A Mission Found in Light and Shadow: The Importance of COCON NIKKO’s “Kimono Rental Experience” as Taught by Our Customers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Hello, I am Misa Endo, the manager of Nikko Kimono Rental COCON NIKKO.
Introduction: Seeking the “Value of Work” Amidst Confusion and Conflict
In the spring of 2020, as the world faced unprecedented challenges, we at COCON NIKKO were also undergoing a significant trial. People vanished from Nikko, a renowned tourist destination, and the usual hustle and bustle was replaced by silence and confusion.
COCON NIKKO had to suspend operations for several days due to self-restraint measures.
The Golden Week holidays, a period of ideal weather and beautiful scenery that should have been the busiest time of the year for tourism, also fell during the self-restraint period.
I felt a profound sadness seeing the empty streets of Nikko during such a lovely season. It was heartbreaking for those who desperately wished to visit but could not travel during this precious time.
1. A Deep Question: The Value of Things “We Can Live Without”
The anxiety and near self-doubt I, Endo, experienced during the pandemic were the same deep, serious questions that faced many service industries, especially all businesses offering “non-essential” goods and services.
I felt immense respect for those in “essential fields”—like medicine, infrastructure, and education—who directly support human life and well-being. At the same time, I wrestled with the value of my own work: kimono rental and hair styling, which felt like a form of “entertainment.” Many others, I believe, shared this struggle.
“Attending to a customer by dressing them in a beautiful kimono and styling their hair is something people can live without. What can we possibly do in this situation?”
This conflict led me to deep introspection.
Part 1: Preparing to Turn Anxiety into Hope — The Passion Behind Our Handmade Creations During the Self-Restraint Period
We could not afford to stand still. Every member of the COCON NIKKO staff quietly, yet with great passion, prepared for the day we could reopen.
1. Handcrafting to Create Customer Smiles
“We want to brighten our customers’ spirits! To make them feel joyful and glamorous!”
Driven by this sole thought, I devoted the self-restraint period to meticulously handcrafting many accessories: hair ornaments, obi (sash) decorations, haori (jacket) clips, and more.
- The Wish Behind the Work: We wanted to delight the customers who would finally be able to visit after the self-restraint was lifted. We hoped the shine of our handmade items would help lift the suppressed feelings they had endured.
- The Significance of Preparation: This steady, quiet preparation was not just a task; it was an act of lighting our own hope. It was a crucial period for building within ourselves the conviction that “we will surely reopen as a place to bring back our customers’ smiles.”
2. Providing Safety and Personal Experience with Special “Time Slot Reservations”
Upon reopening, we revised our usual operation methods to ensure our customers could truly enjoy their visit with peace of mind.
- Prioritizing Safety: We introduced a Time Slot Reservation system to thoroughly minimize contact between different groups, catering primarily to small parties, couples, and families.
- A Personal Touch: This time slot arrangement ultimately led to a more professional and personal preparation experience for our customers. We were able to more deeply connect with each individual, sharing their thoughts and stories about their special occasion.
Part 2: The “Precious Mission” of COCON NIKKO, Revealed by Our Customers’ Words
Amidst this period of trial and error, one heartfelt comment from a customer swept away all my doubts.
1. “The Work COCON NIKKO Does is Very Important”
In my deepest moment of uncertainty, a customer offered these warm and powerful words: “The work and the place that COCON NIKKO offers, which give people a dream, are very important! They are essential, and we support you!”
This single sentence was an irreplaceable gift that reaffirmed the very reason for Kimono Rental COCON NIKKO’s existence.
2. Touching Stories Unfolding Before Us
The backgrounds of the customers who visited during that time were filled with various “unfulfilled hopes”:
- Canceled Dreams: Couples who had to cancel their overseas honeymoons and chose to wear kimonos in Nikko instead.
- Phantom Weddings: Spouses whose weddings, planned for half a year, were canceled, and who visited Nikko to at least create a special memory.
- Lasting Memories: Families who gathered in small numbers to celebrate a beloved grandmother.
- Proof of Graduation: Individuals who couldn’t attend their graduation ceremony but wished to have a keepsake photo in a kimono.
- A Bonded Trip: Families whose school trips were canceled again, and who came to Nikko as a family vacation.
For these customers, the COCON NIKKO kimono experience was not mere sightseeing; it was the final, finest stage for sublimating “important, unfulfilled desires.” By witnessing these stories, we became convinced that our work played an indispensable role in healing the heart and connecting people to hope for the future, far beyond being a mere “substitute for a milestone event.”
Part 3: The “Emotional Infrastructure” Provided by COCON NIKKO’s Kimono Rental
The mission COCON NIKKO was taught by its customers is “the mission to provide joy, dreams, and color.” We realized that kimono rental is a form of “emotional infrastructure”—a different kind of necessity for the human heart, distinct from medicine or physical infrastructure.
