Kimono rental service is popular in tourist destinations such as Kyoto.
Once you’ve put on a nice kimono, you’ll want to be considerate of your gestures and manners and stay classy.

So this time,
●Things to be careful about when using a rental kimono shop
●Kimono etiquette that you should keep in mind at a minimum
I would like to introduce about.

Just a little bit of etiquette in mind will change the way you behave when you actually wear a kimono.
Please use this as a reference to create a wonderful outfit.

Things to be careful about when renting a kimono when sightseeing in Kyoto

First, let’s check the points you need to know when using a kimono rental shop in Kyoto.

Check the distance between the sightseeing spot you want to visit and the rental kimono shop

Even though “Kyoto” covers a wide area, the kimono rental shops that are easy to use will vary depending on where you go sightseeing.

The sightseeing spots in Kyoto can be roughly classified as follows.
●Gion/Kawaramachi area (☆)
●Kiyomizudera area (☆)
●Around Arashiyama
●Around Kyoto Station/Fushimi Inari
●Around Ginkaku-ji Temple
●Nijo Castle/Kyoto Imperial Palace area
●Around Kinkaku-ji Temple
(☆If you are sightseeing around Gion and Kiyomizu Temple, “Waplus Kyoto” is nearby)

For example, in the case of Waplus Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine is a 1-minute walk, Koshin-do is a 5-minute walk, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a 15-minute walk.
If you choose a store near a tourist spot, you won’t have to worry about your kimono falling apart from walking so much, and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy Kyoto until it’s time to return the kimono.

Check if you need to make a reservation at the rental kimono store

There are kimono rental stores that require reservations and stores that allow you to enter without reservations.
In either case, it is recommended that you make an appointment to have your kimono fitted by a skilled professional.
Click here to reserve a rental kimono (same-day reservations are also possible)

Check kimono rental/return time

Kimono rental times also vary depending on the store.
If you choose one just because it’s cheap without researching it carefully, you may only be able to rent it for a few hours, so be careful.

The general return time is around 17:00-18:00.
For an additional fee, you may be able to wear the kimono early in the morning or return it the next day, so you can rent a kimono to go out far away, see the cherry blossoms at night, and see the lights. If you would like to see a close-up, please contact the store.

Check the set contents and items to bring on the day

To avoid panic on the day of your appointment, it is a good idea to check with the staff about the set details (hair arrangement, etc.) and what you should bring with you when you make your reservation.
Many stores include kimono, undergarment, underwear, obi, bag, sandals, tabi, etc. in the set.

Kimono etiquette you should know [How to wear]

Here are some tips to help you wear your rental kimono with confidence.

Check the condition of the hem and collar before going out

Once you get a beautiful kimono at a kimono rental shop, you want to keep it looking beautiful until the evening.
First of all, it is important to check the condition of the hem and collar with your own eyes after the professional has finished fitting you at the store (before you go out).

If someone who is not used to wearing a kimono falls apart in the street, they may wonder, “Wait, what does it look like to be in good condition?”
Immediately after you get your kimono fitted, you can ask the kimono dresser in charge, “If my dress falls apart, can you tell me how to easily fix it?” They will be happy to tell you at any store.

It is important to use items that match the season and location

It is important not only to choose a kimono, but also to coordinate everything from hair style to accessories.
If you use items according to the season and place you are visiting, you can dress like an expert.
The staff at the kimono rental shop have a wealth of knowledge about kimonos, so if you have any questions about how to coordinate your outfit, feel free to ask for advice.
Waplus Kyoto has a kimono stylist!

Kimono etiquette that you should know [behavior and behavior]

If you behave beautifully in a kimono, you can look even more elegant and fashionable.
Learn basic manners and aim for a beautiful appearance!

How to stand｜Stand your back straight

Stand tall to make the kimono and person look nice.
Be careful not to round your back as this may cause the part of the kimono above the obi to sag.
It’s a good idea to lower your shoulders and imagine that the top of your head is being held up by a single thread.

