How to Enjoy First Shrine Visit in Kyoto! Recommended Shrines for Couples and Important Tips for Your Date
Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit) is one of the few events where wearing a kimono feels very natural.
Especially in Kyoto, which boasts a rich history with numerous shrines and temples, it’s an ideal destination for a New Year’s trip.
They say that “the beginning is the most important,” so why not start the year off right by dressing up in a gorgeous kimono and making your first shrine visit to one of Kyoto’s prestigious shrines?
In this article, we will introduce five important points to keep in mind for those who are considering renting a kimono and visiting a shrine in Kyoto during the New Year.
1. Five Important Points When Renting a Kimono and Visiting a Shrine in Kyoto
So, what should you pay attention to when renting a kimono and visiting a shrine in Kyoto? Let’s take a closer look.
1.1. Popular Spots Can Get Crowded, So Mind the Timing!
- If you plan to visit popular Hatsumode spots, avoid peak times.
- Popular temples and shrines are less crowded and warmer in the afternoon, making it a recommended time to visit.
First, let’s focus on the importance of the timing when heading to popular spots.
Since Kyoto boasts numerous historic temples and shrines, it’s easy to imagine that many people will gather for Hatsumode during this period.
In particular, ultra-popular spots like Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and Heian Shrine become extremely crowded with visitors during the late night and early morning hours.
Wearing a kimono rental in such crowded conditions can make it even more challenging to move around, as kimonos are already somewhat cumbersome to walk in.
If you plan to visit these popular temples and shrines, it’s advisable to go during slightly quieter hours, such as around noon on New Year’s Day.
1.2. Reserve Your Kimono Rental Well in Advance
Next, pay attention to the timing of your kimono rental shop reservation.
1.3. Kyoto’s Winter Is Cold – Don’t Forget to Bundle Up!
- Be cautious of waiting outdoors for long periods in the cold.
- Take precautions for the cold, such as bringing hand warmers and scarves.
The third important point to consider is staying warm and protected from the cold.
Winter in Kyoto, which is situated in a basin, can be quite chilly. As mentioned earlier, during the New Year’s period, there can be long waiting times outdoors.
Just the thought of spending a long time outdoors in Kyoto’s cold winter weather can send shivers down your spine.
Be sure to dress warmly with scarves and other cold-weather clothing, and consider bringing items like hand warmers to keep yourself comfortable.
1.4. Don’t Forget to Check the Visiting Hours of the Temples and Shrines!
1.4. Don’t Forget to Check the Visiting Hours of the Temples and Shrines!
- The fourth point is to check the visiting hours of your target temples and shrines.
- In Kyoto and many other places, the opening hours of shrines and temples may differ during special occasions like New Year’s or Shichi-Go-San.
- Generally, during New Year’s, many places open their gates at night to accommodate visitors for Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year).
- However, it’s crucial to know the exact times, as not being aware can lead to scenarios like, “I thought it was open, but it was closed,” or “I thought it was closed, but it was open, and I missed the ideal time.”
- For complete peace of mind, make sure to thoroughly research the opening and closing times of your intended temples and shrines.
1.5. Research Access from the Kimono Rental Shop to Popular Shrines
The fifth point is to have a clear understanding of the distance and access between the kimono rental shop you plan to use and the popular New Year’s shrine spots.
There are numerous temples, shrines, and kimono rental shops throughout Kyoto, so the distances between them are generally not too far.
However, Kyoto is a bustling city with various transportation options like trains and buses, and during the New Year’s period, it can get crowded with people heading for Hatsumode.
To ensure smooth and efficient travel, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the access routes and transportation methods between your chosen kimono rental shop and the popular shrine spots.
Popular Temples and Shrines for New Year’s Visits in Kyoto and Their Distance from Rikawafuku Kimono Rental
Finally, let’s introduce some popular temple and shrine spots in Kyoto for New Year’s visits.
These are well-known and attract many visitors, so it’s possible that they will be crowded. However, this also means you can have a meaningful Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) and start your year with a fresh beginning.
