How to rent a kimono in Asakusa for the first time
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of women renting kimonos in Asakusa, with Asakusa Temple and Nakamise Street being the central attractions.
Have you ever seen it on TV or in magazines and thought, “I’d like to try that too?”
However, when renting a kimono for the first time, there are many things you might not know.
I want you to enjoy your sightseeing after clearing up any questions you may have, so I’ve put together some checkpoints for beginners like you, from the rental process to important points to keep in mind.
From the flow of rental to important notes, everything is covered, so even first-timers can feel at ease.
The Process of Kimono Rental in Asakusa
First, let me provide a clear and simple explanation of the rental process.
After making a reservation online or by phone, be sure to arrive at the store on time.
Since everything you need for dressing is provided, you only need to bring the essentials.
If you want to learn more details, you can see the Kimono Rental Process here.
Reception to Kimono Selection
Upon arriving at the store, start with the reception.
After finalizing any optional selections and payment, it’s time to choose your kimono.
Select your favorite from the various options available.
At Rikawafuku Asakusa, the obi (sash) is pre-coordinated with the rental kimono, so you can choose without hesitation.
If you’re still unsure, don’t worry.
The dressing staff or stylists can provide advice when needed.
By the way, recently retro designs have become popular even in Asakusa, so take this opportunity to give them a try!
Dressing
Once the reception is complete, the next step is dressing.
If you’ve chosen optional items like obi ties, this is the time to make those selections.
You’ll be dressed in the following order: undergarments, nagajuban (a type of slip), kimono, and obi, and the dressing process usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
During the summer, you may be dressed in a yukata, which takes roughly the same amount of time.
If you’re wearing a furisode, it may take a bit longer, around 25-30 minutes.
At Rikawafuku, you’re welcome to bring your own accessories, so feel free to incorporate your favorite items into your outfit.
Lace accessories go wonderfully well with retro-patterned kimonos and can add a touch of cuteness♡
Hairstyling
For those who have chosen a hairstyling plan, after the dressing is complete, you’ll proceed to hairstyling.
This is also when you can select hair ornaments.
At Rikawafuku, if you choose the hairstyling plan, hair ornaments are included for free.
Even for those on the basic plan, you can rent hair ornaments for an additional fee of 500 yen.
Furthermore, you’re allowed to bring your own hair ornaments, so feel free to personalize your look with your accessories.
Besides the classic floral hairpins, berets and other items also go well with rental kimonos.
If you bring your own hat, be sure to inform the hairstyling staff in advance so they can create a hairstyle that complements it. Hairstyling typically takes about 15 minutes.
Changing Bags and Departure
Once dressing and hairstyling are complete, the next step is choosing your drawstring bag (kinchaku).
If you’ve chosen optional items, you can also select bags other than the drawstring bag.
There’s a selection of bags that match rental kimonos, including gamaguchi bags and bags with traditional Japanese patterns, so it can be a fun decision to make.
Since you can also bring your own bags, if you have one that you particularly like, feel free to coordinate with it.
After transferring your valuables and items to your chosen drawstring bag or other bag, and checking in your other belongings, the final step is selecting your geta sandals.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your sightseeing in Asakusa to the fullest!
After renting a kimono in Asakusa, be sure to check out
Asakusa rickshaw tours! We introduce prices, hours, recommended routes, and
photo spots.</a >
Important Points for First-Time Kimono Rental
Kimono rental provides everything you need, making it easy for anyone to enjoy wearing traditional Japanese clothing.
However, for first-timers, there are certain points to be aware of to avoid unexpected issues.
Here are some important notes!
Do Your Makeup at Home
If you’ve chosen a plan with hairstyling, the salon will arrange your hair, but generally, most kimono rental shops do not offer makeup services.
Therefore, it’s important to do your makeup at home before heading out.
Additionally, it’s typically not possible to use the shop’s facilities for makeup, so if you were planning to do your makeup at the store, please be aware that this won’t be an option.
