Photo/Illutration Kimono in vivid colors are on display at the Japan Kimono Museum in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, on Oct. 6, a day before its opening. (Toru Saito)

KORIYAMA, Fukushima Prefecture--Surprisingly, permanent museums dedicated to Japanese-style traditional clothing are rarely found in Japan, which makes the opening of one in the Bandai-Atami Onsen hot spring resort here a sure hit with followers of fashion.

The Japan Kimono Museum, which opened its doors on Oct. 7, features rare kimono made between the Edo Period (1603-1867) and the early Showa Era (1926-1989).

Its collection is comprised of around 4,600 kimono-related items, some of which are on display. Exhibits are replaced on occasion.

The items include a lavishly designed “dochugi” jacket worn by “oiran,” high-ranking “yujo” prostitutes, colorful long-sleeved “furisode” and daily-worn “meisen” kimono with elaborate patterns.

The museum’s predecessor, Japan Kimono Culture Museum, operated by a foundation, was closed after the building and its facilities were damaged in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster.

Leading online retailer Belluna Co., which operates major kimono retailer Sagami Corp. under its umbrella, clinched a deal with the foundation to reopen the facility with a refurbished interior and new exhibits.

“We hope to see many more fans pass through the museum and expand the scope of kimono culture,” said Yukihiro Katabe, president of Sagami Group Holdings Co. which runs the museum.

It opens at 10 a.m. and is closed between January and March.

Admission is 1,000 yen ($7.20) for adults.

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