The 7 best kimono rentals in Kyoto unveiled
What is a kimono?
Kimono is a traditional Japanese garment that dates back to the Heian period (794-1185). It has evolved continuously since then and gained its current form in the Edo period (1603-1868). The word ‘kimono’ means ‘thing to wear’ in Japanese and it referred to an underwear that evolved into a full garment. In the late 19th century Westernisation changed the way people dress in Japan, but the kimono remains a national symbol until today. Nowadays Japanese people only wear kimono to formal occasions such as weddings and funerals and for cultural events such as festivals and tea ceremonies. You can wear one too, when you visit Japan. Renting and wearing a kimono in Kyoto is an amazing experince that brings you closer to traditional Japanese culture. Read my guide below to compare kimono rentals in Kyoto.
Can I wear a kimono as a foreigner?
You are not viewed as rude if you wear kimono as foreigner in Japan. Most of Japanese people take it as a sign of respect and appreciation towards their culture, so you are encouraged to wear a kimono when visiting Japan. Read the guide below to compare kimono rentals in Kyoto and find the one that suits you.
Where can I wear kimono in Japan?
Technically you can rent kimonos in almost every city in Japan, there are kimono rental pretty much everywhere, but most people choose to wear them Kyoto due to the ancient capital city’s traditional atmosphere. Kyoto offers a wide range of kimono rentals to choose from. I recommend to rent them for an entire day to walk around in the traditional districts in Kyoto, visit temples, attend tea ceremonies or geisha performances wearing them. However, there are a wide range of kimono rentals in Kyoto offering various types of kimonos and services for diffrent prices. See our guide below to pick th best kimono rental in Kyoto.
What are the best kimono rentals in Kyoto?
It depends on your needs and preferences. You can find a selection of kimono rentals in Kyoto listed below with the most important factors listed. Factors to consider when choosing a kimono rental in Kyoto:
Location
You would want the kimono rental to be close to the places you plan to visit so you can comfortably walk without needing to take public transport wearing the kimono. This is especially important if you rent a more elegant and less comfortable kimono.
Languages spoken by the staff
Generally, these kimono rentals are prepared to accommodate foreign tourists, however, it is always good to check if they speak English. You can find kimono rentals where the staff speaks other languages such as Chinese or Korean.
Price range
Usually, the price of the kimono rentals in Kyoto depends on the type of kimono rented and the extra services (hair, make-up, accessories). However, there are price differences among the rentals nd choosing a cheaper one can save you a few thousand yen.
Photo shooting availability
Keep in mind that not all kimono rentals in Kyoto offer photo shooting services. The staff might take a few photos with your phone in the changing area, but if you want to have a proper outdoor or indoor photoshoot, you need to find a kimono rental specifically offering this service.
Types of kimonos available
All kimono rentals in Kyoto have beautiful kimonos, however, if you are looking for specific types such as kawaii lace kimonos, modern kimonos, or a more elegant furisode you should check if the rental has them before you go there.
Availability of online booking
These Kyoto kimono rentals can get extra busy, so it is worth booking a timeslot in advance. As a tourist it can be challenging to communicate on the phone, especially months or weeks before your trip, therefore the availability of online booking is crucial.
#1 Rental Kimono Rose
Rental Kimono Rose is a premium kimono rental in Kyoto located conveniently close to Kiyomizu-dera offering photo shooting. They have high quality kimonos including furisode, even traditional Japanese wedding outfits can be rented, but don’t offer kawaii and modern styles.
Location
Rental Kimono Rose – 415-2 Minamicho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0824
- Kiyomizu-dera 10 mins walk
- Yasaka Shrine 11 mins walk
- Kennin-ji 6 mins walk
- Heian Shrine 24 mins walk
- Kodaiji Temple 4 mins walk
Languages spoken by the staff
They speak Japanese & English.
Price range
Browse their rental plans here.
- Summer kimono/yukata rental from 4,400 yen (Hair styling +1,100 yen, Makeup +3,300 yen)
- Silk furisode rental from 16,500 yen (Hair styling +3,300 yen, Makeup +3,300 yen)
- Accessories are included.
Photo shooting availability
8,800 yen for 15 minutes
- 16,500 yen for 1 hour
Up to 10 people can be photographed within the price.
