Kyoto Kimono Rental: Aiwafuku Gion Shijo Store
- Choose your favorite kimono from about 600 different styles.
- For the women's hair set, you can use as many hair accessories as you like.
- We offer kimonos in sizes S-4L for women, S-5L for men, and for children with heights of 90-140 cm.
- Photo shoot options are available for capturing memories at popular tourist attractions and recommended photo spots.
- The shop is a 1-minute walk from Shirakawa. Yasaka Shrine and Hanamikoji Street are also nearby.
- Next-day return or return at another branch can be added for JPY 1,100 per person.
Package options
Cultural Experiences
| Activity time | Morning, Afternoon |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Location | Outdoor |
| Experience type | Costume rental |
| Rental duration | All-day |
| Outfit type | Kimono, Yukata |
| Additional service & facility | Makeup & hairstyle, Photography service, Luggage Storage |
| Cultural experience type | Traditional culture experience |
Product Info
What You Can Expect
1 Day
- Store Exterior: Located right near Keihan Gion-Shijo Station! 【AIWAFUKU Gion-Shijo Store】 is on the 3rd floor of a 5-story building. Look for the sushi restaurant on the 1st floor.
- In-store: The shop is lined with many kimonos and accessories. We offer a wide selection for both women and men.
- Selecting a Kimono: Choose your favorite from a wide variety of kimonos. Our professional dressers will also suggest a coordination that suits you.
- Types of Kimono: We have a wide variety of kimonos available.
- Premium Furisode Plan: We offer a wide variety of furisode (long-sleeved kimonos) featuring gorgeous gold and silver designs.
- Couple's Kimono & Yukata Plan: Choose your favorite kimonos/yukatas and enjoy the experience together at a great price.
- Women's Kimono & Yukata Plan: Choose your favorite kimono from our extensive collection and enjoy a hassle-free kimono experience.
- Men's/Children's Kimono & Yukata Plan (Men's Kimono / Men's Formal Black Montsuki Hakama): Men's kimonos are easy to wear and recommended for beginners. The black montsuki hakama is a formal, high-status outfit, perfect for pairing with a photo shoot.
- Men's/Children's Kimono & Yukata Plan (Boys' / Girls' Children's Kimono): We have a wide range of sizes for adorable children's kimonos, starting from 70cm in height.
- Men's/Children's Kimono & Yukata Plan (Children's Formal Kimono): We have kimonos available for 7-year-old girls, 5-year-old boys, and 3-year-old girls.
- Dressing: Our professional kimono dressers will assist you. We create cute obi knot styles tailored to each individual.
- Hair Styling: Professional, nationally licensed hairstylists will style your hair. You can use as many hair accessories as you like.
- Hair Accessories: You can use as many hair accessories as you like.
- Hair Styling Menu: Consult with our stylists to find the cutest hairstyle that suits you best.
- Going out: Conveniently located for quick access to Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Shirakawa, famous for pre-wedding photoshoots, is just a 1-minute walk away! There are plenty of photo spots that look great with a kimono.
- Returning: Please return to the shop by 16:30 if you arrived before 12:00, or by 17:30 if you arrived after 12:00.
- 【Japanese-style Makeup】 A professional makeup service to make you look even more beautiful. The process takes about 15 minutes. From foundation, eye makeup (eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara), eyebrows, blush, to lipstick, our professional stylists will carefully finish your look to match your kimono. Please book this along with your kimono rental.
- 【Professional Location Photography】 You can book a 30-minute course (approx. 50 photo data), 60-minute course (approx. 100 photo data), or 120-minute course (approx. 200 photo data). The photo data will be sent to you via email at a later date with a download URL. Please book this along with your kimono rental.
- Return at Another Branch Option: You can use our 'Return at Another Branch' option to return your kimono at a different location than where you rented it, depending on your sightseeing route. Since you can return it while on the move, you can make effective use of your time according to your sightseeing plan without unnecessary travel. Please inform the reception on the day if you wish to use this service. (Additional ¥1,100 per person)
- English maps are available.
Purchase Notice
Dressing and hair styling takes about 30 minutes.
The time it takes to choose a kimono and pack your belongings will vary from person to person, so your total time in the shop will be approximately one hour.
The estimated time is one hour, but this may vary during busy periods.
Also, if it takes time to choose a kimono, we may change the order in which you are dressed.