1. The Creation of the Extraordinary and the Magic of “Self-Affirmation”
- The Energy to Support Daily Life: We work hard to live our daily lives. The source of energy that sustains that routine is the brilliance of the extraordinary. A kimono is not just clothing; it is a magical tool that colors “life’s celebratory moments” and enhances “self-affirmation.”
- A Testament to Life: Especially in difficult times, the fact that “we can still shine beautifully and create memories in this situation” connects people to their will to live and to hope. COCON NIKKO is the place where that hope takes shape.
2. Cultural Legacy and Inspiration — Spiritual Fulfillment
- Reconnecting with History: Wearing a kimono in the historical city of Nikko is an inspiring reconnection with history and culture. This is the spiritual fulfillment that humans need, an absolutely essential factor in enhancing the Quality of Life (QOL).
- Passing the Cultural Baton: Allowing people to joyfully experience traditional kimono culture through modern, retro-chic designs is the noble mission of passing the cultural baton to the future.
Conclusion: More Professional, More Serious, More Sincere
What our customers deemed “important” was not just the kimono itself, but the passion and professionalism of Endo and the entire COCON NIKKO staff to provide an “at-home, heartfelt, and moving experience.”
…
This very determination is COCON NIKKO’s greatest strength and highest value.
Our role differs from that of life-saving medicine or life-sustaining infrastructure. However, we possess the precious mission of deeply engraving “the joy of living,” “beautiful memories,” and “cultural inspiration” into people’s hearts.
The heartfelt “dreams and color” provided by Endo and the COCON NIKKO staff will continue to enrich the lives of many and be an indispensable presence in conveying the charm of this special place, Nikko, to the world.
As the most dedicated advocates for our customers, we will continue to pursue this noble mission with passion into the future.
(Misa Endo, COCON NIKKO)
The Experience of “Wearing a Kimono”
The experience of wearing a kimono brings a touch of the extraordinary into your everyday life.
It can feel almost magical—freeing your heart and allowing you to discover a new side of yourself.
You may find yourself noticing architectural details you’ve never paid attention to before, feeling moved again by the beauty of nature, or sharing warm moments with the local people…
Through the lens of kimono or yukata, Nikko will reveal a completely different and captivating charm.
And the memories you make will not simply become “sightseeing moments.”
They will remain deeply etched in your heart—treasures that stay with you long after your trip ends.
COCON NIKKO is more than just a place to rent kimono.
We want to be your travel companion—supporting each guest wholeheartedly in creating their very best memories.
So, why not begin your heart-fluttering kimono journey with COCON NIKKO?
We are always here, waiting for you with warm smiles!
COCON NIKKO is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Tobu Nikko Station.
Thanks to our close distance to the station, you can get dressed soon after your arrival and start sightseeing freely and comfortably.
No need to bring anything—everything is provided.
Our professional kimono dressers will help you with care and attention so you can enjoy the entire day looking beautiful and feeling confident.
COCON NIKKOとは
世界遺産の社寺が建ち並ぶ日光のまちで、“一生の想い出になる旅”をお手伝いしている着物レンタルサロンです。
COCON NIKKOでは、季節の色や街並みに合わせたレトロモダンな着物を多数ご用意しています。
初めての方でも安心して楽しめるよう、ヘアセットから着付け、コーディネートまでフルサポート。
大切な人と、大切な時間を。COCON NIKKOが贈る、かけがえのない体験
COCON NIKKOがお客様に提供したいのは、単なる着物レンタルではありません。
* 普段とはちょっと違う、装いで：いつもの日常を離れ、特別な装いで新たな一日をスタートする喜び。
* 新たな一面を：着物を身にまとうことで、普段は気づかなかった自分の魅力に気づく瞬間。
* ワクワクドキドキ：初めての着物体験、日光の美しい景色、新しい自分との出会い…その全てが、あなたの心を躍らせ、胸をときめかせるでしょう。
* 特別な時間を過ごせますように：大切なパートナー、親しい友人、愛する家族と、心に残る、かけがえのない時間を過ごしてほしい。そのお手伝いをすることが、私たちの何よりの喜びです。
COCON NIKKOは、ご来店くださるすべてのお客様に、最高の笑顔で、心ゆくまで日光での着物体験を楽しんでいただきたいと心から願っています。
日光での着物体験は、きっとあなたの人生に彩りを加え、忘れられない一日となるでしょう。
さあ、あなたもCOCON NIKKOで、心ときめく着物旅へ出かけませんか？
私たちは、いつでも笑顔であなたのお越しをお待ちしております！
COCON NIKKOは、東武日光駅から徒歩5分という好立地。駅チカだから、到着してすぐに着付けを済ませて、身軽に観光に出発できます。
手ぶらでOK！必要なものは全て揃っています。
プロの着付けスタッフが、一日中キレイに着こなせるよう、丁寧に心を込めてお手伝いします。
About COCON NIKKO
Located in the historic town of Nikko—home to magnificent World Heritage shrines and temples—COCON NIKKO is a kimono rental salon dedicated to helping you create “a once-in-a-lifetime travel memory.”
At COCON NIKKO, we offer a wide selection of retro-modern kimonos that beautifully complement the seasons and the charming cityscape.
