For First-Time Kimono Renters in Kyoto | The Process from Reservation to Return
"I'd love to go sightseeing in Kyoto while wearing a kimono!"
Even if you feel that way, when renting a kimono for the first time,
“Do I need to make a reservation?”
“What should I bring?”
“How do I choose a kimono?”
“How do I return it?”
and many other things you might be unsure about.
At grace kimono salon, we’re here to help first-time kimono wearers feel comfortable and enjoy their kimono experience in Kyoto—from selecting your kimono to getting dressed and returning it.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of renting a kimono at Grace Kimono Salon and returning it.
1. Reservations or walk-ins—both are welcome!
At grace kimono salon, we welcome both advance reservations and walk-ins on the day of your visit.
“I was walking around Kyoto and suddenly felt like trying on a kimono,”
or “I’m at Nijo Castle, so I might as well sightsee in a kimono”—
Even if you drop by on the spur of the moment, we’ll be happy to assist you if we have availability.
Of course, we’re also happy to welcome solo visitors.
We also welcome groups—such as friends, couples, and families—and have kimonos available for men and children.
If you have a set travel schedule or plan to visit with a group, making a reservation in advance will ensure a smoother experience.
2. Let’s Pick Out Your Favorite Kimono Together
Once you arrive, we’ll start by helping you choose a kimono.
Feel free to pick up any kimonos that catch your eye from our selection and find the one you like best.
Once you’ve decided on a kimono, it’s time to choose your obi and accessories.
Even with the same kimono, the overall look can change dramatically depending on the obi and accessories you pair with it.
“I don’t know what suits me,
” “What kind of obi goes with this kimono?”
, “I want a cute look,”
“I want a sophisticated, Kyoto-style outfit”—
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
If you’re unsure, let’s work together with our staff to put together an outfit.
We’ll ask about your favorite colors and the vibe you’re going for, then try pairing different kimonos with obi and experimenting with different accessories.
“This one’s cute too!”
“This combination is lovely!”
—even the time spent deliberating is one of the joys of kimono rental.
We actually believe that the time spent choosing your kimono is a truly wonderful experience.
Of course, sightseeing in Kyoto while wearing a kimono is a highlight, but please also enjoy the time spent finding your favorite piece from our wide selection and putting together your very own unique outfit.
We also offer complimentary rental of traditional Japanese bags to match your kimono.
Let’s find your favorite outfit together.
3. Kimono Dressing & Hair Styling
Once you’ve chosen your kimono, we’ll help you get dressed.
Don’t worry if this is your first time wearing a kimono—we’ve got you covered.
If you’d like your hair styled, you can decide on the day of your visit.
“I didn’t request it when I made the reservation, but after choosing my kimono, I realized I’d like my hair styled after all!”
Please feel free to let us know about changes like this on the day of your appointment.
We also provide hair accessories to match your kimono at no extra charge.
From the kimono and obi to your hairstyle and hair accessories, please enjoy creating a look that’s uniquely yours.
4. All Set! Off to Explore Kyoto Light and Free
Once you’re all set, it’s finally time to head out to explore Kyoto!
We can store the clothes you wore here and any luggage you won’t need for sightseeing in our shop free of charge.
Since you won’t have to walk around carrying large bags, just pack the essentials in your Japanese-style bag and enjoy exploring Kyoto light and free.
Grace Kimono Salon is located right near the World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle.
In addition to Nijo Castle, there are other nearby spots you’ll want to visit in your kimono, such as Shinsen-en Garden with its beautiful red bridge.
When you head out, we’ll provide you with a bag for returning the kimono.
Also, at the end of your dressing session, we may take a photo of you in front of the shop.
We’d be delighted if you’d be willing to let us post these photos on social media. Of
course, this is entirely optional—only those who are comfortable with it need to participate.
Please enjoy your day in Kyoto to the fullest in your beautiful kimono.
5. Return Options to Suit Your Schedule
“I want to enjoy wearing my kimono until dinner,
” “I want to change after I get back to my hotel,”
“I want to enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto without worrying about the time”—
To ensure you can take your time and enjoy Kyoto to the fullest, grace offers a variety of return options.
In addition to returning the kimono to our store,
Hotel Return: 2,000 yen per set
Next-Day Return: 500 yen per person
are also available.
Also,
if your plans change on the day of your rental—
such as
or if your plans change on the day of pickup, please contact us.
We’ll do our best to accommodate you.
We understand that plans can change while you’re traveling, so please enjoy your trip in Kyoto at your own pace.
6. A Small Gift from grace
As a token of our gratitude for choosing grace kimono salon from among the many kimono rental shops in Kyoto.
We have prepared a small token of appreciation for our guests.
We would be delighted if you could take it home with you as a cherished memory of your trip, along with the day you spent wearing a kimono in Kyoto.
Even if it’s your first time renting a kimono, please feel free to enjoy the experience.
It’s okay if you’ve never worn a kimono before.
Whether you’re traveling alone, with family, with friends, or as a couple—
Men and children are also very welcome.
“I’d like to try wearing a kimono in Kyoto.”
If that’s what you’re thinking, please feel free to come visit us.
From the moment you choose your kimono to the time you stroll through Kyoto in it,
We hope every moment—from choosing your kimono to strolling through Kyoto in it—will become a wonderful memory of your trip to Kyoto.
We look forward to seeing you all at grace kimono salon.
