Rent a kimono and go on a one-day tour in Kyoto! Introducing courses that can be enjoyed from morning till night
Mornings in Kyoto are early, and nights… are long? Let’s make the most of a day in Kyoto from morning to night!
For sightseeing in Kyoto after renting a kimono, check here: Top 10 Sightseeing Courses in Kyoto After Renting a Kimono!
Kyoto Tourist Spots Open Early in the Morning
If you’re planning to enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Kyoto, consider waking up a bit early in the morning.
Here are some spots you can visit in the early morning:
▲ Kiyomizu Temple 6:00 AM onwards
While the famous “Kiyomizu Stage” is currently under repair, visiting the main hall is still possible. Additionally, the renowned “Otawa Waterfall,” known as a power spot, is open as usual. The waterfall, which gave Kiyomizu Temple its name, splits into three streams, each with its own divine blessing:
“Longevity”
For staying free from illnesses or injuries and recovering safely. Wishing for a healthy, long life.
“Love Fulfillment / Matchmaking”
To have a successful relationship with your loved one and a wonderful marriage.
“Academic Achievement”
For success in high school or university entrance exams, job promotions, or certification exams.
▲ Feeling hungry? Breakfast Information
If you get a little hungry after early morning sightseeing, walk through the still-quiet Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka streets in search of breakfast:
– Maeda Coffee Higashiyama Store 7:00 AM onwards
A strong ally for early morning visits to Kiyomizu Temple! This café is located near Kodai-ji Temple. Its traditional machiya-style building perfectly matches the atmosphere around Kiyomizu Temple. You might find yourself drawn to their limited-time menu items.
– Starbucks Kyoto Ninen-zaka Yasaka Tea House Store 8:00 AM onwards
Among the many Starbucks locations in Kyoto’s tourist areas, this one welcomes you with a curtain featuring the Starbucks logo. Even if it’s crowded during the day, after early morning temple visits, you’ll have more space to enjoy your coffee. Please note that this store is accessible only on foot, so be sure to walk there!
▲ After recharging with breakfast, head to Kodai-ji Temple 9:00 AM onwards!
Kodai-ji Temple was established by Nene, the lawful wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to pray for the repose of her late husband’s soul. Their love story was rare during the Warring States period. They had a loving marriage, and it’s a temple associated with their unusual love.
Kodai-ji Temple, where Nene’s deep affection for her husband can be felt throughout the buildings, is a feminine temple. Enthused with her thoughts and emotions, the temple is located right next to Kōdai-ji Temple, and depending on the season, you can experience activities such as sutra copying and tea ceremonies.
▲ Togetsukyo Bridge (All Day)
If you plan to meet at Kyoto Station, how about heading straight to Arashiyama from the morning? The area around Arashiyama starts getting crowded around 11 AM, but during the early morning hours, you can enjoy the natural atmosphere of Kyoto at your own pace. Togetsukyo Bridge offers a beautiful landscape in collaboration with the surrounding mountains. Observing the changing shadows with the rising sun is very soothing. Take a deep breath in the majestic scenery and relax!
▲ Bamboo Grove Path (All Day)
At different times of the year and different times of the day, the sunlight, scents, and sounds reveal their unique charms. Don’t you want to know what beauty it will showcase during these less crowded hours? Let’s absorb the growing power of the bamboo for the day ahead.
It’s about a 15-minute walk from Arashiyama Kimono Rental Rikka Kimono, and this spot is very popular among customers who have rented kimonos in Arashiyama!
▲ Nonomiya Shrine (All Day)
This shrine, which has been a place of purification since ancient times, has been handed down since the Heian period. It is said to be a place to cleanse the impurities of the imperial princess who would become the Saio at Ise Shrine. The torii gates and small wooden fences within the shrine grounds have remained unchanged for a thousand years. It seems that the power of the ancient gods still resides here.
▲ Tenryu-ji Temple (8:30 AM onwards)
Tenryu-ji Temple boasts a history of more than 600 years, dating back to the time of its predecessor. It has overcome numerous fires and difficulties in rebuilding and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vastness of its garden is exceptional.
Because it is so spacious, you can take a leisurely stroll even with some tourists around. Nevertheless, the current area is said to have been reduced to about one-tenth of its original size when it was founded. It’s hard to imagine how vast the garden used to be! Daily sutra copying experiences and monthly zazen sessions are also held here. You can also learn about Zen philosophy while enjoying a Zen meal at the temple’s vegetarian restaurant.
Tenryu-ji Temple is crowded with customers who have rented kimonos in Arashiyama during the autumn foliage season.
▲ Still hungry? Morning Information 2
– Coffee Shop Yamamoto Saga Arashiyama Main Store (7:00 AM onwards)
The chairs and tables arranged in deep brown create an elegant atmosphere in this high-class café. They offer indulgent morning options such as Wagyu beef cutlet and roast beef sandwiches.
– Cafe Horizon (8:00 AM onwards)
This café gives off an antique impression both in its exterior and interior. They serve meticulously brewed coffee and offer traditional morning sets with items like toast and sunny-side-up eggs. Perfect for recharging your energy before or after strolling through the nature of Arashiyama!
– SL Kissa (Steam Locomotive Cafe) (8:40 AM onwards)
This station bento shop is located at the Torokko Saga Station. It has a spacious eat-in area where you can relax, especially during the morning hours.
Kyoto’s Kimono-Ready Sightseeing Spots
After enjoying morning activities from early morning, it’s time to explore the bustling streets of Kyoto!
Kimono rental shops in Kyoto usually open around 9 AM in the Gion area.
