Mademoiselle Yulia is a multifaceted talent. She is active in the fashion scene as a DJ while also producing her own kimonos. In this series, Yulia, who is well-versed in art and architecture, visits her favorite spots and discusses how she coordinates kimonos that harmonize with the surroundings. In the 8th volume, she visits Nezu Shrine, a place she highly recommends to international visitors. Showcased is the shrine’s elegant architecture and the enchantment of its torii gates, paired with a stunning New Year’s kimono style that perfectly captures the spirit of the location.
Otome Inari, nestled to the west of Nezu Shrine, captivates visitors with its stunning path of vibrant vermilion torii gates.
A Shrine Filled with Cultural Treasures
Awe-struck by the impressive gate tower, which dates back to the Edo period.
While there are many places for the first shrine visit of the New Year, Yulia chose Nezu Shrine, one of Tokyo’s Ten Shrines. With a history spanning over 1,900 years, the shrine is believed to have been founded by the legendary Yamato Takeru, a hero featured in the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki. The land where the shrine stands was once the residence of Tsunashige, the third son of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun. In 1706, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the fifth shogun, donated the land to the shrine and oversaw the construction of its buildings. Today, the shrine’s main structures, including the honden (main hall), haiden (hall of worship), karamon (Chinese gate), nishimon (west gate), sukibei (lattice-windowed wall), and rōmon (tower gate), remain unchanged, with seven of its buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
At the torii gate at the Omotesando entrance on the south side of the shrine grounds. The coat Yulia is wearing is a new piece from KOTOWA, the brand she started with a friend.
The tower gate, recognized as a National Important Cultural Property.
As you pass through the torii gate on the south side of the shrine grounds and cross the sacred bridge, the striking vermilion tower gate (rōmon) comes into view. Nezu Shrine is the only shrine in Tokyo where an Edo-period tower gate still stands, making it a remarkable historical treasure.
Beyond the rōmon lies the second gate, the karamon (The Chinese gate is a type of ‘mon’ found at Japanese castles, Buddhist temples, and Shinto shrines).
“Both the rōmon and karamon are painted in vibrant vermilion and accented with gold details, exuding a sense of opulence. As expected from a shrine built by the Tokugawa family, it has such an impressive presence,” Yulia remarks.
After passing through the rōmon, you head toward the shrine hall.
The haiden, seen through the sukibei, radiates a particularly graceful and understated beauty. (Photos 3 and 4 courtesy of Nezu Shrine)
Stepping through the karamon, you are greeted by the haiden, a magnificent example of Edo-period shrine architecture. Built in the Gongen-zukuri style, the structure features a fully lacquered construction where the honden (main hall) and haiden (hall of worship) are seamlessly integrated. It was constructed during the major reconstruction of the shrine led by the fifth shogun, Tsunayoshi. Nezu Shrine’s haiden is considered the best-preserved of its kind in Tokyo. The hall is surrounded by a 200-meter-long sukibei (lattice-windowed wall), which is also designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Otome Inari Shrine, situated at a slightly higher elevation than the haiden of Nezu Shrine.
A Lustrous Black Kimono Inspired by the New Year’s Celebrations
The kimono, with its slightly longer sleeves, gracefully enhances her stance.
For her visit to a shrine with strong ties to the prestigious Tokugawa family, Yulia chose a kimono made from an antique 2-shaku sleeve long haori, carefully reworked into a kimono. The outfit is paired with an obi featuring auspicious symbols, evoking a delicate and charming New Year’s aura, with rhythmic paper balloons dancing across the fabric.
“I brought everything together using the traditional New Year colors of black, red, and white,” Yulia explains.
From the Arita-yaki obi clasp to the geisha-themed bag and the hair styled with a bell-adorned ribbon, every detail reflects the joy of welcoming the New Year.
The coordination of black, red, and white stands out brilliantly, even from a distance.
The fine details, all infused with the spirit of the New Year.
Even from the behind, as she passes through the rows of torii gates, her posture and movement seem to exude the essence of the New Year, a time of the year often filled with calmness, joy, and grace in Japan.
Mademoiselle Yulia
She began her career as a DJ and singer in her teens. Based in Tokyo, Mademoiselle Yulia is actively engaged globally, organizing kimono styling sessions, kimono workshops, and writing columns. In 2023, she co-founded the brand KOTOWA with friends to add stylish flair to everyday wear by incorporating kimono. She also runs a YouTube channel ‘Yulia’s Room’ where she uploads new content every week.
instagram: @MADEMOISELLE_YULIA
◾️The location featured:
Nezu Shrine
Address: 1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3822-0753
URL: https://nedujinja.or.jp/
