Kyoto's Heritage & Kimono Rental Experience.

The visit I made to Kyoto was a truly unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever. The city's vibe really captured my heart, especially as someone who loves the traditional culture.

Some of the highlights of my trip included exploring Kyoto’s famous temples and taking walks through traditional districts like Gion and Higashiyama. Below, I would like to share some of the highlights from my trip to Kyoto.

Gion and Higashiyama

Gion and Higashiyama are famous for their preserved traditional architecture, teahouses, and connections to geisha culture. The narrow lanes are lined with charming wooden townhouses, known as Machiya (町屋).

As soon as I stepped onto the streets, I felt like I had been transported back in time. Since these places are pretty popular, the streets tend to get crowded, especially if you are hoping for some good snapshots. So my advice? Get there early for those perfect photos.

Kyoto, Japan (Photo on Adobe stock)

Kimono Rental in Gion

Renting a kimono is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. During my visit, I had the chance to wear this beautiful traditional garment, and I’d love to share some helpful tips for anyone looking to have the same experience.

When choosing a kimono rental shop, there are a few things to keep in mind. Each shop has its own unique selection of styles and designs, catering to different tastes and occasions. My tour guide recommended Kyoetsu Kimono Rental as a top choice. And I can see why because there's a variety of kimonos available here.

The Kyoetsu Kimono Rental, Kyoto branch

1. Reservation

I highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time, especially during peak tourist seasons or on weekends. Some places even offer online booking, which is super convenient!

You can browse their websites to see the different kimono styles available, making it much easier to pick your favorites before your appointment.

Kyoetsu Kimono Rental website

This shop had a broad selection of kimonos, providing a variety of styles and choices 

Plenty of accessories available to complement the kimono's style 

A variety of bags were available

2. Kimono Rental Pricing

Renting a kimono usually costs between ¥3,000 and ¥10,000 for a few hours, but prices can vary based on a few factors. For example, the type of kimono you choose, from standard to more formal designs can influence the price, as well as whether accessories are included and the rental shop's location.

It’s definitely worth taking some time to shop around and explore different options to find the best deal that fits your preferences and budget.

The display of kimonos in front of the shop

3. Dressing in Kimono

After I picked out my favorite kimono, a dresser helped me with the fitting and styling. She even shared some handy tips on how to choose the perfect obi (that’s the belt, btw) to complete the look.

Getting dressed in a kimono is a time-consuming process because it involves layering different garments, each with its own special purpose. But honestly, the effort is totally worth it when you see the final result.

 Photo by Author

4. Time Limit and Return

Rentals typically come with a time limit, usually a few hours, so it’s a good idea to plan your activities accordingly. While exploring, be mindful of your steps to avoid any accidents that could damage the kimono. 

So when it’s time to return it, make sure it’s in the same condition as when you received it to avoid any additional charges. Most importantly, enjoy the experience and soak in all the beautiful sights around you.

Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka

You can even enjoy a leisurely walk through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka while wearing a traditional kimono. 

These cobblestone lanes are lined with teahouses, kimono shops, and art galleries. Along the way, you will stumble upon hidden shrines and temples and one of them is the Yasaka Shrine.

The alley of Sannenzaka

    A variety of shops along the cobblestone

Along the cobblestone

Yasaka Shrine

In front of the shrine, you will come across 'ema' (絵馬). Ema is a small wooden plaques on which people write their wishes or prayers. These plaques are usually hung at the shrine, where they are believed to be received by the kami (spirits or gods) of the shrine.

"Ema" in front of the shrine

Kiyomizu-Dera

Kiyomizu-dera is a well-known temple in Kyoto, famous for its architecture and breathtaking views. You can see the Kyoto skyline, especially during cherry blossoms or autumn from its wooden stage.

Sadly, I missed visiting it because it closed early in autumn, around 4:30 pm, since the days were shorter. If you plan to visit, make sure to go earlier in the day to enjoy it fully.

Kiyomizudera Photo on smartwatermagazine

Fushimi Inari Taisha

You can’t miss Fushimi Inari if you’re visiting Kyoto. This shrine is famous for its thousands of torii gates that form a stunning path up Mount Inari. Each of the torii gates was donated by individuals or businesses, with their names written on them.

The hike to the top of Mount Inari takes about 2-3 hours, but you don’t have to go all the way to enjoy it. If you have the time, reaching the summit is an option, but I personally chose a leisurely walk to enjoy the beautiful scenery around the temple instead. Trust me, it's still totally worth it. 

The precincts of the Shrine

The grand entrance to Fushimi Inari Shrine

Thousands of Torii gates

The entrance of Torii gates

You can also find omikuji (おみくじ), or paper fortunes, at shrines and temples. Visitors draw these fortunes, which can range from great blessings to great curses.

If someone receives a bad fortune, they will tie the paper to a specific spot at the shrine to leave the bad luck behind.

Omikuji in front of the Shrine