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5 Kimono Rental Shops and Excellent Photo Spots in Asakusa, Tokyo
When taking a picture of yourself exploring Asakusa's beautiful retro streets, why not wear a kimono that matches the atmosphere of this town? The local kimono rental shops offer various types of kimonos, from the traditional ones to retro and gothic styles.
Tokyo's Asakusa, Home to Amazing Kimono Rental Shops!
Asakusa is a popular sightseeing destination in Tokyo that has retained its traditional townscape. It is also the perfect place to stroll around wearing a kimono.
In this article, we introduce five kimono rental shops in Asakusa. These shops offer various types of kimonos for rent with some even offering hair-styling services!
Kimono Rental Shops in Asakusa
1. Asakusa Taisho Romankan
2. VASARA
3. COCOMO Kimono
4. Waraku
5. Kimono Rental REN
4 Lovely Photo Spots in Asakusa
Capture My Japan: A Recommended Photography Service
1. Asakusa Taisho Romankan: Travel Back to the Early Modern Japan!
Asakusa Taisho Romankan opened next to Sensoji Temple in 2021. It is a kimono rental and takeout cafe where visitors can experience the ambience of the Taisho Period (1912-1926).
The Taisho Period was a time when Western culture spread to the masses in Japan. Women during this era also adopted a distinct fashion style. At Asakusa Taisho Romankan, kimonos that showcase the spirit of this period are available to rent.
This type of kimono symbolizes the spirit of self-reliance that was commonly found during the Taisho Period. Western elements such as lace and pearl necklaces are added to bold, uniquely patterned kimonos. This style has been trending these past few years.
Asakusa Taisho Romankan offers several rental plans. There are two standard plans: the Kimono Plan (5,000 yen after tax) and the Hakama Plan (6,000 yen after tax). Additional plans include the Couple’s Plan and Student Kimono Plan.
For an additional 500 to 2,000 yen, you can rent accessories, lace adornments, a silk fastener for your obi belt, and ribbons. It’s a fun option to coordinate a kimono outfit with bags and accessories.
Asakusa Taisho Romankan is a fusion between romantic kimonos and a retro coffeehouse. Wouldn't you like to travel back to early modern Japan?
Asakusa Taisho Romankan Reservation Website: https://www.asakusa-romankan.com/book-online (Japanese)
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2. VASARA: A Large Kimono Collection with the Latest Items
VASARA is a kimono rental shop that has expanded its location in Tokyo, Saitama, Kyoto, Okayama, and other regions. There are three stores in Asakusa alone: the Asakusa flagship store, Asakusa Ekimae store, and Sensoji store (Japanese). Please check out the official website for detailed information on how to access the shops.
Pictured above is the Asakusa flagship store. Several products are on display inside, including the latest kimonos.
Outside the Asakusa flagship store
The shop carries a variety of kimono styles, including komon (made from textiles with repeating patterns), furisode (long-sleeved kimono), yukata (summer cotton kimono), and homongi (formal kimono). Of course, they also carry a variety of men's kimonos and yukatas.
The most reasonably priced komon kimono rental starts at 2,980 yen. It is available as a set with undergarments, a bag, tabi socks, zori sandals, and an ornamental hairpin.
Hairstyling is free if you request a simple updo hair arrangement. Elaborate hairstyles to match your kimono and additional hair accessories will cost an extra 1,100 to 2,200 yen.
VASARA Reservation Website: https://vasara-h.co.jp/en/#home-reserve
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3. COCOMO Kimono: Turn into an Oiran, Maiko, or Samurai for a Day!
COCOMO Kimono is a kimono rental shop tucked away in a back alley near Asakusa Public Hall. One of its trademark is the lovely European-styled exterior. Please check the official website for detailed information on how to access the shop.
In the past, they have worked on the Fuji TV drama “The Fantastic Deer-Man” and “Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon” due to their exquisite kimono quality and reliability.
Styles offered here include traditional kimono, yukata, and homongi. The shop also has a photo studio inside. You can get your makeup done when taking photos in a bridal kimono or when booking the oiran, maiko, or geisha experience. Hairstyling services are included in the plan.
There are typical plans such as the standard, antique, and retro. More unique plans include the fancy princess, gothic, and Lolita-style Victorian themes.
