Where is the best reservation area for kimono rental in Kyoto?
In Kyoto, there are many kimono rental shops, and it can be confusing to decide where to make a reservation.
So, we will introduce five recommended reservation places when renting a kimono in Kyoto, categorized by area.
Each of them has its advantages, such as convenient transportation and proximity to tourist attractions, so let’s choose based on your preferences!
Also, we’ll provide the distance from Shijo-Karasuma, an area with many hotels and guesthouses, so it can be a reference when choosing a convenient reservation location. ♪
Gion Area
One of the recommended reservation places for kimono rental in Kyoto is “Gion.”
When looking at Kyoto’s tourist spots, the following are nearby:
- Yasaka Shrine (Walking Distance)
- Kamogawa River (Walking Distance)
- Hanamikoji Street (Walking Distance)
- Gion Shirakawa (Walking Distance)
- Kawai Shrine (By Train)
- Kicking Up Incline (By Taxi)
- Nanzenji Temple (By Taxi)
- Yasaka Koshindo Temple (Walking or Bus)
Gion is a perfect reservation location for wearing a kimono as it is close to tourist spots associated with geisha, such as Gion Shirakawa, Hanamikoji Street, and Yasaka Shrine.
It also has excellent transportation access, and by using Gion-Shijo Station or Kawaramachi Station, you can easily visit various tourist attractions.
Whether you want to visit Kawai Shrine, popular for love prayers, or Kicking Up Incline, known for its retro-style photos, renting a kimono in Kyoto’s Gion area is convenient.
Additionally, there are many buses passing through Gion, making it easy to move to various places from there. It’s also conveniently located at a distance of 1.3km from Karasuma Station, which has many hotels.
Gion offers a range of attractions typical of Kyoto, along with numerous cafes and souvenir shops, making it a place where you can enjoy your entire day. Gion has many flat roads, so walking in a kimono won’t be uncomfortable.
This reservation location is recommended for those who enjoy “browsing various shops” or want to “fully experience Kyoto’s culture.”
Furthermore, if you plan to participate in the famous Gion Festival in summer while wearing a yukata, consider using Rikawafuku. The Rikawafuku Gion store is close to Yasaka Shrine, allowing you to join the festival right away! ♪
Kiyomizu Temple Area
If you want to visit shrines and temples or experience the typical atmosphere of Kyoto, we recommend the “Kiyomizu Temple” reservation location.
When looking at Kyoto’s tourist spots, the following are nearby:
- Yasaka Koshindo Temple (Walking Distance)
- Kiyomizu Temple (Walking Distance)
- Ninenzaka (Walking Distance)
- Kodai-ji Temple (Walking Distance)
- Sannenzaka (Walking Distance)
- Yasaka Shrine (Walking Distance)
There are many famous tourist spots around Kiyomizu Temple, including Jishu Shrine and Ninenzaka, making it an ideal area for those who want to take photos right after renting a kimono.
Since there are many slopes and stairs in the vicinity of Kiyomizu Temple, please be careful not to let your kimono become disheveled while walking. It’s advisable to take small steps and lift the hem slightly when climbing stairs to make it easier.
Rikawafuku in Kyoto provides professional kimono dressing, ensuring that your kimono stays in place as you walk around. Plus, the tabi socks have non-slip soles, making it comfortable to explore even in geta sandals.
Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store is conveniently located just a short walk away from Ninen-zaka and Yasaka Koshindo Temple, making it highly recommended!
Arashiyama Area
If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city or if you have already explored the central part of Kyoto and want to enjoy a kimono stroll in a more natural setting, we recommend the “Arashiyama” reservation location.
When looking at Kyoto’s tourist spots, the following are nearby:
- Togetsukyo Bridge (Walking Distance)
- Kimono Forest (Walking Distance)
- Bamboo Grove Path (Walking Distance)
- Tenryu-ji Temple (Walking Distance)
- Nonomiya Shrine (Walking or Taxi)
- Sagano Scenic Railway (Walking Distance)
Since it’s easily accessible from Osaka by Hankyu Railway, many customers combine their Kyoto sightseeing with a visit to Universal Studios Japan.
