10 points you should know when renting a kimono when traveling to Kyoto
When traveling to Kyoto, many people think of “Japanese style” and consider renting a kimono to match the atmosphere of the city.
However, not everyone is accustomed to wearing kimonos, as it’s less common these days.
For those new to kimonos, here are about ten points to remember for your first time renting a kimono in Kyoto. Keep these in mind to fully enjoy your trip to Kyoto.
If you’re deciding on sightseeing spots after renting a kimono in Kyoto, this article is recommended for you:
>>Top 10 Sightseeing Routes After Renting a Kimono in Kyoto!
※This article was supervised by Ken Takakumo, Director of Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kyoto, operated by TripFarm Corporation.
※Information updated on February 26, 2023
Where Should You Rent a Kimono? Choose a Shop Based on Your Purpose
The first thing to introduce is about “place and time”. Unlike regular clothes, kimonos are harder to move in, and you obviously have to return them after renting. If the distance is too far, it becomes tiresome to move around.
Also, if the distance is long, it takes up more time. Considering you can’t move quickly in a kimono and you have to factor in the return time, you may end up with less time for sightseeing.
So, let’s introduce points about “place and time” to keep in mind for your Kyoto trip, based on your objectives.
Point ①: Choose the Rental Place Based on the Content of Your Kyoto Trip
First is about “where to rent a kimono”. This should be decided based on the content of your Kyoto trip.
For example, if you want to quickly finish sightseeing in Kyoto, it’s recommended to rent “around your destination” or “in a bustling area”.
Renting near your destination means less walking, and bustling areas typically have more kimono rental shops.
Specifically, tourist-heavy areas like “Arashiyama” or “around Kiyomizu Temple” are ideal.
If you want to enjoy Kyoto for a full day, look for rental shops in “areas with good transportation” or “major tourist spots”.
Areas with good transportation are convenient for moving around, and major tourist spots keep you entertained all day.
In Kyoto, “Gion”, with its concentrated tourist spots, or the vast “Kiyomizu Temple” area, are recommended.
For more on where to rent a kimono in Kyoto, refer to this article:
>Where Is It Convenient to Rent a Kimono in Kyoto?
Point ②: Decide the Time of Rental Based on Your Kyoto Trip Content
Next is about the “rental time”, which should also be decided based on your Kyoto trip content.
If you want to explore Kyoto for a day, obviously, rent as early as possible.
Especially right after opening in the morning is recommended. Fewer customers mean a wider variety of kimonos to choose from, and staff are more available to answer questions.
If early morning isn’t possible, plan considering the operating hours, time for dressing, and hair set.
For example, at Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kyoto, operating hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last return time at 5:30 PM. The time for dressing is about 15-20 minutes for kimonos and yukatas and 25-30 minutes for furisode.
Hair set time varies with hair length, but usually takes about 15 minutes, plus time for makeup and accessory selection. Expect about 45-75 minutes in total before departure.
If you just want to quickly get into a kimono, you might not need to worry much about time.
However, if you want to sightsee in a kimono, plan for an extra 1-2 hours to enjoy your trip with ease.
For those concerned about reservation times for kimono rentals in Kyoto, check this out: “Complete Explanation of Reservation Times for Kimono Rental in Kyoto”
What Should You Prepare for Kimono Rental?
Next, we introduce what you should “prepare” for kimono rental before your trip to Kyoto.
Although you may end up with more luggage, many kimono rental shops offer luggage storage services.
For example, at Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kyoto, not only can you store your hand luggage, but they also offer cute bag rentals. Choosing a shop with such comprehensive services can be convenient later on.
>>Kimono Rental Accessory Options
Kyoto can be cold in winter, so if you’re renting a kimono during this season, you’ll need to prepare for the cold.
Point ③: If You’re Not Particular, Coming Empty-Handed is OK
For kimono rental during your trip to Kyoto, there’s nothing particular you need to prepare in advance.
Of course, this can vary by shop, but most include accessories in the rental, and Rikawafuku in particular markets the ability to “come empty-handed and enjoy a stroll.” So, if you’re not particular, it’s fine to arrive without any special preparations.
