5 Key Tips for Choosing the Best Kimono Rental Shop in Kyoto!
Nobel Prize Award Ceremony! The black formal attire was fantastic – kimonos really suit the Japanese.
Once Christmas passes, the year-end approaches quickly, and then comes the last New Year of the Heisei era.
Of course, New Year’s is a season when kimono attire shines, especially in winter Kyoto. Enjoy it with kimono rental!
- 1. There are many kimono rental shops in Kyoto! What should you check to choose a good one?
- 2. Kimono rental shops with media coverage are attractive in terms of both “rental fees” and “types of kimonos”!
- 3. Why do nationwide kimono rental shops come highly recommended? The website is the deciding factor!
- 4. Is Rikawafuku Kimono popular? Is it easy to make a reservation?
There are many kimono rental shops in Kyoto! What should you check to choose a good one?
Kyoto, the city of a thousand years! Even now, it’s no exaggeration to say that it’s the city where kimonos look best.
When you want to try wearing a kimono in Kyoto, it’s convenient to use a kimono rental shop. But how many kimono rental shops are there in Kyoto?!
I tried searching a bit, but I couldn’t grasp the whole picture (tears).
And that’s why… kimono rental shops are increasing day by day!
There are about 7,750,000 hits when you google it.
Probably, there are over 100 rental kimono shops in Kyoto alone.
With so many options, the contents of each shop vary greatly…
It’s really tough to find the perfect shop for yourself among them!
So, this time, I’ll introduce 5 points to consider when choosing from the many kimono rental shops in Kyoto.
- Point 1: Has the shop been featured in the media?
- Point 2: How much are the rental fees for kimonos?
- Point 3: Types of kimonos to choose from
- Point 4: Number of store branches
- Point 5: Gather information on their website!
Kimono rental shops with media coverage are attractive in terms of both “rental fees” and “types of kimonos”!
Service details within kimono rental plans need to be checked carefully!
After all, there are many kimono rental shops in Kyoto. It’s a good idea to start by checking the ones that have been featured in the media and then narrow it down.
On Instagram and Google, you can also find rental kimono shops with plenty of reviews, which should provide a sense of security!
Once you’ve picked a few kimono rental shops that have been featured in the media, it’s time to thoroughly check the “kimono rental fees” and “types of kimonos” among them.
Don’t just rely on the text “Kimono rental for ¥¥¥!”—make sure to check what is included in that fee, what options are available, and the details of additional charges.
Some shops may increase the fee if you choose a kimono that you really like.
Be sure to check what types of kimonos you can choose within the fee and whether there are kimonos you want to wear.
Let’s carefully assess the relationship between “types of kimonos to choose from” and “kimono rental fees.”
Detailed Check of Service Contents in Kimono Rental Plans is Necessary!
Service details within kimono rental plans need to be checked carefully!
And don’t forget the cost of hairstyling and accessories!
Even if it says “Includes hairstyling!” in the plan, upstyles or braids may come with additional charges, and hair ornaments may be separate charges…
Adding items like bags, obi belts, and obi accessories can add up to a significant amount, so be cautious!
‘Rikawafuku Kimono Rental in Kyoto‘ operates four stores in popular tourist spots in Kyoto: Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, and Arashiyama.
The main store, ‘Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Asakusa‘, is often featured in television programs! It has also been used by former NMB48 members, featured in university publications, and visited by famous influencers.
The reason is that at ‘Rikawafuku Kimono Rental‘, the chosen kimono does not affect the price! (Except for furisode and houmongi)
You can choose any kimono from a wide range, and the price remains a flat ¥2,980! Even if you add the popular hairstyling option, it’s only ¥4,980!
The hairstyling option allows for various arrangements within the price, and it includes hair ornaments, making it a better deal compared to adding options to a cheaper plan!
Additionally, for students, there’s the ‘Kyoto Kimono Hairstyling Student Discount Plan‘, and for couples, there’s the ‘Kyoto Kimono Rental Couple Plan‘, which offer even more savings.
Why are nationwide kimono rental shops recommended? The website is the deciding factor!
There are kimono rental shops that are single-store operations, some with multiple stores in the same region, and nationwide kimono rental shops with stores in both Kanto and Kansai.
Why is this important? Because trends in kimono rentals differ slightly between Kanto and Kansai regions.
In Tokyo, girly kimono rentals are mainstream and popular. In contrast, in Kyoto, retro-style kimono rentals are more popular.
In the case of nationwide kimono rental shops, they often offer both types of kimono rentals, making it easier to find a rental kimono that suits your preferences.
As the saying goes, kimono styles have historically been different between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto, and these regional preferences have continued.
Among the wholesalers who deal with kimonos, there are still differences, with some specializing in Edo-style and others having a wide range of Kyoto-style kimonos.
So, that’s why nationwide kimono rental shops have a wide distribution network for kimono procurement, allowing them to offer various types of kimonos.
‘Rikawafuku Kimono Rental in Kyoto‘ and ‘Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Asakusa‘ are exactly the nationwide kimono rental shops with stores in both Kanto and Kansai.
From elegant Kyoto-style kimonos to stylish Edo-style kimonos, they have a wide variety of kimonos thanks to their extensive distribution network.
If you’re unsure about your kimono preferences, seeing a wide variety of kimonos in person is the best way to decide.
And no matter which kimono you choose, the price remains the same! (Except for furisode and houmongi)
So, for a wide range of choices in kimono styles and colors, it’s recommended to go to nationwide kimono rental shops!
And the final checkpoint when choosing a kimono rental shop is their website!!!
When you’re thinking of renting a kimono in Kyoto, many people start by searching online!
Comparing the websites of each shop…
It’s not just about the clarity of prices and plans; you can find various information like the variety of kimonos available and the details of hairstyling sets.
Shops that showcase lots of images on platforms like Instagram can be very convenient. You can see actual kimono rental coordinations, hairstyles, and check popular trends at that shop. Customer comments and reviews can also be a valuable reference.
But above all, if a shop’s website matches your sense of style, there’s a good chance the kimonos will too!!!
Your favorite part of the website may lead you to your destined kimono rental shop.
Today, a shop’s website is its “face.”
Beautiful kimonos are waiting at kimono rental shops with stylish websites!
Your kimono experience in Kyoto depends on choosing the right kimono rental shop!
Is Rikawafuku Kimono Popular? Easy to Make Reservations?
We’ve introduced various options, but what about Rikawafuku Kimono, the one mentioned in this blog?
Rikka Kimono is the most popular kimono rental shop in the Asakusa-Kyoto area with the highest number of Instagram followers.
They have multiple branches, and being a large-scale shop, they can accommodate a large number of reservations!
Choosing from among many shops might seem daunting, but we hope that the five points we introduced today will be of some help to you ♡
First, enjoy selecting a shop, and may you find the perfect kimono rental shop that suits you…
And have a delightful kimono journey in beautiful Kyoto!
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
