Gabriel Oh
Image credit: sasint
Being the ancient imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto is a great spot for both locals and foreigners alike to experience the rich and unique culture of the land. Wearing a kimono or a yukata while exploring various iconic landmarks and trying out delicious local delicacies can definitely enhance your experience – even the process of putting it on is a cultural learning journey in itself. So here are 10 places to rent kimono in Kyoto that comes recommended from us!
Some things to note on renting kimono
Material: While kimono are traditionally made of silk, present-day ones are also made of polyester. While it’s possible to rent both types of kimono, silk ones are usually more expensive to rent because of their authenticity.
Care: Do treat rented kimono with care, as there might be a treatment fee if you return it in an undesirable condition. Perfumes and heavy scents (such as that from barbeques), for example, should be avoided as they can stay on the kimono.
Next-day Returns: While it’s possible to return kimono on the following day from the day of rental, some shops charge an additional fee while others request for a refundable deposit or provide such a service for free. If you’re looking to use the kimono at night, this next-day fee, if any, should factor into your rental decision.
Gion
Image credit: Andreas Tack
Being Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its charming traditional machiya houses and maiko, giving one a glimpse of what life was like here centuries back. Being a hub of tourist activity, there is no shortage of kimono rental shops here.
1. Kyoestsu Gion
With shops at 6 locations across Kyoto (and one in Tokyo), Kyoetsu Gion is the franchise’s main shop. Fashioned out of a traditional Japanese house, the interior houses a wide variety of designs to choose from, with plans starting from 2,000 yen (with web reservations). Discounts are also offered for couples, students and groups.
No time to spare? The shop also offers a special ‘trial plan’, where for 1,000 yen you can try out kimono in the shop itself – you’ll only be able to go as far as the shopfront for this plan, so pick this only if you really are in a rush for time.
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Website
Address: 418 Minamimachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0824, Japan (Main Shop in Gion)
2. Kyo Temari
With a selection of around 300 unique designs, the kimono offered at this small shop has traditional designs and are wholly made of silk. If authentic kimono is what you’re looking for, this is the place to go. Rental plans start from 5,000 yen, while photoshoot plans starting from 4,000 yen are also offered.
Website
Address: Japan, 〒600-8031 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Teianmaenocho, 586 寺町 綾小路 ビル 3 階 (3-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station)
3. Okamoto Gion
With its main shop near Kiyomizu-dera, Okamoto has a 180-year history and 6 shops across different locations in Kyoto. Its branch in Gion is situated in a beautiful traditional compound, allowing for nice shots with your kimono just outside shop. With a variety of designs and sizes for both children and adults, rental plans start from 3,000 yen, and from 500 yen for professional hairstyling. Okamoto also allows for free next-day returns (before 5pm) and baggage keeping, which makes it a very convenient option that can fit into any itinerary.
Image credit: John Gillespie
Website
Address: 523 Washiocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0072, Japan
4. Kyota Gion-ya
This place offers a special time-service plan that allows you to rent a kimono from just 1,800 yen after 3pm (the shop closes at 7pm), which is perfect for some scenic shots at Yasaka Shrine, Minimiza, Hanamikoji, Shirakawa Dori and Kamo River in the evening light. The rest of its regular plans start for 3,000 yen, and there’s even a Kyoto Lunch and Dinner plan which bundles a meal from nearby eateries for 6,500 yen.
Website
Address: Level 2, 584 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
Arashiyama
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Home to numerous temples, Okochi-Sanzo Villa and most notably the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama is another of Kyoto’s photogenic spots. Naturally, you’ll be able to find places to rent kimono here as well. Just don’t forget to bring along insect repellent if you’re visiting the bamboo groves outside of winter!
5. Akahime
With a two-hour kimono rental plan that starts from 1,900 yen and a standard plan that starts from 3,400 yen, Akahime is a great option to look at if you’re planning to explore Arashiyama in a kimono, yukata or hakama. The shop also offers cultural handicraft workshops such as Japanese calligraphy and silk flower accessory-making, as well as a lunch package from 5,400 yen at Restaurant Arashiyama, where you’ll be treated to regional cuisine.