The standard plan starts from 4,900 yen. For an additional 1,000 yen, you can have a partner join your plan. Booking a plan also allows guests to go on a rickshaw ride at a discounted price. Be sure to use this discount if you want to enjoy Asakusa to the fullest!
COCOMO Reservation Website: https://www.cocomo.tokyo/en/rental-yoyaku-en/
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4. Waraku: Amazing Location! A Minute from Asakusa Station
Waraku is an amazing shop if you want to rent a kimono at a lower price. They have various discounted plans, including a couple and group discount that corresponds to the number of people in your party.
The official website is available in English and Chinese (traditional and simplified). They also offer free services including selfie stick rentals and mobile phone chargers.
While Asakusa is typically seen as a daytime sightseeing destination, it's very enchanting at night. For those interested in exploring Asakusa in the nighttime, we recommend the night package plan available after 15:00.
There are few people in the area at night by the illuminated Sensoji Temple, making it perfect for taking many photos. You can commemorate your visit by taking a special photo.
Moreover, your rented kimono can be returned the next day. Make the most of Waraku and enjoy the night in Asakusa to your heart's content!
Waraku Reservation Website: https://waraku-asakusa.com/en/reservation/
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5. Kimono Rental REN: Multilingual Support
REN is a kimono rental shop accessible three minutes on foot from Sensoji Temple. They have staff who can assist customers in multiple languages, including English and Thai. This is great for overseas tourists who may not be confident in their Japanese speaking skills.
There is a small photo studio inside that can be used for photoshoots with traditional props like Japanese swords or Japanese-style umbrellas.
They offer a wide variety of kimonos with designs that range from elegant to casual. Make a reservation beforehand to get your rental at a great price. The shop also has furisode and shoken silk kimonos. You'll definitely have a special kimono and Asakusa sightseeing experience by booking a rental here.
REN Reservation Website: https://www.kimono-ren-sp.com/english/
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Top 4 Spots to Take Pictures in a Kimono
Next, we'll introduce four spots in Asakusa that are perfect for taking pictures in kimono.
Asakusa Nishisando Shopping Street
Exit Sensoji Temple Main Hall and turn right to see a five-storied pagoda on your lefthand side. Nishisando Shopping Street is located straight ahead.
The shopping street is an arcade embellished with Japanese-style decorations, making it perfect for photos in a kimono.
Next to the entrance of the shopping street is a shop offering a goldfish scooping game year-round and specializes in goldfish-themed goods. The shop has even been featured in commercials and on television. The wall outside is also a famous photo spot.
Feel free to take a picture in front of this pinwheel-decorated wall on the other side too!
Asakusa Taisho Romankan
Photo courtesy of the PR Times
Taisho Romankan, the first kimono rental shop introduced in this article, has tons of self-photography spaces inside their shop.
The first floor is a cafe with a substantial menu. The High-Collar Cream Sodas are perfection! This will no doubt be a photogenic spot for your social media posts.
*Please make a purchase from the cafe before taking photos inside.
Sensoji Temple
Put on a kimono and take a stroll through Asakusa at night. The illuminated Sensoji Temple has a certain charm as its vermillion hues shine brilliantly against the Tokyo Skytree in the backdrop.
Why not experience this dreamlike mood while dressed in a kimono?
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Mametoku Asakusa Store
Mametoku is a specialty beans shop that originated in Hiroshima. They have been creating innovative flavors since the Meiji Period. The Fruit and Veggie Chips with Lactic Acid is extremely popular among overseas visitors.
Mametoku's storefront is wonderfully designed with adorable dango-shaped paper lanterns in three assorted colors. We recommend purchasing products inside, then taking a commemorative photo outside with your souvenirs.
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Capture My Japan: A Recommended Photography Service
Capture My Japan is an on-location photography service tailored for international travelers visiting Japan. With bases located nationwide, we offer English-speaking photography services in various regions such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Why not immortalize your precious memories in Japan with Capture My Japan? When applying, use the coupon code MATCHA-11208 to enjoy a 5% discount on your photo shoot!
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Explore Asakusa Wearing a Kimono!
Asakusa is not only a popular sightseeing spot. It is also where you can experience the traditional downtown area, entertainment, and culture. Wear a kimono, stroll the streets of Asakusa, and immerse yourself in the old and lively atmosphere only found here.
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Main image by Pixta
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