10 sightseeing spots where you should rent a kimono during New Year’s in Kyoto

Kyoto, which retains a strong sense of traditional Japanese atmosphere, is a place where many people may want to spend their New Year’s.

In today’s Japan, where kimonos and traditional Japanese ambiance have become scarce, New Year’s is one of the few events where you can experience “traditional Japanese culture.” It’s lovely to celebrate such a traditional event in Kyoto, a city steeped in history.

This time, we will introduce recommended tourist spots in Kyoto for spending New Year’s in kimono rental. Why not start the new year with elegance in Kyoto?

If you wish to make a kimono rental reservation during the New Year’s visit period in the Kyoto area, please check here:

If you’re unsure about your sightseeing itinerary, check out these recommended 10 sightseeing courses to explore after renting a kimono in Kyoto:

Recommended Tourist Spots for Kimono Rental in Kyoto During New Year’s – Focused on Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit)

When you think of New Year’s, the first thing that comes to mind is probably “Hatsumode” (first shrine visit). Kyoto is a treasure trove of shrines and temples, making it difficult to decide which one to visit for Hatsumode.

For those who may find it challenging to choose, let’s start by introducing Hatsumode spots in Kyoto that are perfect for kimono rental.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine: A 10-minute Train Ride from Gion

1. 1. If you’re considering kimono rental, Gion is a convenient location.
      1. If you’re considering kimono rental, there are several rental shops around Fushimi Inari Station.
      2. Visiting Hours: Open all day

The number one place for Hatsumode (first shrine visit) in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. If you want to go to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in a kimono, it’s a good idea to rent one in the Gion Shijo area.

While there are also several kimono rental shops around Fushimi Inari Station, many of them are small, and the selection of rental kimonos may not be as extensive as in the competitive Gion area.

If you plan to explore the Gion area, it’s more convenient to rent a kimono in Gion Shijo.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is located in Fushimi Ward and is the number one shrine for Hatsumode in Kyoto. The shrine’s “Thousand Torii Gates” are a popular tourist attraction both domestically and internationally due to their overwhelming photogenic and mysterious scenery.

Furthermore, it is considered the head shrine of all the Inari shrines, which are said to number 30,000 across Japan, and it boasts the highest number of worshippers in the Kinki region.

The Thousand Torii Gates, which often appear in anime and works of fiction, are impressive in themselves, but at night, they are illuminated from the inside, creating a mysterious and captivating atmosphere as if you’ve wandered into another world.

Be sure to visit during the night for a truly awe-inspiring experience.

If you want to learn more about Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, please check here

The Oldest Shrine in Kyoto: Matsuo Taisha Shrine

1. 1. 1. If you plan to rent a kimono, Hankyu Arashiyama Station is convenient.
      2. You can enjoy both kimono and sightseeing in Arashiyama.

Matsuo Taisha Shrine, located next to Hankyu Arashiyama Station, is a must-visit for Hatsumode in Kyoto if you want to visit a shrine with historical significance and prestige.

However, in Kyoto, there are countless shrines with rich histories, making it difficult to choose. For those who wish to visit a shrine with a long history and a sense of tradition, we recommend starting the New Year with a Hatsumode visit to Matsuo Taisha Shrine.

Matsuo Taisha Shrine is located slightly south of the popular tourist area Arashiyama, and its history dates back over 1,300 years, even before the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo (Kyoto).

This shrine, which boasts one of the most significant historical backgrounds in Kyoto, is known for various blessings, including commerce, longevity, traffic safety, and safe childbirth. It particularly attracts people related to the sake brewing industry due to its connection with the prominent Hata clan, known for sake production.

A Mysterious Shrine with Ancient Roots: Kamigamo Shrine

1. 1. 1. If you plan to rent a kimono, Kawaramachi and Gion areas are convenient.
      2. A shrine away from the hustle and bustle of the city with a solemn atmosphere

When it comes to historic shrines, Kamigamo Shrine is not to be underestimated. The history of Kamigamo Shrine is said to trace back to ancient times, and its exact founding date is unknown due to its extreme antiquity.

This shrine, considered one of the oldest in Kyoto, boasts two national treasures and 41 important cultural properties within its grounds and has been designated as a World Heritage Site.

The “Hakuba Sounan Kagura” performed at the beginning of the year is a well-known ritual believed to dispel evil spirits for the year ahead, making it a worthwhile visit during Hatsumode.

The Revival of the Heian Capital in Modern Times: Heian Shrine

1. 1. 1. Kimono rental is convenient in the Gion area.
      2. Recommended for couples and female travelers.
      3. Taxi transportation is convenient from the Gion area.

Heian Shrine was built to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the establishment of Heian-kyo in 1895, making it relatively young in terms of history, with only about 120 years of existence. However, the shrine’s main hall beautifully reproduces the former Court of the Imperial Palace from the Heian period, which Emperor Kanmu inaugurated, at a 5/8 scale, allowing you to reminisce about its former glory.

