“It’s forecast to rain on the day I go to Kyoto in a rental kimono!”
While kimonos are beautiful and attractive, they are often more delicate than Western clothes, so many people may be confused when they hear that rain is forecast.

So this time, we’ll introducehow to wear a kimono for rainy days and some spots in Kyoto that you can enjoy even on rainy days. Please use this as a reference so that you can relax and enjoy your outing even in the rain.

[Fashion] Comfortable with a little ingenuity ♪ Measures for rainy days in kimono

In order not to panic when going out in a kimono on a rainy day, it is important to think about precautions in advance.

The following are the main ways to wear a kimono on a rainy day.

• Choose a kimono made of polyester material
• Wear rain sandals/urethane sandals
• Use an umbrella to make yourself feel better
• Wear a rain coat

Let’s check them one by one.

Choose a kimono made of polyester material

Even if you are careful not to get your kimono wet on rainy days, umbrellas and rain-soaked bags can damage the fabric. Therefore, it is recommended that you choose a kimono made of polyester that is easy to wash.

Kimonos made of polyester material are available in a wide range of designs, from cute to mature designs. From the casual “komon” to the formal “homongi,” you’ll be able to find something that’s perfect for where you’re going.

Wear rain sandals/urethane sandals

On rainy days, please be especially careful of your feet.
The toes of rain sandals are covered with vinyl material to prevent the tabi from getting dirty. However, rain sandals can seem a little exaggerated when you say, “It’s raining in the morning, but it’s sunny in the afternoon,” or “I spend most of my time indoors.”

Therefore, if you want to easily protect yourself from the rain, we recommend urethane sandals.
The base of urethane sandals is resistant to water stains, making them easy to wear even on damp days.

Use an umbrella to make yourself feel better

Your favorite umbrella will brighten up your mood even on rainy days.
The umbrella that goes well with your kimono doesn’t have to be a Japanese umbrella. Folding umbrellas are also useful for keeping your luggage compact when you go out.
If you choose an umbrella with a tone that matches the color of your kimono or obi, you will look much more fashionable while holding an umbrella.

Wear a rain coat

If you are worried about your kimono getting wet due to crosswinds even if you carry an umbrella, you can wear a rain coat for your kimono.
Generally, rain coats come in a one-part style (dōchu-gi), but there are also two-part types (dōchu-gi), which have an upper and lower part. Many are made of polyester material and are soft and comfortable to wear.

[Fashion] Tips for sightseeing beautifully in a kimono even on rainy days

When going out in a kimono on a rainy day, be sure to check your behavior and attitude.

Walk slowly and don’t rush

It’s slippery on rainy days, and you can’t take long strides in a kimono. Please give yourself plenty of time and try to walk slowly and narrowly.
People who stay calm and unfazed by the rain give off an indescribable aura and beauty. In order to look beautiful in kimono, be aware of your calm behavior.

Pull up your hemline on stairs

The hem of your kimono tends to get dirty when you go up and down the stairs. On rainy days, the floor will be wet, so be careful not to let your hem touch the edge of the stairs.
If you hold the hem just below the obi (around the right thigh) with your hands, pulling it up a little, you can prevent it from getting dirty and give it a sophisticated look.

Use buses and taxis without overdoing it

Even if you are wearing an umbrella or a raincoat, walking for long periods of time in the rain can be exhausting.
When traveling far away, it is important to use buses, taxis, trains, etc. as appropriate. Choosing a method of transportation that doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable will give you a relaxed look in your kimono.

[Fashion] Kimono rental on rainy days is safe with Waplus Kyoto!

If you want to enjoy renting a kimono in Kyoto on a rainy day, we recommend the rental kimono shop in Gion, “Waplus Kyoto.
Reservations are required, so you can relax and enjoy wearing a kimono even on rainy days.