You Can’t Do Your Hair in the Shop
Just like makeup, bringing hair styling tools like hair irons and doing your own hair styling inside the shop is not allowed.
If you’ve chosen the Basic Plan, it’s recommended to come with your hair already styled.
If for some reason you couldn’t style your hair beforehand, you can still change your plan from Basic to the Plan with Hairstyling upon arrival.
Just inform the staff at the reception desk.
Students with the Student Discount Plan Must Bring Their Student ID
For students, there’s a special Student Discount Plan that offers reduced rental fees, and many students take advantage of this plan.
However, when using this plan, you’ll be asked to present your student ID at the reception desk. So, make sure not to forget your student ID, as it would be a shame to
miss out on the discount.
You can reserve the
Asakusa Kimono Hairstyling Student Discount Plan at Rikawafuku here</a >.
Payment is Cash Only
With the increase in consumption tax to 10%, we’ve heard the term “cashless payments” more often, and many people have started using debit cards and electronic money for shopping.
While it’s convenient, Rikawafuku Asakusa Store offers affordable rental prices by eliminating payment processing fees and therefore accepts cash only.
Some shops in Asakusa do accept cashless payments, but many still only accept cash, so if you’re someone who usually relies on cards, be sure to keep this in mind.
Since there are many places in Asakusa where you can buy food and snacks for just a few hundred yen, having some cash on hand can be useful.
Why Rikawafuku is Recommended for Kimono Rental in Asakusa
While there are many kimono rental shops in Asakusa, Rikawafuku is highly recommended for first-timers.
It has gained popularity on social media for its adorable hairstyling and has been featured in television coverage, making it a beloved shop in Asakusa.
With reasonable prices and a wide selection of kimonos, there are three additional reasons to consider when choosing Rikawafuku.
Comfortable for Strolling and Food Tasting
Wearing a kimono can be a bit challenging for those not accustomed to it, especially for first-timers.
Worries like “What if it becomes disheveled while walking?” or “Will I hurt my feet with these unfamiliar zori sandals?” might come up.
But with Rikawafuku, you’ll have professional kimono dressers who will ensure that your kimono is securely and comfortably fitted, so you don’t need to worry about it becoming disheveled while strolling.
The tabi socks have anti-slip soles, and the zori sandals are designed for comfort, so even beginners can wear them with confidence.
Regularly Adding Trendy New Kimonos
Rikawafuku purchases trendy new kimonos and yukatas each season, so you can always enjoy renting beautiful and cute kimonos.
The shop keeps its rental selection fresh, ensuring you can wear something stylish and current during your visit.
Rikawafuku Asakusa shop offers over 700 kimonos and yukatas, making it easy for beginners who might not know much about trends or coordinating outfits to find the perfect design that suits them!
>>View Lace Kimono Rental Coordination Ideas in Asakusa</a >
Excellent Access to Tourist Attractions
No matter how reasonable the prices and how diverse the selection, it would be frustrating if the kimono rental shop were far from the main tourist spots.
However, Rikawafuku is conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from Senso-ji Temple, making it the perfect starting point for your sightseeing adventure.
After visiting Senso-ji Temple, enjoy Asakusa’s local cuisine on Nakamise Street, and take commemorative photos in front of Kaminarimon Gate!
Enjoy Asakusa with Your First Kimono Rental!
While there may be uncertainties when trying kimono rental in Asakusa for the first time, the friendly service, various adorable rental kimonos, and the abundance of spots in Asakusa that complement traditional Japanese attire will surely dispel any concerns.
Moreover, Rikawafuku Asakusa has rental return times until 5:30 PM from October to June and until 7:30 PM from July to September, allowing you to enjoy your kimono rental even if you start in the afternoon.
Furthermore, on special occasions like fireworks festivals, you can extend your rental time until 9:30 PM for an additional fee of 1,000 yen (excluding tax).
This makes it perfect for those who want to enjoy events like the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in yukata!
