Kimono Rental in Kyoto & Asakusa: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Same Day
Many people have enjoyable experiences renting kimonos on the day in Kyoto or Asakusa.
However, there are also quite a few cases of people failing when renting kimonos.
Some people may not even know what kind of mistakes can occur when renting kimonos on the day. Common examples of failures when renting kimonos on the day include:
- Additional charges for hair and makeup
- Opting for optional or high-grade kimonos, leading to increased costs
- Poor quality of the rented kimono
- Accidentally staining or damaging the kimono, resulting in expensive repair fees
- Limitations in transportation options
People who think, “I’ve rented kimonos multiple times, so I don’t need to worry about failures,” might find themselves caught off guard. It’s a good idea to heed the proverb “Learn from others’ mistakes” to avoid making your own. In this article, we will introduce five common failures when renting kimonos.
[Reference] How to Rent a Kimono in Kyoto on the Day of Your Visit! Reservations and Precautions at Rikawafuku Kimono
1. What Are the Failures of People Who Rent Kimonos on the Day?
Most of the failures when renting kimonos on the day are unexpected.
Many people may not even consider the possibility of failing when renting kimonos on the day.
Nobody wants to fail when renting kimonos on the day. Therefore, it is recommended to be aware of what kinds of failures can occur and take precautions to avoid them.
By knowing the potential failures, you can feel more confident and prepared, rather than being solely focused on the fear of failure. Understanding these failures can help you take informed actions.
Below are five common failures when renting kimonos on the day, so you can avoid them and create wonderful memories on your kimono rental day.
Failure 1: Additional Charges for Hair and Makeup
There are various kimono rental sets available, ranging from just the kimono itself to full sets that include all the necessary accessories. Choosing the right set can help you get the most value out of your kimono rental.
However, the abundance of options can also make it challenging to understand the contents of each set. This can lead to the failure of not getting the hair and makeup you desired because they were not included in the set you selected.
Not every set will include everything you wish for, and especially on the day of rental, the rush can lead to misunderstandings and false assumptions. Having a clear understanding of whether hair and makeup are included in the set price can help you avoid such failures.
Failure 2: Optional Fees Turn Out to Be More Expensive
Optional items such as accessories and hair ornaments can be added separately, even if they are not included in the set. If you can bring the necessary items yourself on the day, adding them as options may be more cost-effective.
However, be cautious because optional fees, while individually may seem inexpensive, can add up and become costly. Some people make the mistake of adding too many options without realizing how expensive it can get.
Adding options without consideration can be a risky move with a high potential for failure. When adding options, try to keep it to a minimum. It’s also a good idea to calculate whether you are exceeding your budget in the end. It’s even better to decide on the additional items in advance.
Deciding on options on the day of rental can lead to confusion and impulse decisions. Pre-deciding whether to prioritize your preferences or base it on the option prices will help you have a smooth experience without any last-minute failures.
Failure 3: Poor Quality of the Kimono
Kimono rentals are, by nature, “rentals,” and they are not brand new but have been worn by many people. Therefore, the quality of kimonos can vary from one to another.
Of course, there is a basic process of checking kimonos for quality issues after they are returned.
However, even with these checks, some kimonos may have been rented out multiple times and have become worn out or were of poor quality from the beginning. If the actual quality of the kimono you rent differs from what you had in mind, it can be disappointing.
Therefore, in addition to relying on others, it is essential to personally check the kimono’s quality with your own eyes and hands. You might think, “It’s okay if the quality is a little poor because it’s cheaper.” But even having such thoughts can be considered a failure.
Failure 4: High Compensation Costs for the Kimono
When renting a kimono, there are certain things you need to be cautious about, and one of them is not excessively soiling the kimono you’re wearing.
In some cases, you may have to pay additional fees, or in the worst case, compensation costs if the kimono gets stained or damaged.
However, refraining from eating anything just to avoid stains can significantly diminish the fun of the experience. After all, you rented a kimono to enjoy yourself, not to be constantly worried about stains and damage.
Everyone wants to avoid wasting their energy unnecessarily. When renting a kimono on the day of the event, it’s also recommended to check if there is support or compensation for the kimono, and inquire about the extent of staining. By alleviating the anxieties of the day, you can prepare yourself to enjoy wearing a kimono.
Failure 5: Limited Transportation Options
Regardless of how inexpensive and high-quality a kimono rental may be, there are instances where the shop may be far from your location. Facing challenges in getting there can also make the return trip difficult. The effort involved in returning the kimono can be exhausting.
Most of the time, kimonos are returned directly to the shop. While some shops allow returns by mail, concerns remain about the need for cleaning and proper packaging.
Moreover, if the shop is too far away, you might end up spending more on transportation than expected. It’s a good idea to have a general understanding of where kimono rental shops are located and what transportation options are available before making a decision. This can help you avoid unnecessary expenses.
Is it Better Not to Rent a Kimono on the Day of the Event?
Indeed, kimono rentals come with various constraints such as kimono quality and return time. Buying your own kimono may seem like a way to avoid concerns about stains and returns. However, for those who don’t wear kimonos every day, owning and managing a kimono can also be burdensome.
Kimono rentals are designed to fulfill the desire of people who want to wear a kimono casually without feeling burdened. For many people, wearing Western-style clothing is more common than kimonos.
That’s why kimono rental services are recommended, especially for those who are not accustomed to wearing kimonos regularly, as they can provide a connection between people and kimonos.
Information Gathering Before Renting a Kimono on the Day of the Event is Important!
Of course, there is nothing wrong with spontaneously renting a kimono on the day of the event. Regardless of the shop, we aim to support customers who want to rent a kimono on the day of the event.
Therefore, by gathering information in advance, you can receive all the support available. Preparing by gathering information in advance is an essential element for a smooth kimono rental experience on the day of the event.
It’s a good idea to search for shops on the internet, consider which plan suits you best, and think about it in advance. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the shop by phone or email.
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