Shooting location: Kyoto Higashiyama. Additional charge for shooting in Gion.
Types of kimonos available
- Yukata & kimono available.
- Furisode and wedding outfits are available.
- Kawaii lace kimonos and modern kimonos are not available.
- You can find their kimono catalog here.
Availability of online booking
Yes, book here using their online form.
#2 Vasara Kimono Rental Kyoto
Vasara Kimono Rental a lovely store offering a wide range of kimonos including furisode, kawaii lace kimonos, retro and modern kimonos as well. It is located in central Kyoto near Kyoto Station, but further from main sights such as Kiyomizu-dera.
Location
Kimono Rental VASARA Kyoto Station Mae Store – SK Bldg. 6F, 719 Higashishiokoji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
- Nishi Hogan-ji Temple 16 mins walk
- Higashi Hogan-ji Temple 5 mins walk
- Toji Temple 23 mins walk
- Shoseien Garden 8 mins walk
Languages spoken by the staff
They speak Japanese & English.
Price range
Browse their rental plans here.
- Women basic plan from 5,500 yen (including Hairstyling). Women’s furisode is from 18,590 yen.
- Men basic plan from 6,930 yen
- Couple plan from 12,430 yen
- Accessories are included.
Photo shooting availability
No photo-shooting plan is available.
Types of kimonos available
- Yukata & kimono available.
- Furisode is available.
- Kawaii lace kimonos, retro, and modern kimonos are available.
Availability of online booking
Yes, book here after selecting the plan you are interested in.
#3 Okamoto Kimono Rental Fushimi Inari Shop
Okamoto Kimono Rental is an affordable chain with multiple shops in Kyoto. You can get their basic plan from as low as 3,300 yen. Type ‘okamoto kimono rental’ into Google Maps or Maps to see their locations near different sights. I wanted to highlight their Fushimi Inari Shop here, because it is a great option to rent a kimono near the most famous shrine in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha. However, if you are planning to hike Mount Inari from Fushimi Inari Taisha, please don’t rent kimonos for that as it is a 3-4 hours long hike.
Location
Okamoto Kimono Rental Fushimi Inari Shop – 45-1 Fukakusa Inari Nakanocho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0807
- Fushimi Inari Taisha main gate 2 mins walk
- Tofuku-ji Temple 13 mins walk
- Komyo-in Temple 12 mins walk
Languages spoken by the staff
They speak Japanese & English.
Price range
Okamoto is a relatively cheaper, affordable kimono rental chain. Browse their rental plans here.
- Women basic plan from 3,300 yen (including Hairstyling). Women’s furisode is from 16,500 yen.
- Hairstyling is available from 550 yen. You can browse their available hair styles here.
- Men basic plan from 4,378 yen
- Accessories are included.
Photo shooting availability
No photo-shooting plan is available.
Types of kimonos available
- Yukata & kimono available.
- Furisode is available.
- Kawaii lace kimonos, retro, and modern kimonos are available.
- Special: cute fox masks are available.
Availability of online booking
Yes, book here using their online form.
#4 Kyoto Kimono Rental Sakura
Kyoto Kimono Rental Sakura is an affordable small kimono rental near Pontocho Park and Kennin-ji temple. The reason I added them to this list is the fact that you can buy kimonos and kimono accessories here. If your dream was to buy a kimono after renting one, this is the place to go.
Location
Kyoto Kimono Rental Sakura – 〒600-8073 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Nagaharacho, 153-9 京都エステイト第一ビル 2F
- Pontocho Park 15 mins walk
- Kennin-ji Temple 16 mins walk
- Yasaka Shrine 24 mins walk
- Kumonocha Bukkoji Shop 4 mins walk
Languages spoken by the staff
They speak Japanese & English.
Price range
Sakura is an affordable kimono rental. Browse their rental plans here.
- Yukata rental is 4,400 yen.
- Kimono rental is 5,500 yen.
- Hairstyling is 550 yen.
- Accessories are included.
Photo shooting availability
No photo-shooting plan is available.
Types of kimonos available
- Only basic yukata & kimono available.
Availability of online booking
You have to email them to rental.sakura.kimono＠gmail.com to book. For more info visit their site.
