Isn’t it Embarrassing to Rent a Kimono in Kyoto? Insights into Kyoto’s Kimono Rental Scene
When it comes to Kyoto, renting a kimono is a classic choice. However, in today’s world where Western clothing is predominant, some people may feel hesitant to walk around in a kimono.
While it’s perfectly normal to wear a kimono during special occasions like New Year’s, Coming of Age Day, or summer festivals, you might feel a bit self-conscious wearing one at other times. It’s natural for people’s attention to be drawn to you when you’re in a kimono.
If you’re visiting Kyoto and feel a bit shy about wearing a kimono, I encourage you to read this article. It might change your perception.
※ This article is supervised by Kimono Rental Kyoto Rikawafuku, operated by TripFarm Corporation.
Why There’s No Need to Feel Embarrassed About Kimono Rental in Kyoto
First and foremost, it’s important to know that there’s no need to feel embarrassed about renting a kimono in Kyoto. As anyone who has visited Kyoto can attest, there are simply no reasons to feel self-conscious about wearing a kimono in this city.
Let’s delve into why this is the case.
It’s a Common Practice
Wearing a kimono is perfectly acceptable, as I’ve mentioned. One of the biggest reasons why you shouldn’t feel embarrassed about renting a kimono in Kyoto is this:
Kyoto is an area where the rich scenery and atmosphere of ancient Japan are still vividly preserved. The local landscape harmonizes perfectly with kimonos, making kimono rental for tourists a classic choice.
When you actually visit Kyoto, you’ll see that there are plenty of people who appear to be tourists walking around in kimonos.
One of the primary reasons people feel “embarrassed” about something is when they perceive themselves as “different” or “odd” compared to others. However, if many people are wearing kimonos, there’s no reason to feel embarrassed from the outset.
Kyoto is home to numerous kimono rental shops, and the fact that these shops continue to thrive shows just how many people opt for kimono rentals in Kyoto.
Even Locals Are Used to It
The second reason is that “even locals in Kyoto are accustomed to kimonos.”
As mentioned earlier, Kyoto is a place where kimonos naturally blend with the surroundings, and you’ll encounter many people who have rented kimonos and are strolling around.
Local residents, who regularly witness such scenes, have naturally become accustomed to this sight.
Even if they spot someone walking around in a rented kimono, it’s simply a part of their daily life, and they don’t think much of it.
People feel embarrassed when they believe they stand out in a “negative” way, attracting strange or mocking gazes from others. However, if there are plenty of people wearing kimonos, and no one is giving them negative attention, there’s no reason to feel embarrassed.
Couples Abound, So Men Don’t Stand Out
You might think that the majority of people renting kimonos in Kyoto are women, but that’s not the case.
In terms of the ratio of kimono renters, couples make up the largest group, and surprisingly, many men also choose to wear kimonos.
As mentioned earlier, if there are many people wearing kimonos and no negative attention from those around them, there’s no reason to feel embarrassed. While it’s true that fewer men wear kimonos compared to women in general, in Kyoto, you don’t need to worry about that, and men can enjoy kimono rentals without standing out.
Wearing a Kimono Is Nothing to Be Embarrassed About! 4 Advantages of Wearing a Kimono
Now that you understand there’s no need to feel embarrassed about wearing a kimono, let’s explore the “advantages” of renting a kimono in Kyoto.
Read this in conjunction with the reasons why there’s no need to feel embarrassed.
Sense of Uniqueness and Instagram-Worthy Moments
The biggest advantage of renting a kimono is probably this:
Kyoto is a land where many centuries-old temples and buildings still exist, enveloping the entire city in an atmosphere of ‘elegant Japanese style from the Heian to Edo periods.’
Especially in places like Nijo Castle and To-ji Temple, you’ll experience an emotional atmosphere that makes you feel out of place in Western clothing.
If you can enjoy such a Japanese atmosphere in a dignified kimono, it will provide you with a sense of non-everyday experience that can blow away the stress of daily life.
And capturing such extraordinary moments in photographs at their best is one of the charms of kimono rental.
Create Precious Memories as a Couple
The second reason is that it creates precious memories as a couple.
People find joy and happiness in sharing ‘special moments’ with someone. In the unique ‘Japanese-style surroundings’ of Kyoto, sharing the experience of wearing matching kimonos offers a sense of non-everyday and uniqueness. It deepens the bond between couples and becomes an unforgettable memory.
Just as festivals are best enjoyed by participating and dancing together, renting kimonos with your loved one is guaranteed to leave lasting memories.
If you’d like to enjoy Kyoto in kimonos as a couple, you can make a reservation here:
> Kyoto Kimono Couple Plan Reservation Page
For recommended date plans when walking in Kyoto as a couple in kimonos, you can check out this article:
> 5 Recommended Date Plans for Kyoto Kimono Dates
Attract Attention from Foreigners
The third reason is that you’ll receive a lot of attention and compliments from foreigners.
Since Kyoto is a representative tourist destination in Japan, there are many foreign tourists. Just as we, Japanese people, feel like taking photos when we see foreigners in knight or noble costumes at foreign castles, they get excited when they see Japanese people in traditional kimono attire.
If you’re walking as a couple, you’ll feel like celebrities receiving compliments, and if the foreigners who approach you are attractive, you might even make new friends.
Enjoy Sightseeing in Kyoto at a Discount with Kimono Rental Benefits
Many restaurants and souvenir shops in Kyoto offer discounts like “XX% off for those wearing kimonos.”
While traveling, your wallet may loosen a bit, but being able to enjoy sightseeing at a discount with kimono rental, especially in Kyoto, known for kimonos, is truly special!
Wearing a kimono from home may be challenging, but renting one casually, creating many memories, and even receiving discounts make it an excellent choice!
Is Wearing Kimono in Kyoto Dignified and High-Hurdle?
Compared to the past when kimonos were commonplace, today, you see fewer people wearing kimonos except in highly formal settings.
As a result, some people associate kimonos with being ‘dignified,’ but this mainly applies to ceremonial kimono wear. For everyday kimono, you don’t need to think of it as overly formal.
Just as wearing a high-end dress or suit from a luxury brand may make you conscious of the formality, no one would dress formally in an affordable suit from a mass-market store. Kimonos are similar.
There are various types of kimonos, ranging from simple yukatas to highly formal attire worn at weddings or festivals. Most general kimono rental shops offer ‘cas
Especially at Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Kimono, they are known for their extensive selection of kimonos. For example, their Gion store offers more than 400 different types of kimonos.
With such a wide variety, you are more likely to find a kimono that you truly like. When choosing a kimono rental shop in Kyoto, I recommend choosing a shop like Rikawafuku Kimono, known for their rich selection of kimonos.
If you are unsure about which kimono to choose, you can check this article for guidance: Which Kimono Style, Traditional or Modern, Is Recommended for Kyoto Kimono Rental?
Enjoy Kyoto in Your Favorite Kimono!
Wearing a kimono may feel unfamiliar at first, and you might have some reservations or embarrassment. However, at least in Kyoto, you have nothing to worry about.
Once you gather the courage to try it, you’ll realize that your concerns were unfounded. Please enjoy Kyoto in a beautiful kimono.
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
