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2025.03.27

Best Yukata for Each Season in Kyoto – How to Choose the Perfect Style!

“Let’s go to Kyoto.”

If you’ve had that thought, why not consider including yukata sightseeing in your plans?

In Kyoto, people of all ages, not just the elderly, and even young individuals, often wear traditional Japanese clothing like kimono in their daily lives. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll frequently spot people looking stunning in kimonos, which perfectly complement Kyoto’s streets filled with Japanese beauty.

Especially during Kyoto’s unexpectedly hot summers, yukatas offer a comfortable and stylish alternative.

While you explore Kyoto in yukata, you can also make use of convenient Kyoto yukata rental services. In this article, we’ll introduce you to ways to enjoy yukata in Kyoto and share some insights about the differences between kimono and yukata for those who are curious.

kimono rental rikawafuku in kyoto

The Season for Yukata

Retro Kimono Rental in Kyoto

Yukata: The Traditional Summer Outfit

As summer approaches, new yukata designs start appearing in stores, exciting many people. The sight of people wearing yukata, which is both vibrant and cooling, during the hot season catches the eyes of onlookers, regardless of gender.

Yukata is indeed the traditional summer outfit, perfect for enjoying the summer months.

During this season, when there are many fireworks festivals and festivals, why not go out wearing yukata with friends or as a couple?

Enjoy with Patterns and Accessories

When we talk about yukata, there are countless designs to choose from.

From sophisticated designs that are easy to incorporate as everyday wear to vibrant and bold designs that are unique to yukata, the options are diverse.

Yukata allows for more casual and customizable styling compared to kimono, making it suitable for those who may not be accustomed to traditional Japanese clothing. You can customize it to suit your preferences.

Enjoy Yukata According to the Season

Renting Kimonos as a Couple in Kyoto

Early Summer (Approximately June to Early July)

Recommended patterns for this period include wisteria, hydrangeas, and goldfish motifs.

Since traditional Japanese clothing anticipates the upcoming season, choosing patterns that evoke the beginning of summer when few people are wearing yukata yet is a surefire way to stand out.

For those who prefer gentle pastel colors, this season is the perfect time to shine, so be sure to wear yukata actively.

Midsummer (Approximately Mid-July to Mid-August)

As it gets hot even in the evenings, it’s recommended to choose motifs that strongly represent summer, such as fireworks and sunflowers.

If you want to express your individuality, you can use the technique of incorporating patterns from the opposite season, like snow or ice.

During this period, wearing yukata in vivid colors that can withstand the strong sunlight is just right, so consider selecting yukata with bold color combinations.

Late Summer (Approximately Late August to Mid-September)

When the evenings start to cool down, it’s fashionable to incorporate patterns of grapes, autumn leaves, chrysanthemums, and other autumn motifs into your yukata.

For color choices, deep and muted tones that exude a sense of maturity are recommended, as they can create an adult-like atmosphere along with the season’s feeling.

Is September Still Hot for Yukata Rental in Arashiyama?

Among Kyoto’s areas, Arashiyama is particularly close to nature and offers a landscape more focused on Kyoto’s mountains and greenery than the traditional cityscape.

So, is it cool enough to visit Arashiyama in September? The answer is NO.

Arashiyama remains hot even as September begins. When renting yukata, it’s essential to take precautions against heatstroke and use sunscreen. Depending on the situation, you may want to consider switching to renting a cooler yukata instead of a kimono.

Renting Yukata – A Smart and Economical Choice (Rental Benefits)

Kimono Rental in Kyoto's Gion

As mentioned, yukata can be enjoyed seasonally, even during the short summer, by changing patterns and colors due to subtle weather variations.

However, it can be challenging to acquire a new yukata every time. In such cases, you can make the most of yukata rental to fully enjoy the yukata season.

Check out Kyoto’s Yukata Rental Plans

Wear a New Design Every Time

When it comes to yukata, you often desire something new, right?
In such cases, rental is recommended.
You can enjoy different yukata designs not just every year but even within the same season.
Rental allows you to wear different yukata for fireworks festivals and festivals.
You can also try on yukata that you’ve been curious about but weren’t sure would suit you.

No Hassle of Storage and Cleaning

While it’s easy to forget, storing yukata involves more than just finding space; you also need to consider humidity, which can be quite challenging.
Not to mention the cost and effort of dry cleaning.
In contrast, with rental yukata, all you need to do is return it!

Get Help from Dressing to Hairstyling

Professional staff will dress you in a way that minimizes wrinkles, providing peace of mind even for those new to wearing yukata.

They can also arrange your hair and accessories to match the yukata, allowing you to transform into a stunning look effortlessly.

Most Importantly, It’s Cost-Effective!

While rental yukata comes with all these services, the price is essential.
At Rikawafuku Kimono’s Yukata Rental, you can rent yukata for as low as 4,000 yen (including tax) from the most affordable plan!
With dressing, changing, and luggage storage all included in this price, it’s honestly cheaper to rent three times during the summer than to buy one.
They also offer plans with hairstyling included, student discounts, and other options.

We also offer many special plans for couples.

Introduction to Rikawafuku Kimono – Kyoto Kimono Rental

Visiting Nanzenji Temple with Kimono Rental

Rikawafuku Kimono – Kyoto Kimono Rental has four stores in Kyoto: “Gion Store,” “Arashiyama Store,” “Kiyomizu Temple Store,” and “Kyoto Station Front Store.” There are also plans exclusive to each store, so be sure to check them out.

All the stores are within walking distance of famous tourist spots in Kyoto, so you won’t have a hard time getting back to the store, making it a safe and convenient choice.