Additionally, if you’re not opting for a plan that includes a hair set, it’s better to have your hair styled in advance. Trying to style it after getting dressed can disrupt the kimono, especially with significant movement. Plus, long hair might get caught on the kimono and soil it.
When enjoying your Kyoto trip in a beautiful kimono, make sure to wear it neatly, use it carefully, and return it in good condition.
Point ④: Prepare Accessories if You Have Specific Preferences
If you’re just looking to enjoy your trip to Kyoto in a rented kimono, that’s fine. However, if you’re aiming for Instagrammable shots or want a unique look, it’s good to prepare your own accessories in advance.
For example, bring unusual hair ornaments or bags for Instagram shots, or a “fox mask” if you’re into a cosplay-style kimono. If you have a specific theme or preference, prepare accessories that match your concept beforehand.
Point ⑤: Know the Prices and Standards of Rental Shops
Before your Kyoto trip, make sure to check the prices of the kimono rental shop you plan to use.
Though traveling domestically, sightseeing still costs money. To avoid unnecessary expenses, know the price range of Kyoto’s rental kimono shops and choose a good one.
The cost varies depending on the type of kimono and the plan chosen, but as a guideline, expect to pay around 3,000 to 7,000 yen per person.
In tourist areas with many competing shops, many offer dressing and accessories included for under 5,000 yen.
Prices jump to 7,800 to 20,000 yen for more formal kimonos like furisode or Kyo-yuzen, but for a casual stroll, more affordable kimonos are easier to move around in.
In Kyoto, kimono rentals for men are also widespread, and some shops offer couple plans. The standard price for men’s kimonos is about 3,000 yen, and couple plans can be about 500 to 1,000 yen cheaper.
For a Kyoto trip date with your boyfriend, consider these couple plans for a special experience.
Popular Rental Plans from Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kyoto
At Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kyoto, the most affordable plan is the “School Trip Kimono Rental Plan“, which costs 3,500 yen tax included for both men and women, making it a great value.
They also offer a “Kyoto Kimono Rental Couple Plan” for couples and a “Kyoto Kimono Rental Hair Set Student Discount Plan” for students at great value.
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Points to Check When Choosing a Kimono Rental Shop
Lastly, we introduce the key points to check in advance when choosing a kimono rental shop for your Kyoto trip. To ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons, choose a quality kimono rental shop and create wonderful memories.
The Most Important Thing: Does the Shop Have the Kimono You Want to Wear?
Kyoto is said to have over 100 kimono rental shops. When choosing a rental shop, an important point is whether they have the type of kimono you want to wear. As a general rule, the more variety, the better – typically around 150 to 300 types of kimonos.
There are currently popular types of kimonos among young women in Kyoto: retro-style and lace kimonos.
A rental shop that adequately stocks these two types is on-trend and can be trusted.
Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kyoto’s handling of retro kimonos and lace kimonos is introduced below.
>>Kyoto Lace Kimono Rental Plans and Collection
>>Kyoto Antique Kimono Rental Plans and Retro Kimono Collection
Other points to check when choosing a kimono rental shop include:
- Price
- Variety of kimonos
- Availability of hair setting services
- Proximity to desired Kyoto tourist spots
- User reviews
Especially the variety of kimonos, pricing, and reviews significantly affect the overall quality of the shop, so make sure to check them thoroughly.
Check if the pricing fits the standard range mentioned above, and for reviews, it’s better to view external sites rather than the shop’s website.
For example, searching the shop’s name on Google brings up a map on the right side with reviews, ratings, and directions – such information is useful for gathering details about the shop.
What do you think? Find the perfect kimono rental shop in Kyoto that suits your situation!
About the Author of This Article
Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kyoto
(Operated by: TripFarm Corporation
Rikawafuku operates four kimono rental shops in Kyoto city near Arashiyama, Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, and Kyoto Station. With over 180,000 users in 2022, they offer dressing plans from 4,000 yen and hair set plans from 5,500 yen.
Popular tourist spots like Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Koshindo, and Yasaka Shrine are nearby!
Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kyoto
For Kimono Rental, Visit Rikawafuku Gion Store
For Kimono Rental, Visit Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store
For Kimono Rental, Visit Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store
For Kimono Rental, Visit Rikawafuku Kyoto Station Front Store
