Celebrate Love in Arashiyama – Kimono Rental for the Cutest Couple Date

On your anniversary, why not boldly wear a kimono and become a different version of yourself? Arashiyama offers many relaxed places within Kyoto, making it an ideal destination to spend your anniversary with friends or your significant other.

Let’s introduce perfect locations and plans for a girls’ trip or a romantic date in Arashiyama.

If you’re interested in knowing where to take purikura photos in Arashiyama, please check this out!

Today’s date plan article is here: Recommended Foolproof Date Plan for Couples in Kyoto Kimono

• 3.1. Savor Sweets in an Open and Modern Atmosphere at ‘Togetsu Cafe’
• 3.2. Stylish Spot Overlooking Togetsukyo Bridge, ‘Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama’
• 3.3. Hidden Gem Cafe at the Entrance of the Bamboo Grove Path, ‘Amamido Nishikawa’
• 3.4. ‘That Face’ from Oil Blotting Paper as Latte Art! Yoijiya Cafe
• 3.4.1. Author of this Article

Create a Unique You on Your Anniversary with Retro Kimono

If you’re spending your anniversary in Arashiyama, we recommend an elegant kimono rental experience. Even if you’re not familiar with wearing kimonos in your daily life, kimono rentals provide a complete service, from dressing to hairstyling.

Furthermore, opportunities to enjoy a different sense of fashion, like kimonos, don’t come by often. So, celebrating such special occasions with kimono rentals is a great idea.

If you want to enjoy kimono rental in Arashiyama, we recommend retro-patterned kimonos. Retro kimonos have classic and retro-chic patterns, making them unique among the many available kimono rentals.

While vibrant patterns are more suited for Kyoto’s cityscape, Arashiyama has a more tranquil atmosphere, making retro kimonos like these also a good fit.

Capture Elegant Kimono Moments at Recommended Photo Spots in Arashiyama

 

Since you’ve gone through the effort of renting a retro kimono, you’ll definitely want to capture that look in photos. However, taking just any photo won’t do.

Why not take photos at places that are picture-perfect?

From here on, we’ll introduce some of the picturesque photo spots in Arashiyama where your retro kimono will truly shine.

For information about couple-friendly spots, please visit here: Date Spots in Arashiyama Where You Can Wear Kimono as a Couple

Enjoy a Panoramic View of Arashiyama from the Stage of ‘Horin-ji’ Unlike the Famous Kiyomizu Temple

While the Kiyomizu Temple’s stage offers a panoramic view of Kyoto’s cityscape, if you’re in Arashiyama, we recommend visiting the stage of ‘Horin-ji.’

‘Horin-ji’ is a temple located about a 10-minute walk from Arashiyama Station. It’s situated on the mountainside, allowing you to overlook the town of Arashiyama.

Imagine capturing a picturesque moment in your retro kimono with the backdrop of Arashiyama’s town, it’s bound to make a stunning photo.

You’ll need to climb a long flight of stairs to reach the temple, so it’s a good idea to visit when you’re still fresh at the beginning of your journey if possible.

Especially during the autumn foliage season, this place becomes enchanting with beautiful and magical maple trees planted on both sides of the staircase. We highly recommend visiting during the autumn season.

Experience the Harmony of Nature and Japanese Aesthetics in Arashiyama Park

 

After enjoying the scenery of Arashiyama, let’s head to the extremely popular spot, ‘Togetsukyo Bridge.’ Togetsukyo Bridge is one of the most iconic attractions in Arashiyama, but it can get crowded, especially for photography.

During such times, why not try taking photos at ‘Arashiyama Park,’ a little away from Togetsukyo Bridge? Unlike the bustling area on the north side, Arashiyama Park offers a relatively less crowded space with a wide riverbank that serves as a backdrop to Togetsukyo Bridge.

With few obstacles and a perfect view of the Katsura River and Togetsukyo Bridge as a backdrop, it’s an excellent photo spot. Be sure to capture commemorative photos in retro kimonos here.

A Must-Visit: ‘Bamboo Grove Path’ in Arashiyama

When it comes to photogenic spots in Arashiyama, you can’t miss the ‘Bamboo Grove Path.’

