[For people in their 30s] Tips for renting a kimono in Kyoto

When you visit Kyoto, one thing you definitely want to experience is renting a kimono. It’s often featured in magazines and on TV, so you might have thought about trying it too, right?

In Kyoto, women of various age groups enjoy exploring the city in traditional Japanese attire. In this article, we will provide tips for 30-something women planning a Kyoto trip on how to rent a kimono, from choosing the rental shop to selecting the design, making your first kimono rental experience worry-free.

We’ll cover how to choose a rental shop, what styles to consider for Kyoto sightseeing, and important etiquette and tips for enjoying your kimono experience. So, even if it’s your first time renting a kimono, you can relax and enjoy it. Let’s get started!

Tips for Choosing a Kimono Rental Shop in Your 30s

For enjoying Kyoto sightseeing in traditional Japanese attire, the first step is choosing a kimono rental shop carefully.

While there are many rental kimono shops in Kyoto, you might find that some only offer flashy kimono styles suitable for teens and twenties. You don’t want to end up thinking, “I only found flashy kimono for young people when I went there” or “The designs are too cute for someone in their thirties.” To avoid such disappointments, remember these three basic tips!

Tip 1 for Choosing a Shop in Kyoto: “Check Popular Shop Websites”

First and foremost, it’s important to check for information in advance, so be sure to “find popular shops and browse their websites.”

Shops featured on TV or in magazines are usually popular due to their excellent service and customer satisfaction, so they come highly recommended. To ensure that your visit doesn’t turn into a regretful experience like “I had a terrible time at a random shop I happened upon,” it’s best to choose well-known places in advance.

Furthermore, it’s recommended to choose shops that have galleries on their websites or blogs. This way, you can check the atmosphere and styles of rental kimonos they offer.

Keep in mind that some stores may not have the exact same kimono available as shown in the images. However, they usually offer similar designs, so it can still be a helpful reference!

Tip 2: “Choose a Place with a Wide Variety of Kimono Options”

While there are many adorable kimono designs available for rent in Kyoto, excessively cute styles might not be suitable for someone in their 30s. Therefore, the second tip is to “check if they have kimono designs that are appropriate for those in their 30s.”

Additionally, even if you find a design you like on their website or blog, there’s a chance that it may have been rented by someone else by the time you visit the store. However, shops with a wide variety of options often have other fantastic designs in stock, so you may discover a kimono you like even more than the one you saw online!

Tip 3: “Select a Location Near Tourist Attractions”

The final tip is to “choose a shop located near the tourist spots you want to visit.” Even if you find the perfect rental kimono, it can be inconvenient if the shop is far from your desired destinations.

Moving around in an unfamiliar kimono can be tiring, and walking in traditional wooden sandals (geta) might lead to foot discomfort. Pain or fatigue can disrupt your sightseeing plans. Therefore, it’s crucial to check the shop’s location when browsing their website.

Since rental kimonos often have specified return times, selecting a conveniently located shop will help you avoid situations like, “I couldn’t make it back in time, and extra charges were incurred.” Rikawafuku Kimono Rental in Kyoto is conveniently located near popular tourist spots.

Below, we’ve listed the nearest station and the distance to various tourist attractions for your reference:

1. Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kyoto Gion Branch: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Gion Shijo Station / About 3 minutes on foot to Yasaka Shrine
2. Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kiyomizu-dera Store: About 16 minutes on foot from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station / About 7 minutes on foot to Kiyomizu Temple
3. Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Arashiyama Store: About 3 minutes on foot from Arashiyama Station (Hankyu) / About 5 minutes on foot to Togetsukyo Bridge

＞Click here for the list of Rikawafuku Kimono Rental stores in Kyoto

Recommended Kimono Styles and Tips for 30-something Women Exploring Kyoto

Now let’s introduce some tips for choosing a rental kimono. For women in their 30s, it’s recommended to go for designs with a bit of sophistication.

So, what kind of kimono should you choose? We’ll provide three tips for coordinating outfits that are perfect for 30-something women, with specific examples!

Perfect for Kyoto: “Chic Retro Patterns”

Chic retro patterns may seem too mature for women in their 30s at first glance.

However, these retro patterns have become trendy in Kyoto recently.

Some even see teenagers wearing them, so it’s perfectly okay for women in their 30s as well.

But if you wear them without any adjustments, they might seem a bit plain. So, the key is to incorporate everyday items. Berets and boots are easy-to-adopt items, even for beginners, so they’re recommended!

Perfect for Kyoto: “Monochrome Modern Patterns”

Colorful modern patterns are commonly seen in kimono rentals, but some might think they’re a bit flashy for women in their 30s.

