Enjoy Asakusa in Kimono! A Complete Guide from Rental to Photography and Experience Spots

 

Have you always wanted to stroll around the retro Asakusa in a kimono, but have given up on the idea because you have never worn one before? If you wear a kimono on a girls' trip or as a couple and take pictures, it will be a wonderful memory. So, for women who want to explore Asakusa in kimono, here are some stores where you can rent cute kimonos and recommended photo shooting spots.

4 Recommended Kimono Rental Shops in Asakusa

Asakusa is popular among foreigners and one of Tokyo's most popular tourist spots, and there are many stores where you can easily rent kimonos. Here are some stores where you can leave everything from dressing to haircuts to them, even if you are a kimono beginner.

Kimono Rental VASARA Asakusa Main Store

VASARA Asakusa is located only a 0-minute walk from Asakusa subway station, so you can go sightseeing right after getting dressed.

 

Kimono rentals are available from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the last return time is 10:00 pm, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the city after dinner. The last return time is 10:00 p.m., so you have time to relax after dinner and enjoy the city at night. While many rental stores have early return times, this is a good option because you can relax without worrying about the time. There is also a special Twilight Pack that allows you to rent kimonos and yukatas from 3:00 p.m. until the next day, so it is also recommended for those who want to go out in the evening or enjoy a night out in a slightly nicer kimono.

Kimono Rental VASARA also offers a "Tea Ceremony Experience Plan" where you can enjoy an authentic tea ceremony. After changing into a kimono, you will be taken to the tea ceremony experience store for the experience. Even if it is your first time, you can rest assured that you will receive a detailed lecture on everything from how to make tea to how to enjoy sweets.

In addition to the main Asakusa store, there are also Asakusa Ekimae and Sensoji stores nearby, which offer different plans.

 

Rental fee] Standard plan: 3,278 yen (tax included), Couple standard: 7,656 yen (tax included)

Business days and hours] 9:00 - 22:00 (last return at 22:00)

Reservation system/No reservation required】Web or phone reservation/If space is available, same-day reservation is possible

Lineup (number of items, areas of specialty, etc.)] More than 30,000 kimono designs, including modern and classic patterns.

Website URL] https://vasara-h.co.jp/

 

Ewha Wafuku

Rika Wafuku Asakusa is located a 3-minute walk from Sensoji Temple. With over 30,000 customers a year, it is the largest rental store in Asakusa. All kimonos are priced at a flat rate, so you can choose the one you like without worrying about extra fees. The option to experience the tea ceremony in a real tea room is only available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1:00 p.m., but I recommend it because it is a valuable experience to enjoy the traditional Japanese tea ceremony in a kimono. It would be a good idea to experience it with a friend or a couple.

 

Rental Fee] Hair Set Plan: 5,478 yen (tax included), Couple Plan: 9,350 yen (tax included) *Prices are available on weekends and holidays.

Business days and hours] 9:30 - 18:00 (last return at 17:30)

Reservation system: Web or phone reservation; same-day service available if space is available.

Lineup (number of items, specialties, etc.)] Retro-style kimonos, girly kimonos, authentic kimonos, etc.

Website URL] https://ewha-yifu.com/

 

Kimono rental wargo Tokyo Asakusa

If you want to rent a kimono at a reasonable price, kimono rental wargo Tokyo Asakusa is the place to go. A plan that includes a hair set starts at a surprisingly low 3,278 yen (tax included). Even if it is your first time to wear a kimono, you can easily experience it.

 

Rental fee] Standard plan: 3,278 yen (tax included), Couple's standard plan: 6,336 yen (tax included)

Additional fee for events: 1,000 yen

Business days and hours] 10:00 - 17:00 (last return 16:30)

Reservation system/No reservation necessary] Web or phone reservation/If there is a vacancy, it can be accepted on the day.

Lineup (number of items, specialties, etc.)] Over 20,000 kimonos in stock. This is the only place where you can rent Tame Chiyo Modern kimonos.

Website URL] https://kyotokimono-rental.com/

 

Aiwafuku

For those who want to experience a different kind of coordination. For those who want to try something different, Aiwafuku is the place to go for antique kimono. Depending on how you match the accessories, you can wear it in a cute or Taisho-roman style. In addition, you can rest assured that the prices are uniform no matter which kimono you choose. There are three stores in Asakusa, and you can choose one that is easy to make an appointment at. There is also an option to experience a tea ceremony at the Chazen tea house, located a 10-minute walk from the store. If you enjoy the Japanese tradition of tea ceremony in a kimono, you may forget the hustle and bustle of the city and feel peaceful. The best part of renting a kimono is that you get to experience something that is usually hard to do.

 

Rental Price] Asakusa Kimono Beauty (1 Day) Rental Plan: 4,300 yen (tax included), Couple (1 Day) Plan: 7,300 yen (tax included)

Business days and hours] 9:00-18:00 (last return 16:30)

Reservation system / No reservation required] Web, e-mail, or phone reservation / Make a reservation at least one day before use

Lineup (number of items, specialties, etc.)] A wide variety of antique kimonos and more than 200 men's kimonos are available.

Website URL] http://aiwafuku.com/

4 Places in Asakusa to visit in Kimono

Once you've finished dressing up, head out to Asakusa's sightseeing spots! It's a great way to take lots of pictures in quaint places and experience Japanese culture in a kimono. Let's take a look at some of the must-see photo spots in Asakusa and some of the cultural experiences you can enjoy with a kimono.

