More and more people are renting kimonos to enjoy strolling around Kyoto, but many are surprised to learn that the rental fee for a furisode is higher than other kimonos. There are various factors behind the price of a furisode, which makes it a special kimono.
 
In this article, an expert working at a rental shop in Kyoto explains in detail why furisode rental fees are so high.

The design and production of furisode

Gorgeous design and fabric quality

Furisode are known for their gorgeous designs and beautiful fabrics. They are usually decorated with vibrant colors and lavish patterns, which require great skill and effort.
 
The fabrics used for furisode are often high-quality materials such as silk, which in itself drives up the cost. In particular, those that are hand-dyed or hand-woven are expensive due to their beauty and rarity.

Complexity of the manufacturing process

The process of making a furisode is very complicated and takes a lot of time and effort. To complete one furisode, multiple steps are required, starting with deciding on the design, followed by dyeing, embroidery, and sewing.
 
These steps are often done by hand by skilled craftsmen, which makes the production costs high, which is why rental fees for furisode are so high.

Special occasion use

Special occasions such as coming-of-age ceremonies and weddings

Furisode are mainly worn on special occasions such as coming-of-age ceremonies and weddings, where a more gorgeous look is required than other kimonos.
 
The designs and decorations of furisode are made to be extravagant and suitable for such special occasions, and as such, the rental fees are often high.

A one-off special experience

The opportunity to wear a furisode is limited in one’s lifetime, making the experience extremely special.
 
To provide this special experience, rental shops offer the best service and furisode in good condition. Since it costs money to preserve and maintain a furisode, this is reflected in the rental fee.

Full range of dressing and accessories

Kimono dressing techniques and time

Dressing a furisode requires more advanced skills than other kimonos. A professional dresser is needed to dress the long sleeves and thick fabric beautifully. Dressing takes time, and the fee for the dressing is included in the rental fee.
 
In particular, wearing a furisode requires many accessories and complicated obi tying, which contributes to the high rental fee.

Gorgeous accessories and gadgets

When wearing a furisode, many accessories and small items are required, such as an obi, obiage, obijime, and layered collar.
 
These items are also made with luxurious designs and high-quality materials, and each enhances the beauty of the furisode. The cost of these accessories is also included in the rental fee for the furisode, making it more expensive than other kimonos.

summary

The reason why the rental fee for a furisode is higher than other kimonos is due to its luxurious design, the quality of the fabric, the complex manufacturing process, its use on special occasions, advanced dressing techniques, and the extensive range of accessories. A furisode is a special kimono that provides a special experience, and we hope you understand that in order to enjoy its beauty and luxury, it will cost a reasonable amount.
 
Please try wearing a furisode to spend your special time in Kyoto. It will surely be worth it and will be an unforgettable memory.