Website
Address: 〒616-8385 3-56 Sagatenryuji-susukinocho Ukyo-ku Kyoto (Main shop)
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Image credit: Harald Johnsen
The over 5000 vermillion torii gates lining the 233m hike up Mt. Inari makes this shrine a cultural icon in itself and is definitely a great photoshoot location for kimono-wearers. Just don’t try to reach the summit – even without kimono on, it’s a challenge!
6. Uruwasiki
Serving only up to 20 customers a day and 6 people during each timeslot, this shop provides a less hectic affair where you won’t have to jostle with others as you pick and put on your kimono. Kimono plans start from 2980 yen, with additional charges to get your hair or make-up done. With a 5,000-yen refundable deposit, you can also return your kimono the next day.
Besides this, the store offers discounts for eateries nearby and options to dress up as a ninja instead. If you’re a dog-lover, you’ll also get the chance to interact and snap photos with the adorable ‘store owner’, Kaji the shiba-inu. He’s not always there though, so be sure to check!
Website
Address: 26-1, Enokibashi-cho, Fukakusainari, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto (3-minute walk from Fushimi Inari Shrine)
Other locations
Here are some other stores you may also consider!
Image credit: yuki0328
7. Walin Kyoto
The go-to place for locals wanting to rent kimono for formal parties and events, Walin is well-known for its stylish modern kimono. Traditional designs are also available; however, and both polyester and silk kimono are available (the latter would be more expensive to rent).
Plans start from 6,000 yen – a slightly pricier rate, though fitting for the designs offered. The shop also allows next-day returns up to 1pm for free.
Website
Address: Level 2, 584 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan (5-minute walk from Shijo or Gojo Station)
8. Kyobana
The kimono here are authentic silk ones, and with only two couples tended to every hour, you can be sure to have an intimate experience as you pick and put on your kimono. Rental plans here start from 5,000 yen, and kimono can be returned as late as 10pm each day or the next day with a refundable deposit of 1,000 yen. This store does not offer English support, so unless you know at least a bit of Japanese, head to this store with a bit of caution.
Image credit: Hathawulf
Website
Address: Kyoto City Kyoto City Shimogyo Ward Gosei Ishicho 341-1 [Muromachi Do Manjuji Northeast Corner]
9. Kyoto Kimono Rental Wargo
With 19 shops throughout Japan, and in 8 locations across Kyoto alone, Wargo offers several different plans to suit different ages and body builds, with prices starting from 2,900 yen (online). Furisode, which are formal long sleeve kimono, are also available for rent. Wargo also offers free photography, if you’re willing to appear on their social media. While returning the kimono to a branch apart from the one you rented from is possible, it comes with a fee of 1,000 yen.
Website
Address: Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Higashiyama-ku,Shijōji Kudaru Nishigawa, Yamato-cho 7, Gionshijo Jissai Bldg. 3F
Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Sueyoshichō 77-5
10. Yumeyakata
With 15 years of establishment under their belt, Yumeyakata is a popular choice to go to for the rental of kimono, hakamas, and a variety of other traditional clothing. Their kimono are also designed and produced exclusively by their sister store Kyoto Kimonomachi, which means that you won’t be able to find their designs anywhere else. Besides a variety of kimono rental plans starting from 3,500 yen (look out for occasional sales as well), Yumeyakata also offers wedding costumes, samurai costumes for both males and females, and maiko makeovers. You can also top your experience off with a studio or location photoshoot plan, which starts from 9,500 yen.
Image credit: Japanexperterna.se
Website
Address: 128, Manjujicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Japan
Bonus: Maiko Henshin Studio Shiki
Website: http://www.maiko-henshin.com/en/
Address: Japan, 〒605-0826 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, 高台寺 南門桝屋町351−１６
Why not beyond just wearing a kimono and dress up as a maiko instead? Although pricey, the plans offered by this place comes with professional studio photoshoots, a variety of outdoor and location shots, as well as digital and printed keepsakes for you to bring home. There is a samurai shoot plan for guys as well, and couples can opt for a wedding kimono shoot too. If prices aren’t a barrier for you, plans at this place start from 14,900 yen.