We’ll also provide information on the distance and access from Rikawafuku Kimono Rental to each of these spots, so feel free to use this as a reference.
Fushimi Inari Taisha: The Head Shrine of All Inari Shrines
First, we recommend Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its “Senbon Torii” (thousands of torii gates).
Among shrines in Kyoto that publicly disclose visitor numbers, Fushimi Inari Taisha ranks as the most visited. This popularity is evident from the large number of people who come here for New Year’s.
During the year-end and New Year’s period, there are various events held. On December 31st, there is a grand purification ritual called “Ooharae” to cleanse away the year’s impurities. After that, the “Joyanokane” bell-ringing ceremony takes place to ring in the New Year, and from the early morning of January 1st, the shrine is bustling with the “Toshikoshi-sai” (New Year’s Eve festival) to pray for the nation’s peace and a calm year ahead.
Kiyomizu Temple is a well-known and iconic tourist attraction in Kyoto, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a historic temple with roots dating back to before the Heian period and is mentioned in literary works like “The Tale of Genji” and “The Pillow Book.”
One of its most famous features is the “Kiyomizu Stage,” which offers panoramic views of Kyoto. Watching the first sunrise of the year from the Kiyomizu Stage and spending the beginning of the year at a UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly a luxurious experience.
Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kiyomizu Temple Store is conveniently located near Sanneizaka, and you can reach Kiyomizu Temple in less than a 10-minute walk. Although it’s a short distance from the kimono rental shop to the New Year’s spot, be cautious as there are many slopes in this area.
Experience the Mystique of Matsuo Shrine, an Ancient Shrine!
Matsuo Shrine was established by the Qin clan, known as immigrants, but it’s considered Kyoto’s oldest shrine, with roots traced back to ancient times when local residents worshipped. This shrine, dedicated to the god of sake, often serves sake during Hatsumode, offering a variety of sake to enjoy.
You can easily access Matsuo Shrine from Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Arashiyama Store. Take the Hankyu Arashiyama Line for one station from Arashiyama Station to Matsuo Station, and it’s about a 20-minute walk or a short walk if the train is crowded. It might be a good idea to walk if the train is busy.
Are Kimono Rental Shops in Kyoto Open for Business During the New Year?
When it comes to kimono rental shops in Kyoto, many of them are not open for business during the New Year.
It can be quite challenging to find shops that are open, so if you happen to find one, it’s recommended to make reservations early!
By the way, Rikawafuku Kimono Rental is open every year during the New Year period!
In particular, from the stage known as “Kiyomizu no Butai,” you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto city. Watching the first sunrise of the year from the Kiyomizu stage and spending the beginning of the year at a UNESCO World Heritage Site is indeed a luxurious experience.
Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kiyomizu Temple Store is located near Sannenzaka, so you can reach Kiyomizu Temple in less than a 10-minute walk. While it’s a short distance from the kimono rental shop to the New Year’s spot, please be cautious as there are many slopes in this area.
Experience the Mystique of Matsuo Shrine, an Ancient Shrine!
Matsuo Shrine was established by the Qin clan, known as immigrants, but it’s considered Kyoto’s oldest shrine, with roots traced back to ancient times when local residents worshipped. This shrine, dedicated to the god of sake, often serves sake during Hatsumode, offering a variety of sake to enjoy.
You can easily access Matsuo Shrine from Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Arashiyama Store. Take the Hankyu Arashiyama Line for one station from Arashiyama Station to Matsuo Station, and it’s about a 20-minute walk or a short walk if the train is crowded. It might be a good idea to walk if the train is busy.
Are Kimono Rental Shops in Kyoto Open for Business During the New Year?
When it comes to kimono rental shops in Kyoto, many of them are not open for business during the New Year.
It can be quite challenging to find shops that are open, so if you happen to find one, it’s recommended to make reservations early!
By the way, Rikawafuku Kimono Rental is open every year during the New Year period!
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
