Kimono Experience: 8 of the Best Destinations in Japan


2019.12.20

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

Kimono Experience: 8 of the Best Destinations in Japan

When it comes to kimonos, places like Kyoto and Asakusa get a lot of attention.
But if you’re traveling in Japan and want a great kimono experience, there are more sights to see that complement this traditional garment.
In this guide we’ll recommend the best shops to reasonably rent kimonos and the best spots to explore for the complete kimono experience.

  • 01

    Kamakura

    Kamakura is a popular destination for those seeking a classical vibe.
    You can take the quaint Enoden Train to one of the storied shrines or soak in the atmosphere with a walk through the retro-style city streets.
    Either activity will suit your kimono nicely, regardless of the season.

    Kamakura

    Kamakura

    Best Place : Hokoku-ji Temple
    A 15-minute walk and bus ride from Kamakura Station, Hokoku-ji Temple is a bit out of the way. But when you’re sipping matcha in the tranquil bamboo gardens, it’ll be more than worth the trip.

    Hokoku-ji Temple

    Hokoku-ji Temple

    Kimono Rental Shop : VASARA
    This kimono rental is only 4 minutes’ walk from Kamakura Station.
    It also includes various options for men, children, and even couples.

    VASARA

    VASARA

    Kamakura
    place
    Kanagawa Pref
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  • 02

    Kawagoe

    Because nothing says “kimono” like “ancient Edo,” the Koedo district of Kawagoe is a must. Plus the 8, 18, and 28 of every month is Kawagoe Kimono Day, which means special discounts at certain shops for the kimono crowd.
    You’ll definitely be in good company to soak in the old-fashioned atmosphere of this charming area.

    Kawagoe

    Kawagoe

    Best Place : Kashiya Yokocho, “Penny Candy Alley”
    An alley famous for its collection of over 20 traditional Japanese candy shops, Kashiya Yokocho is a trip back to childhood in another time.
    And it won’t break the bank, either. You can buy sweets starting at just 10 yen.

    Kashiya Yokocho

    Kashiya Yokocho

    Kimono Rental Shop : Kimonoya Sara
    Kimonoya Sara offers not only standard kimonos, but also various cosplay styles, like geisha and samurai.
    There’s also a photo studio in another branch, where you can pose for the perfect picture with a professional touch.

    Kimonoya Sara

    Kimonoya Sara

    Kawagoe
    place
    Saitama Pref
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    Kawagoe Tobu Hotel

    8-1, Wakitahoncho Kawagoe Saitama

    Agoda
    • Kawagoe Tobu Hotel
    • Kawagoe Tobu Hotel
    • Kawagoe Tobu Hotel
    • Kawagoe Tobu Hotel
    • Kawagoe Tobu Hotel
  • 03

    Nikko

    Look to Nikko for natural beauty and impressive shrines.
    This popular destination features the Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and Toshogu Shrine, to name a few of the many attractions across the city.

    Best Place : Nikko Edomura, “EDO WONDERLAND”
    A recreation of 17th-century Japan, this family-friendly village is a fun stopover that keeps things lighthearted.
    Activities include ninja shows, samurai training, and all kinds of cosplay opportunities, plus funhouse type attractions modeled after historical locations.

    EDO WONDERLAND

    EDO WONDERLAND

    Kimono Rental Shop : COCON NIKKO
    This kimono shop is 6-minutes walk from Tobu Nikko Station and 9 minutes from JR Nikko Station, making it easily accessible to those stopping over in Nikko for a day or two.
    The shop offers everything you need, so you can come empty-handed and leave in a full kimono 30 minutes later.

    COCON NIKKO

    COCON NIKKO

    Nikko
    place
    Tochigi Pref
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  • 04

    Kanazawa

    Travel to Kanazawa has been made easy with the addition of the new Hokuriku Shinkansen. Delicious seafood and Japanese sweets are but two of the charms of this old world city.
    Fancy wearing a kimono and drifting from one lovely cafe to another?
    Of course you do. And Kanazawa is sure to satisfy.

    Kanazawa

    Kanazawa

    Best Place : Higashi Chaya District
    Enjoy a stroll through this historical district filled with the wooden latticework of “chaya,” or entertainment houses, and the shops and restaurants that now fill them.
    You can choose from a selection of local flavors and savor them while you wander about the town.

    Don’t forget to grab some Japanese sweets at the Café YANAGI-AN , where they offer “Cream Anmitsu” is an excellent combination of cream and sweet red bean paste.

    Higashi Chaya District

    Higashi Chaya District

    Café YANAGI-AN

    Café YANAGI-AN

    Kimono Rental Shop : KOKOYUI
    At just 5 minutes’ walk from Kanazawa Station, this kimono rental is fully-equipped, even offering interpreters and photographers. All you need to bring is yourself.

    KOKOYUI

    KOKOYUI

    Kanazawa
    place
    Ishikawa Pref
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    Via Inn Kanazawa

    1-1 Kinoshinbo-machi, Kanazawa

    Agoda
    • Via Inn Kanazawa
    • Via Inn Kanazawa
  • 05

    Kyoto

    Mention “kimono” in Japan and the Kyoto is sure to come up.
    The internationally renowned city is a hotspot for classical Japanese culture.
    Come and experience Kyoto’s singular charm for yourself.

