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Kyoto: Top 8 Kimono Rental Shops and Popular Photo Spots in 2024
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Kyoto is the perfect place for strolling around in a kimono. We introduce eight kimono rental shops and four popular photo spots in Kyoto! Every shop is near a famous destination, so you can go sightseeing after changing into a kimono!
Written by
Born in Taipei, Taiwan. I worked in the inbound tourism industry in Kyoto, writing a blog about travel in Japan. I joined MATCHA in October 2019.
Hobbies: travel, watching trains, visiting stylish cafes, sweets, collecting seal stamps, watching musicals, taking photos, and others - so many, in fact, that I find it weird myself.
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Top Kimono Rental Shops and Photo Spots in Kyoto
Wearing a kimono in Kyoto and taking pictures with the city's historical landmarks in the background is a must-do experience in Japan.
We have selected eight kimono rental shops in Kyoto and four photo spots to instantly immerse yourself in the ancient capital's beauty!
Some of the shops offer free baggage storage services and hairstyling, so be sure to check out this article if you want to wear a kimono in Kyoto!
8 Kimono Rental Shops in Kyoto
1. VASARA: Kyoto Station
2. Yume Yakata: Near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
3. Aiwafuku: Stores at Gion Shijo, Kyoto Station, and Fushimi Inari
4. Kimono Miyabi: Near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
5. Wakana: Located in Gion
6. Okimonoya: Near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
7. MOCOMOCO: in Arashiyama
8. Rental Kimono first Fushimi Inari
Kyoto Photo Spots
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka, Kongoji Temple
Arashiyama
Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine
Shirakawa Ippon-bashi Bridge
1. VASARA: Located in Front of Kyoto Station
Outside the Asakusa Main Store
VASARA is a kimono rental shop with its main location in Tokyo's Asakusa district. It also has a branch in front of Kyoto Station. The shop is a three-minute walk from the station, so you can stop by the shop to change into a kimono upon arriving in Kyoto.
The shop offers various kimono styles for men, women, and children.
The most reasonably priced option is a patterned kimono worn in casual settings. Rental fees start from 2,980 yen for a set that includes a patterned kimono, traditional kimono undergarments, a bag, tabi socks, zori sandals, and an ornamental hairpin.
Of course, a staff member will assist you with selecting a kimono and putting it on. For an additional fee, you can request a hairstyle that compliments your kimono from the stylist.
Check the Kimono Plans Available at VASARA
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2. Yume Yakata: Near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Picture courtesy of Klook
Yume Yakata is a kimono rental shop operated by Hosai, an established clothing store in Gojo, Kyoto. The shop has been offering its services for 15 years when kimono rental shops were still uncommon.
There are various kimono styles available. They range from kimonos or yukatas for a day out in Kyoto to Taisho Roman hakama and kimonos compatible with formal settings.
There are over 500 kimono designs and obi (kimono belt) of every type. Have fun coordinating your kimono to personal preferences from a wide variety of options!
*Taisho Roman: a term referring to the atmosphere and style characteristic of the Taisho Period (1912-1926) when Western culture began merging with Japan’s traditional culture.
Check the Kimono Plans at Yume Yakata
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3. Aiwafuku: Stores at Gion Shijo, in Front of Kyoto Station, and Fushimi Inari
Picture courtesy of Klook
Aiwafuku is an incredibly famous kimono rental among international visitors. The main store is located in Tokyo's Asakusa district, and many travelers enjoy the kimono-wearing experience it offers.
There are three Kyoto locations: Gion Shijo, in front of Kyoto Station, and Fushimi Inari.
After picking your favorite kimono, professional staff will help you get dressed so you don’t have to worry about your kimono coming undone. You are given the option to pick out accessories like a bag or zori sandals. Staff will also assist in styling your hair to compliment the kimono. You’ll be dressed from head to toe in trendy Japanese fashion! Once you’ve finished getting ready, let’s head out right away to the streets of Kyoto for some sightseeing.
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4. Kimono Miyabi: Near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Picture courtesy of Klook
Kimono Miyabi’s Kyoto store is near Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It’s the best place to stroll around the town and take photos in Kyoto.
This shop offers various kimono rental plans through Klook, a travel experience booking site. There are even plans exclusive to Klook and can only be booked via the platform, including the Couple Plan or Family Plan.
Moreover, the shop offers a baggage storage service. So, you can enjoy your walk around town without carrying heavy belongings!
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5. Wakana: Located in Gion
Picture courtesy of Klook
Wakana is a kimono rental shop right next to Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto.
