One of the main goals of tourists visiting Japan from overseas is to experience things that are only possible here. Japan is widely known for its incredibly unique culture worldwide, and is a country where traditions have been passed down from generation to generation, and continue to coexist alongside the modern, cutting-edge culture of the world.

Speaking of traditions, the kimono is one of Japan's most traditional clothing items. Many people who visit want to experience wearing a kimono and traveling around Tokyo.

But where can you even wear one of these kimono? And can you get past the language barrier to do so? Many people may have had these same concerns. So here, we would like to introduce popular kimono rental shops in and near Tokyo, all carefully selected as locations that overcome these hurdles!

Kimono-kan Asakusa, located just a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station, sits in one of Tokyo's top tourist spots, renowned for its quaint, old-fashioned Japanese streets and picturesque photo opportunities. This popular shop offers both yukata and full-scale kimono rentals at reasonable prices, allowing visitors to step in empty-handed and step out fully transformed, with their attire changed and hair styled, ready to explore the sights of Asakusa.

The first floor of the shop doubles as a boutique, selling a variety of items such as kimono, yukata, sandals, and kanzashi (hair ornaments), making it an ideal spot for souvenir shopping. Situated on the bustling Shin-Nakamise Shoten-gai, the area is vibrant with tourists at all hours, attracting visitors from across the globe. Why not enhance your Asakusa sightseeing experience by visiting this shop and exploring the area in beautiful traditional attire?

Asakusa Aiwafuku is a kimono rental shop located only 3 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station. The shop owner has been in the kimono industry for 40 years. Boasting over 50,000 visitors a year, it also has excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, one of the most trusted sites in the world. (As of March 2024).

You can try out your favorite kimono and yukata at a flat price from a selection of over 800 kimono brands. Included are 3 adorable accessories, such as hair ornaments, obi (sashes), and embroidered semi-collars, as well as professional hair styling. In addition, for added ease of use, there are staff available who can speak English, Taiwanese, and Chinese.

Another convenience for tourists who may be traveling with large bags and strollers is that you can store them free of charge. There is even a purikura photo booth installed in the store, which is very popular amongst tourists, so you can take purikura photos while wearing your kimono.

Located just a minute's walk from Asakusa Station, Yukata Rental Wabisabi offers an authentic dive into traditional Japanese attire, such as kimono and yukata, set against a fashionable backdrop. Run by seasoned experts with more than ten years in the beauty and traditional clothing industry, this shop boasts a rooftop renowned for its embodiment of Japanese architectural beauty, making it a prime attraction for tourists.

They offer a variety of rental options, including reasonable and authentic Japanese plans, as well as an extended rental ideal for those wishing to explore Asakusa's sights in their chosen style.

Surrounding Asakusa are key cultural sites, including the historic Hanayashiki Amusement Park, dating back to 1853 and recognized as Japan's oldest; the towering Tokyo Skytree, symbolizing modern Tokyo at 634 meters; and Kappabashi-dori, the ultimate destination for culinary tools, tableware, and realistic food replicas. This presents a perfect chance to delve into Japan's rich downtown culture and nostalgic streets.

Located just a minute from Asakusa Station and the famous Kaminarimon Gate of Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Kimono Rental DAIKICHI offers affordable kimono and yukata rentals starting at 2,068 yen (tax included). Welcoming individuals, couples, and groups, DAIKICHI provides various rental plans to meet everyone's needs. Their selection ranges from the budget-friendly Ko-Kichi Plan to the all-inclusive Dai-Kichi Plan with hair styling, and a Couples Plan with competitive pricing. DAIKICHI also offers student discounts, hakama, and luxurious furisode rentals, complete with all necessary accessories for a full look.

What makes DAIKICHI unique is its dedication to enriching your experience. A professional photography service, included in most rental plans, allows guests to capture their dressed-up moments with studio props, using either personal cameras or smartphones. They even offer a photo course for rainy days, ensuring the weather never spoils the fun. With staff fluent in English and Chinese, and sizes available for everyone from small children to adults, DAIKICHI provides a welcoming, family-friendly environment for enjoying Japanese traditional attire.

Just a three-minute stroll from Sensoji Temple, HANAYAKA Kimono & Yukata Rental immerses you in the elegance of traditional Japanese fashion. Their extensive collection boasts over 500 high-quality kimonos and yukatas to suit any taste or occasion, including the luxurious furisode and distinctive lace kimonos. Each piece is a masterpiece, ready to transform your appearance.

HANAYAKA ensures your outfit is flawlessly styled, offering hairdressing services with each rental. Choose from a variety of beautiful hair accessories to personalize and complete your look, making your experience truly unique.

The standout feature at HANAYAKA is their team of professional photographers who can capture your transformation against Asakusa's historic backdrop or in their studio. These experts provide professional-quality photos, ensuring your memories are beautifully preserved.

VASARA Kimono and Yukata Rental is among the largest kimono rental shops in Japan, with over 20 branches nationwide.

VASARA prioritizes personal expression, offering a plethora of kimono and obi designs to match your unique style. Their professional stylists ensure you look your best, handling everything from dressing you in your chosen attire to accessorizing with socks, an undershirt, an obi, a stylish kimono bag, and traditional zori sandals. For an additional touch of elegance, professional hairstyling services are also available.

With eight locations throughout Tokyo (three in Asakusa, plus Ginza, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Akihabara), VASARA is conveniently situated for visitors eager to explore the city's cultural highlights in style. Whether strolling through Asakusa, capturing moments at Shibuya Crossing, or enjoying cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, VASARA adds an element of Japanese elegance to your adventure.

Kawagoe, easily accessible by train from Tokyo, is affectionately referred to as Little Edo. Its charming cityscape, which blossomed during the Edo Period starting in 1603, remains remarkably preserved to this day.

At Yuzuya in Kawagoe, you have the opportunity to select from a wide range of kimonos and enjoy trying them on. The establishment provides everything needed for the experience, allowing visitors to arrive with nothing at all. Wearing one of these kimonos as you wander through Kawagoe, you'll feel as though you've stepped back into the Edo Period. Immortalize your visit with a photo in the quaint, historical streets of Kawagoe for a truly memorable experience.

Moreover, Yuzuya offers the chance to delve deeper into Japanese traditional culture by participating in a tea ceremony. This experience is an ideal way to connect with the authentic culture of Japan.

At Kimonoya Sara in Kawagoe, you'll find a collection of over 300 kimono items suitable for every season, all crafted from natural materials and available in a range from antique to contemporary styles. With reasonable pricing and professional dressing services included, visitors are encouraged to arrive without a worry. For those looking to fully embrace the experience, hair styling services are also available.

The shop offers unique transformation courses, enabling guests to embody iconic symbols of Japanese culture such as samurai, geisha, and maiko through the use of richly designed kimonos. These experiences are highly recommended for anyone wishing to deeply immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

With both an on-location photography course (Kawagoe stroll photo plan) and a studio photography course available, guests have the opportunity to step back in time and create lasting memories of Japan's rich historical ambiance.

In the kimono shops of Asakusa and Kawagoe where the good old days of Japan have never left, you can enjoy a variety of rich, traditional cultural experiences, including trying on a kimono.

Even if you come in empty-handed, you can enjoy yourself at a reasonable price. Please make sure to give it a try! Just wearing kimono and taking a stroll about the city will become an unforgettable experience.