9 cold-weather items that are useful when renting kimonos in Kyoto in winter!

※Updated December 20, 2022
Kyoto, being a basin city, experiences hot summers and cold winters, presenting quite a challenging environment. However, winter is also a popular season for tourism in Kyoto.

Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku often receives inquiries like “What is needed for kimono rental in Kyoto during winter?”

In this article, we introduce the “essential items” for enjoying winter in Kyoto with a kimono rental.

↑For those who want to easily view the video, please watch here.

We will also introduce winter snow information in Kyoto and unique tourist spots for winter, so don’t miss out to the end.

※This article was created and supervised by Takagumo, Director of Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku, operated by TripFarm Corporation.

Top 5 Essential Items for Winter Kimono Rental in Kyoto That You Can Bring from Home

Let’s introduce the items that you should definitely bring from home for kimono rental in winter, saying “These are must-haves.”

Winter Staples! Scarves and Shawls are Great for Kimono Rental!

A scarf is highly recommended as a cold-weather item when renting a kimono in Kyoto. Although most rental stores offer haori (kimono jackets), they often cover the beautiful obi knot, making scarves or shawls a better choice. A large shawl can cover your whole body, offering comfort. Essential for kimonos, as their open neck often leaves you feeling exposed.

When choosing a scarf for kimono rental, opt for plain or Japanese-patterned ones, or even shawls. Most kimono rental shops allow the use of brought-in scarves. Such scarves or shawls also pair well with Western clothing, making them handy on your way to Kyoto.

Warm Innerwear (Such as Heattech)

Kimono inherently means dressing lighter than usual, so wearing warm innerwear like Heattech is a must. We recommend the warmest types, especially for long hours of sightseeing in Kyoto. Layering two pieces of innerwear is also a good idea.

The top cold-weather tip from Rikawafuku staff, who work daily in Kyoto stores, is layering two pieces of innerwear!

Choose warmer innerwear available in the market for better insulation. Innerwear, being worn under clothes, doesn’t require matching, offering warmth without concern. However, for kimono rental, select a V-neck or U-neck type that won’t show at the collar.

Leggings-type Warm Innerwear

While double-layered Heattech can keep the upper body warm, make sure to keep the lower body warm too. For footwear with kimono, you will wear tabi socks.

Please bring leggings-type innerwear with open feet, not tights-type.

Gloves for Keeping Hands and Fingers Warm!

Gloves are another classic cold-weather item. With retro-style kimonos being trendy in Kyoto kimono rental, lace-like or velour gloves can add a cute touch. Our body tends to focus heat towards vital organs when cold, making extremities like hands and feet chillier. Gloves, warming the hands, are indispensable for kimono rental in winter Kyoto. Choose gloves that slide easily, match well with kimono, and cover up to the arms due to the open sleeves of kimonos.

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Warming Up with Hand Warmers

Easily purchasable at convenience stores, hand warmers are a recommended item to bring along. There are disposable and rechargeable types, each with their pros and cons. For example, disposable ones are thin with long-lasting warmth but take time to heat up, while rechargeable ones heat up quickly but are heavier and have shorter durations. Choose the right type of hand warmer based on your needs.

Check out Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku‘s Instagram for more cold-weather tips. Please see here: Rikawafuku Kyoto’s Instagram

Stylish Kimono Coordination with Boots for Cold-Weather Protection!

Boots are a stylish item that Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku often uses in shoots to enhance kimono coordination. While some rental shops offer thick tabi socks, walking with just tabi is like walking with only one layer of socks, which will definitely be cold.

Therefore, boots that keep your feet warm and perfectly match the kimono are highly recommended. This is also a cold-weather strategy recommended by the staff at Rikawafuku’s Kyoto stores. Why not give it a try?

Cold-Weather Gear Available for Rental at Rikawafuku Kyoto

At Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku, we also offer rental of cold-weather gear as shown in the video!

Fluffy Scarf Perfect for Winter Kimono Coordination (＋500 yen tax included)

A fluffy scarf, perfect for winter kimono coordination, is available for rental at all Rikawafuku stores. Warming the neck can significantly change how cold you feel, so it’s highly recommended. This item is available in limited quantities.

It matches popular lace kimonos, monochrome kimonos, and antique-style kimonos, so it’s highly recommended!

Fluffy Winter Bag (＋500 Yen Tax Included)

A fluffy, winter-themed bag may not provide significant warmth, but it enhances the winter kimono rental outfit. It adds an elegant or girly atmosphere, ensuring that your kimono photos look fantastic!