    Kyoto

    Kyoto

    Best Place : Rurikoin
    This Buddhist temple is open to the public only twice a year from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the spring and autumn, making it an extra special experience.
    That also means that crowds are to be expected.
    You’ll want to allow plenty of time to see this rare opening of Rurikoin’s gardens, perhaps at their most enchanting during the fall and spring seasons.

    Rurikoin

    Rurikoin

    Kimono Rental Shop : wargo
    Kyoto Kimono Rental wargo has 8 locations across the city, 1 on the third floor of Kyoto Tower and only a 2-minute walk from Kyoto Station.
    If you book online, they offer the very reasonable price of 2,900 yen for a full kimono, with both dressing and accessories included.

    wargo

    wargo

    Kyoto
    place
    Kyoto
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    Sanco Inn kyoto-Hachijoguchi miyabi Shikinoyu

    48-1, Higashikujo Kamitonodacho, Minami Ku Kyoto

    Agoda
    • Sanco Inn kyoto-Hachijoguchi miyabi Shikinoyu
    • Sanco Inn kyoto-Hachijoguchi miyabi Shikinoyu
    • Sanco Inn kyoto-Hachijoguchi miyabi Shikinoyu
    • Sanco Inn kyoto-Hachijoguchi miyabi Shikinoyu
    • Sanco Inn kyoto-Hachijoguchi miyabi Shikinoyu
  • 06

    Kurashiki

    Kurashiki was originally a castle town in Okayama.
    What has it rising in popularity, though, are its charming architectural touches, such as buildings with white walls and tile roofs that line the banks of a calm river running through the town.
    Everything comes together to create that old world atmosphere.

    Kurashiki

    Kurashiki

    Best Place : Kurashiki River Boat Rides
    Take in the town’s white-walled buildings from a leisurely boat ride.
    With tickets starting at 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for children, you can sit back as your boat is poled down the relaxing Kurashiki River.
    It’s an affordable experience you shouldn’t leave Kurashiki without.

    Kurashiki River Boat Rides

    Kurashiki River Boat Rides

    Kimono Rental Shop : Kurashiki Kimono Komachi
    Kurashiki Kimono Komachi is a shop where, aside from the usual offerings, it’s also possible to rent kimonos made from the acclaimed Kojima Denim.
    Step out into the street with a local fashion that will place you firmly in your surroundings.

    Kurashiki Kimono Komachi

    Kurashiki Kimono Komachi

    Kurashiki
    place
    Okayama Pref
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  • 07

    Asakusa

    Originally the working-class area, or Shitamachi, of Tokyo, Asakusa is now home to both the city’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, and its tallest building, Tokyo Skytree.
    Tourists to Japan are bound to end up in Asakusa at some point.
    But that’s just the beginning.
    Asakusa features of wealth of opportunities to experience the many faces of Japan, from modern to historical.

    Asakusa

    Asakusa

    Best Place : Ebisuya Rickshaws
    Renting a rickshaw is your best bet to capture the various sights of Asakusa.
    You’ll get an up-close view of the area and a chance to feel like old-world aristocrats.
    Plus, if you visit during the summer, you’ll be glad someone else is doing the walking for you. The Kaminarimon Course through Asakusa is about 15 minutes and costs 3,000 yen for 1 person, 4,000 yen for 2.

    Rickshaws

    Rickshaws

    Kimono Rental Shop : Kimono Rental Yae
    With no preparation on your part necessary, Kimono Rental Yae makes things simple.
    Even rickshaw pickups are available at the shop; just let them know what time you’ll arrive beforehand.

    Kimono Rental Yae

    Kimono Rental Yae

    Asakusa(Tokyo)
    place
    Tokyo
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  • 08

    Kagurazaka

    Tucked away in the backstreets of Tokyo, Kagurazaka is brimming with character.
    Featuring an assortment of specialty shops, long standing Japanese restaurants, and even a few hidden bars, the curious streets of Kagurazaka are ripe for discovery.
    Find a spot that feels like it was made especially for you.

    Kagurazaka

    Kagurazaka

    Best Place : Manju Cafe mugimaru2
    A warm glow emanates from behind the cover of vines surrounding the entrance to mugimaru2, a secret spot that’s straight out of a Ghibli movie.
    Step inside this manju, or steamed bun, cafe and have a seat on a cushion at a low table while you chill with the cafe cat over a fresh manju.
    Feel like exploring Kagurazaka a little more? You can get a few to-go.

    Manju Cafe mugimaru2

    Manju Cafe mugimaru2

    Kimono Rental Shop : j -culture kimono-ya
    Opened in late 2018, j-culture kimono-ya is on the basement floor of the Edo Culture Complex, or EDOCCO, which offers a shop and cafe of its own.

    j -culture kimono-ya

    j -culture kimono-ya

    Kagurazaka
    place
    Tokyo
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    There’s no shortage of places to see and things to do during a trip to Japan.
    But choosing a style and pattern of kimono to suit your mood and surroundings can take your experience to the next level, making this adventure truly one to remember.

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