How to sit | Careful hem handling gives a good impression

Whether you are sitting seiza (without a chair) or seated (with a chair), keep your back straight, just as you would in a standing position.
To avoid messing up the hemline, it’s best to take one leg half a step back and then sit down.
If the chair has a backrest, make sure that the belt does not get crushed by the backrest.

How to walk｜Shorten your stride for elegance

When walking in a kimono, try walking a little narrower than in clothes.
This is because when you take long strides, the hem of your kimono stretches out and spreads out like a skirt.
Just by puffing out your chest without rounding your shoulders, you can create a mature atmosphere.

How to get into a car | Get in from your butt

When getting into a car such as a taxi, it is smart to get into the car from your hips, not from your feet.
If you place your bags and shopping bags on the seats in the train first, you will be able to board the train more smoothly.

How to pick up things｜Do not show your elbows as much as possible

When picking up something dropped on the ground, take a half-step with one foot and lower your hips.
Also, when holding something on the top, such as a strap, make sure that your elbows are not visible through the kimono.
If you hold the hem of the kimono (underneath the cuff) with the hand opposite to raising your hand, your elbow will not stick out.

How to eat | Try not to stain your kimono

To avoid staining your kimono, keep a suitable distance between tables and chairs when eating.
For Western food, use napkins, and for Japanese food, use kaishi.
When eating from the center of the table, be careful not to stain your sleeves by placing your hands on the sides of the table.

How to go to the toilet｜Hold up your clothes in order to prevent them from falling apart

When using the restroom, it is important for both men and women to carefully roll up their hems.
Starting from the outside of the kimono, carefully lift it up to your chest, and once you’ve finished using the toilet, put it back down from the inside.
It is convenient to have a kimono clip to hold the raised hem in place.

Before you leave the bathroom, check the following points to easily fix your clothes.
●Is the neckline untidy?
●Have the obi and hem slipped down?
●Is your buttocks sagging?

Kimono etiquette you need to know [Photography pose edition]

The pose for taking a photo of a kimono is slightly different from the pose for a photo of clothes.
When wearing a kimono, the basic pose is to keep your back straight, your sides closed, and your toes closed.
To make your style look neater, we also recommend pulling the tip of one foot back a little.

There are many beautiful poses in kimono magazines, so if you’re particular about taking photos, please check them out.

Convenient things to have when walking around Kyoto in a rental kimono

When sightseeing in Kyoto wearing a rental kimono, it will be convenient to have the following items:
●Handkerchief
●Furoshiki
●Bandaid
●Clip

Handkerchief

Handkerchiefs are a must-have for kimono style!
It is strictly prohibited to wipe your wet hands on kimono fabric after washing your hands in the restroom.
If you have a handkerchief, you can use it as a napkin by draping it over your lap while eating.

Furoshiki

Furoshiki is useful when you have too many things to carry while shopping.
Not only does it serve as a durable Japanese-style eco bag, but it also has the advantage of being able to change its size to suit your belongings.

Bandaid

If you wear unfamiliar sandals or walk long distances, you may end up with blisters or blisters.
Having a few band-aids on hand will keep you worry-free when you go out.
If you quickly give it to your friend or loved one when they get hurt, it might make a little difference!

Clip

As I mentioned in the instructions for going to the bathroom, you can use the clips to neatly fold up the hem.
Clips with jagged edges or irregularities can damage kimonos, so we recommend using Japanese style clips if possible.
(If you don’t have it, you don’t have to prepare it.)

No need to be too formal! Show yourself beautifully with nice gestures and manners

We have introduced important points to check when using a kimono rental shop, as well as basic kimono etiquette.
Kimono culture has a long history, but there is no need to think about it too rigidly.
In order to wear a kimono beautifully, it is important to respect Japanese tradition and to treat the rented kimono with care.

If you have any questions about how to wear a kimono or etiquette, please feel free to ask the staff at the kimono rental store.
If you can easily resolve even the smallest questions, sightseeing in Kyoto will become even more enjoyable.

Click here for the rental kimono list