Fur Obi Accessory to Add Winter Charm

Adding a fur obi accessory instantly gives your outfit a winter feel. Matching the neck, obi, and bag with fur materials creates a cohesive look, making the entire kimono outfit feel more winter-like.

At Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku, we have a wide range of winter-appropriate accessories! You can add them on the day at the store, so please make use of them!

Choose Designs That Match Winter Scenery! Stay Warm and Stylish with a Haori

A “Haori” is an essential item when renting a kimono in winter in Kyoto. While haori are not as thick as coats, don’t underestimate the difference they make in keeping you warm.

Mostly, haori are available as a set with kimono rentals, so you don’t need to bring your own. It’s great that you can choose a haori that matches your chosen kimono.

For instance, if you like two different patterns, you could wear one as your kimono and the other as your haori.

Must-See for Winter Travel in Kyoto! Snow Information in Kyoto

Winter in Kyoto is known for its severe cold, but if you’re considering a trip to Kyoto in winter, it’s handy to know about snowfall and recommended tourist spots for snowy days.

Let’s introduce Kyoto’s snow information and tourist spots that are especially worth visiting in winter.

Kyoto’s Annual Temperature and Snowfall Information

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the coldest months in Kyoto are January and February. The average, highest, and lowest temperatures for December, January, and February are as follows:

1. December: Average temperature 7°C, highest 11.2°C, lowest 3.2°C
2. January: Average temperature 4.6°C, highest 8.9°C, lowest 1.2°C
3. February: Average temperature 5.1°C, highest 9.7°C, lowest 1.4°C

Comparing with Tokyo, Kyoto is about 2 degrees colder, emphasizing its chilly nature.

Looking at snowfall, between 1981-2010, Kyoto’s annual snowfall during December to March, with January and February recording over 10 days of snow.

Total snowfall in January is around 2 meters, while in February, it’s 4 meters, suggesting more snow accumulation in February despite fewer snow days.

From this, if you wish to experience “Snowy Winter in Kyoto,” January might be the best bet for encountering snowfall and less accumulation.

Key Points for Sightseeing in Kyoto with a Kimono During Winter

Let’s also introduce some tips for renting a kimono in Kyoto during winter.

Recommended Rental Times Vary by Area

While many rental shops suggest starting early in the morning, the recommended times actually vary by area.

1. Arashiyama & Kiyomizu Temple Area: Enjoyable even from noon!
2. Gion Area: Any time is good if centered around cafes and street food
3. Kyoto Station Area: Safe to rent a kimono by 1 PM

For the Arashiyama and Kiyomizu Temple areas, renting from around 12 or 1 PM is advised in winter. This is because tourist spots are immediately accessible, saving time on travel and allowing for a compact kimono stroll.

Given the physical exertion from walking outdoors in a kimono for long periods in winter, starting around midday when it’s warmer is recommended in Arashiyama and Kiyomizu Temple. Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store and Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store are conveniently located for tourism and accept afternoon reservations. Feel free to book!

The Gion area, with its many indoor attractions and walking paths, is relatively flexible in terms of time. Please use the Rikawafuku Gion Store for your kimono rental needs.

For the Kyoto Station area, where there are fewer tourist spots, it’s better to rent a kimono by around 1 PM. If you’re considering a kimono rental near Kyoto Station, please visit the Rikawafuku Kyoto Station Store!

Recommended Tourist Spots Near Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store for Winter Kimono Rentals

“Bamboo Forest Path” – A Must-Visit in Winter Kyoto

The Bamboo Forest Path is an indispensable tourist spot for any Kyoto trip and offers a different charm in winter.

The Bamboo Forest Path is a popular destination for customers of the Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store. The place, already surreal with its absence of man-made structures, becomes breathtakingly beautiful when adorned with snow.

The snow-covered bamboo creates a unique green and white gradient rarely seen in winter. The scene, devoid of any artificial elements, makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into another dimension.

The snow-laden bamboo forest is definitely one of the must-see winter sights in Kyoto. Despite the cold, the traditional Kyoto streets and gardens under snowfall are worth braving the weather. When renting a kimono in Kyoto, ensure proper cold weather preparations to fully enjoy your experience.

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About the Author

Rikawafuku has four kimono rental stores in Kyoto – Arashiyama, Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, and near Kyoto Station, with over 87,000 customers in 2021.
Offering dressing plans starting from 4000 yen and hair set plans from 5000 yen, Rikawafuku is conveniently located near popular tourist spots like Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Koshindo, and Yasaka Shrine.
Rikawafuku Kimono Rental in Kyoto
Rikawafuku Gion Store
Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store
Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store
Rikawafuku Kyoto Station Store