[2025] For New Year’s First Shrine Visit Kimono Rentals in Kawagoe, Visit Rikawafuku Kawagoe Store! Open from 9 AM!

※Updated on December 1, 2024
Why not rent a kimono and visit Kawagoe for Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year) during New Year’s? Kawagoe, known as the “Town of Warehouses,” is home to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It’s said that approximately 340,000 visitors come to pray here during the first three days of the year. On those days, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine holds its annual tradition of “Fukusen-maki” (scattering of lucky coins). It is believed that if you can catch a lucky coin without it hitting the ground, you’ll have a fortunate year ahead.

To ensure that those who choose to rent kimonos in Kawagoe for New Year’s are well-prepared, Rikawafuku Kawagoe Shop has put together some important points.

Rikawafuku Kawagoe Shop will be open on the morning of January 1, 2024, starting at 9 AM.

Anyone can easily enjoy renting a kimono in Kawagoe and head straight to Hatsumode, so you can start your New Year’s with a special experience.

＞Check out Kawagoe’s kimono rental plans here

Rikawafuku Kawagoe Shop’s New Year’s Rental Plans

Rikawafuku Kawagoe Shop is open even during New Year’s, so there’s no need to worry about not being able to rent a kimono for Hatsumode!

The Kawagoe Shop’s student discount plan includes kimono or yukata rental along with a hairstyling set. This special offer is available to all customers with a valid student ID. You can rent popular kimono styles at the student discount rate, making it a great deal. Plus, hairstyling is included in the package price, so you can get your hair done at an affordable price.

The New Year’s rate for this plan is ¥4,000.

＞Kawagoe Kimono & Yukata Hairstyling Student Discount Plan

Kawagoe Kimono Couple Plan

This plan is designed for couples who want to enjoy kimono rental together. For women, it includes hairstyling with a choice of five different hairstyles suitable for Hatsumode. You can also rent hair accessories within this plan. It’s a great way for two people to enjoy an extraordinary Hatsumode experience together!

The New Year’s rate for this plan is ¥8,000 (for two people).

＞Kawagoe Kimono & Yukata Couple Plan

Kawagoe Kimono Hairstyling Set Plan

This plan offers a complete kimono set, including hairstyling and hair accessories. It’s a great value for anyone looking to enjoy kimono rental without any additional hassle. You can choose from five different hairstyling options, making it a recommended choice.

The New Year’s rate for this plan is ¥5,000.

＞Kawagoe Kimono & Yukata Hairstyling Set Plan

Kawagoe Kimono Men’s Plan

This plan is specifically designed for men and includes a complete kimono or yukata set along with dressing assistance. You can rent everything you need without any worries. During the winter season, a haori (kimono jacket) is also available within the set.

＞Kawagoe Kimono & Yukata Men’s Plan

Important Tips for Renting Kimono in Kawagoe During New Year’s

Kawagoe winters can be quite cold, so it’s advisable to take precautions against the cold. Even if you wear a kimono, make sure to dress warmly and head to the New Year’s shrine visit.

Additionally, depending on the time of day, the area around Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine can get crowded, so be cautious.

Staying Warm When Renting Kimono for New Year’s Shrine Visit in Kawagoe

Wear warm inner layers like Heattech and leggings. Opt for tops with wide necklines like U-neck or V-neck. Layering two inner shirts on the upper body is also a good idea.

Don’t forget essentials like scarves and pocket warmers for the winter. However, avoid stick-on pocket warmers, as they can make it difficult to adjust the temperature. Kimonos fit closely around the waist when worn, making them less suitable for pocket warmers.

Winter evenings can suddenly get chilly, so preparation is key! To keep your feet warm and maintain a cute kimono look, consider wearing boots.

Consider Bringing a Foldable Umbrella

Winter weather can change quickly, and it’s possible for it to be sunny during the day and then suddenly start snowing or raining in the evening.

If you don’t have an umbrella in such situations, your rented kimono or yukata may get wet. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to bring a lightweight, foldable umbrella!

Check the Crowds at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and Others

New Year’s shrine visits can be very crowded, with wait times of up to two hours.

Since New Year’s to the third day of January sees a constant stream of visitors everywhere, it’s a good idea to be aware of the time you plan to visit to avoid the crowds.

The period from New Year’s to the third day of January is open from 9 am to 5 pm, with the peak crowd usually between 10 am and 2 pm.

＞Official website of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine for New Year’s shrine visit information

Be Aware of Traffic Conditions Around Kawagoe

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine has its own parking lot, but it can fill up quickly, especially during the busy lunchtime hours. If you’re considering driving there after renting a kimono, be cautious.

Popular Spots for New Year’s Shrine Visits Around Kawagoe

Kawagoe offers not only Hikawa Shrine but also many other popular spots. There are picturesque locations perfect for wearing a kimono, so be sure to explore them.

Hikawa Shrine

An essential shrine visit during New Year’s, attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year. It’s easily accessible from Kawagoe Station via the Koedo Loop Bus.

You can also try “Aiai Tai-mikuji,” where you fish for your fortune using a pole. There’s another type of fortune called “1-year safety tai-mikuji.” In addition to fortune-telling, there are food stalls, so you can sit on a bench and enjoy some snacks. It’s believed to bring blessings for matchmaking and more.

Kawagoe Daishi Kitain

Kitain Temple welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year. There are plenty of food stalls, offering a variety of delicious foods, making it enjoyable even just to browse. Famous for its “Yakuyoke Dango” and other snacks, be sure to stop by when you arrive at Kitain Temple.

Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine

Located very close to the station and accessible by car. It’s known as the “god of victory” and is especially popular among students taking exams or those participating in competitions who want to win. In addition to charms for victory, it also offers blessings for matchmaking. The approach to the shrine is beautiful, so it’s worth passing through on your way back from the New Year’s visit. It’s also a nice place for a date.

Renkeiji Temple

Located just a 5-minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station, it’s an ideal spot for a New Year’s visit. Inside the temple grounds, you’ll find the “Obinzuru-sama” statue, believed to cure illnesses when touched. It’s also said that stroking its head will make you smarter, so if you want to excel in your exams, give it a try. The temple’s atmosphere complements kimono-wearing, so make sure to visit after renting one.

About the Author

Rikawafuku Kimono Kawagoe Store
(Operated by TripFarm Corporation)
〒350-0043
1-3-5 Shin-Tomi-cho, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama Actree Kawagoe 7F
2 minutes walk from Seibu Shinjuku Line “Hon-Kawagoe Station”
9 minutes walk from Tobu Tojo Line “Kawagoe-shi Station”

1. List of Kimono and Yukata Rental Plans in Kawagoe