Couple Kimono Rental at Kiyomizu Temple: 5 Important Tips to Know

If you’re renting kimonos in Kyoto, visiting Kiyomizu Temple is a must.

Many people may have been there during their middle or high school field trips, but exploring it with your boyfriend or girlfriend on a date can bring a different kind of excitement. Isn’t it even more thrilling if you’re going in kimonos?

Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kiyomizu Temple Shop explains some key points for couples renting kimonos around Kiyomizu Temple.

However, there are some things to be aware of when renting kimonos as a couple for sightseeing. Going without knowing these points might lead to unexpected discomfort or even arguments with your partner, ruining your Kyoto trip.

In this article, we’ll share five essential points for couples planning to rent kimonos and visit Kiyomizu Temple.

By preparing in advance, you can fully enjoy your couple’s kimono rental experience in Kyoto!

1. Be Cautious When Walking Around the Hilly Streets Near Kiyomizu Temple in Kimonos or Yukatas

Firstly, Kyoto mainly consists of flat roads, making it suitable for kimono rental strolls. However, around Kiyomizu Temple, there are many hilly streets, so it’s essential to be cautious when walking in kimonos or yukatas.

There are also numerous stairs within the temple grounds, and walking with large strides can cause your kimono to shift and become disheveled. Pay attention to this.

Especially if you’re a guy who tends to skip steps while climbing stairs, try to ascend one step at a time and narrow your stride when walking on sloped roads. If you find it challenging to walk uphill, slightly lift the hem around your thighs and walk with it open—it will make walking easier. And for an extra touch of chivalry, consider holding hands with your girlfriend when going up steep slopes.

Asking, “Are you okay?” while extending your hand can also be an opportunity to naturally hold hands, deepening the bond for couples who have just started dating.

Make sure not to leave your girlfriend behind and walk ahead. Adjust your pace to match hers.

2.Walking Around the Kiyomizu Temple Area Takes More Time Than Expected

The second point to note is that “it takes more time than what Google Maps estimates” when moving around the Kiyomizu Temple area. If you’ve been there once for a school trip or if you’re visiting for the first time, you might forget the way. In such cases, smartphone map apps can be helpful. You’re probably using Google Maps, right?

Google Maps provides estimated travel times, which is convenient. However, these estimated times are based on the assumption of normal clothing and straightforward walking, without considering the challenges of walking in rental kimonos or yukatas or the possibility of crowding.

Therefore, it’s essential to use the app with the understanding that “it might take longer than what Google Maps shows.”

Many couples end up getting frustrated and arguing if they are pressed for time. So, act with plenty of time to fully enjoy your visit to Kiyomizu Temple!

3.There Are Few Convenience Stores Near Kiyomizu Temple

The next point to be aware of is that “there are few convenience stores around Kiyomizu Temple.” This is particularly important for couples who often visit convenience stores during their travels.

Due to the limited number of convenience stores near Kiyomizu Temple, you might have trouble finding one when you need it.

So, if you plan to shop at a convenience store, it’s better to stop by a store along Higashioji Street in advance.

Furthermore, since the area around Kiyomizu Temple is filled with charming Kyoto-style shops and cafes, consider using those instead of convenience stores. While Kyoto is often associated with high prices, there are reasonably priced options, making it a memorable experience to explore different shops or take a break at a Kyoto-style cafe.

4.Summers in Kyoto Are Hot

The fourth thing to be careful about is that “Kyoto is very hot in the summer.”
Kyoto is bustling with tourists all year round, but some people may think it’s relatively less crowded during the summer.

In fact, compared to the peak seasons of spring and autumn, there are fewer people in the summer, making it a great time to visit for those who want to avoid the crowds. However, Kyoto is located in a basin, which means the summer heat can be intense.

During summer, rental services offer yukatas instead of kimonos, but even so, yukatas can feel hotter than summer clothes.

Imagine a couple looking forward to a yukata date around Kiyomizu-dera, only to suffer from heat exhaustion—it could ruin the whole experience.

To help you stay comfortable in the heat, here are three tips to keep in mind.

1. Stay Hydrated

The number one thing to avoid is heatstroke. If both or even just one person in the couple suffers from heatstroke, it will be difficult to enjoy the date.

To prevent such situations, make sure to drink water frequently.

Taking a break in a cool café is ideal, but since everyone has the same idea, long lines may form in front of shops.

It defeats the purpose if you collapse from heatstroke while waiting in line. We recommend buying bottled drinks in advance so you can hydrate at any time.

2. Avoid Walking Long Distances

Wearing a rental kimono or yukata and strolling through Kyoto’s streets together is one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience—but in summer, it’s best to reconsider.

The heat and humidity can make you feel sticky and uncomfortable in your yukata, taking the joy out of sightseeing.

Walking too much in the heat may cause you to feel unwell, so try to avoid walking and use taxis or buses instead.

3. Use Heat and UV Protection Goods

You may be cool while riding a bus or taxi, but once you arrive at places like Kiyomizu-dera, you’ll be exposed to the heat again. This is where heat and UV protection items come in handy. The most essential item is a parasol.

It helps protect not just against heat, but also from UV rays that can damage your skin. A folding fan is also useful—it matches well with yukatas and adds charm to photos.

A portable mini fan is a great option too, as you won’t get tired from fanning yourself too much. If you don’t mind carrying a bit more, items like instant cooling packs, cooling towels, or cooling sprays will help you stay even more comfortable.

Access to Kiyomizu-dera Temple

The final point to keep in mind is how to access Kiyomizu-dera from Kyoto Station or Karasuma Station. If you’re planning a kimono date at Kiyomizu-dera, it’s important to check the access routes in advance to avoid wasting time.

From Kyoto Station, a taxi ride to Kiyomizu-dera costs around 1,540 yen and takes about 14 minutes without traffic. If you prefer to go by bus, aim for either Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stops.

You can catch a 106, 110, or 206 bus from bus stop D1 or D2 depending on the crowd. The fare is 230 yen for all routes.

From Karasuma Station, a taxi ride to Kiyomizu-dera costs about 1,180 yen.

If taking a bus, head to bus stop F, near Exit 24 of the west ticket gate, and board bus number 207 bound for Kiyomizu-dera / Tofuku-ji. Get off at either Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi.

The fare is 230 yen. Both bus stops are almost the same distance from Kiyomizu-dera, so you can choose the one closer to any sightseeing spots you wish to visit along the way.

Enjoy Kiyomizu Temple in Kimono as a Couple!

Kiyomizu Temple, a famous tourist spot in Kyoto, has likely been visited by many people already.

However, if you rent kimonos as a couple around Kiyomizu Temple, you can experience a different atmosphere. While there are specific considerations unique to kimono or yukata rentals, by being mindful of these five points, you can create enjoyable memories!

Rikawafuku Kimono offers special couple discounts and other advantageous plans, so be sure to try kimono rental and head to Kiyomizu Temple!

★Find more travel tips and recommended reads for your visit to Kyoto.
Kyoto Kimono Rental for Couples – Explore the City in Traditional Style!
10 sightseeing spots where you should rent a kimono during New Year’s in Kyoto
Where is the best reservation area for kimono rental in Kyoto?
Kimono Rental in Kyoto & Asakusa: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Same Day
How to walk without ruining your kimono when renting it in Kyoto
We recommend renting a kimono in Kyoto and traveling alone! Make wonderful memories!

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