Kimono are worn as formalwear and in cultural pursuits, but few men don them and the market has shrunk. Various initiatives aim to reverse this trend. One man sells outfits to dispel the image of kimono being expensive and bothersome. Another aims to revive the bold, showy style favored over 400 years ago. A connoisseur repurposes old kimono, adding the subtle flair of later fashion. An artist dyes kimono to suit the wearer's tastes. Discover how they strive to revive the appeal of men's kimono.

The Kamo River flows 23km north-south through the city center. Emperors on their enthronement would once purify themselves in its waters, and dyers would rinse bolts of fabric downstream. An entertainment district evolved downtown along the banks, and remains today. Wild birds can be seen year-round, and in summer anglers catch sweetfish. The river is also habitat to the Japanese giant salamander, a protected species. Discover the river's history and its cultural influence on life in Kyoto.