The last return time is 17:30.
If you want to enjoy the bike until late into the night, we recommend the next-day return option (an additional 1,100 yen per person). Please ask the reception staff on the day.
There is an elevator to the third floor of the store, and the interior is flat and the entrance is wide, so it is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
If you wish to return the item at another store, please pay ¥1,100 on site.
Reminders
You can generally come empty-handed, but we recommend wearing light-colored underwear such as white or beige in the summer, and thin innerwear or leggings in the winter.
You can come at your scheduled appointment time. There's no need to arrive earlier.
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present the e-voucher on-site
Validity Period
- The voucher must be used on the selected date and within operating hours; Invalid after expiration
Experience Location
Location Name: Kimono Rental Aiwafuku Gion Shijo Store
Address: 3F, Hachigen Building, 151 Tokiwa-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto CityMonday 09:00–18:00
Tuesday 09:00–18:00
Wednesday 09:00–18:00
Thursday 09:00–18:00
Friday 09:00–18:00
Saturday 09:00–18:00
Sunday 09:00–18:00
FAQs
1. What is included in the Kyoto Aiwafuku kimono rental plans?
Kyoto Aiwafuku kimono rental plans typically include a complete kimono or yukata set, professional dressing assistance from nationally certified staff, and hair styling for women. For hair styling, you can choose from 5 to 10 styles and enjoy unlimited use of hair accessories. Additionally, the service provides complimentary storage for large luggage, such as carry-on cases, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
2. Is it culturally appropriate for foreign visitors to wear a kimono in Kyoto?
Yes, it is generally considered culturally appropriate and often appreciated for foreign visitors to wear kimonos respectfully in Kyoto. Many local businesses, including Kyoto Aiwafuku, specialize in providing this experience to tourists. Ensuring the kimono is worn correctly, with the assistance of experienced staff, helps uphold the cultural significance and allows visitors to immerse themselves respectfully in Japanese traditions.
3. What specific undergarments are recommended when wearing a kimono from Kyoto Aiwafuku?
When renting a kimono from Kyoto Aiwafuku, it is recommended to wear thin, close-fitting undergarments that do not create bulk. A simple camisole or tank top and shorts are usually sufficient. The rental shop will provide specialized innerwear called 'hadajuban' and 'susoyoke' designed to ensure comfort, absorbency, and create a smooth, traditional silhouette under your kimono.
4. What variety of kimonos and yukatas are available for rental at Kyoto Aiwafuku?
Kyoto Aiwafuku offers a diverse collection of over 200 kimonos and yukatas. Guests can choose from a wide range of styles, including popular lace kimonos and elegant Taisho Romantic retro kimonos, all available at the same rental price. This extensive selection allows you to find the perfect design to suit your personal taste and occasion.
5. Does Kyoto Aiwafuku offer kimono rentals in plus sizes for both men and women?
Yes, Kyoto Aiwafuku ensures that all guests can comfortably enjoy the kimono experience. They provide a comprehensive selection of large sizes, ranging from 2L to 5L, for both men and women. This allows everyone to choose a beautifully fitting kimono or yukata without any additional cost, ensuring a pleasant and authentic cultural immersion.
6. Are there multi-lingual staff available to assist with kimono rental at Kyoto Aiwafuku?
Yes, Kyoto Aiwafuku is well-equipped to assist international visitors. Their dedicated staff members are proficient in multiple languages, including Chinese, English, Korean, Taiwanese, and Japanese. This ensures a seamless and clear communication process from the moment you select your kimono to the final dressing, enhancing your overall rental experience.
7. Can I add a professional photoshoot to my kimono rental experience at Kyoto Aiwafuku?
Yes, Kyoto Aiwafuku offers the option to enhance your kimono rental with a professional photoshoot. This additional service typically includes a 60-minute session with a professional photographer who will capture your memorable moments in and around Kyoto in your beautiful kimono. Please inquire at the shop for detailed information and booking arrangements for this special addition.
8. What are the return options for a kimono rental from Kyoto Aiwafuku?
Kyoto Aiwafuku provides flexible return options for your convenience. You have the choice to return your rented kimono on the next day, allowing for an extended period to enjoy your experience. Alternatively, you can return the kimono at any of their various store locations across Kyoto, including branches at Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu Yasaka Pagoda, Fushimi Inari, Gion Shijo, and Kyoto Station.