This shop’s main feature is being able to rent high-quality kimonos that are fully dyed and made with a traditional Kyoto dyeing technique called Kyo-Yuzen from 100% silk fabric. Additionally, you can match your kimono with an obi made from a luxury silk brocade called Nishijin-ori, which is famous in Kyoto.
After you’ve finished changing, visit popular sightseeing spots like the nearby Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodaiji Temple, or Kongoji Temple to experience authentic Japanese kimono culture!
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6. Okimonoya: Near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Picture courtesy of Klook
Okimonoya Kiyomizu, located at the bottom of Gojo Street leading towards Kiyomizu-dera Temple, is a kimono rental shop where you can get services in Japanese, Chinese, English, Cantonese, and Korean.
The shop has an abundance of various items, including kimono, yukata, obi, bags, and footwear. When you can’t decide what to choose, feel free to ask the staff for advice even if you can’t speak Japanese. There is also an affordable Couple Plan in addition to the Standard Plan, so we recommend taking advantage of this if you're renting for two people.
You can also get your hair done in a style that compliments your kimono. You'll have fun taking photos dressed in a sophisticated, stylish kimono!
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7. MOCOMOCO: in Arashiyama
Picture courtesy of Klook
MOCOMOCO is a kimono rental in Arashiyama. They have employees who can speak Chinese, English, and Korean. Therefore, you can communicate without any issues in languages outside of Japanese.
Kimonos are available in standard designs as well as retro patterns, antique patterns, and adorned in lace. You’ll find a kimono that fits your style among a large selection of designs.
Hairstyling services are free alongside baggage storage for those renting kimonos. For these reasons, we recommend this shop if you’re someone who wants to have a carefree kimono experience.
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8. Rental Kimono first: Near the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Picture courtesy of Klook
Rental Kimono first Fushimi Inari is a shop with incredible access merely a minute on foot from Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine. Assistance is also available in Chinese and English, so those who aren’t too confident in their Japanese can rest assured.
The shop has a wide selection of kimonos available including patterned kimono, Taisho Roman-style kimono adorned with lace, hakama (traditional trousers worn over kimono), and furisode (a long-sleeved formal kimono). Men’s kimonos and hakama are also available.
Once you’ve finished changing, why not indulge in your time dressed in a kimono? Take pictures in Fushimi Inari Shrine’s Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates) or access well-known sightseeing destinations in the city by train!
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Best Photo Spots in Kyoto to Visit in a Kimono!
What sort of places in Kyoto can you enjoy taking pictures while dressed in a kimono?
Next, we'll introduce four recommended photo spots in Kyoto selected by the MATCHA editorial department!
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka, Kongoji Temple
Picture courtesy of Pixta
This general area, which leads from Yasaka Shrine to Kodaiji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, is suitable for a walk in town and picture-taking.
Sannenzaka in particular is an area that exudes Kyoto's unique ambiance. However, you can immerse yourself even further into the atmosphere by wearing a kimono. Kongoji Temple (Yasaka Koshindo) is decorated with numerous multicolored amulets called kukurizaru (“hanging monkey”). It's also a popular photo spot for visitors dressed in a kimono.
Arashiyama
Picture courtesy of Pixta
The Arashiyama area is another recommended place for a stroll while donning a kimono. It is home to one of the most famous bamboo groves in Kyoto. There's also a townscape you’ll only find near Togetsukyo Bridge and a spot called the Kimono Forest where you can appreciate a Kyo-Yuzen art installation adjacent to Arashiyama Station.
Wouldn’t you like to have a delightful kimono experience while trying Kyoto cuisine on Arashiyama Shopping Street?
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Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Senbon Torii is the most famous area in Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine. You can capture an enigmatic and unique photo by covering your face with a kitsune fox mask like pictured above.
Shirakawa Ippon-bashi Bridge
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Shirakawa Ippon-bashi Bridge (Furukawamachi Bridge) located near Chion-in Temple is a small bridge that spans over Shirakawa River in Higashiyama. The width of this bridge is very narrow, making it possible for only one person to cross at a time.
Lush green weeping willows sit on either side of the bridge. While standing on the bridge dressed in a kimono, you can take an artistic shot that looks straight out of a painting!
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Wear a Kimono in Kyoto
The moment you put on a kimono, you’ll experience a feeling you’ve never felt before. Cherish that feeling and enjoy Kyoto’s beautiful scenery to your heart’s content!
Read also
Main image by Pixta
Born in Taipei, Taiwan. I worked in the inbound tourism industry in Kyoto, writing a blog about travel in Japan. I joined MATCHA in October 2019.
Hobbies: travel, watching trains, visiting stylish cafes, sweets, collecting seal stamps, watching musicals, taking photos, and others - so many, in fact, that I find it weird myself.
more
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