A kimono walking course you should take after renting a kimono in Kamakura
Kamakura is a city with numerous shrines, temples, and abundant natural beauty. It has a long history, attracting many visitors for tourism and more. You can enjoy the changing seasons throughout the year.
One way to experience Kamakura is by renting a kimono and strolling through the town, which is an enjoyable activity in itself.
If you’re planning to visit Kamakura but haven’t decided on your itinerary yet, you might be wondering where to start. In this article, we’ll introduce some essential courses to follow when you rent a kimono in Kamakura.
- 1. Start by Renting a Kimono at Rikka Kimono Kamakura Store
- 2. Enjoy Dining and Tea on Komachi Street
- 3. Enjoy the Seasons at Hojoji Temple
- 4. If You’re Exploring Kamakura, Don’t Miss Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
- 5. Return to Komachi Street for Souvenirs and Memories
- 6. Make the Most of Kamakura’s Streets in Your Favorite Kimono!
Start by Renting a Kimono at Rikawafuku Kimono Kamakura Store
One of the places that offers a wide selection of kimonos is Rikawafuku Kamakura Store.
First, let’s rent a kimono at Rikawafuku Kamakura Store.
For those of you who are planning to explore Kamakura, we’ll also provide an explanation about Rikawafuku Kamakura Store.
Overview of Rikka Kimono Kamakura Store
Rikawafuku Kamakura Store is a kimono rental shop located just a 4-minute walk from JR Kamakura Station.
They offer over 300 kimonos, including antique kimonos, retro kimonos, and lace kimonos. New kimono arrivals are available every season, allowing you to enjoy kimonos tailored to your individual style and current trends.
They also accept same-day reservations, and you can even rent yukatas.
Rental Plans Offered by Rikawafuku Kimono Kamakura Store
Rikawafuku Kimono Kamakura Store offers several plans to cater to various needs. The main plans include the following three:
- Kamakura Kimono Hair Set Student Discount Plan
- Kamakura Kimono Hair Set Plan
- Kamakura Kimono Couple Plan
We’ll now provide details about each plan, so please refer to them if you’re interested.
Kamakura Kimono Hair Set Student Discount Plan
Kamakura Kimono Hair Set Student Discount Plan is exclusively available for students. This plan includes a hair set and hair accessories.
You can choose your favorite kimono from their entire collection.
When using the Kamakura Kimono Hair Set Student Discount Plan, you’ll need to provide proof of your student status, such as a student ID or commuter pass. Make sure not to forget it when visiting Kamakura.
The fees for this plan are as follows:
- Weekdays: ¥3,500
- Weekends and holidays: ¥4,000
>Click here for more details on the Kamakura Kimono Hair Set Student Discount Plan
Kamakura Kimono Hair Set Plan
Kamakura Kimono Hair Set Plan allows you to enjoy wearing a kimono and getting your hair styled without bringing anything with you. You can choose from various hairstyles like ponytails, loose braids, or updos to match your preference.
They also provide hair accessories for free rental, making it perfect for those who want to capture beautiful photos.
The fees for this plan are as follows:
- Weekdays: ¥7,000
- Weekends and holidays: ¥8,000
Enjoy Dining and Tea on Komachi Street
After renting your kimono, take a walk along Komachi Street and explore various shops.
Komachi Street is lined with numerous shops and is known for being one of the tourist attractions in Kamakura.
Here, we will introduce you to Komachi Street.
Overview of Komachi Street
Komachi Street is the road that connects JR Kamakura Station East Exit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
It is known as a tourist destination, attracting visitors from both within and outside the country.
It runs parallel to Wakamiya Ōji, which is one of its distinctive features.
You can find various restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and enjoy dining and shopping here.
Additionally, throughout the year, various events take place on this street.
Eateries on Komachi Street
One of the enjoyable aspects of Komachi Street is its gourmet offerings.
Many visitors to Kamakura are keen on trying delicious local dishes and sweets.
You can capture various moments in your kimono attire while enjoying food, whether it’s holding or eating it.
Here, we will introduce a few of the eateries located on Komachi Street, so please consider them as a reference.
Tempura Hiromi
Tempura Hiromi is a tempura specialty restaurant founded in 1958.
You can enjoy tempura made from fish from Sagami Bay and Tokyo Bay, as well as Kamakura vegetables.
On certain days, they offer a tendon (tempura rice bowl) that includes Megochi, a fish with low catch quantities.
It’s recommended for both lunch and dinner.
Sakura no Yumemiya
Sakura no Yumemiya is a café that offers Japanese and Western sweets.
You can savor colorful dango (sweet rice dumplings) such as strawberry bean paste and honey lemon bean paste.
They also offer a four-flavor dango where you can enjoy multiple flavors in one stick.
How about enjoying delicious dango in your kimono or yukata and taking Instagram-worthy photos?
Imoyoshikan
Imoyoshikan is a sweet potato-based sweets specialty shop.
They sell various soft-serve ice cream flavors, including a hydrangea flavor that combines purple sweet potato and matcha.
Since they offer different soft-serve ice cream flavors depending on the season, it’s worth visiting more than once.
You might be able to capture a lovely photo of yourself holding the soft-serve ice cream.
Kamakura Kamameshi Kamakama
Kamakura Kamameshi Kamakama is a restaurant that offers over 30 varieties of kama-meshi (rice cooked in an iron pot).
