Kyoto in winter is attractive with its snowy scenery, hot springs, and seasonal events. In this article, we will introduce ways to enjoy kimono even in the cold season. Why not spend a special winter time strolling through Kyoto’s winter kimono rentals? We offer a wonderful winter walking course where the warmth of a kimono and the winter scenery harmonize.

Dancing in the winter breeze: Winter preparations and recommended coordination before kimono rental

On a cold winter’s day, while the air is chilled with snowflakes dancing in the wind, it’s a luxurious time to take a walk while feeling the warmth of your kimono. On such a special winter day, it is important to prepare properly for winter before renting a kimono. Let’s prepare for a fun winter together, including choosing winter kimonos, items to protect against the cold, recommended patterns and colors that stand out in the winter landscape, and even arranging your outfits.

Basics of winter preparation: winter kimono and cold weather items

During the harsh winter season, you need to pay special attention to the material and design of your kimono. First of all, it is important to choose a winter kimono with heavy fabric or lining. This increases heat retention and keeps you comfortable even on cold days.
We especially recommend a kimono with a warm lining. Ubashi is the fabric that serves as the lining of a kimono, and winter versions have excellent heat retention. In addition, you can protect yourself from the cold by wearing layers, so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind even in cold regions.

Make a difference with accessories to protect against the cold

In the season when cold winds blow, how you use accessories has a big impact. Accessories to protect against the cold, such as gloves, tabi socks, and earmuffs, not only protect you from the cold, but also serve as an accent to your outfit.
Gloves complement your beautiful sleeves while protecting your wrists from the cold wind. Tabi adds warmth to your feet and gives them an elegant look with every step. In addition, earmuffs help prevent colds, while also creating a balance with the kimono around your face.
By skillfully incorporating these accessories, you can enjoy accents unique to the cold season.

How to choose patterns and colors that stand out in the winter landscape

Another important point is how to choose a kimono pattern and color that will look great in the winter landscape. On a snowy winter day, a light-colored kimono looks beautiful. Colors such as white, pale blue, and pink harmonize with the winter atmosphere and give a refreshing impression.
In addition, we recommend winter-like patterns with motifs of plums, pine trees, and winter flowers. These patterns give off a seasonal feel while creating a profound atmosphere.
By choosing a kimono that blends in with the winter scenery, you will be able to blend in with the beautiful surroundings while strolling, and enjoy the picturesque scenery of winter.

Highlight your individuality by arranging your outfit

At the end of your winter preparations, think about how you coordinate your outfits. For example, by changing the obi, obiage, and obijime, you can enjoy a different atmosphere with the same kimono.
On cold winter days, a warm-colored obi or an obi-age with delicate embroidery is perfect. By using these accessories to coordinate your outfit, your kimono appearance will stand out even more and your individuality will shine through.
Accessories are also an important point. We recommend items that use pearls or crystals to bring out the winter season. Use these accessories skillfully to create a gorgeous winter-like impression.

Visiting famous places in Kyoto in winter – Recommended spots that blend in with the snowy scenery

Kyoto in winter is especially attractive with its calm tranquility and beautiful snowy scenery. Walking in a kimono amid falling snow brings out the tradition and beauty of Kyoto even more. Here we will introduce recommended spots that blend in with the snowy scenery. We will tell you how to enjoy the beauty of Kyoto to your heart’s content, such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, which can only be seen in winter. In addition, enjoy a special winter stroll in Kyoto with winter-only events and illuminations.

Kiyomizudera – Silence dancing with the snow

In winter, Kiyomizu-dera Temple stands out in its beauty under the falling snow. It’s a particularly beautiful moment, with the snow-covered gardens and trees shining white and harmonizing with the temple’s historic building. Here, you can enjoy praying and walking around in a quiet atmosphere while wearing a kimono.
We especially recommend visiting on a bluish snowy day. The sight of Kiyomizu-dera’s three-story pagoda and main hall covered in snow is truly picturesque. The kimono shines in the silvery light, further enhancing the harmony with the snowy scenery.

Kinkakuji – Zen beauty colored with snow

Kinkaku-ji Temple also takes on a new beauty with the arrival of winter. In particular, the sight of the temple’s gold leaf covered in snow is a magical sight that fascinates visitors. At Kinkakuji Temple in winter, you can feel the beauty of Zen and the harmony of nature by walking quietly while wearing a kimono.
On snowy days at Kinkaku-ji, the pond around the temple may freeze and you can even walk on it. Enjoying this winter experience in a kimono will make your memories even more special.

