Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony with your loved ones and take memorable photos wearing kimono in Kyoto. It is a great way to create special memories of your Japan trip.
There are many kimono rental shops in Kyoto city, and they offer online reservation for the process from choosing a kimono to dressing. Reservations are recommended for the best results.
Mimosa
Kimono rental shops in Kyoto offer a wide variety of packages, from simple one-day rentals to full day experiences and mimosa is the most recommended shop in Kyoto. Many of them also offer hairstyling services to help you look perfect in your kimono. One of the best kimono rental shops in Kyoto is TekuTeku Kyoto. It features a collection of more than 250 exquisite kimonos, including antique and retro styles. The store also offers a kimono/yukata rental couple plan, which includes the cost of dressing and shoes for both men and women.
Another great option for a kimono rental experience is the Yumeyakata Kimono Rental shop in Kawagoe. Its one-day casual rental package costs 3,600 yen, and it includes everything you need to dress in traditional Japanese attire: a kimono, obi, sandals, underwear, and a kimono bag. It is conveniently located near some of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks, such as the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine.
One of the best things about renting a kimono rental Kyoto is that you can try on different designs and colors before choosing your final one. This helps you find a style that suits your personality and fits comfortably. Some kimono rental shops even offer damage insurance, which can give you peace of mind if you’re worried about ruining your expensive outfit.
Cherry Blossom
If you visit Japan in spring you have to make sure you check out the cherry blossom spots. This is the season where many Japanese locals and travelers will go out for picnics under the beautiful pink and white sakura (cherry blossom) trees. It is also a popular time for photo opportunities as there are a lot of flowers and people out and about.
This is also when hanami, the tradition of enjoying the flowers, takes place. It is a great way to spend time with friends and family as well as reflect on how lovely life can be. In Japan, the cherry blossom is a symbol of new beginnings as it blooms at around the same time as students return to school and employees begin their work year.
One of the most popular places to see cherry blossom in Kyoto is at Kiyomizu-dera temple. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and the cherry blossom trees are amazing here. The most popular tree is the 13-meter tall weeping cherry tree called Fujizakura and this can be viewed at night when it is illuminated.
This is also a good spot to do the famous point-to-point walk of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka which is lined with sakura. There are small shops in this area and you can get a feel of the old Kyoto while strolling through this famous street. You can find a kimono rental shop here that also offers hair styling and a photoshoot.
Kyoto
A popular choice for overseas visitors is REN, a kimono rental shop with multiple languages including English. Located three minutes from Sensoji Temple, they offer a wide selection of kimono plans ranging from casual furisode to more formal shoken silk. The staff also help with on-location or studio photoshoots.
In addition to their affordable kimono and yukata plans, this long-standing shop offers various accessories and ornaments such as geta (wooden sandals), hairpins, obi belts, tabi socks, and kinchaku bags. They have many styles to choose from and are known for their high level of technical skill in dressing guests and hairstyling. They can even take your kimono to other sightseeing locations such as Kiyomizu Temple and Gion for an additional fee.
The staff at this kimono rental shop are very helpful and speak several languages, including English. They are especially knowledgeable about Kyoto culture and can offer tips and recommendations to visitors. Their prices are very reasonable and they have a wide variety of kimono patterns to choose from. They offer a variety of plans from a basic 2 hour rental for yukata to full wedding rental packages that include hair styling services. All of their plans are offered at a discount for online bookings. They can also arrange rickshaw and professional photography for an additional fee.
Kuramae Shrine
Located near Kiyomizu-dera temple and the Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka streets, this traditional Kyoto area has many small bamboo groves, temples, and restaurants. It’s a beautiful place to spend the day strolling, observing Japanese life, and taking graceful pictures in a kimono. You can also take a hand-pulled rickshaw ride here or participate in a tea ceremony, an essential part of Japanese culture and one that’s well worth doing while in Kyoto.
If you have a few days in Kyoto, the best time to visit is during the cherry blossom and mimosa blooms (usually from late March to early April). This is the busiest period with hotels costing more, so plan accordingly and arrive at popular attractions as early as possible.
The kimono rental shop Yume has branches in multiple locations around the city, including near the Kodaiji temple and Kiyomizu temple. You can choose from more than 1,000 kimono, including some with retro and antique patterns. There are also accessories, bags, and sandals to match your kimono, and the staff speak English and Chinese. You can rent a kimono for an entire day and return it at the shop or through your hotel, so you don’t need to worry about returning it before your next sightseeing destination.
Another option is Wargo, Japan’s largest kimono rental chain with 20 stores nationwide. They offer a wide variety of kimonos, bags, and accessories, including obi belts that you can tie in multiple ways.
