The dressing time for kimono rental in Kyoto is 20 minutes!

If you’ve planned to rent a kimono in Kyoto, gathering various information in advance is reassuring.

Knowing about the fees and types of kimonos is essential, of course, but it’s also crucial to be aware of the time it takes from renting a kimono to starting your Kyoto tour. The duration required for kimono rental is as follows:

1. Busy periods: 1 hour to 1 hour and a half (November, March, April, and New Year)
2. Non-busy periods: 45 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes

In this article, we focus on the dressing time for kimono rental, along with tips on booking times and the time required for returns, presenting some “Kimono Rental Time” trivia.

About the Time Required for Kimono Dressing

1. Average dressing time at Kyoto kimono rental shops: 15 to 20 minutes

The dressing time varies depending on the type of kimono.

Here, we assume the combination of kimono and half-width obi, which is commonly rented out by popular Kyoto kimono rental shops.

For basic dressing plans, almost all shops take approximately 15 to 20 minutes for dressing.

Those who have experienced yukata dressing would understand that the process for kimono dressing is almost similar.

The difference lies in wearing an undergarment and a nagajuban (long under-kimono) before the kimono, and finally putting on tabi socks.

At each Rikawafuku store in Kyoto, professional dressers will be in charge of your dressing.

They are very efficient, so the process ends before you know it!

Details of the Rikawafuku dressing-only plan ＞Kyoto Kimono Basic Plan

Variation in Time for Kimono Dressing and Makeup

While we introduced an average dressing time of about 15 to 20 minutes, there is one point to note.

This concerns when booking a plan that includes hair and makeup.

Unlike dressing, where the process is standardized, hair and makeup time varies based on the type of arrangement and hair length. It generally takes about 15 minutes.

Therefore, consider at least 30 minutes for dressing plus hair and makeup when planning your schedule.

Additionally, pondering over hair styles on the day can lead to time loss.

If you plan to get your hair done, decide on your preferred style in advance.

Keeping a photo of the desired hairstyle on your smartphone and showing it to the staff can make the process smoother!

Details of Rikawafuku’s dressing and hair set plan ＞Kyoto Kimono Hair Set Plan

Details of Rikawafuku’s affordable dressing and hair set student discount plan ＞Kyoto Kimono Hair Set Student Discount Plan

Consider the Time Spent on Activities Other Than Dressing for Kimono Rental

While dressing and hair makeup take about 30 minutes, it’s crucial to consider other time-consuming activities when planning your schedule.

One aspect that can take time apart from dressing is selecting the kimono.

Indeed, it’s hard not to ponder when faced with a variety of beautiful rental kimonos, right?

If you usually take time to make decisions, allow some leeway in your schedule for kimono selection.

You can also seek advice from Rikawafuku staff to assist in making your choice.

If you find it challenging to decide alone, consider discussing it with friends, partners, or staff members!

About the Kimono Rental Process

Here, we briefly introduce the process of renting a kimono from Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku.

This guide will help you grasp the process and plan your schedule. The main steps are as follows:

1. Make a reservation for kimono rental (WEB or phone)
2. Visit one of Rikawafuku’s Kyoto locations (Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama, or near Kyoto Station)
3. Complete registration and payment
4. Choose your rental kimono
5. Transfer your belongings
6. Get dressed in the kimono
7. Have your hair styled (if you have chosen a plan with hair makeup)
8. Select accessories for the kimono
9. Head out to explore Kyoto
10. Return the kimono

On the “Process of Kimono Rental” page in the site navigation of Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku, you will also find a video explaining the process in an easy-to-understand manner. Do check it out!

Remember the Final Return Time and Duration Required for Kimono Rental Return

Now that you are aware of the dressing process and time, let’s discuss the return time and important points.

It’s easy to lose track of time while enjoying Kyoto, so check the return time to avoid last-minute hassles!

Firstly, the final return time for each Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku (Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama, near Kyoto Station) store is 5:30 PM.

