If you love traditional costumes, a must-have experience you will definitely
not want to miss is to try on a kimono in Kyoto, a city located just an
hour away from Osaka via train. Not to worry, it is not necessary to
purchase a Kimono which can cost a bomb. Kimono rental service is rather
common in Kyoto and you not only get the chance to wear a kimono, but
also gain a wonderful opportunity to walk around the streets of Japan
in one!
Apart
from the eating and sight-seeing, the thought of wearing a real kimono
was what really thrilled me. Hence, you can imagine the excitement I
felt when the day finally came for me to put on a kimono! This second
photo diary is dedicated to all my kimono shots taken at a well known
shrine just a stone's throw away from where I rented my kimono. Be prepared to be bombarded with lots
of images!
 |
| My favorite shot! |
To end off, here are some facts about renting a kimono in Kyoto:
1)
An appointment is usually needed, at least a few days before your
visit. You will be turned away if no appointment is made prior to the visit,
especially on busy occasions such as Sakura viewing season, weekends and
holidays.
2)
The cost of renting a kimono has risen in April 2014 and whatever
prices stated on the official website may be obsolete by now. For the
shop I went to (Yume Kyoto), the cost of rental is ether 4000 yen, 5000 yen or 8000
yen (prices not inclusive of 8% GST yet). The cost is dependent on the
design and quality of the kimono you have chosen. Make-up is NOT
included and hair setting is available at an additional 1500 yen nett.
3) Rental is available from
9am onwards and the Kimono must be returned to the shop by
5pm at the latest. Timing and conditions might differ for different shops so check before you book your appointment.
4)
The duration of choosing a kimono, wearing it and the hair-making is
around an hour. From my personal experience, the most time consuming
activity is the choosing of a kimono I like. Although I would not
describe the range of designs as extensive, I still find it somewhat
challenging to pick a design as every kimono has its own unique beauty.
5)
As a kimono is extremely expensive, it is important to return the
kimono in its original condition. Any damages will be chargeable.
6)
In case you are wondering, it is not that easy to walk around in a
kimono as it is matched with slippers without much support for the feet.
For the shop I visited, a pair of free socks were given to go with the
slippers. Also, a kimono is pretty tight at the waist with limited
allowance at the skirt area, so it is not as comfortable to wear as one
may think.
7) Is it a worthwhile experience? DEFINITELY YES!
Hope the above information is helpful for anyone who is interested to rent a Kimono!
Will return with another album next week!
Address
YUME KYOTO
300Gion-cho Higashiyama-ku Kyoto-shi
ACROSS Yasaka building 4F
TEL.075-561-9410 FAX.075-532-2012
Person in charge
OPEN : 9:00 - 18:00 （every day of the year）
E-mail: info@yumekyoto-kimono.com
website: http://yumekyoto-kimono.com/english/index.html