Arashiyama is a popular area for couples, as it allows them to leisurely enjoy their time in kimono. It’s a bit further from the central part of Kyoto, but surrounded by natural scenery.
There are several well-known spots in Arashiyama, such as the Bamboo Grove Path and Togetsukyo Bridge. It’s an ideal location for those who want to take photos right after renting a kimono.
Since Arashiyama has many slopes and stairs, please be cautious to prevent your kimono from becoming disheveled while walking. Taking small steps and lifting the hem while climbing stairs will make it easier.
Rikawafuku in Kyoto provides professional kimono dressing to ensure that your kimono remains in place while exploring. Additionally, the tabi socks come with non-slip soles, making it comfortable even when wearing geta sandals.
Although there are many slopes and stairs, don’t worry about getting tired. The tabi socks have non-slip soles, and exploring in geta sandals won’t be a burden. It’s quite convenient!
Moreover, riding in a rickshaw is highly recommended in Arashiyama, as it’s incredibly pleasant to glide through the bamboo grove in one. ♪
Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store is located just a 3-minute walk from Togetsukyo Bridge.
Kyoto Station Area
The fourth recommended reservation location for kimono rental in Kyoto is “Along Higashioji Street.”
Along Higashioji Street mainly refers to the main street from Yasaka Shrine to Kiyomizu-zaka (the slope leading up to Kiyomizu Temple).
On this street, whether you look to the right or left, you’ll find plenty of kimono rental shops.
It’s not particularly close to famous Kyoto tourist spots, nor is it near a train station, so honestly, there aren’t many advantages to making a reservation here.
However, it’s a good option if you suddenly decide you want to rent a kimono on the day of your visit. Since there are many shops, you can choose one that seems available and enter, making it efficient even when you’re short on time.
Some shops along Higashioji Street accept same-day reservations, making it convenient even if you decide on the spot that you want to stroll Kyoto in a kimono.
Shops like Rikawafuku Gion Shop and Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Temple Shop near Higashioji Street also accept same-day reservations. So, when you see people around you enjoying Kyoto in kimonos and get inspired, be sure to stop by!
Along Higashioji Street, you’ll find retro shopping streets, cute crepe shops, old-fashioned bakeries, stylish cafes, and more. So, when you stroll the street in a kimono, you’ll surely discover your favorite spots.
It’s about 2.7km from Karasuma Street, but depending on your destination, the distance can be shorter.
Walking along Higashioji Street can lead to unexpected hidden gems, and discovering your own favorite spots is more enjoyable than visiting the typical tourist spots. Enjoy finding your own hidden treasures!
Choose a Convenient Location for Kimono Rental Reservations in Kyoto!
Since there are many kimono rental shops in Kyoto, choose a location that suits your purpose when you feel lost. For example, if you plan to visit Gion and Kiyomizu Temple, it’s recommended to rent a kimono around the Gion and Kiyomizu Temple area.
If you prefer to stay near your hotel in Kyoto Station or other convenient locations, it’s easier for both renting and returning the kimono. However, if you want to visit places further away from central Kyoto, it’s recommended to rent a kimono in that area, like Arashiyama!
Along Higashioji Street, you can find unexpected hidden gems, making it perfect for those who want to discover their own favorite places rather than the typical tourist spots. Additionally, many shops accept same-day reservations or walk-ins, so even if it wasn’t originally in your plans, you can still rent a kimono.
Kimono rental Kyoto Rikawafuku has stores in Gion, Arashiyama, and near Kiyomizu Temple, making it convenient for sightseeing. Kyoto sightseeing can be so enjoyable that you might lose track of time, and you might worry about making it back in time for the kimono return. But don’t worry; they also offer next-day return options. With same-day reservations available, feel free to stop by whenever you feel like wearing a kimono for a leisurely stroll!
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
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Arashiyama Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kyoto Station Front Store
