How to Rent a Kimono in Japan: Kimono Rental Tips To Know

If you’re planning to travel to Japan one must-try activity is to try a traditional full-length garment called a kimono. It’s a fun cultural experience to try with friends and family to make your trip to Japan more worthwhile. You can find lots of rental places across Japan and I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about a kimono rental for when you travel to Japan. From the best places to rent, where to rent, and helpful tips for your kimono rental experience. If it’s your first time visiting Japan also make sure to read these 10 must-know tips for your Japan trip!

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Background

What is a Kimono?

The term ‘kimono’ translates to  “garment” with ki (着) which means “to wear” and mono (物) which means “thing” or “object”. A kimono is a beautiful full-length robe that was originally worn by the Japanese on a daily basis. Nowadays kimonos are mostly used by locals during formal events such as festivals, tea ceremonies, and graduation programs.

Types of Kimonos

Did you know there are different types of kimonos? This includes the tomesode (formal wear for married women), yukata (light wear for summer), furisode (worn by unmarried women), and many others. The standard for most kimonos is straight T-shape robes that reach the ankles with attached collars and long sleeves. When dressed in a kimono it is customary to always wrap it around the body with the left side over the right (except when dressing the dead for burial), and is secured by a sash (obi), which is tied at the back. It is then finished with split-toe socks (tabi) and traditional footwear (geta or zōri).

Tips for Kimono Rentals in Japan

Kimono Rental Bookings

Bookings in advance are essential to save money but also to ensure you don’t miss out on securing a rental booking. If you choose to do just ‘walk in’ to a rental store you’ll have to consider if the place has English-speaking staff and if the place offers ‘walk-in’ appointments. Some rental places only accept a certain amount of bookings per day which can be common in high-traffic places in Japan. Worst case you might have to wait a long time or you won’t be accommodated at all. So remember to book ahead of time!

I recommend booking an early morning time slot so you’ll have a wider selection of kimonos before they get rented by other customers. Think of it as ‘first comes, first served.’ You will also have more time to wear the kimono without feeling rushed exploring and taking photos before you have to return it at the end of the day.

Best Weather for Kimono Rentals

Before you make a rental booking be sure to check the weather forecast during your travels. The worst thing to happen is booking a time when the weather is rainy, overcast or too hot and humid during the summer.

How to Wear a Kimono

The process of putting on the kimono takes over 20 minutes as they have to layer the different clothing pieces. It can be a tight fit so make sure you wear appropriate clothes under the kimono. For winter I recommend wearing thermal clothing to keep you warm under the kimono. I recommend UNIQLO’s heat-tech leggings and tops. For summer I recommend wearing light layers and avoiding wearing collared or high-collared shirts. One last tip! I recommend stopping at the restroom before you get your kimono fitting done. It’s doable to go to the restroom but it’s just an uncomfortable experience you’d rather avoid.

Kimono Rental Additional Services

Some services will offer hair and/or makeup services for additional add-on costs. When deciding on a kimono rental consider package options that include hair or make-up services. When I rented in Kyoto I got my hair done and also got hair accessories as part of my rental package.

Where are the best places to rent a kimono?

Depending on your budget and the time you have for your trip there are a variety of places for kimono rentals in Japan. My personal recommendation to rent a kimono includes Asakusa, Gion, Arashiyama, Kawagoe, and Kamakura. Personally, I found the ancient city of Kyoto as the quintessential place to try this cultural activity. However, if you’re short on time you can explore Tokyo by heading to Asakusa with its picturesque temple and shrine as well as historic Edo-era architecture. This place serves as the perfect backdrop for your photos.

As a general rule, I always recommend choosing places that are close to the attractions you’ll want to explore in the kimono. This is to save time travelling to and from the location. Here are a few personal recommendations on where to rent a kimono in Japan.

Kimono Rentals in Tokyo

Kimono Rentals in Kyoto

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kimono Rentals

How long can I rent a kimono for?