Conclusion

Kyoto has a strong culture of traditional Japanese clothing, and even on non-event days, you can walk around the city in a yukata and be naturally accepted.

With its many traditional and charming streets, Kyoto is a place where yukata looks especially beautiful.

Dress up in a rented yukata, take lots of photos, and enjoy sightseeing to the fullest!

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

RikaWafuku Kyoto Store Location Guide

  • Rikawafuku Kyoto Ekimae Store

    Rikawafuku Kyoto Station Store

    607 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
    Tatsumi Building, 3rd Floor, Unit C

    To Kyoto Station Store

    Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Keage, Gion, Kiyomizu
    For those who haven't decided on a destination
    For those who want to visit various places
    7 minutes walk from Kyoto Station's Central Exit

    Recommended for

    Rikawafuku Kyoto Ekimae Store is recommended for: ① Those visiting Kyoto by car, ② Those staying in hotels near Kyoto Station, and ③ Those coming from afar using the Shinkansen.
    Also, ④ Those who haven't decided on tourist destinations, ⑤ Those who want to visit various places in Kyoto City, and ⑥ Those planning to visit Kegon Incline or Fushimi Inari Shrine.
    The store is conveniently located near the Kyoto Minami Interchange for those coming by car from nearby prefectures.

    Access to Kyoto Ekimae Store

    7 minutes walk from Kyoto Station's Central Exit
    Right in front of City Bus stop "Shichijo Nishinotoin", 3 minutes walk from "Shimogyo Ward General Office" bus stop.
    Nearby are Toji Temple and Higashi Honganji Temple. Rikawafuku Kyoto Ekimae Store is also convenient for kimono strolling at Fushimi Inari Shrine (about 10 minutes by train) and Arashiyama (about 20 minutes by train). For Kyoto sightseeing starting from Kyoto Station, Rikawafuku Kyoto Ekimae Store is the ideal choice.

  • Rikawafuku Gion Store

    Rikawafuku Gion Store

    7-1 Yamato-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
    Moriya Building, 3rd Floor

    To Gion Store

    Yasaka Shrine, Gion Shirakawa, Keage, Kiyomizu area
    Good balance of travel, dining, and Kyoto vibes
    For those visiting Kiyomizu Temple and another spot
    2 minutes walk from Keihan Main Line Gion Shijo Station

    Recommended for

    Rikawafuku Gion Store is recommended for: ① Those who want to experience a quintessentially Kyoto location, ② Those staying in hotels near Karasuma or Kawaramachi, and ③ Those wanting to take photos in kimono.
    Also, ④ Those concerned about the weather on their chosen day, ⑤ Those looking to visit Kiyomizu Temple and one other place, and ⑥ Those planning to visit Yasaka Shrine. This store is often chosen for hassle-free sightseeing and dining. If you're undecided, we recommend making a reservation at Gion Store.

    Access to Gion Store

    2 minutes walk from Keihan Main Line Gion Shijo Station
    6 minutes walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line Kyoto Kawaramachi Station
    1 minute walk from City Bus stop "Shijo Keihan (Gion Shijo)"
    Nearby are Gion Shirakawa, Kamo River, and Yasaka Shrine. For sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kegon Incline, and Nanzen-ji Temple, Rikawafuku Gion Store is a convenient choice.

  • Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store

    Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store

    11-4 Zorocho, Sagatenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

    To Arashiyama Store

    Main attractions: Togetsukyo Bridge, Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama sightseeing
    Perfect for couple dates and cafe hopping!
    No hills, easy to walk, recommended for short tours
    6 minutes walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station

    Recommended for

    Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store is recommended for: ① Those focusing on Arashiyama sightseeing, ② Parents enjoying kimono rentals with their children, ③ Couples on a date.
    Also, ④ Those wanting to visit stylish cafes, ⑤ Those looking for a short sightseeing experience in the afternoon, and ⑥ Those who prefer less walking and moving around. The Arashiyama area can be enjoyed within 2–3 hours. It's ideal for those wanting a short kimono experience in the afternoon. The store offers the largest kimono selection among our Kyoto locations.

    Access to Arashiyama Store

    2 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Arashiyama Line
    6 minutes walk from JR Sagano Line Saga-Arashiyama Station
    12 minutes walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station
    Nearby are Togetsukyo Bridge, Bamboo Grove, and Kimono Forest. For sightseeing in Arashiyama, Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store is convenient.

  • Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Store

    Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Store

    327-6 Kiyomizu 3-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

    To Kiyomizu Store

    Main attractions: Kiyomizu Temple, Ninenzaka
    For those who are thinking of going to the Kiyomizu area
    Considering short-term kimono rental
    About 7 minutes walk from City Bus stop "Kiyomizumichi"

    Recommended for

    Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Store is recommended for: ① Those focusing on Kiyomizu area sightseeing, ② School trip students renting kimonos, ③ Those looking for a short-term rental in the afternoon, and ④ First-time visitors to Kyoto who want to see iconic spots.
    Recently, it has become crowded with many foreign visitors, and due to the numerous hills, it's not recommended for those who dislike walking or crowded places.

    Access to Kiyomizu Store

    About 7 minutes walk from City Bus stop "Kiyomizumichi", 10 minutes walk from "Gojozaka"
    20 minutes walk from Keihan Main Line Gion Shijo Station
    About 10 minutes by taxi from Kyoto Station. Fare: around 1,300 yen
    Nearby are Kiyomizu Temple, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Yasaka Koshindo. For kimono strolls around Kiyomizu Temple, Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Store is convenient.

Plan Information

List of rental plans and prices in Kyoto

Free cancellation