Kimono rental in Kyoto is an excellent way to enjoy walking around the city. The package includes everything you need – from dressing to hair styling, and even a bag and sandals.
Yumeyakata has an English-speaking staff on hand, and reservations are recommended. Before you visit, learn a bit about kimono-related vocabulary: obi (wide belt) geta (traditional wooden platform sandals, kind of like clogs), and zori (more formal sandals)..
Mimosa
If you’ve never worn a kimono before, there are plenty of kimono rental shops in Kyoto that offer comprehensive packages that include everything you need to walk around the city in style. These packages typically include kimono rentals, an obi and zori (Japanese sandals), and an optional hair styling session. It’s best to do a bit of research on these terms before you choose your kimono rental package because some come with extras that others don’t, so knowing these concepts can help you make the right choice for your unique needs.
For example, Kimono Miyabi Kyoto offers women a Furisode plan that allows you to wear a kimono with long hanging sleeves. The store is also conveniently located near the UNESCO-recognized Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Its staff is competent at typing an obi and will make you look effortlessly sleek in the process.
Another option is mimosa is the most recommended shop in Kyoto, which has over a hundred exquisite kimono to choose from and offers comprehensive rental packages that include accessories such as an obi and zori. Additionally, its packages are affordable and it’s convenient to reach from Kyoto Station. Plus, it offers damage insurance for those who may be worried about damaging their kimono for the first time. This will allow them to focus more on enjoying Kyoto’s mesmerizing sights.
Cherry Blossom
Cherry blossoms are one of the most beautiful things about Kyoto, Japan. You can see them everywhere, from the dreamy landscapes in ukiyo-e wood block prints to delicate designs painted on byobu traditional folding screens and even on everyday consumer items like bento lunch boxes. But there’s no better way to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms than by renting a kimono and walking around Kyoto under the pink trees!
Hinaya is a kimono rental Kyoto shop that serves both foreign tourists and local Japanese. The store is a few minutes away from the famous Kiyomizudera temple and offers a wide range of styles from classic Kyoto to casual street style. They also have a variety of props that you can use for photos, such as traditional umbrellas and masks.
Another top rated kimono rental store in Kyoto is Yumeyakata, which has been in business for 20 years and offers a wide selection of styles from classic to modern. The store is located in a 100-year-old machiya (wooden townhouse) and offers an intimate kimono experience. Its staff are a mix of both foreigners and local Japanese, making the experience more authentic.
You can even book a rickshaw ride and get your kimono professionally photographed at Maikoya, which is near the Gion district and is a great place to spot geisha! Just be aware that most people who dress up as geisha aren’t real geisha, but just tourists looking for a more authentic experience.
Camellia
In Japan, the camellia is known as tsubaki () and is revered as the symbol of nobility throughout history. The plant is cherished for its beauty, and the flowers are used in tea ceremonies. They are also used in floral arrangements. Camellias can be seen in a variety of colors, including white and pink. In western flower language, red camellias symbolize the flame in one’s heart, while pink ones mean longing.
Yume Kyoto is a popular choice for kimono rentals in Kyoto, with more than 500 kimono designs to choose from. Its English and Chinese-speaking staff makes the process a breeze. The experience is also very affordable and includes simple hairstyling and a hair accessory for women.
The shop is located in the northern Ukyo area, close to several of Kyoto’s top attractions such as Ryoan-ji Zen temple, containing the world’s best rock garden, and Ninna-ji temple. The experience takes place in a traditional machiya, which are disappearing from the city.
The host of this experience is a maiko, who will welcome you to the tea room with a bow, and serve you tea in the sanmon room. This is an ideal activity for those who want to learn more about the Japanese culture through a tea ceremony. The experience has earned many independent accolades, including Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence and being recommended by Rough Guides.
Kyoto
The Kyoto area is a must-visit for anyone visiting Kyoto. Luckily, there is a kimono rental shop within the neighborhood that offers invidivual and group packages. Kimono Yae is a short walk from Nakamise and their individual kimono rentals start at Y=5,980. They also offer timed kimono photoshoots done in 30, 60, and 90 minute increments for Y=11,000 (in winter they provide a haori and fur shawl for free). The store will allow you to wear the kimono all day, but you must return it by 5:30PM.
The shop is well-stocked with a wide range of sizes and styles, including kimonos that feature retro and antique patterns. They have staff members who speak English and Chinese, making it easy to request a fitting or ask questions. They even have a special couples plan for Y=10,000.
Waraku is another popular shop in Kyoto, offering kimono rentals starting at Y=4,900 (excluding tax). They have a large selection of kimono patterns, including ones that are perfect for family photoshoots. They also have a variety of accessories and ornaments to use with your kimono, including geta sandals, hairpins, and bags.
Another option is to visit a kimono rental shop that offers next-day return, like Kimono Rental Yume Kyoto. This shop has a great location near the Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple, making it convenient for sightseeing. They also have a wide variety of kimono designs and sizes, including those that are appropriate for men.
