5 reasons why kimono rental is recommended near Kiyomizu-dera Temple

If you are looking for a kimono rental shop in Kyoto, deciding on the right area can be a dilemma for those planning a trip to Kyoto. While Kyoto has many kimono rental shops, once you change into a kimono, you may not want to walk too far, limiting your sightseeing to the nearby area.

For those who want to explore various places in Kyoto while dressed in a kimono, renting a kimono in the vicinity of Kiyomizu Temple (清水寺) is recommended. In this article, we’ll explain why renting a kimono around Kiyomizu Temple is a good idea.

Kiyomizu Temple Area is a Tourist Hotspot

**Why is renting a kimono around Kiyomizu Temple recommended?** This is primarily because the Kiyomizu Temple area is a **”tourist hotspot.”** We’ll explain the reasons for this below.

Abundance of Tourist Spots near Kiyomizu Temple

The Kiyomizu Temple area boasts **numerous popular tourist spots. While Kyoto has many famous tourist destinations in different areas, the Kiyomizu Temple vicinity is unique in that it is densely packed with tourist spots, and the distances between these attractions are relatively short.

Specifically, right near Kiyomizu Temple, you’ll find the main street of “Sannen-zaka” (清水坂), which is extremely popular among foreign visitors. In addition to Sannen-zaka, there are other attractions such as “Ninenzaka” (二年坂), “Yasaka Pagoda” (八坂の塔), “Yasaka Koshindo Temple” (八坂庚申堂), and even closer to the temple, you’ll find “Kodai-ji Temple” (高台寺) and “Kennin-ji Temple” (建仁寺).

The close proximity of these attractions and the fact that each of them represents a major tourist destination in Kyoto makes the Kiyomizu Temple area truly exceptional. Additionally, there are popular spots in the area, such as the Starbucks on Ninenzaka, which is Instagram-worthy. This unique concentration of famous tourist spots is one of the reasons why the Kiyomizu Temple area is recommended for kimono rental.

No Need to Walk Too Much

When you rent a kimono and dress up in it, it’s common to explore the nearby area rather than venturing too far. The Kiyomizu Temple area is ideal for this because the major tourist spots are within walking distance. You won’t need to walk extensively, and you can enjoy the beauty of Kyoto’s traditional streets and landmarks without overexerting yourself. This convenience is a significant advantage of renting a kimono in the Kiyomizu Temple area.

No Need to Walk Too Much

Secondly, another benefit of the Kiyomizu Temple area is that you **don’t need to walk too much.**

For those not accustomed to wearing a kimono, it can be a bit challenging to move around comfortably, especially over long distances. Areas like the Kiyomizu Temple vicinity, where the tourist spots are close to each other, make it incredibly convenient. You won’t have to worry about walking extensive distances.

As mentioned earlier, each of the nearby tourist spots is a well-known attraction in Kyoto, so you won’t feel like you’re limited to “ordinary, off-the-beaten-path spots” after coming to Kyoto. Moreover, depending on your pace, you can explore all these tourist spots in the Kiyomizu Temple area in roughly half a day.

Normally, in half a day, you wouldn’t be able to visit that many tourist spots, making the Kiyomizu Temple area a recommended area for sightseeing, even without kimono rental.

Kiyomizu Temple Area is ‘Extremely Convenient’

Furthermore, one of the reasons the Kiyomizu Temple area is recommended is because this area is **”extremely convenient.”**

Let’s explore why the area around Kiyomizu Temple is so convenient:

Many Kimono Rental Shops

One of the reasons why the Kiyomizu Temple area is convenient is because there are many kimono rental shops. If you’re considering kimono rental, you’d naturally want to use a high-quality kimono rental shop.

In the Kiyomizu Temple area, there are plenty of kimono rental shops, making it easy to compare. Having a large number of options makes it less likely that you’ll feel like “there’s no other choice.” Moreover, since it’s a major tourist area with many competing shops, you’ll often find rental shops that offer excellent services and a wide variety of kimono patterns and quality. This makes it easier to encounter high-quality kimono rental shops.

