Gion Kimono Rental Tips: Dining Etiquette & How to Stay Comfortable

Enjoying a Meal in Kimono Without Worries: Key Points to Avoid Stains

When dining in kimono, one major concern is staining the beautiful garment, especially when you’ve rented it. Here are some key points to help you enjoy your meal without worries:

Using Handkerchiefs and Napkins

When dining in kimono, it’s essential to be mindful of not staining it. This is a basic rule for dining etiquette, but it becomes even more critical when you’re wearing kimono. Use handkerchiefs or napkins and place them on your lap to prevent any spills or stains. When using them in kimono, you can spread them wider than usual, and it won’t be considered impolite. Use them generously to ensure your kimono remains clean.

Being Mindful of Sleeve Cuffs When Reaching

While dining in kimono, you may need to reach out to grab something. During such moments, be cautious not to unconsciously stretch your hand, potentially staining the sleeve cuffs of your kimono. Use your opposite hand to lightly grasp and secure the sleeve cuff from underneath when reaching for items. Also, avoid extending your elbows to maintain an elegant posture when reaching.

Taking Small Bites

One of the concerns when eating in kimono is the possibility of spilling food and staining the rented garment. You wouldn’t want to dampen your mood by accidentally staining your kimono during a date, right? To prevent this, cut your food into small, bite-sized pieces before eating. Consuming small portions without opening your mouth too wide adds an elegant touch and ensures a stain-free kimono dining experience.

Enjoying Budget-Friendly Dates in Gion with Kimono Rental!

Kimono rental in Kyoto

When visiting Kyoto as a couple, you must try the kimono date experience. In the historical district of Gion, it’s a perfect opportunity to stroll around in kimono. For an affordable kimono date experience, renting kimono is highly recommended.

Popular tourist spots like Yasaka Koshindo Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, Kodai-ji Temple, and Yasaka Shrine can be even more enjoyable when you explore them while wearing kimono.

If you plan to have a café or lunch break during your date, be sure to refer to the key points for enjoying your meal without staining your kimono!

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

RikaWafuku Kyoto Store Location Guide

Rikawafuku Kyoto Station Store

607 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Tatsumi Building, 3rd Floor, Unit C
To Kyoto Station Store

Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Keage, Gion, Kiyomizu
For those who haven't decided on a destination
For those who want to visit various places
7 minutes walk from Kyoto Station's Central Exit

Recommended for

Rikawafuku Kyoto Ekimae Store is recommended for: ① Those visiting Kyoto by car, ② Those staying in hotels near Kyoto Station, and ③ Those coming from afar using the Shinkansen.
Also, ④ Those who haven't decided on tourist destinations, ⑤ Those who want to visit various places in Kyoto City, and ⑥ Those planning to visit Kegon Incline or Fushimi Inari Shrine.
The store is conveniently located near the Kyoto Minami Interchange for those coming by car from nearby prefectures.

Access to Kyoto Ekimae Store

7 minutes walk from Kyoto Station's Central Exit
Right in front of City Bus stop "Shichijo Nishinotoin", 3 minutes walk from "Shimogyo Ward General Office" bus stop.
Nearby are Toji Temple and Higashi Honganji Temple. Rikawafuku Kyoto Ekimae Store is also convenient for kimono strolling at Fushimi Inari Shrine (about 10 minutes by train) and Arashiyama (about 20 minutes by train). For Kyoto sightseeing starting from Kyoto Station, Rikawafuku Kyoto Ekimae Store is the ideal choice.
Rikawafuku Gion Store

7-1 Yamato-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Moriya Building, 3rd Floor
To Gion Store

Yasaka Shrine, Gion Shirakawa, Keage, Kiyomizu area
Good balance of travel, dining, and Kyoto vibes
For those visiting Kiyomizu Temple and another spot
2 minutes walk from Keihan Main Line Gion Shijo Station

Recommended for

Rikawafuku Gion Store is recommended for: ① Those who want to experience a quintessentially Kyoto location, ② Those staying in hotels near Karasuma or Kawaramachi, and ③ Those wanting to take photos in kimono.
Also, ④ Those concerned about the weather on their chosen day, ⑤ Those looking to visit Kiyomizu Temple and one other place, and ⑥ Those planning to visit Yasaka Shrine. This store is often chosen for hassle-free sightseeing and dining. If you're undecided, we recommend making a reservation at Gion Store.

Access to Gion Store

2 minutes walk from Keihan Main Line Gion Shijo Station
6 minutes walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line Kyoto Kawaramachi Station
1 minute walk from City Bus stop "Shijo Keihan (Gion Shijo)"
Nearby are Gion Shirakawa, Kamo River, and Yasaka Shrine. For sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kegon Incline, and Nanzen-ji Temple, Rikawafuku Gion Store is a convenient choice.
Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store

11-4 Zorocho, Sagatenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
To Arashiyama Store

Main attractions: Togetsukyo Bridge, Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama sightseeing
Perfect for couple dates and cafe hopping!
No hills, easy to walk, recommended for short tours
6 minutes walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station

Recommended for

Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store is recommended for: ① Those focusing on Arashiyama sightseeing, ② Parents enjoying kimono rentals with their children, ③ Couples on a date.
Also, ④ Those wanting to visit stylish cafes, ⑤ Those looking for a short sightseeing experience in the afternoon, and ⑥ Those who prefer less walking and moving around. The Arashiyama area can be enjoyed within 2–3 hours. It's ideal for those wanting a short kimono experience in the afternoon. The store offers the largest kimono selection among our Kyoto locations.

Access to Arashiyama Store

2 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Arashiyama Line
6 minutes walk from JR Sagano Line Saga-Arashiyama Station
12 minutes walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station
Nearby are Togetsukyo Bridge, Bamboo Grove, and Kimono Forest. For sightseeing in Arashiyama, Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store is convenient.
Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Store

327-6 Kiyomizu 3-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
To Kiyomizu Store

Main attractions: Kiyomizu Temple, Ninenzaka
For those who are thinking of going to the Kiyomizu area
Considering short-term kimono rental
About 7 minutes walk from City Bus stop "Kiyomizumichi"

Recommended for

Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Store is recommended for: ① Those focusing on Kiyomizu area sightseeing, ② School trip students renting kimonos, ③ Those looking for a short-term rental in the afternoon, and ④ First-time visitors to Kyoto who want to see iconic spots.
Recently, it has become crowded with many foreign visitors, and due to the numerous hills, it's not recommended for those who dislike walking or crowded places.

Access to Kiyomizu Store

About 7 minutes walk from City Bus stop "Kiyomizumichi", 10 minutes walk from "Gojozaka"
20 minutes walk from Keihan Main Line Gion Shijo Station
About 10 minutes by taxi from Kyoto Station. Fare: around 1,300 yen
Nearby are Kiyomizu Temple, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Yasaka Koshindo. For kimono strolls around Kiyomizu Temple, Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Store is convenient.