Although Rikawafuku in Kyoto operates until 6:00 PM, be sure not to confuse the closing time with the final return time for rented kimonos.＞List of Rikawafuku Stores in Kyoto

Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku also offers a next-day return service for those who may need more time.

Next, the estimated time required for returning a kimono is around 10 minutes.

Considering actions like changing back into your clothes and transferring belongings, it’s safer to return to the store with some time to spare.

For more information on recommended reservation and return times when renting a kimono in Kyoto, please visit ＞Recommended Reservation and Return Times for Kimono Rental in Kyoto
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Key Points for Scheduling Your Kimono Rental Reservation in Kyoto

Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku accepts same-day reservations, and you can book online up to 30 minutes before visiting the store!

Additionally, if you decide to rent a kimono within 30 minutes of visiting, a quick phone call will suffice.

It’s great to know that you can easily rent a kimono on the spur of the moment while enjoying Kyoto!

The available booking times for kimono rental are from the opening time at 9:00 AM to the last reception time at 3:30 PM.

Here, we present two key points to consider when booking your kimono rental in Kyoto:

Choose Afternoon Times to Avoid Crowds

To avoid wasting time waiting during busy periods, it’s advisable to opt for times when the store is less crowded.

If there’s no pressing need to get dressed in the morning, we recommend renting a kimono in the afternoon.

Especially after 1:00 PM on weekdays, the stores are less crowded, allowing for a quicker dressing experience.

It’s wise to confirm with the staff in advance, as the busyness can vary depending on the time of year and the store.

Plan According to Your Tourist Route and Travel Time

If you already have a set itinerary of Kyoto tourist spots or routes, choose the store and time accordingly.

For example, you could tour long-walking destinations in casual wear in the morning, then head to Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku when it’s less crowded.

If you plan to visit places far from the city center like Arashiyama, renting a kimono first and then traveling can be cumbersome.

To avoid this, consider the travel time in your planning.

Rikawafuku also has a store in Arashiyama, so you can explore nearby attractions like the bamboo forest or Togetsukyo Bridge immediately after getting dressed.

For more tips on the best times to book kimono rental in Kyoto, please see here! ＞Recommended Booking and Return Times for Kimono Rental in Kyoto

Decide on the Kimono You Want to Rent to Save Time

Lastly, we offer advice to maximize your time touring Kyoto’s spots in a rented kimono.

The tip is, “Decide on the kimono you want to rent in advance.”

While there’s a limit to shortening the time required for dressing and hair makeup, you can significantly reduce the time spent choosing a kimono.

Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku posts photos of customers in rented kimonos on their blog and Instagram.

If you find a design you like, save it!

Then, when you visit the store, show the photo to the staff. If the same kimono is available, you can rent it right away, saving time.

Even if your preferred design isn’t available, Rikawafuku has a wide range of kimonos, so you can find something similar.

Plan Your Exploration in Kyoto with an Understanding of Kimono Rental Time

Time management is crucial when exploring Kyoto in a rented kimono.

Remember the time required for dressing and hair

makeup, especially if you book a plan with hair makeup, as it will take at least 30 minutes.

Also, to avoid crowds, consider booking a slightly later time in the afternoon.

If you have already decided on the spots you wish to visit, choose your rental store and reservation time considering travel distances to optimize your tour.

By checking Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku‘s blog or Instagram in advance and deciding on the kimono you want to rent, you can save time on selection and spend more time exploring.

With professional dressers and hair makeup artists at Rikawafuku, you can quickly start your Kyoto adventure.

It’s perfect for those who want to start exploring Kyoto as soon as possible!

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Article Author

Rikawafuku has four kimono rental stores in Kyoto, located in Arashiyama, Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, and near Kyoto Station. In 2022, we served over 180,000 customers in the Kyoto area!
We offer dressing plans from 4,000 yen, and hair setting plans from 5,000 yen, with affordable options available.
Our stores are near popular tourist destinations such as Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Koshindo, and Yasaka Shrine.
Rikawafuku Kyoto Kimono Rental
Rikawafuku Gion Store
Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store
Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store
Rikawafuku Kyoto Station Store