The proximity of each tourist spot and the presence of many high-quality rental shops, along with the ability to return your kimono with ease even after visiting multiple tourist spots, contribute to the area’s convenience. Such convenience is appealing in its own right.

Normally, changing into a kimono for rental takes additional time, so walking around in kimono attire to visit many tourist spots can be challenging. Being able to explore more places in a beautiful kimono is reason enough to choose this area.

Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kiyomizu Temple Branch also opened just a 3-minute walk from Kiyomizu Temple on July 1, 2019!

Fail-Safe Couples’ Sightseeing in Kyoto

Another convenient aspect of the Kiyomizu Temple area is that you can’t go wrong when it comes to sightseeing. As mentioned earlier, the Kiyomizu Temple area is characterized by the close proximity of various tourist spots, and there is a wide variety of them.

For those who want to explore charming traditional Kyoto streets and spots, places like “Ishibori Koji” and “Yasaka Pagoda” are perfect. If you’re interested in visiting temples, “Kodaiji Temple” and “Kenninji Temple” are great choices. For history enthusiasts, places like “Ryozen Historical Museum” are recommended.

Additionally, “Nene-no-Michi” offers both charm and liveliness, and you can even ride in rickshaws, making it ideal for kimono rental sightseeing. Moreover, there are plenty of shops in areas like “Kiyomizu Saka” where you can easily have meals, enjoy cafes, take breaks, and find stylish spots for Instagram-worthy photos. It’s a truly luxurious experience.

With a wide variety of Kyoto sightseeing options available in one area, and since the tourist spots are close together, the convenience of the Kiyomizu Temple area is one of its attractions.

Not only for couples but also for larger groups of tourists, this area makes it easy to fulfill everyone’s preferences. Remember the “Kiyomizu Temple area” for when you’re in need of a fail-safe sightseeing location.

Convenient Shopping with Many Souvenir Shops

The area around Kiyomizu Temple is a bustling tourist hotspot, attracting international students, travelers, and foreign visitors. As a result, there are numerous souvenir shops in the vicinity.

What’s more, these aren’t just your typical souvenir shops. You can find authentic Kyoto souvenirs and well-established traditional Japanese sweet shops that truly represent Kyoto.

For instance, you’ll find a branch of the renowned and beloved traditional sweet shop ‘Ajari Mochi Honpo Mangetsu,’ which boasts a loyal following. Additionally, the historic ‘Honke Nishio Yatsuhashi,’ with over a century of history, also has a branch here.

Furthermore, there’s a specialized incense store called ‘Nii San,’ which has connections to the mentor of Sen no Rikyu, the founder of the Japanese tea ceremony, and a stylish, modern Japanese-style cafe called ‘Kyobam.’ The variety of shops ranges from well-established classics to trendy confectionery stores.

Frankly, just spending a day in this area alone is tempting. So, when it comes to shopping or souvenir hunting, we highly recommend considering this area.

Kiyomizu Temple Area: The ‘Top Honor Student’ of Kyoto Sightseeing

The Kiyomizu Temple area boasts an abundance of major tourist attractions, close proximity between them, numerous kimono rental shops, and a mix of stylish cafes and venerable traditional establishments. To be honest, there are few areas in Kyoto that offer such convenience.

While Kyoto has many other charming areas and tourist spots, the area around Kiyomizu Temple is a safe bet for dating or a girls’ trip, unless you have a specific place in mind that you want to visit in Kyoto.

Furthermore, Kiyomizu Temple and its surroundings are known for their nighttime illuminations. Especially during the autumn foliage season and the cherry blossom season in spring, they create a breathtakingly beautiful and mystical atmosphere. It’s highly recommended!

Even at night, the area around Kiyomizu Temple is easily accessible for kimono rentals, and some rental shops extend their return hours to accommodate special nighttime openings and illuminations.

For those contemplating where to rent a kimono in Kyoto, the Kiyomizu Temple area is definitely a top choice.

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
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Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store
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