One of the first things that a visitor might want to do when visiting Japan is to try on a kimono. Considering how difficult it looks and how long it takes to put one on, a lot of people give up within a few frustrated minutes. It's reassuring to know that instructional videos do exist that show you exactly how to go about getting properly done up in one. I know of a couple of non-Japanese female friends that really wanted to try a kimono on but were too embarrassed to ask for help. Well, maybe these simple 6 steps in order to make the process a lot easier for those of you who would like to give it a try.

* l The first thing that you should do is put on the white tabi socks. It may sound strange to go to the effort of putting on the socks first but you'll be a lot happier not having to bend over once you've got the kimono properly in place.

* l Next, put on the white undershirt and skirt, or the juban. Or if you find those to be too hot or uncomfortable, you can cheat by simply wearing a white collar called the eri-sugata.

* l Now it's time to put on the kimono. Make sure that the back seam is centered and the kimono itself is evenly balanced on your shoulders.

* l This step is very important and applies to both men and women! Be absolutely sure that you wrap the right side of the kimono around your body, and then use the left side to overlap it. If you were to do this in reverse (wrapping the left first and then overlapping with the right) it would mean that you are dressing a corpse for burial. And you don't want to make that mistake I'm sure.

* l Fix the white collar so that it is evenly displayed around the neck, below the kimono.

* l Tie the obi (the great big sash) into a bow (there are many different types of bows so you can decide which suits you best) and turn it around to the back. Alternatively, you can buy an obi which has already been permanently stitched together into a bow so you only need to tie it. And you're done!

Now all you need to do is grab a set of getas (wooden sandals), and a matching drawstring bag, and you're off!