Their kama-meshi includes ingredients like kettle-boiled shirasu (whitebait), ikura (salmon roe), and sea urchin.
During the season when raw shirasu is available, you can also enjoy dishes with this delicacy.
If you’re planning to explore Kamakura in a kimono, consider checking the season when raw shirasu (whitebait) is available.
Enjoy the Changing Seasons of Flowers at Hokai-ji Temple
On your way from JR Kamakura Station to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, you’ll come across Hokai-ji Temple.
Hokai-ji Temple, built by Ashikaga Takauji, is well-known for its beautiful flowers that change with the seasons.
During the equinoctial week, white bush clover (hagi) blooms profusely here.
After enjoying a meal or sweets on Komachi Street, consider visiting Hokai-ji Temple to witness the blooming flowers in various seasons.
Please note that photography is prohibited inside the main hall, so be cautious if you wish to take photos.
A Must-Visit for Kamakura Exploration: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, known for its historical connection to Minamoto no Yoritomo, is a must-visit destination in Kamakura.
Every year, numerous tourists come to this shrine.
By renting a kimono and strolling down Komachi Street, you’ll eventually reach Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
Here, we will provide information about Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, so if you’re interested in exploring Kamakura in a kimono, please take a look.
Overview of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a shrine founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo, who established the Kamakura Shogunate.
The enshrined deities include Emperor Ōjin, Empress Jingū, and Himegami.
The main hall, constructed by Tokugawa Ienari, is designated as an important cultural property.
Within the shrine grounds, you’ll find various facilities, including other shrines and cultural institutions.
Pay a Visit to the Main Hall
The main hall hosts various rituals and ceremonies.
Its striking red appearance is quite eye-catching.
You can also find ema (votive plaques) and amulets available for purchase nearby.
Why not offer your wishes on an ema?
Please note that photography is not allowed inside the main hall, so be mindful if you plan to take photos at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
Pray for Health and Prosperity at the Shrines Within the Grounds
Within the precincts of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, you’ll find several subsidiary shrines.
When exploring Kamakura in a kimono, it’s worth considering which shrine to visit.
The following shrines are located within the grounds:
- Shirahata Shrine
- Maruyama Inari Shrine
- Flagtop Benzaiten Shrine
Each shrine offers different blessings. Here, we will provide explanations of each shrine, so feel free to check them out if you’re interested.
Shirahata Shrine
Shirahata Shrine enshrines Minamoto no Yoritomo and Minamoto no Sanetomo.
It is said to bring blessings related to martial arts, performing arts, and academics.
If you have an important exam, certification test, or a major performance ahead, consider paying a visit to Shirahata Shrine.
One of its distinctive features is the black-lacquered main hall.
Maruyama Inari Shrine
Maruyama Inari Shrine is the oldest shrine within Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
It is known for bringing blessings related to business prosperity and abundant harvests.
If you wish for your business to thrive, consider visiting Maruyama Inari Shrine.
Flagtop Benzaiten Shrine
Flagtop Benzaiten Shrine is located on an island in the Genpei Pond, inspired by the flag-raising by Minamoto no Yoritomo.
It is visited by those seeking blessings for competitions and games of chance.
The shrine also offers blessings for business prosperity and good fortune in money matters.
Furthermore, within the shrine, you’ll find the Seiko Stone, known for its associations with prayers for good marriages, marital harmony, and fertility.
If you are hoping for a wonderful bond or seeking blessings for fertility, consider paying your respects at the Seiko Stone.
Capture the Changing Seasons
One of the charming aspects of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the opportunity to enjoy the changing seasons, including cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and autumn leaves.
If you’re looking to take photos in your kimono or yukata against the backdrop of nature and architecture, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is an ideal place to capture memorable snapshots.
Return to Komachi-dori for Souvenirs and Mementos
After fully enjoying Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, consider returning to Komachi-dori to purchase souvenirs and mementos of your journey.
Buying matching items with your partner or friends can be a delightful option.
Don’t forget to return your rented kimono or yukata to the shop.
Enjoy Kamakura in Your Favorite Kimono!
Kamakura boasts a wealth of charming places such as shrines, temples, eateries, and souvenir shops.
By wearing your favorite kimono, you can explore the streets of Kamakura and discover that the surroundings may look different from this unique perspective.
Not only can you enjoy the atmosphere of Kamakura in a kimono or yukata, but you can also capture memorable photos against the backdrop of Kamakura’s streets.
Discover your own way of having fun and create unforgettable memories.
If you are looking for information on Kamakura’s tourist spots and walking routes, “Kamakura Life,” a gourmet and outing information website for Kamakura and Enoshima, is highly recommended.
With up to 320,000 monthly page views, this regional web media delivers news about the area, including gourmet options, outings, events, and more.
>>Explore tourist spots and walking routes on “Kamakura Life,” the gourmet and outing information website for Kamakura and Enoshima.
Author of This Article
Rikawafuku Kamakura Store
(Operated by: TripFarm Co., Ltd.)
〒248-0006
2-B, TI Building II, 2-12-37 Komachi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
4 minutes walk from JR Yokosuka Line / Shonan-Shinjuku Line “Kamakura Station”
4 minutes walk from Enoshima Electric Railway “Kamakura Station”