Of course, you can’t forget about the spots where your kimono will look great.
▲ Yasaka Koshin-do Temple
This is now undoubtedly the number one spot for SNS-worthy photos. As you pass through the gate, you’ll immediately see colorful round fabric amulets. They are shaped like the messengers of Koshin, the monkey. It’s said that if you endure one of these amulets, your wish will come true!!
Dressed in a colorful kimono that won’t be outdone by this vibrant scenery, you’ll definitely think it was a great idea to visit Gion!
It’s about a 12-minute walk from Rikka Kimono Gion Store, so it’s recommended to visit after renting a kimono in the Gion area!
▲ Gion Shirakawa
Kyoto’s premier geisha district is filled with locals and visitors alike donning kimonos.
Amidst this scenery, you can become a part of it in your kimono. With lattice windows, paper screens, small streams flowing through the streets, and rows of willow trees, this area is the embodiment of Japanese beauty.
Every spot around “Tatsumi Shrine” is famous for photography, and both professionals and amateurs have their cameras ready to capture the best angles.
If kimono rental shops in the Gion area are fully booked and you can’t make a reservation, considering kimono rental at Kyoto Station is also recommended.
Rikka Kimono Kyoto Station Front Store is conveniently located just a 7-minute walk from Kyoto Station, making it ideal for tourists.
▲ Nanzen-ji Temple: Sosui Pavilion
This temple, founded over 700 years ago, has a rich history, including surviving a fire during the Onin War.
With numerous anecdotes involving donations from warriors and the construction of gardens by the imperial family of the time, there are countless stories intertwined with its history. Among them, “Sosui” (an open canal) is an outstanding spot for photography.
Sosui served as a waterway, transporting water from Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture to Kyoto. The “Sosui Pavilion,” a large aqueduct constructed with red bricks during the Meiji era, is surrounded by many trees, creating a retro and modern atmosphere that makes you forget you’re inside a temple.
During summer, the greenery and autumn’s vibrant foliage make kimono-clad figures seem magically compatible with the bricks, ensuring perfect photo opportunities for social media.
Lunch Spots After Kimono Rental
When it comes to lunch in Kyoto, Gion is highly recommended.
There are many famous restaurants where you might feel intimidated, thinking you’ll be turned away as a first-time visitor. However, there are also restaurants with lunch services that welcome newcomers!
・ Yuba Cuisine: Tozanken (East Mountain Yuba)
Known for Kyoto’s specialty, yuba (tofu skin) dishes, you can enjoy a variety of soy-based dishes here. They offer counter seats as well as private rooms, accommodating various dining preferences.
・ Saikoro Steak and Jumbo Ebi Fry Specialty Restaurant: Gion Hanausagi
How about casual Western-style cuisine in Gion?
After an early morning exploration, indulge in a luxurious lunch of steak and jumbo shrimp fry! The prices are reasonable and satisfying!
・ Utsurigi Shokudo (Restaurant)
The owner, who has honed their skills in various genres such as creative Japanese cuisine, seafood izakaya, French, Italian, and Chinese, offers a satisfying dining experience suitable for those with eclectic tastes.
There are both authentic Japanese restaurants and new, rapidly popular eateries in various genres. Gion’s lunch scene is so charming that it’s hard to pick just one.
Tips for Dining in Kimono as a Beginner
When you’re not yet accustomed to it, there are many things to consider when dining in a kimono. Let’s go over some key points for eating while wearing a kimono.
Pay Attention to the Hem (Tamoto) to Avoid Stains
When making toasts or reaching for condiments at the back of the table, be mindful of your hem to avoid staining it.
Accidents can happen, such as accidentally soiling the kimono with the food in front of you or having utensils drop. When reaching out, it’s elegant to lightly lift the hem from the bottom with your opposite hand.
Watch Out for Spills on the Collar Area
Before accidentally staining the clean kimono around the chest area, it’s a good idea to place a napkin there as a precaution.
In formal settings, napkins are usually placed on the lap, but among friends during casual dining, it should be acceptable. With practice, you’ll become less likely to make a mess even without a napkin!
Be Mindful of Sitting Cross-Legged in a Kimono
If you’re not used to sitting cross-legged in your kimono, it might not be easy, no matter how beautifully you’re dressed. It’s reassuring to check whether the restaurant has table seating or sunken kotatsu-style seating.
Indoor Spots in Kyoto at Night
Don’t miss out on the enjoyment of the night during your whirlwind tour. Where’s the perfect place to wrap up your adventure?
・ Kyoto Tower
While Kyoto Tower is often seen from the outside as a symbol of Kyoto, not everyone explores it from within.
Inside this 9-story tower, you’ll find souvenir shops, restaurants, and even stores where you can experience handcrafts.
After you’ve thoroughly enjoyed your time, head to the 4th and 5th-floor observation decks for a panoramic view of Kyoto’s night skyline. At Kyoto Tower Hotel’s restaurant or bar, you can enjoy the evening with a more adult atmosphere!
・ Kyoto Station
With not just one, but four night view spots, Kyoto Station is a recommended location for capturing nightscapes in photographs.
The rooftop “Daiku Hiroba” offers a view of Kyoto’s cityscape, the 4th-floor “Muromachi Komichi Hiroba” showcases a grand staircase illuminated at night, and “Karasuma-kouji Hiroba” with its enchanting bell monument. Lastly, there’s the “Kukan Keiro” with its beautiful glass and steel structure.
Each of these spots is highly recommended for night photography. Capture a fitting night view as a conclusion to your journey!