#5 Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata Gojo
Yumeyakata is a more premium shop among kimono rentls in Kyoto. You get a wider range of kimonos and services compared to Sakura and Okamoto. It is a more professional place with wide range of furisode and high quality services including hairstyling, traditional Japanese hairstyling, make-up and photo shooting. They have a gorgeous online hairstyle catalog that you can choose from.
Location
Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata Gojo – 〒600-8103 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Shiogamacho, 353 豊彩ビル
- Shoseien Garden 10 mins walk
- Higashi Hogan-ji Temple 14 mins walk
- Kennin-ji Temple 17 mins walk
Languages spoken by the staff
They speak Japanese & English.
Price range
Yumeyakata charges higher prices for their high-quality service. Browse their detailed price list here.
- Kimono rental starts from 5,500 yen.
- Hairstyling starts from 3,850 yen and Japanese Traditional Hairstyling costs 5,500 yen.
- Furisode rental starts from 21,000 yen.
- Make-up starts from 4,400 yen.
- Accessories are included.
Photo shooting availability
Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata offers premium photo shooting plans. If you would like to have an internal studio shooting you have to call them in advance:
075-354-8515
075-354-8501 (early morning only)
Types of kimonos available
- A wide range of kimonos are available including yukata, wedding kimonos, kawaii lace kimonos, modern kimonos, and furisode.
Availability of online booking
Yes, you can book online using their form here, but you need to call to arrange an internal studio photoshoot.
#6 Kyoto Kimono Rental MOCOMOCO Kiyomizu-dera
MOCOMOCO is a lovely kimono rental in Kyoto close to Kiyomizu-dera and many beutiful temples and shrines. The staff speaks English and Chinese on top of Japanese and they offer beutiful lace kimonos. They have two additional stores, one in Arashiyama and one near Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Location
Kyoto Kimono Rental MOCOMOCO Kiyomizu-dera – 583-4 Yugyomaecho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0864, Japan
- Kiyomizu-dera 8 mins walk
- Kodai-ji Temple 10 mins walk
- Yasaka Shrine 18 mins walk
- Kennin-ji Temple 12 mins walk
Languages spoken by the staff
They speak Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin) & English.
Price range
- Women’s kimono rental starts from 5,500 yen.
- Men’s kimono rental starts from 4,400 yen.
- The couple’s plan is 9,900 yen.
- The premium plan starts from 7,700 yen.
- Accessories are included.
Photo shooting availability
Yes, they offer site shooting:
- 1 hour – 14,000 yen + tax
- 2 hours – 25,000 yen + tax
- 3 hours – 38,000 yen + tax
- 1 day – 70,000 yen + tax
The shooting is for up to 2 people. plan is for up to 2 people. To add more people it costs 2,200 yen (tax included) per person.
Types of kimonos available
Kimonos and kawaii lace kimonos are available. They are famous for their lace kimonos.
Availability of online booking
Yes, you can book on their website by clicking on Reservation.
#7 Kimono Rental Shop in Kyoto Hana Kanzashi
Hana Kanzashi is a kimono rental in Kyoto near the beautiful Heian Shrine and a walkable distance from Nazen-ji and the famous Philosopher’s Path. This shop lets you rent the kimono on the same day until 8 PM. Usually, you have to return the kimono until 5 PM or on the next day for an additional charge. Heian Shrine is open until 9 PM which is unusual in Kyoto as normally temples and shrines close around 5 PM, so you have the chance to have a nice evening walk in the kimono.
Location
Kimono Rental Shop in Kyoto Hana Kanzashi – Japan, 〒606-8344 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Okazaki Enshojicho, 91-65 B1F
- Heian Shrine 4 mins walk
- Keage Incline 11 mins walk
- Yasaka Shrine 17 mins walk
- Nazen-ji Temple 13 mins walk
- Philosopher’s Path 21 mins walk
Languages spoken by the staff
Japanese + They have an English and a Chinese translator.
Price range
They have very reasonable, affordable prices and they often run discounts.
- Women’s standard plan starts from 3,000 yen.
- Men’s kimono rental starts from 4,000 yen.
- The premium plan starts from 5,000 yen.
- Accessories might cost extra.
Photo shooting availability
No photo shooting available.
Types of kimonos available
Yukatas, basic and premium kimonos are available.
Availability of online booking
Yes, you can book on their website.