However, choosing monochrome colors can tone down the flashy look and give you a cool and stylish impression.

You can either stick with the same color scheme for the whole outfit or add contrast by using accessories in complementary colors that are not used in the rented kimono or obi. This is a great tip for achieving a fashionable and cute look without being too loud.

For those who want to rent a modern kimono in Kyoto | Modern kimono coordination examples and tips

Perfect for Kyoto: “Pastel-colored Solid Kimono”

Solid color kimono can add an elegant touch to women in their 30s. Even if you think it might be a little plain, choosing pastel colors can add cuteness to your outfit.

It’s okay to opt for something that may appear plain at first glance, even if it’s not a completely solid color kimono. Light patterns that give the appearance of a plain kimono are also acceptable.

You can also enhance the elegance by pairing a patterned obi with a solid color kimono. For those who want a more subdued impression, coordinating with similar colors is the key, while those who want to express their individuality can incorporate contrasting colors when selecting obis and accessories!

What Are the Considerations and Etiquette for Kimono Rental in Kyoto?

Enjoying kimono rental in Kyoto also involves observing certain considerations and etiquette to avoid unexpected mishaps that could ruin your Kyoto trip. Let’s learn the basics to ensure a smooth experience!

Kyoto Consideration 1: “Preventing Kimono Disarray”

One of the main reasons that can spoil a stroll in Kyoto in a kimono is “kimono disarray.” Even if you’ve had a beautiful kimono dressing, if it starts to come undone along the way, it can deter you from taking commemorative photos and enjoying the sightseeing fully.

To prevent this, it’s essential to avoid kimono disarray. One recommended tip to maintain the state of your beautifully dressed kimono is the “hem split.”

After having your kimono dressed, open up the hem by spreading both legs about shoulder-width apart and bending and straightening your knees 2-3 times. Then, return to your normal posture and readjust the hem for a neat look.

This not only makes it easier to walk but also helps prevent kimono disarray. Additionally, when walking, try to take smaller steps than usual!

For tips on how to walk without causing kimono disarray, you can find more information here:
＞Walking Tips for Kimono Rental in Kyoto: How to Avoid Kimono Disarray

Kyoto Consideration 2: “Elegant Gestures”

When you wear a kimono in Kyoto, you naturally want to pay more attention to your gestures than usual. To enhance your appearance in traditional clothing, the key is to make your movements smaller than usual.

When eating, try to take small bites and avoid opening your mouth too wide. Also, walk with smaller steps and be conscious of your actions. When reaching for things, gently place one hand on the sleeve to maintain a neat appearance and prevent the sleeves from getting dirty.

Kyoto Consideration 3: “Enjoying Photography and Food Adventures”

When you’ve rented a kimono in Kyoto, you’ll want to take lots of photos at various tourist spots and enjoy exploring different places to eat.

However, some places may have rules against eating or taking photos, and in the midst of capturing moments, you might unintentionally block the paths of others or receive unwanted attention. To ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, be attentive to your surroundings.

Most tourist attractions have clear signs indicating rules, such as restrictions on photography or eating. Be sure to check them!

If you’re interested in exploring cafes in the Gion area, you can find more information here.

If you’re looking for popular sightseeing routes in Kyoto after renting a kimono, you can find 10 recommended options here.

Kimono Rental in Kyoto: Feel Secure with These Tips

With numerous kimono rental shops in Kyoto, it’s easy to become unsure about which one to choose. To avoid any mishaps and ensure you have the best experience, selecting a reputable and popular shop is crucial. Shops featured in television and magazines are a reliable choice.

Furthermore, it’s essential to check if the rental shop offers kimono styles suitable for people in their 30s and if they have a wide variety of options available. At Rikawafuku Kimono Rental in Kyoto, frequently mentioned in the media, you’ll find over 200 kimono styles at each shop, ensuring you discover the perfect one for you.

Once you’ve adorned yourself in a lovely rental kimono, follow proper etiquette to have an enjoyable trip in Kyoto!

Up to What Age is Kimono Rental Okay in Kyoto?

Renting a kimono in Kyoto may seem like a cultural activity for the younger crowd, and as you get older, you might feel a bit self-conscious about it. However, rest assured that in Kyoto, people of all ages, including a bit older folks, wear kimonos as everyday attire while strolling around the city.

So, there’s no specific age limit, and no matter how old you are, you won’t stand out when wearing a kimono in the streets of Kyoto.

So, let go of any embarrassment and enjoy your kimono rental experience in Kyoto to the fullest!

 

Author of this article

Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku 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 Rikawafuku
Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Gion Store
Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store
Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store
Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Kyoto Station Front Store