Welcome to Kyoto!
This article introduces how to choose a shop when renting a kimono in Kyoto.
Feel free to use it for your trip!
①Decide the Area You Want to Visit for the Day
Kyoto has many famous sightseeing spots. Recommended areas include the Arashiyama area, the Gion area, and the Fushimi area. However, these three areas are more than 40 minutes apart (by train or bus), so traveling in a kimono can be quite tiring. Before choosing a kimono rental shop, first decide on the area you want to visit, and then select a shop within that area.
② Decide on the Places You Want to Visit Within the Area
Additionally, choose the top 3 places you want to visit in the area. For example, if you want to go to Arashiyama:
- Bamboo Grove Path,
- Togetsu-kyo Bridge,
- % Arabica Coffee.
It’s recommended to find a rental shop near the center of these locations.
Reason: Being close to any sightseeing spot makes returns easy. Renting at a place near the station or your end point may require planning your return time carefully to ensure you finish your sightseeing in time, which can be wasteful.
Check out our Model sightseeing course for Arashiyama for more details.
③Use a Map App
Search for “kimono rental” in Google Maps and check the reviews and atmosphere of rental shops in the area you want to visit. If reviews don’t look promising, expand the search area slightly and check again.
*If you want to enjoy wearing a kimono all day, check each shop’s closing time and also final return time (important!).
Check the Details of the Rental Plan (Don’t Just aim low Prices)
Most kimono rental shops in Kyoto offer a full set including kimono, obi, accessories, bag, and zori sandals. However, many charge separately for hairstyling. Although a full set is provided, the included items may be of low quality, and upgrading to standard quality items may require an additional fee. Therefore, it’s important to check product descriptions and photos in advance. The shop’s website, customer review photos, and Instagram images can be helpful.
⑤Confirm Additional Fees
Check for additional charges such as hair accessories for hairstyling, luggage storage, late return fees, and cleaning fees for soiling the kimono.
*Characteristics of a Good Rental Shop
1.Good service (polite guidance, friendly staff)
Especially important for first-timers as detailed explanations make for a great start to the day.
2.Reasonable pricing (clear pricing, detailed product descriptions)
Low prices can be appealing, but there are often reasons for them. Paying few hundreds Yen more can get you much better quality kimono.
3.Good review scores and a high number of reviews
Confirming user feedback helps avoid trouble.
*Review Check Points
1.Check Japanese-language reviews first to get an idea of the dressing skill evaluations.
2.Check Non-Japanese-users reviews to know how well it works.
3.Check negative reviews and the shop’s responses to them.
4.Check the long reviews.
5.Check reviews from busy periods (April and November are particularly busy in the industry, so you can check how the shop handles crowds).
*Common Kimono Rental Issues
1.Being charged a penalty for soiling the kimono.
Kimonos are expensive clothes, so cleaning fees may be charged if they are soiled.
Do check for obvious stains on the kimono before borrowing (if there is, let the staff know)
Be cautious when eating while wearing it. For ladies, it’s best not to apply foundation around the neck area, as it can easily stain the collar of the kimono. Mothers with young children should take care to prevent drool from getting on the kimono (having a handkerchief or towel ready in advance is helpful).
2.Being charged a cancellation fee.
Check each shop’s cancellation policy when making a reservation. Last-minute cancellations may incur charges, but negotiating a time change may be worth trying.
Kimono Rental KYOLAN
KYOLAN is a kimono rental shop in the Arashiyama area of Kyoto. Here are its strengths, making it a recommended choice:
- High-quality products and services
- A wide variety of kimonos
- Clear pricing system
- No.1 customer satisfaction and high repeat rate in Arashiyama
- Excellent location within a 5-minute walk of tourist spots, stations, and shopping streets.
Visit the official website of KYOLAN here.
Enjoy your Kyoto sightseeing!