From hairstyling to dressing and coordination, our staff provides full support so even first-time guests can enjoy the kimono experience with complete peace of mind.
**Cherished Moments with Cherished People —
An Irreplaceable Experience from COCON NIKKO**
What we want to offer is not simply a kimono rental service.
・A touch of the extraordinary:
Step away from everyday life and begin a new day in a special outfit.
・A new side of yourself:
Wearing a kimono reveals a charm you may never have noticed before.
・Excitement and wonder:
Your first kimono experience, the beautiful scenery of Nikko, and the discovery of a “new you” will fill your heart with joy and delight.
・Precious moments with loved ones:
We hope you enjoy unforgettable time with your partner, friends, or family.
Supporting that special moment is our greatest joy.
It is our sincere wish that every guest leaves with a radiant smile and a heart full of beautiful memories from their kimono experience in Nikko.
A day spent in kimono here will surely add color to your life and become an unforgettable memory.
So—
why not begin your heart-fluttering kimono journey with COCON NIKKO?
We welcome you with warm smiles whenever you are ready.
COCON NIKKO ご予約はこちらから
24時間ご予約を受け付けております。
翌日返却も可能ですので(お一人様1,650円)
HPからのご予約時にメッセージ欄に翌日返却希望おにご入力ください。
今月の笑顔いっぱいのお客様フォトは、COCON NIKKOの X･Instagram ・TikTok・お客様ギャラリーよりご覧下さい。多くのお客様が、着物姿で最高の笑顔を見せてくださっています。きっと、あなたの着物旅への期待感をさらに高めてくれるはずです。
記念日に、日光観光に、卒業旅行に、着物デートに、女子旅グループに、家族旅行に。どんなシーンでも、COCON NIKKOの着物レンタルは、あなたの旅に彩りを添え、思い出に残るスペシャルな体験をお約束します。
最後に…日光は、ただ観光するだけの場所ではありません。
人と人がつながり、心と心が通じる“縁”の旅の舞台です。
COCON NIKKOの着物とともに、あなたの物語を、ここ日光で始めませんか？
心より、お待ちしております。
私たちは、皆様からのたくさんのご予約を心よりお待ちしております。
さあ、あなたの「非日常」への扉を開きませんか？
世界遺産の街、日光で気軽に着物レンタルができる店
日光着物レンタル COCON NIKKO
〒321-1405
栃木県日光市石屋町425-1
TEL／ 0288-25-6625
営業時間／AM9:30～PM5:30 水曜休
【電車でお越しの場合】
東武日光駅から徒歩約5分
JR日光駅から徒歩約8分
【お車でお越しの場合】
日光宇都宮道路「日光出口」を左に出て「日光I.C入口西交差点」を右折。80メートルほどで東和町の交差点を左折。国道119号線を約450メートル直進すると左側にございます。所要時間は「日光出口」から約8分ほどです。
A Perfect Location—Just 5 Minutes from Tobu Nikko Station
COCON NIKKO is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Tobu Nikko Station.
Because we are close to the station, you can quickly get dressed after arriving and head out for sightseeing with ease.
No need to bring anything—everything is included.
Our professional kimono stylists will dress you with care so you can enjoy the entire day comfortably and beautifully.
Reservations
Reservations are accepted 24 hours a day.
Next-day returns are also available (¥1,650 per person).
If you wish to return your kimono the next day, please write “翌日返却希望 (next-day return request)” in the message field when booking on our website.
See This Month’s Smiling Guests
Check out the many smiling guests in kimono on
COCON NIKKO’s X, Instagram, TikTok, and Customer Gallery.
You will find countless examples of customers enjoying their kimono journey—perfect inspiration for your own visit.
Whether it’s a special celebration, sightseeing in Nikko, a graduation trip, a kimono date, a girls’ trip, or a family vacation—
COCON NIKKO’s kimono rentals will add beauty and color to your journey and create memories that last a lifetime.
Finally…
Nikko is more than just a sightseeing destination.
It is a place where people meet, hearts connect, and meaningful bonds are formed.
Why not begin your story here in Nikko, dressed in a kimono from COCON NIKKO?
We sincerely look forward to welcoming you.
Open the door to your own “extraordinary moment.”
Your kimono adventure in the World Heritage town of Nikko begins here.
COCON NIKKO — Your Easy, Delightful Kimono Rental in Nikko
Nikko Kimono Rental COCON NIKKO
425-1 Ishiyacho, Nikko City, Tochigi 321-1405
TEL: 0288-25-6625
Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
By Train:
• 5-minute walk from Tobu Nikko Station
• 8-minute walk from JR Nikko Station
By Car:
Exit “Nikko” on the Nikko–Utsunomiya Road, turn left, then turn right at “Nikko I.C. Entrance West Intersection.”
After about 80 meters, turn left at the Towa-cho intersection.
Drive straight for 450 meters on Route 119—the shop will be on your left.
Approx. 8 minutes from the “Nikko” exit.