Different kimono rentals have different rental options. For most places, it is usually till 6:30 pm and if you return after the stated time you’ll be charged a late fee. Some stores do however offer kimono rentals overnight so check on the store’s services online. For example, Yae Kimono Rental offers a ‘next-day return plan.’

What does a kimono rental experience include?

Select a Kimono

Once you arrive at the rental place you’ll be guided to choose your kimono and accessories (bag). The staff can offer recommendations for you based on your budget or style preferences if you didn’t book in advance. After you’ve organized payment you’ll be guided to an area where they’ll help you dress in the kimono. They will also give you a bag to store your belongings and a tag to identify the bag. Just remember to take your valuables and any other personal items you’ll need.

Hair Styling

After you’ve chosen your kimono and you’ve been dressed up one of the staff. You’ll get your hair styled in a separate room which is usually included in your kimono rental fee. Depending on the place you go, they’ll either have a selection of hairstyles to choose from or you might be able to show a photo of a hairstyle you’d like. Afterwards, you can choose a variety of hair accessories to decorate your hair.

Kimono Rental Return

Be sure to set a reminder when you have to return the kimono. Depending on the rental store’s policies they can charge you a free for late return. It’s also important to make sure you don’t damage the garment with any irreparable stains as you might be required to pay compensation for it.

How long does it take to dress up in the kimono?

It usually takes about 25 minutes for men and 40 to 50 minutes for women (including the hairstyling). However, this depends on when you visit and the number of people who have booked the same time slot or ‘walk-in’ appointments.

What activities do you recommend whilst wearing a Kimono?

Apart from exploring the local streets and checking out the local eateries. You might want to consider doing a photo shoot experience to capture some memories or book a rickshaw service. If you decide on a rickshaw tour you’ll get a local to show you around the area and learn more about the history. If you’re interested in getting professional photos done you can organise this in two ways.

1. Book a separate photography session. I recommend checking out a local photographer to show you the local sites and make some memories to take home with you.
2. Organise a photoshoot with your kimono rental in a package.

Are there kimono options for tall people?

This depends on the kimono rental place you visit. Generally, kimono pieces can fit up to 180cm for females and up to 195cm for men. If you are taller it’s still possible to find a kimono that will fit you. However, you’ll have fewer design options to choose from or it just might be short for you.

Can I choose my accessories?

The staff at the rental store will often recommend matching accessories for you. However, you have the flexibility to choose what you want to put on your kimono and your hair accessories. Often at the rental places, they will also offer a variety of hairstyles for you to select from up-dos to down styles.

Where can I store my personal belongings?

After you’ve been dressed up in a kimono you can leave all your personal belongings in the rental store. The staff will give you a bag for you to store your items in and a tag to identify them. Just make sure you bring all your valuables and other personal items you’ll need whilst you’re out exploring.

Can males rent kimonos?

Yes, males can try kimonos in Japan. You’ll also be happy to know that a male kimono is a much simpler process to dress, but if you’re on the taller side there might be fewer options for you.

What other traditional Japanese clothing can I rent?

If you visit Japan in the Summer (June to August) you can rent out a kimono which is a lot lighter and thinner material. This is perfect for the hot humid weather you’ll be experiencing in the summer months. Alternatively, you can try on a hakama. This traditional Japanese clothing is worn by shrine maidens or students during their graduation ceremony. If you’re interested in more ‘luxurious’ kimono clothing you can try the furisode which is recognisable from its long sleeves.

If you want a one of a kind dress-up experience there are places like Studio Nanairo that can transform you into a geisha (traditional Japanese entertainer) or oiran (traditional Japanese courtesan). Part of the experience involves a professional makeover with full-on traditional make-up, kimonos, real traditional wigs, obis, shoes, and accessories.

I hope you found this post helpful and that it inspires you to try this cultural activity in Japan. If you have rented a kimono before would you add any recommendations or tips? Or If you haven’t are you considering renting a Kimono in Japan? Let me know your thoughts below.

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