Return your kimono rental to your hotel after renting in Kyoto!
When it comes to Kyoto, kimono rental is a classic choice, but rental involves considering the time to return it.
For those who don’t visit Kyoto often, you may feel that you want to see and explore various places, and time is precious.
At such times, a convenient service is ‘Hotel Return’.
With this service, you can return the kimono at the hotel where you are staying, so you don’t need to go back to the store for the return.
This time, I have summarized ‘Hotel Return,’ which is recommended for your Kyoto trip. Please consider it as a reference for your future Kyoto travel.
Basic Knowledge About Hotel Return
Hotel return, as the name suggests, is a service where you can return the rented kimono not to the store but to the hotel where you are staying.
Normally, with kimono rentals, you have to return the rented kimono to the store by the specified return time at each store. However, in the case of hotel returns, you can return them at the hotel you are checking in, such as the front desk, saving you the time to return to the store.
Below is a general summary of kimono rental hotel returns, so if you are considering using this service, take a look.
About the Return Process for Kimono Rental at Hotels
The return method and other details can vary depending on the kimono rental shop that offers hotel returns.
However, if we look at some kimono rental shops in Kyoto that offer hotel returns, the process is as follows:
- Choose the “Hotel Return Plan” when renting, and pay the additional fee for that.
- There are hotels that allow hotel returns and those that do not.
- You need to leave your kimono at the hotel’s front desk by a specific time, such as the same day or the next day.
These seem to be the basic rules.
The specific deadline for returning the kimono may vary from one shop to another. However, in general, if you leave your kimono with the hotel’s staff at the front desk, they will arrange for it to be picked up by the rental shop staff, so you should be fine.
It’s essential to check what time you must leave the kimono at the lobby, but other than that, you simply need to hand it over to the hotel staff after taking it off. This makes it a convenient service that minimizes inconvenience and allows you to make the most of your time exploring Kyoto.
Estimated Costs of Hotel Returns
It’s important to note that, naturally, different shops may have different policies regarding which hotels allow hotel returns and which do not.
Based on our research of several kimono rental shops, many of the shops offering hotel return services typically target hotels that are located near their store and have a front desk.
Some shops limit their hotel return service to “Kyoto city hotels only,” while others restrict it to specific hotels in the city. However, in both cases, it’s a good idea to confirm in advance whether your accommodation is eligible for this service.
Baggage Storage
When using the hotel return plan, you typically visit the kimono rental shop and choose your plan there.
Then, you change into the kimono at the shop and go sightseeing in Kyoto. Afterward, you can go directly to your hotel’s front desk, as mentioned earlier.
Many kimono rental shops offer a service where they can “store your luggage” during this process.
When traveling, luggage tends to accumulate, and it can be inconvenient to have large bags while renting a kimono.
To avoid such inconvenience, many kimono rental shops provide a “luggage storage service.”
Furthermore, when using the hotel return service, some kimono rental shops can bring your stored belongings, including the kimono you wore, to your hotel at the “same price,” making it a very convenient service.
Therefore, depending on the rental shop, you can arrive with your luggage, store it along with other items, go sightseeing in your kimono, and have your belongings delivered to your hotel, all for a hassle-free experience.
Of course, whether luggage storage is free or charged may vary depending on the shop, and it can also depend on the amount of luggage you have.
Generally, if you have just one small carry-on bag or a small backpack, many places offer this service for free. However, if you have a significant amount of luggage, there may be an additional fee.
It’s a good idea to ask in advance about the quantity of luggage they can accommodate and whether there are any associated fees.
Not Just Hotel Returns: Some Shops Offer Next-Day Returns
If you’re staying at a hotel where hotel return service is not available, you may want to consider using the “next-day return” plan offered by kimono rental shops.
Next-day return, as the name suggests, involves returning the kimono on the day following the rental day. In simple terms, it’s an extension of the standard kimono rental for an extra day.
The return time on the next day may vary from shop to shop. Generally, you can enjoy sightseeing at a relaxed pace in your kimono for the entire day, which can be convenient if you can’t use hotel return service or find it too cumbersome.
Furthermore, for next-day return, some shops may only charge a deposit and provide the service for free. This kind of service may not be available at all times, but if it is, it can be very convenient and cost-effective.
However, when using the next-day return option, keep in mind that most shops do not offer baggage delivery to your hotel, so if you have a lot of luggage, you’ll need to drop it off at your hotel before returning the kimono.
Whether you choose hotel return or next-day return, select the plan that suits your travel needs.
※ Rikawafuku Kimono offers next-day return for those who want to enjoy one-day kimono rental throughout the year.
Points to Consider When Using Hotel Return Service
Finally, let’s go over some important points to consider when using the hotel return service. Keep these in mind to have a comfortable experience while enjoying Kyoto.
Hotel Return Service Often Requires Same-Day Reservation
One important thing to note is that many hotel return services require you to request it on the same day by visiting the rental shop, rather than booking it over the phone in advance.
This means that you may be turned down depending on the availability on that day.
If you plan to use the hotel return service, be prepared for the possibility that it might not be available depending on the circumstances.
Availability May Vary Depending on the Season and Accommodation
As mentioned earlier, some accommodations may not offer this service, but it’s also important to know that availability can vary depending on the season.
For example, during busy seasons like cherry blossom viewing, school trips, or the autumn foliage season, there may be too many customers, and the rental shops may not be able to offer one-day kimono rentals or transport to hotels.
If you want to use the hotel return service, make sure to inquire in advance about whether it’s available depending on the season and your accommodation.