Arashiyama – Bamboo forest colorful with snowy scenery

Arashiyama’s bamboo forest also pairs perfectly with the snowy winter scenery. The cold winter light that shines through the bamboo leaves illuminates the bamboo forest mysteriously. Strolling around in a kimono in this atmospheric place will make you feel as if time has stopped.
In Arashiyama in winter, the view from Togetsukyo Bridge is also exceptional. The beautiful contrast between the snow-capped mountains and the bamboo reflected on the river surface will remain in your mind as a unique Kyoto landscape.

Kimono coordination ideas

Coordinating your kimono is also an important point in order to enjoy your kimono stroll at these famous spots even more. When choosing a haori or obi to protect yourself from the cold, incorporate winter-like colors and patterns to make the season more distinct. We particularly recommend warm reds, deep blues, and patterns inspired by winter flowers.
For your feet, be creative with the footwear you wear. Choose warm tabi socks or thick socks to reduce the discomfort caused by the cold. You can also add a hat or parasol to match the winter sunshine to make your outfit even more fashionable.

Winter-only events and light-ups

Winter-only events and illuminations are essential when visiting Kyoto’s famous spots in winter. For example, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama have special illuminations at night. The temples and bamboo groves illuminated by the snow create a fantastical beauty that is completely different from the daytime.
In winter in Kyoto, many special events are held during the year-end and New Year holidays. For example, you may be able to participate in traditional events such as New Year’s shrine visit and New Year’s Eve events. Participating in a kimono will make these events even more interesting.

Color your winter night – enjoy a winter night stroll in kimono

On winter nights, the streets of Kyoto are enveloped in a magical atmosphere, with illuminated buildings and street trees sparkling. This winter, we will introduce recommended spots and courses for you to spend a special time in Kyoto at night. We will provide you with information on how to enjoy a night stroll in kimono, from Gion’s elegant streets and narrow alleys to special winter events. On a winter night, why not enjoy a special moment while feeling the warmth of being wrapped in a kimono and taking in the beautiful night view of Kyoto?

Walking through the night view of Gion

Gion is lit up at night, making the quaint streets even more beautiful. Gion has a particularly calm atmosphere at night, and the historic buildings and traditional teahouses are lit up, highlighting their beauty.
When you take a stroll through Gion at night, you can make new discoveries as you slowly walk through the narrow alleys of Pontocho and Kiyamachi. By walking around in a kimono, you can enjoy the nighttime atmosphere while blending into the atmosphere of Gion. We also recommend dining at stylish izakayas and traditional restaurants. Walking around Gion in a kimono at night will be a special moment where you can feel the history and culture of Kyoto.

Narrow alley tour

There are many narrow alleys in the old streets of Kyoto. At night, these alleys take on a quiet atmosphere, making for a quaint nighttime stroll. Especially on winter nights, the illuminated townscape creates a magical atmosphere.
As you wander through the narrow alleys, you will see traditional townscapes, old folk houses, and small temples. You can enjoy the seasonal atmosphere while wearing a kimono while slowly walking through the narrow alleys at night. The alleys are dotted with artistic murals and unique cafes, so unexpected discoveries await.

Winter illumination event

Beautiful illumination events are held in various places in Kyoto in winter. These events make the city even more colorful at night and make winter nights special. Among them, enjoying the illuminations while wearing a kimono is a luxurious moment that can only be experienced in winter in Kyoto.
For example, in gardens such as Kyoto Gyoen National Garden and Nanzenji Temple, the illuminated snowscapes create a magical atmosphere. By walking in a kimono, the beauty of the illuminations and the style of the kimono harmonize, creating a special winter night.

Kimono coordination tips

Coordinating your kimono is especially important when strolling at night in winter. As a measure against the cold, you can wear a kimono and still feel comfortable by wearing a haori or undercover. It’s also a good idea to wear layers and warm underwear to protect yourself from the cold that comes with the cold nights.
Chic and calm colors are recommended for evening kimono coordination. Incorporating colors that stand out in the winter nightscape, such as deep red, navy blue, and green, will further enhance the atmosphere. Choose accessories that match the illuminated night view and keep the overall balance in mind.