 

First, take a picture at Kaminarimon!

Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) is an unmissable photo spot in Asakusa. The large red lantern with "Kaminarimon" written on it was donated by Konosuke Matsushita, the president of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. It is 3.9 meters high, 3.3 meters in diameter, weighs 700 kilograms, and is a famous symbol of Asakusa. The Kaminarimon, officially called the "Wind God and Thunder God Gate," is the main gate of Senso-ji Temple and also the starting point of Nakamise Street. Kaminarimon is only a few minutes' walk from Asakusa Station on the Tobu Nikko Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Tokyo Metro, and Tsukuba Express, making it easily accessible.

 

Let's walk along the Nakamise Shopping Street

The Nakamise Shopping Street is one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan. There are 54 stores on the east side and 35 stores on the west side along the 250-meter long cobblestone street that runs from Kaminarimon to Senso-ji Temple's Hozomon Gate. It is fun to just walk around and look around, but eating freshly made Japanese sweets such as Kaminari Okoshi and Ningyo-yaki is recommended. However, eating and walking in the street is prohibited, so please be careful not to disturb other passersby.

After passing through the Nakamise shopping street, you will see the main hall of Sensoji Temple right in front of you. After paying your respects, take pictures in the temple grounds. In addition to the main hall, there are many other spots that are perfect for kimono-clad people, such as the Joko Koro (Incense Burner) and the five-story pagoda.

 

The stores in the Nakamise shopping street all have different hours of operation, but they open from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. and close around 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

 

Goldfish scooping in a kimono!

At Asakusa Kingyou, you can scoop goldfish any time of the year and enjoy the atmosphere of the festival. It's indoors, so you don't have to worry about the temperature or weather. In the center of the store, which is lined with goldfish patterned tableware, tenugui (hand towels), and other small items, is a water tank made of Japanese cypress, in which various kinds of goldfish are swimming. The container for scooping goldfish is also made of Japanese cypress, adding to the atmosphere. If you take a picture of yourself in a kimono enjoying goldfish scooping and the cute interior of the store, you are sure to get a great picture.

 

Name of the store: Asakusa Kingyou

Address and Access] 2-7-13 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Nishisando shopping street, marked by Asakusa Kagetsu-do selling "Jumbo Merompan".

Price] 300 yen for two poi.

Closed/open hours] 9:00 - 16:30

Contact information: (TEL) 03-3847-5251

Website URL] https://asakusa-kingyo.crayonsite.net/

 

Let's experience the tea ceremony in a kimono!

If you've gone to the trouble of wearing a kimono, it's a good idea to experience something you wouldn't normally do. Asakusa Chazen was opened by a teacher with over 30 years of experience in tea ceremony, who wanted to share the beauty of traditional Japanese culture. Anyone can experience the tea ceremony in an authentic tea room with a nijiriguchi, a small doorway unique to tea rooms, and a tsukubai, a bowl of water.

Not only will you learn about tea ceremony etiquette and how to make tea from a master, but you will also be able to make your own green tea by grinding a tea mortar and pouring tea.

 

Name of the store: Asakusa Chazen

Price] 3,500 yen (tax included)

Address and Access] Benkyodo Bldg. 5F, 1-4-7 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 2 minutes walk from Kaminarimon, along Orange Street

【Closed & Hours】 Every hour from 10:00 (Last admission at 17:00)

Contact (e-mail) info@chazen-co.jp

[Website URL] https://teaceremony-tokyo.jp

Points to note when strolling around Asakusa in a kimono

When you have to wear kimono for a long time, which you don't usually wear, you are worried about getting tired and losing your clothes. Here is an explanation of what you should keep in mind when strolling around Asakusa in a kimono, so that you can maintain your beautiful outfit.

 

Kimonos that are easy to move in and how to wear them

In order to fully enjoy Asakusa with its many attractions, it is important not only to look good in a kimono, but also to be able to move easily. To enjoy sightseeing, ask the store owner to select a kimono that is made of light material and is easy to move in. Also, if the obi is too tight, it may cause difficulty in movement and deterioration of your physical condition, but you can make it more comfortable by adjusting the way you fasten it. When having your obi tightened, exhale and relax. The key to selecting zori is to choose zori with low heels and cushioning. Zori with a high heel will make you look more stylish, but keep in mind that they should also be easy to walk in.

 

Plan well and act early

When you wear a kimono, it is difficult to run and climb stairs, making it difficult to act smoothly. A plan that allows you to take your time in one place is a good idea if you are tired of walking around.

 

Pay attention to the restroom!

When you spend a lot of time in a kimono, you may worry about the restroom. When you spend a long time in a kimono, you need to worry about the bathroom. 

The store information and prices are subject to change.

 Many people who visit Asakusa, one of Tokyo's most famous downtown areas, want to take a stroll in a kimono. Asakusa has many photo-worthy spots, delicious restaurants, and souvenir stores selling cute accessories. It may be uncomfortable to spend long hours in an unfamiliar kimono, but the unusual experience will surely leave a lasting impression. I hope you can have a wonderful time with your friends and loved ones, referring to the tips for choosing a kimono that is easy to move around in.