Hello and welcome from Waplus Nara –

our kimono rental shop at the Nara Park Bus Terminal

 

 

As the New Year excitement slowly settles,

we’ve entered a season where the crisp, cool winter air feels refreshing. ⛄️

 

Winter in Nara is calm and peaceful, making it the perfect time for a relaxed stroll through the city. 🦌

It’s also one of the best seasons to enjoy exploring Nara in a kimono—

quiet streets, beautiful scenery, and clear winter skies. 👘✨

When people think of Nara, they often imagine a calm, traditional ancient capital.

But recently, modern-style kimono rentals have become incredibly popular❣❣

 

You can enjoy today’s trendy looks—Western-style patterns like stripes and checks,

soft muted colors, lace collars, and other stylish arrangements that perfectly match the streets of Nara. 🎵

 

In this article, we’ll share from the perspective of Waplus Nara:

・What is a “modern kimono”?

・How is it different from retro styles?

・Tips for styling your kimono with a modern look

・Recommended accessories that pair beautifully

・Coordination examples you can wear in Nara

 

The area around Nara Park, where you can take photos with the deer, is especially photogenic—

so enjoy creating your own cute and trendy kimono outfit! 🦌📷✨

■ What Does a “Modern” Kimono Look Like?

Unlike traditional classic patterns, modern-style kimonos feature trendy designs such as:

・Clean, linear stripes and checks

・Large floral prints (often Western-style flowers) and geometric patterns

・Lace fabrics

・Soft, muted colors

・Western-inspired icons like ribbons or hearts

 

These contemporary elements create a stylish, refined look.

Because modern kimonos often use fewer colors, the overall impression is sleek and sophisticated—

perfectly matching the calm scenery around Nara Park and Kofuku-ji Temple.❣❣

 

■ What’s the Difference Between Modern and Retro Kimono?

・Retro Kimono: Features nostalgic, old-fashioned patterns inspired by the Taisho and Showa eras.

・Modern Kimono: Uses contemporary, Western-influenced designs and colors.

・Retro-Modern: A popular hybrid style that blends vintage charm with modern accents.

 

In Nara, the retro-modern style—

pairing calm-toned retro kimonos with modern accessories—

has become especially popular on social media.🎵

■ Styling Tips to Create a Modern Kimono Look

① Create a Soft, Natural Neckline for a Stylish Silhouette

Instead of keeping the collar stiff and upright,

shape it gently so it follows the natural line of your neckline.

This instantly gives your outfit a modern, relaxed look. 👘✨

 

The key is to stay neat without looking too formal—

a balanced “effortlessly polished” style is what defines modern kimono fashion. 🎵

 

② Add Personality with Colorful Obi and Accessories

Coordinating your kimono and obi in similar tones creates a clean, refined look. ✨

Then, add a vivid accent color through the obijime (obi cord) or obi accessories to instantly create a modern and stylish contrast❣❣

 

Adding small pops of color to your obi charm or haneri (collar) gives the outfit depth and makes your photos even more eye-catching. 👘📷

 

The fun of modern kimono styling lies in the balance of “subtracting and adding color” to build harmony. (⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧♡

 

③ Choose a Western-inspired Hairstyle

・Braided ponytail

・Low chignon

・Loose wavy hair

・Fluffy twin tails

These hairstyles look perfect with Nara’s townscape and, of course, photos with the deer❣❣

 

④ Add Lace or a High-Neck Inner Layer

Lace collars, frill inners, and black high-neck tops are essential items for creating a trendy modern kimono look. 🎵

 

Letting a little lace peek out from the neckline adds a beautiful mix of textures,

creating an elegant and fashionable style. (⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧♡

 

Adding frills at the sleeves or ankles also creates a unified, charming look that lets you enjoy lace from head to toe. 💕

 

By blending just the right amount of Western elements,

even a simple kimono becomes more glamorous and distinctly modern❣❣

■ Perfect Accessories for a Modern Kimono Look

① Gamaguchi or Mini Bag

A round-shaped gamaguchi purse, faux-fur bag, or leather mini bag can completely transform your look. 🎵

Pairing your kimono with a Western-style bag adds an even more modern and fashionable touch. ✨

※ You are welcome to use your own bag when going out.

