Top 5 Foreigner-friendly Kimono Rental Stores in Kyoto

Time travel back in time by wearing a kimono and touring the cobblestone streets and temples of Kyoto.
And why not have your memories captured in beautiful photos by professionals?

1. Points for Choosing a Kimono Rental Store
2. 5 Recommended Kimono Rental Stores in Kyoto
   • ①Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata
   • ② Kyoto Kimono Rental wargo
   • ③ Kimono Rental Okamoto
   • ④ Kimono Rental VASARA (Kyoto Ekimae Store) 
   • ⑤ Kyoto Kimono Rental Kyoetsu
3. Summary

1. Points for Choosing a Kimono Rental Store

There are many kimono rental stores in Kyoto, but there are a few points you should check when choosing one.

Transparency of prices

Even if you think the plan is inexpensive, there may be extra charges for obi, bags, and hair ornaments.
Late fees may apply if the return time is overdue.

Location

We recommend that you go to a store near popular sightseeing spots such as Gion, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, or Arashiyama.

For example, Kimono Rental Okamoto, one of our recommended stores, has five stores in the Higashiyama area, which is the best location for strolling around Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka-no-to, Gion, etc.

Variety and quality of kimonos

Each store offers a variety of kimono styles.
From old-fashioned classic patterns to retro-modern, Taisho-roman style, and even lace and antique kimonos, you will enjoy the time spent choosing from a wide variety of designs at each store.
For example, at Kyokoshi, is a kimono manufacturer and has a wide selection of kimonos, from antique to the latest trends. 
There's a wide range of sizes available as well.

Staff language ability

For foreign tourists, it is reassuring to know that the staff can speak English and other languages.
Major rental stores in Kyoto often have English-speaking staff, and English descriptions are available on the reservation website and at the reception desk.

Indoor photo studio

If the store offers a kimono photo studio plan with a professional photographer or a rainy day plan, you can enjoy your photo shoot without worrying about the weather.

Other services

Check for luggage storage and return options, photo shoots, and group plans.
If a store offers to keep your suitcases and other large luggage during the rental, you can enjoy sightseeing without any luggage. I
f it is difficult to return your luggage on the same day, you can return it the next day, or return it to your hotel or by mail.
In fact, Kyoetsu and Yumeikan offer next-day return and delivery service.
Some places offer location photo shoots by professional photographers, studio photo plans, and even plans that include a rickshaw ride or tea ceremony experience in kimono.
Many stores offer a discount for couples who rent kimonos together, family plans for families, and group plans for friends, so take advantage of these plans according to the number of people in your party.

2. 5 Recommended Kimono Rental Stores in Kyoto

① Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata

Yumetakaya is a pioneer in the kimono rental industry.
It has offered its services for over 15 years.
The store offers a wide range of styles from casual kimonos for outings to formal kimonos, yukata, and hakama, with a total of over 500 different styles!

Yumekanalso offers a wide variety of cultural activities, such as a location photo shoot with a professional photographer, an authentic tea ceremony experience, a samurai makeover, and a maiko (apprentice geisha) experience.

Since there are many international customers, you can rest assured that the staff is experienced in dealing with foreigners.
On the day of rental, large luggage can be kept free of charge so that you can leave for sightseeing without any luggage.

Address: Gion OKI Bldg. 2F, 216 Nakano-cho, Shijo-doriOwa-oji Nishiiru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0074, Japan 
Hours: 10:00 - 17:30 (last entry 15:30, return deadline 17:30) *Open all year round
Official website：Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata Gojo Shop

② Kyoto Kimono Rental wargo

③ Kimono Rental Okamoto

Okamoto is a well-known kimono rental store in Kiyomizu-dera area.
It is produced by Okamoto Orimoten, a long-established kimono store that has been in business for 190 years.
There are always more than 1,000 kimonos available for rent, in a wide range of sizes and designs. Rental prices range from 2,980 yen to 4,980 yen for a kimono, obi, and accessories.
Hair sets and hair ornaments are also available for rent, and professional kimono stylists are known for their quick and beautiful work.

Since they accept a large number of foreign tourists each year, we are able to respond smoothly in English, and many people make reservations directly from overseas.

Address: 2-237-1-1 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan 
Hours: 9:00 - 18:00 (return deadline 18:00) *Open all year round
Official website：Okamoto Kimono Rental

④ Kimono Rental VASARA (Kyoto Ekimae Store)

For those of you who wants to tour in kimono as soon as you get to Kyoto, this is the place for you.
VASARA has their store very close to the Kyoto Station.

A wide range of sizes and designs are available, making it a family-friendly store.
The standard plan is 2,980 Yen.
This plan includes the entire kimono set, like kimono, obi, accessory bag, sandals, hair ornaments, etc.

Not to mention, the staff are multilingual!
Travelers will also appreciate the baggage storage service and free rainy-day options (raincoat and Japanese umbrella rental).
The return time is until 5:30 pm, but the next day return plan is also available as an option, so there is no need to worry even if you plan to go sightseeing in the evening or later.

Address: 6F SK Building, 719 Higashishioji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
Hours: 9:00-18:00 (last entry 17:00, last return 17:30) *Open all year round
Official website：Kimono Rental VASARA

⑤ Kyoto Kimono Rental Kyoetsu

For anyone looking for a "cute" "kawaii" kimono, this is the place for you.
They have designs that are classic, retro-modern, lace, and other trendy designs.
Kyoetsu boasts a variety of kimono selections, as a kimono manufacturer itself.

Kimonos are available from as low as 1,950 Yen.
Hair sets can also be ordered and hair ornaments are also available for purchase.

Free temporary luggage storage is also available, so you don't have to worry about your luggage while sightseeing.
Even if you are pressed for time, you can use the next day return or delivery return options, so you can enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto without worrying about the time.
Foreign-language information displays and reservation sites (English and Chinese) are available, and advance reservations from overseas are also possible.

Address: 456-25 Tenma-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8024 (Kyokoshi Shijo-Kawaramachi Store) 
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (return deadline 18:00) *Varies by store
Official website：Kyoetsu Kimono Rental

3. Summary

By comparing different types of kimono rental stores, there is sure to be one which aligns with your particulars.
Not only do you get to walk around in traditional Japanese clothes, you also get to keep this memory in photos, with the Kyoto townscape as your background.
While visiting various sites in Kyoto, it wouldn't hurt to visit us at Ninja Experience Cafe at Kyoto Gion in your kimono, right?

What are we?

We run Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
Reservations can be made here.

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