Originally built to revitalize Kyoto after the Meiji Restoration and the relocation of the capital to Tokyo, the shrine’s buildings are quite magnificent, and its precincts are glamorous. It’s a suitable place for those who want to spend a splendid New Year.

It is famous for blessings such as good luck, prosperity, and protection from misfortune. It is also said to have matchmaking blessings.

Start the New Year with Hatsumode at One of Kyoto’s Premier World Heritage Sites: Kiyomizu Temple

1. 1. 1. Many kimono rental shops are available around Kiyomizu Temple.
      2. Be cautious as it can get crowded during the New Year period.

When talking about Kyoto, one must not forget about “Kiyomizu Temple.” Kiyomizu Temple is one of Kyoto’s top tourist attractions and has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are many souvenir shops and kimono rental stores in the surrounding area, making it perfect for a New Year’s visit in kimono.

If you happen to visit during the New Year with snowfall, be sure to take in the view from the Kiyomizu stage. The breathtaking scenery, rivaling the beauty of cherry blossoms or autumn leaves in full bloom, unfolds below.

Recommended for Those Preparing for Exams: “Kitano Tenmangu Shrine”

1. 1. 1. Kimono rental is available in the Kawaramachi area or Arashiyama.
      2. It’s the head shrine of Tenjin, the god of learning known by the name of “Tenjin-sama.”

“Kitano Tenmangu Shrine” serves as the head shrine of Tenjin-sama, the god of learning. While it’s frequented by many students praying for success in exams every year, it also hosts the “Ooharai” purification ritual on New Year’s Eve to cleanse away the sins and impurities of the year.

Participating in the Ooharai purification ritual on New Year’s Eve and then visiting for Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year) during New Year’s might be a good idea.

Must-Visit Tourist Spots for Kimono Rental during Kyoto’s New Year – Event Highlights –

When it comes to sightseeing in a kimono during the New Year, most people think of Hatsumode visits. However, Kyoto offers numerous events during the New Year season. Let’s introduce some recommended tourist spots with kimono rental for Hatsumode, which also host special events.

A Rare Opportunity to Reflect on the Glory of the Edo Shogunate: “Nijo Castle”

1. 1. 1. There are a few kimono rental shops in the vicinity of Nijo.

While it’s not a temple, visiting Nijo Castle during the New Year is also recommended. Nijo Castle, which served as the Tokugawa family’s castle and was the location of the “Taiseiden” where the restoration of imperial rule took place, offers a special event called the “Daihiro Sannoma Special Entrance” into the national treasure “Ninomaru Goten” during the New Year period.

This is a rare opportunity to see the original artwork of Kanou Tan’yu’s “Matsu Kujaku” (Pine and Peacock) that you wouldn’t normally have access to. If you love Japanese paintings or important cultural properties, don’t miss this chance to visit in style with kimono rental.

Conveniently Located Near Gion: “Yasaka Shrine”

1. 1. 1. There are numerous kimono rental shops in the vicinity of Yasaka Shrine.
      2. Many stalls are set up, creating a festive atmosphere similar to a traditional fair.
      3. If you want to enjoy a lively Hatsumode, Yasaka Shrine is popular.

For those who enjoy lively places and festivities even during New Year, how about visiting “Yasaka Shrine” for Hatsumode?

Yasaka Shrine is a shrine located in the popular Gion area, and it is affectionately referred to as “Gion-san” by the locals.

It enshrines many gods, including Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and is known for hosting the event “Karuta Hajime-shiki,” which is associated with the god of poetry. The event features women dressed in elegant Heian-era costumes playing a traditional card game, and it’s a perfect match for a kimono rental visit during Hatsumode. Additionally, from 9:00, the “Hatsu-Noh” (First Noh) performance takes place on the Noh stage, so an early visit is recommended.

If you want to learn more about Yasaka Shrine, please check here

Enjoy “Emperor’s Fortune Tea” for Good Health at “Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple”

Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple is a temple of the Chisan sect of Shingon Buddhism located in Higashiyama Ward. It is said to have been founded by the monk Kuya and is known as a power spot in Kyoto. It’s also secretly known as a horror spot because it’s believed to be connected to the six realms.

On New Year’s Day, they serve a tea called “Emperor’s Fortune Tea” (Koufuku-cha) with the wish for good health. This event originates from the tea that Kuya, the monk who founded the temple, prayed over, and it’s a perfect event to wish for health for the year.

Divination by Water at “Kifune Shrine”

Although slightly different from traditional events, Kifune Shrine offers “Mizu-Urana-mikuji,” a unique fortune-telling by water.

Mizu-Urana-mikuji is a type of fortune-telling where you float a piece of paper with your fortune on water and read the result. It’s so popular that there are often long lines for this event.

Kifune Shrine is known as a shrine dedicated to the god of water, and it is visited by people involved in industries related to water, such as fishing and sake brewing. On the other hand, it’s also famous for its matchmaking blessings, and it’s said that Izumi Shikibu, a renowned poet of the Heian period, prayed for and achieved reconciliation with her husband here. So, visiting for Hatsumode and making a wish for love might also be a good idea.