 

② Round Glasses

Round eyeglasses add a retro charm,

creating a classic Taisho Roman-inspired style. 👓

※ Glasses are not available for rental—please bring your own.

 

③ Beret

A beret is a versatile accessory that looks beautiful against Nara’s calm, historic streets. ❣

It’s especially popular in autumn and winter and makes your photos look even more stylish. 👘✨

※ A limited number of berets are available for rental (first come, first served).

 

④ Lace Gloves

Black or white lace gloves instantly elevate your outfit, adding a chic and elegant touch to your hands. ✨

They are a very popular accent for modern kimono styling. 🎵

※ Lace gloves are not available for rental—please bring your own.

 

⑤ Scarves & Stoles

Check-pattern scarves and soft-toned stoles are perfect for warmth 🧣

and pair beautifully with kimono—your best friend for exploring Nara in winter. ❣❣

※ Scarves, stoles, and knit gloves are available in limited quantities (first come, first served).

 

⑥ Boots

Letting boots peek out from beneath the hem creates a stylish modern accent at your feet. ✨

※ Boots are not available for rental; please bring your own if you wish to wear them.

■ Modern Kimono Styling for Men

Men can also enjoy a stylish modern kimono look with simple additions such as:

・Check-pattern obi

・Sneakers

・A trench coat layered over the kimono

・Shoulder bags or clutch bags

 

These elements create an easy, modern impression—

resulting in a chic and contemporary men’s kimono style that looks great against the simple and elegant streets of Nara. 👘✨

※ Sneakers, coats, and shoulder or clutch bags are not available for rental. Please bring your own if you wish to use them.

※ For rental bags, we provide traditional shingenbukuro (drawstring pouches).

■ Where to Enjoy Modern Kimono in Nara

For the best modern kimono experience in Nara, visit Waplus Nara – Nara Park Bus Terminal Store. 👘

 

Located just steps away from the Nara Park Bus Terminal,

Waplus Nara offers a wide variety of modern patterns, retro styles, lace kimonos,

and many more designs to choose from.

We also provide plans that include unlimited hair styling and accessory selections❣❣

 

You can come empty-handed—everything you need is provided—

and the shop’s convenient location makes exploring Nara easy and enjoyable. 🦌🎵

Perfect even for first-time kimono wearers✨

 

If you’re unsure about coordinating your look,

simply ask our staff and we’ll help you find the perfect style❣❣

 

With Nara Park right in front of the shop,

you can meet the deer immediately after changing into your kimono. 🦌

Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are also within walking distance,

and the shop is close to the station for easy access. 🎶

 

With Nara Park right in front of the shop,

you can meet the deer immediately after changing into your kimono. 🦌

Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are also within walking distance,

and the shop is close to the station for easy access. 🎶

 

Even if you feel, “I’m not sure I can choose on my own…,” don’t worry. ❣

Our staff will gladly help coordinate your outfit so you can confidently enjoy a beautiful stroll through the charming streets of Nara in your favorite style. ( ⁎ᵕᴗᵕ⁎ )🎵

■ Enjoy Winter in the Historic City of Nara in a Kimono (´꒳`)🎶

Create a memorable page in your travel story with a kimono experience✨👘

 

It’s perfect for special occasions too! 💗

Photos and strolls in a beautiful kimono make unforgettable memories. 🍶🍁

Enjoy a day out with friends or family while experiencing traditional Japanese fashion. 🎵

 

Feel free to take a leisurely walk through Nara’s charming streets in a kimono. 🦌🎶

Let Waplus Nara help make your trip truly memorable. (´꒳`)✨

 

*゜*•.¸¸*゜*•.¸¸*•.¸¸*

 

Kimono Rental Shop

Waplus Nara　 Nara Park Bus Terminal store.

 

Address； Nara Park Bus Terminal West Wing 2F
76 Noborioji-cho, Nara City, Nara 630-8213, Japan

Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/waplusbt/