Renting a kimono or yukata and visiting Kyoto’s famous spots is a very popular way to enjoy sightseeing. Starting from Kyoto’s Gion-Shijo Station, renting a kimono or yukata and sightseeing around Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple is a wonderful way to fully enjoy the charm of Kyoto.
 
In this article, the author, who works at a rental shop in Kyoto, will introduce everything from how to rent kimonos and yukata to recommended sightseeing routes. If you refer to this, your trip to Kyoto will be even more memorable.

Rental shops around Gion Shijo Station

There are many kimono and yukata rental shops around Gion-Shijo Station in Kyoto. Renting a kimono before sightseeing in this easily accessible area is ideal.
 
Here we will introduce some particularly recommended rental shops.

Rental Japanese clothes Hannari

Located a 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, we have a wide variety of kimono and yukata designs. The staff are friendly and even first-time users can use it with confidence.

Kyokomachi Rental

Located just a 3-minute walk from the station, we offer a wide range of Japanese clothing, from casual to formal. There are discounts available for advance reservations, so we recommend planning your visit accordingly.

Waplus Kyoto Yasaka Shrine store

This convenient shop is located right next to Yasaka Shrine, so you can easily stop by during your sightseeing. We have a wide variety of kimonos and yukatas, and are especially popular with foreign tourists.

Rental process

The basic flow at any rental shop is as follows:

reserve

Booking online in advance will reduce wait times on the day.

Visit/selection

Visit the store and choose a kimono, yukata, obi, and accessories. The staff will give you detailed advice, so you can choose the outfit that suits your taste and season.

dressing

A professional kimono fitter will help you quickly put on your kimono. It is safe even for those who are not used to it.

Hair set (optional)

Hair styling services are also available for those who request them at an additional charge. A hairstyle that matches your Japanese clothes will make your look even more gorgeous.

Stroll around Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine, located just a few minutes’ walk from Gion-Shijo Station, is the perfect spot to visit in kimono.

Recommended walking courses

Yasaka Shrine is known as the guardian deity of Kyoto and is also famous as the center of the Gion Festival. The grounds are spacious and you can enjoy beautiful architecture and gardens. It is especially a great location to take photos in Japanese clothes.

Main shrine

Visit the shrine in a sacred atmosphere and enjoy taking commemorative photos in kimono.

Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park, adjacent to Yasaka Shrine, is a place where you can enjoy nature in all four seasons. The cherry blossoms in the spring and the autumn leaves in the fall are beautiful, making it perfect for a walk in Japanese clothes.

Gion area

Near Yasaka Shrine is the Gion area, where you can feel the atmosphere of Kyoto. Lined with cobblestone streets and traditional townhouses, walking around in Japanese clothing will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time.

The road to Kiyomizu-dera

It is about a 20 minute walk from Yasaka Shrine to Kiyomizu Temple. Strolling through the quaint townscape is a special experience that can only be experienced while wearing kimono.

The road to Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka

On the way from Yasaka Shrine to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, there are two scenic slopes called Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. The area is lined with old townhouses and souvenir shops, making it a great place to stroll.

Sanneizaka

Continuing further, you will arrive at Sannenzaka, which leads to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This slope is also lined with old-fashioned buildings, and there are many spots where you can take photos while walking in Japanese clothing.

Highlights of Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most famous tourist destinations. The view from the stage in the main hall is especially spectacular, and is perfect for taking commemorative photos in Japanese clothes.

main hall stage

From the stage of the main hall located on a hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto city. You can enjoy the scenery of each season, so you can experience different beauty depending on the season you visit.

Otowa Falls

At Otowa Falls, known for its famous water from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, you can experience drawing water. If you visit in kimono, you can feel the Japanese tradition even more.

summary

Starting from Kyoto’s Gion-Shijo Station, renting a kimono or yukata and sightseeing around Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple is a great way to enjoy all that Kyoto has to offer.
 
Please take a look at everything from how to use rental shops to recommended sightseeing routes and experience a special trip to Kyoto in kimono. Walking around in Japanese clothes will be a memory that will last a lifetime.