KYOTO | Kimono Rental [KYOKOMACHI]

Must Do Experiences

• Browse the extensive collection of trendy lace and traditional kimonos to find the perfect outfit that matches your personal style.

• Enjoy a professional hairstyling and dressing session by passionate Japanese instructors who ensure you look absolutely flawless.

• Take a picturesque ten-minute walk from the shop to the majestic Kiyomizu Temple while fully immersed in your elegant kimono.

• Wander through the charming, preserved streets of the Higashiyama district to soak up the authentic Kyoto atmosphere.

Hidden Gems

• Ask the staff for recommendations on lesser-known, quiet alleyways in Higashiyama that offer stunning, crowd-free photo backdrops.

• Look out for the beautiful seasonal floral hair accessories that the stylists use to perfectly complement your chosen kimono pattern.

• Visit the nearby Yasaka Shrine just after your dressing session to catch the beautiful morning light filtering through the trees before the main tourist crowds arrive.

What Makes it Special

• The shop offers a unique selection of trendy lace kimonos and modern fashionable styles that blend traditional elegance with contemporary chic.

• Located perfectly in Higashiyama, it provides immediate access to Kyoto's most photogenic and historic sightseeing spots right from the doorstep.

• The dedicated and passionate Japanese instructors provide meticulous, high-quality dressing and hairstyling services that make you feel like a local.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Early morning is the best time to get dressed, allowing you to beat the crowds at Kiyomizu Temple and capture the best photos in soft morning light. Spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for vibrant foliage are the most breathtaking seasons to wear a kimono, though you should book well in advance as these are peak periods.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Head to the Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka sloping streets early in the morning to capture beautiful photos with the traditional wooden machiya houses without the heavy crowds.

• Utilize the natural framing of the vermillion gates and stone lanterns at nearby Yasaka Shrine for striking, culturally rich portraits.

• Ask your photographer or travel companion to shoot from a slightly lower angle to capture the full elegant drape of the kimono and the beautiful obi belt.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When walking in a kimono, it is polite to keep your steps small and your posture straight, which naturally enhances the elegant drape of the garment. When entering temples or traditional tea houses, remember to remove your footwear and avoid touching the delicate silk fabrics with dirty or wet hands.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Experience the magical Gion Matsuri in July, where the streets are alive with traditional floats and festivities, making it a spectacular time to wear a light summer yukata.

• Visit during the Higashiyama Hanatouro illumination event in spring or winter, when the streets and temples are beautifully lit up with thousands of lanterns in the evening.

• Enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage season in November, which provides a stunning, colorful backdrop of red and gold leaves for your kimono photoshoot.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Be careful when navigating the steep and sometimes uneven stone-paved slopes of Sannenzaka and the approach to Kiyomizu Temple, especially if it has rained.

• Keep your valuables secure in a small bag worn across your chest, as the bustling tourist streets of Higashiyama can get very crowded.

• Stay hydrated and take breaks in shaded areas or cafes during the hot and humid summer months, as wearing multiple layers of kimono can cause you to overheat.