holidays?
Here at COCON NIKKO, we are overflowing with “happy” energy from all over the world right from the start of the year.
Today, we’d like to introduce a truly stylish and wonderful couple who reunited here in Nikko—crossing oceans and traveling across Japan to do so.
From Minnesota in the United States, Jorgen, and Amanda, who is currently working as an English teacher in Saga Prefecture, Japan!
For both of them, it was their first time in Nikko and their first time wearing kimono—
and also the beginning of an energetic two-week adventure in Japan.
We’ll share their heartwarming story with you in full!
Chapter 1: The Journey — From Saga by Plane, from America Across the Sea
What made this visit especially meaningful is that they each came to Nikko from completely different places.
Amanda, Teaching English in Saga
Amanda has been working as an English teacher in Saga Prefecture for the past two years.
Traveling all the way from Kyushu by plane and train was a long journey—but with a strong wish of
“I want to wear kimono with Jorgen in Nikko!”, even the distance must have felt exciting.
Although she is well accustomed to life in Japan, this was her first kimono experience, which made us all the more eager to help make it special.
Jorgen, Flying in from Minnesota
Jorgen traveled to Japan from Minnesota specifically for this holiday.
He arrived on Christmas Day and is enjoying a two-week stay in Japan.
This is his second visit to the country.
At university, he studies kinesiology and history, so Nikko—treasured for its historical heritage—must have felt like the perfect fieldwork destination.
Chapter 2: The Encounter — Dragon Ball and the Cool Bond of “Majin M”
While helping them prepare, our eyes were drawn to a particularly fashionable tattoo on Jorgen’s arm.
A “Majin M” tattoo!
Yes—the iconic “M” that appears on Vegeta’s forehead when he becomes Majin in the world-famous Japanese anime Dragon Ball Z.
“I love Japanese culture—Frieza, Majin Buu, all of it!”
Jorgen said with a shy smile.
A student of history who also loves modern pop culture—his rich and open-minded sensibility was truly wonderful.
The fusion of traditional Japanese kimono and a globally beloved anime tattoo gave Jorgen’s presence a uniquely cool charm.
A true “Samurai Spirit × Z Fighter” hybrid!
Jorgen, you looked absolutely amazing.
Chapter 3: The Style — First Kimono, First Visit to Nikko Toshogu Shrine
The moment they stood in front of the mirror fully dressed, cheers erupted inside the shop!
Dignified and Graceful
- Amanda: An elegant and charming coordination that blended beautifully with Japan’s townscape. Perhaps her two years in Saga taught her Japanese poise—she looked completely natural in kimono despite it being her first time.
- Jorgen: Standing over 180 cm tall, the dignified kimono and haori fit him perfectly. As someone who loves history, he seemed to truly enjoy the weight and presence of the attire.
Hatsumode at Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Their first destination was Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
Welcoming the start of 2026 with Hatsumode at a UNESCO World Heritage Site—
experiencing a traditional Japanese New Year dressed in kimono.
For Jorgen, this must have felt like experiencing living history, far beyond what any textbook could offer.
After their visit, they enjoyed sushi together.
Kimono, Toshogu, sushi, and New Year in Japan—
a truly perfect Japanese New Year experience.
Chapter 4: Gift of Love — A Handmade Present from the COCON Family
To celebrate their New Year visit, we presented them with a small New Year’s gift from COCON NIKKO.
Fluffy Yarn “Strawberry Accessories”
These handmade strawberry keychains were lovingly crocheted one by one by the families of our COCON staff.
They can be used as:
- A cute keychain
- A bag accessory
- A practical acrylic scrub sponge
When we said “Happy New Year!”, both Amanda and Jorgen exclaimed,
“Oh, so cute! Handmade!?”
Thinking that these fluffy strawberries will accompany them on their journey back to America and Saga fills our hearts with warmth.
We believe in delivering heart, not just things.
That is our motto.
Chapter 5: The Adventure Continues — From Nikko to Nagano, and Then to Tokyo
Their journey doesn’t end in Nikko.
Their two-week itinerary is truly a “Japan Highlights Tour”!
The Day After Kimono: Akebi Onsen
They planned to visit Akebi Onsen in Kinugawa, Nikko’s hidden retreat.
We hope they relax in a private open-air bath surrounded by nature—
and if they’re lucky, enjoy a magical snow-viewing onsen.
Experiences in Nagano
In Nagano, they visited the Snow Monkey Park, where they were deeply moved by seeing Japanese macaques in a snowy landscape.
A new side of Japan’s winter surely revealed itself to them there.
First Time in Tokyo
The final stop of their journey: Tokyo!
Cutting-edge skyscrapers and nostalgic downtown streets—
perhaps even a pilgrimage to some of Jorgen’s favorite anime spots.
Closing: One Kimono That Connects the World
Thank you so much for reading to the end.
Amanda and Jorgen—
thank you sincerely for visiting Nikko and COCON NIKKO.
Your warm smiles that rival Minnesota’s cold,
the love for Japan you brought from Saga,
and the proud, cool “Majin M” etched on your arm.
Talking with you made us realize how easily borders and language barriers can be crossed.
“Putting on a kimono and smiling.”
We truly believe this simple joy has the power to connect the world.
May the rest of your stay be magical—
warm up at Akebi Onsen, enjoy the snow in Nagano, and be inspired in Tokyo.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Nikko again on your third or fourth visit to Japan!
Happy New Year and Have a Great Adventure!
Misa Endo
Manager, Kimono Rental COCON NIKKO
International Travelers Welcome!
At COCON NIKKO, we warmly welcome guests from all over the world.
If you’re wondering:
- “Is it okay if this is my first time wearing kimono?”
- “Do you have larger sizes?”
Please don’t worry.
We’ll create the perfect Samurai Style or Princess Style just for you—and deliver it with Japanese hospitality (and even handmade strawberries!).
Check out #coconnikko on Instagram!
Smiling guests from around the world are waiting for you. Your adventure starts here.
The Experience of Wearing a Kimono
Wearing a kimono adds extraordinary sparkle to everyday life.
Like magic, it may free your heart and help you discover a new side of yourself.
You may notice architectural details you once overlooked, feel nature’s beauty more deeply, or enjoy warm exchanges with locals. Through the “kimono lens,” Nikko reveals an entirely new expression.
These memories won’t fade as mere sightseeing—they will remain etched in your heart as irreplaceable treasures.
COCON NIKKO is not just a kimono rental shop.
We strive to be your travel companion, fully supporting the creation of your best memories.
Why not embark on a heart-fluttering kimono journey with COCON NIKKO?
We’re always waiting with smiles to welcome you.
About COCON NIKKO
Located in the historic city of Nikko, home to UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples, COCON NIKKO is a kimono rental salon dedicated to helping you create once-in-a-lifetime travel memories.
We offer a wide selection of retro-modern kimono suited to the seasons and townscape.
From hair styling and dressing to coordination, we provide full support—even for first-time guests.
COCON NIKKO
5-minute walk from Tobu-Nikko Station
9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
Open for reservations 24 hours a day.
Next-day returns available (¥1,650 per person).
Let your story begin here in Nikko—together with COCON NIKKO.