[Why Waplus Kyoto is recommended even on rainy days]

• Urethane sandals available for rental (limited quantity)
• You can join the Kimono Anshin Pack

If you subscribe to the “Kimono Anshin Pack” (550 yen), you will not be charged any cleaning fees if your kimono is damaged or has rain stains. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact our store staff.

Click here for kimono rental plans and prices

[Tourist destination] How to choose a fun destination even on rainy days

If you are sightseeing in a kimono on a rainy day, you can have fun and have fun by choosing the following places.

• Where there is a roof
• Relaxing coffee shop
• A place where you can feel nature
• Cobblestone street

Where there is a roof

Shrines, temples, and shopping streets with roofs are spots where you can enjoy sightseeing without using an umbrella.
The advantage of this place is that on rainy days there are relatively few tourists, even if it’s a place that you pass by in a hurry on a sunny day. Just listening to the sound of the rain and watching nature and people come and go will give you a sense of calm.

Relaxing coffee shop

Coffee shops and cafes are also popular tourist attractions on rainy days.
You can also enjoy delicious coffee, tea, and sweets, and have fun conversations with your friends and loved ones. Checking out a few stores before you go out will help you choose the one that will give you the most satisfaction.

A place where you can feel nature

Plants and trees on rainy days look completely different from those on sunny days. It’s a good idea to take a closer look at nature, such as the leaves wet with rain and the rustling sound of the road.
The contrast between the stillness of the rain and the gorgeous kimono makes for a great photo opportunity.

Cobblestone street

Cobblestone pavement is the perfect place to feel the rainy atmosphere. The reflection of houses, nature, lighting, etc. in the puddle is perfect for social media.
Stone pavements also have the advantage that sandals are less likely to get dirty than streets made of dirt.

[Tourist destination] Recommended spots in Kyoto on a rainy day

We have put together a list of recommended places to visit in Kyoto on a rainy day. Please use this as a reference to discover the unique atmosphere and ways to enjoy the rain.

Gion Shirakawa

Shirakawa is a river that flows through the town of Kyoto. In particular, the area around Tatsumi Bridge is called Gion Shirakawa, and is a frequently used spot for filming dramas and movies.
It is also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring, so the surrounding restaurants are also busy. It has an elegant and classy atmosphere typical of Gion, and the scenery is even more dramatic on rainy days.

■Location: Along Shirakawa Minami-dori, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
■Gion Shirakawa official website

Yasaka Street

Yasaka Street is a stone-paved street also known as Yumemizaka. It’s a slope about 200 meters in front of Hokanji’s Yasaka Pagoda, and it’s a perfect spot for a commemorative photo.
It’s also a great spot to take a break while shopping for sweets and souvenirs when heading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

■Location: Yasaka-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0933
■Gion/Kiyomizu-dera area official website

Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street

Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street is located about a 15-minute walk west of Gion-Shijo Station.
A shopping street with a roof means you don’t have to worry about carrying an umbrella every time you go in and out of a store. In addition to restaurants, there are all kinds of shops, from Kyoto souvenirs to entertainment.

■Location: Eirakucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8091
■Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping District Official Website

Nishiki Market Shopping Street

Nishiki Market Shopping Street with an arcade is located about a 3-minute walk from Karasuma Station.
It has a history of over 400 years, and its appeal is that you can discover Kyoto’s rare food culture. You can walk around the shopping district in VR from the official website, so if you want to do some research in advance, please give it a try.

■Location: 609 Nishidaimonji-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 604-8054
■Nishiki Market Shopping District Official Website

Summary｜On a rainy day, take a walk in a kimono and enjoy the blessings of nature

We have introduced tips on how to wear a kimono on rainy days and recommended sightseeing spots in Kyoto.
Rainy days tend to make you feel gloomy, but there are fewer people than on sunny days, so it’s also a chance to relax.
Enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto in a rental kimono that you don’t have to worry about taking care of. You will be able to discover the atmosphere of Kyoto that can only be experienced in the rain while being energized by the gorgeous kimono.

Click here for reservations and inquiries about Waplus Kyoto