Kimonos are a type of Japanese traditional garment.
In the old Japanese capital of Kyoto, visitors can rent kimonos to travel around in traditional attire.
In recent days, many kimono rental shops began offering plans for kitsuke (着付け: dressing kimono), hair styling, etc., so even people with no experience wearing kimono can get comfortable.
In this article, we will introduce 5 great kimono rental shops from Gion & Arashiyama.
The price range for renting kimonos
The price range for renting kimonos in Kyoto range from 3,000-10,000 yen, which is more competitively priced than other areas in Japan.
Of course, the price varies from the types of kimonos, and for options like photos or hair styling. Wearing kimonos is especially higher in demand for Kyoto, a city where the old townscape is well preserved, thus making kimono rental services competitively priced.
You should rent your kimonos here
If you are thinking about renting kimonos as part of your sightseeing voyage, we recommend you renting one in either Gion, the geisha district, or in Arashiyama, the outer area where nature thrives.
Both cities have preserved the old Japanese townscape very well, so walking through these cities with kimonos would make for a great photo op.
Below, we will list the recommended kimono shops from both areas.
Kimono rental shops in Gion
1. Rental Kimono Okamoto Yasaka Jinja Shop
(Source: Rental Kimono Okamoto Yasaka Jinja Shop)
Rental Kimono Okamoto Yasaka Jinja Shop is a kimono rental shop located right next to the famous Yasaka Jinja Shrine.
This shop is well known for its broad selection of kimonos. They stock traditional style kimonos to more modern designed ones, with over 1,000 in stock.
Most kimono rental shops specifially cater to women, with very limited selections available for men, however, this shop has over 300 men's kimono in stock, so men can also enjoy the selection process.
Another fantastic thing about this shop is that they offer a luggage service free of charge, and you can return the kimonos the next day, free of charge. This allows for very lenient sightseeing plans.
The most popular package is the "Full Outfit Plan ¥5,478" which includes dressing services, as well as accessories.
There is also the "Set Plan ¥3,278," a package that is more focused on keeping the price down to accommodate more frugal minded customers.
They also provide hair styling services for an additional ¥550, so this is another good thing to take into consideration.
*Photo is a sample image
■ Rental Kimono Okamoto Yasaka Jinja Shop
Address: 301-1 Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone:075-532-0510
Open all year round: 9:00-18:00
Official website:https://www.okamoto-kimono.com/storeinfo/shrine.html
2. Kyoto Gionya Kimono Rental
(Source: Kyoto Gionya Kimono Rental)
Kyoto Gionya Kimono Rental is located close by to Gion Shijo Station, which is the center of Gion.
This convenient location allows easy access to popular tourist destinations like Yasaka Jinja Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera.
They have around 300 kimonos in stock, and offer a wide range of plans for rental.
They even allow same-day reservations, which is an incredible offer.
Also, aside from traditional kimonos, they have things like laces and lolita items, allowing a wide range of stlyes.
The prices depend on what kinds of kimonos you want to wear, but the "Omakase Setup Plan" is an affordable option from ¥3,300.
They also offer a "Kid's Plan" from ¥3,000, which is great for family travelers.
You can also rent hair ornaments from ¥550, and hair styling costs an additional ¥1,100-, so note that you might spend more than you intended.
■ Kyoto Gionya Kimono Rental
Address: 2F, 584 South Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone:075-551-7308 *Reservations are given priority.
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Official website:https://www.kyoto-gionya.com/
3. Gion Nishiki Gion Main Store
(credit: Gion Nishiki)
Gion Nishiki Gion Main Store is known as the most affordable kimono rental shop in Kyoto.
Many of the plans offer 50% pre-order discounts, allowing rental prices from ¥2,000, which is roughly half of the market price.
There are a few restrictions like limited numbers of kimonos in stock, and being reservation only, but they are unbeatable in terms of price.
＜50% off discounts upon pre-order＞
Special Plan: ¥4,180 → Half price of ¥2,090 (tax included)
Premium Plan: ¥8,756 → Half price of ¥4,378
Men's plan: ¥6,556 → half price of ¥3,278
There is an additional charge for the rental of accessories, such as a hair ornament rental for ¥550 and a haori rental for ¥1,100, and an additional charge of ¥1,078 for hair styling. They're all great deals however.
If you know in advance the dates you want to rent a kimono, please use the advance reservation discount to save money.
■Gion Nishiki Gion Main Store
Address: Tomiki Bldg. 1F, 347 Gion-machi north side, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone:075-708-2111
Business hours: 9:00-19:00
Official website:https://gion-nishiki.com/
Kimono rental shops in Arashiyama
Next, we will introduce a kimono rental store located in Arashiyama, a popular tourist spot rich in nature and a short distance outside of Kyoto City.
1. Kimono Rental Kyoetsu Arashiyama Branch
(Source: Arashiyama Store Kyoto Kimono & Yukata Rental Kyoketsu)
Kimono Rental Kyoetsu Arashiyama Branch is conveniently located just a minute walk from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Arashiyama Line.
The store has more than 30,000 kimonos, ranging from the classic to the unique, and you can choose your favorite one from a wide range of designs, including antique and lace kimonos that are currently popular.
There are a variety of plans available for rent for less than ¥10,000, including the "Moments in Time" plan for ¥3,190, the "Antique Kimono" plan for ¥4,950, and the "Couples" plan for ¥8,800.
This is a rental store with excellent access and selection, so if you are thinking about wearing kimonos in Arashiyama, please check the official website for more information.
■ Kimono Rental Kyoetsu Arashiyama Branch
Address: 6-1 Saga Tenryuji Zoujicho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone:075-873-0255
Business hours: 9:00-18:00
Closed: No regular holidays
Official website:https://kyoetsu-gion.com/shop/arashiyama/
2. Yumekyoto Togetsukyo Store
(Source: Yume Kyoto Wataritsukibashi Branch)
Yumekyoto Togetsukyo Store is a kimono rental shop located very closely to the Arashiyama station of the Keifuku Railways.
This store is located close to the famous tourist spots Togetsukyo, the bamboo path, and Tenryuji, so you can go sightseeing as soon as you leave the store.
From traditional styles to designer kimonos & luxury kimonos, they have over 200 kimonos in stock. Experienced stylists will style your hair to go along with the kimonos, so this place is great for lovers of fashion.
The Omakase plan is ¥3,300.
Other plans include the Eraberu plan from ¥5,500, and Couple plan ¥11,000.
They also offer a dressing-only plan, to help with people who own kimonos, but don't know how to wear them.
Note that they only allow reservations at least 2 days in advance.
■ Yumekyoto Togetsukyo Store
Address: Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, 20-41
Phone:075-354-6763
Business hours: 9:00-18:00
Closed: No regular holidays
Official website:https://kimonorental-togetsukyo.com/
Make your memories of Kyoto more memorable by wearing Kimonos!
Like such, there are many kimono rental shops around Kyoto that are competitively priced.
People may worry that renting a kimono must cost a fortune, but in reality, they can be rented from a price as low as ¥3,000, making this a great, cost effective opportunity of a lifetime.
Traveling around Kyoto wearing a kimono would be a guaranteed life-long memory!
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