The sight of delicate sunlight filtering through the tall bamboo on both sides is truly breathtaking. The path, lined with bamboo and dry bamboo twig fences as far as the eye can see, exudes a mystical atmosphere as if it leads to a different world.

One of the charming aspects is that your view is not obstructed by modern elements due to the tall bamboo, adding to its appeal.

This wonderful view could easily be described as “extraordinary” and a perfect spot for photography. To enhance your photography experience, we recommend using a rickshaw.

Not only will it enhance your photo opportunities, but it will also make you feel like you’ve become a noble of the Heian period.

Enjoy Sightseeing with Short Breaks! Stylish Cafés Near Photo Spots

 

While touring photogenic sightseeing spots, let’s take occasional breaks.

It’s natural for your excitement to rise when you see the wonderful scenery of beautiful tourist destinations. However, if you continue sightseeing solely with enthusiasm, you might end up exhausted by the time you return.

To make it easier to take breaks, we will introduce stylish cafes near the recommended photo spots mentioned above. Be sure to give them a try.

Enjoy Sweet Treats in an Open Japanese-Modern Space at ‘Togetsu Cafe’

‘Togetsu Cafe’ is a spacious cafe with a Japanese-modern style, located just across the Togetsukyo Bridge. It’s conveniently situated near both ‘Horin-ji Temple’ and ‘Arashiyama Park,’ as mentioned earlier.

The interior boasts contemporary decor, offering pleasant views from the counter seats, creating a comfortable atmosphere.

They offer a wide range of menu options, from café items like ice cream and matcha lattes to classic choices like beer and edamame.

Not limited to just tea, this versatile café also allows for light lunches, making it suitable for various purposes.

Stylish Spot Overlooking Togetsukyo Bridge: ‘Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama’

 

This café is also located near ‘Horin-ji Temple’ and ‘Arashiyama Park,’ overlooking the Katsura River (Hozugawa), making it a small yet stylish Instagram-worthy spot.

The exterior resembles a small building more like a police box than a café, but with its glass walls, it creates an open and refreshing atmosphere that perfectly complements the scenery of the Katsura River, giving it a chic and stylish appearance.

If you’re in Arashiyama, I highly recommend stopping by this café.

Hidden Gem Café Right at the Entrance of the Bamboo Grove: ‘Amamido Nishikawa’

‘Amamido Nishikawa’ is a cafe with excellent accessibility, located right in front of the Bamboo Grove and near a bus stop. Its typical Japanese-style building and interior give off a traditional vibe, and you can enjoy authentic Japanese sweets that truly represent the essence of sweetness.

While modern cafes with a touch of contemporary style are undoubtedly stylish, when you’re in historic Kyoto, I recommend visiting places like ‘The Traditional Japanese Sweet Shop.’

‘Amamido Nishikawa’ is highly reputed, and despite its excellent reputation for its sweets, it remains a hidden gem with relatively fewer visitors.

Take your time savoring traditional Japanese sweets and then explore the Bamboo Grove at your leisure.

The Face on Blotting Paper Turns into Latte Art at ‘Yo-ji-ya Cafe’

Similarly to ‘Amamido Nishikawa,’ this cafe is located right at the entrance of the Bamboo Grove. As the name suggests, it’s the cafe of ‘Yo-ji-ya,’ famous for their oil blotting paper. They offer a wide range of items, from stylish pancakes to traditional Japanese sweets.

When you visit here, be sure to try their ‘Latte Art.’ It features the iconic ‘face’ of Yo-ji-ya, and it’s guaranteed to make you want to take a photo, even if you’re not into Instagram or social media.

While the atmosphere of this cafe leans more towards modern, it still pairs well with retro kimono rentals. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to take some photos here as well.

If it happens to rain during your visit, how about a Gion date instead? For more details, please check here: Recommended Kyoto Gion Date Course for a Rainy Day Kimono Date in Kyoto

Author of this article

Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku operates four kimono rental shops in Kyoto city, including locations in Arashiyama, Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, and in front of Kyoto Station. In 2023, they served over 230,000 customers in the Kyoto area!
They offer affordable plans, with a kimono dressing plan starting from 3,500 yen, and a hair setting plan from 5,500 yen.
Close to popular tourist spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Koshindo, and Yasaka Shrine!
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Gion Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Arashiyama Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kyoto Station Front Store