Hey there. Chances are, you stumbled upon this blog post while planning your trip to Tokyo and you’re looking for some info on how to make your trip exceptional. You’re probably wondering where to a rent a kimono in Tokyo or where to rent a kimono in Asakusa. Traveling Japan is an extraordinary experience and now you’re thinking about a kimono Tokyo rental.
There are many shops for kimono rental in Asakusa, and sometimes it can be super overwhelming. Like how can you tell which place is the best?
I’ve got you covered because after living in Japan for three years, and speaking quite a bit of the language, I’ve got you covered. I only choose the best services and experiences to make all your travel dreams come true. Enter Kimono Rentals Asakusa Yae with an exceptional location, staff, and kimono rental service in Tokyo.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE AT KIMONO RENTALS YAE ASAKUSA TOKYO
The Experience
Let’s be real kids, does it get any better than a kimono wearing experience in Tokyo? The moment we entered the shop on the sixth floor, we were greeted by Atsuko, who was very sweet and showed us around. The staff’s English is wonderful and they even have staff who can speak Chinese AND Korean! Like how awesome is that for ease and inclusivity of the guests?
While we were being taken around the shop, I noticed Asakusa Kimono Rental Yae was providing the most luxurious, sophisticated, traditional and beautiful kimonos out there. There were so many to choose from it was hard to start!
Pro Tip: If you want a kimono rental and photoshoot in Tokyo, Kimono Rental Yae will arrange a photographer for you and even reserve a rickshaw for you if you choose. By going above and beyond like this, Yae is the best kimono rental shop in Asakusa.
Kimono Rental Asakusa Price
There are several kimono rental packages to choose from and something that will fit everyone’s budget. Kimono Rentals Yae even offers packages for men and children traveling together. Plans start at 5,400 yen and go up to 18,900 yen depending on which package you choose.
What you get:
- Hair styling complete with beautiful hair accessories and ornaments.
- Accessories such a purse to go with your beautiful kimono.
- In the winter, a fur hoari or shawl is provided to keep you warm while you enjoy your experience. Other shops will charge extra for this accessory.
- One full day of rental which must be returned at 5:30pm. (If you want to keep it until the next day, there is an extra charge of 1,100 yen for a regular kimono and 2,200 yen for a hakama, furisode, and homongi.)
- Safe storage of your belongings while you go about your day.
How to Book
Booking is legit super easy. You can make an appointment for any time you like from 9:30am – 5:30pm. To maximize your experience, you should book as early as possible that way you have as much time as you like to wander around the temple area and take photos. Click on the button below to make your reservation. It should be at least 48 hours prior to when you want to go.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE AT KIMONO RENTALS YAE ASAKUSA TOKYO
Choosing the Furisode
When you try on a kimono, I highly recommend you go big or go home. Obviously the only choice is to go all out. Kimono are such a beautiful part of Japanese culture, I had a real FOMO.
Kimono Rentals Yae in Asakusa, Tokyo has two floors exclusively devoted to the business. The sixth floor is just hundreds of kimono lining the walls along with obi or belts to mix and match. The staff will help you mix and match and recommend the best combinations.
The Furisode is a style of kimono distinguishable by its long sleeves and very colorful patterns. This is the most formal style worn by unmarried women in Japan. This is usually to symbolize when a young woman has turned 20 for coming age and to symbolize a coming out into society.
A furisode is more brightly colored to attract the attention of men and try to catch a husband. I regret to inform you all, I didn’t capture my Japanese bishounen prince, but I did capture something even better… Unforgettable memories.
Parts of the Kimono
So the kimono… This magical and mystical garment you’ve seen on TV or books or entertainment. What are the different parts that go into it? So you’re not a complete noob, here’s some vocab to help you be a kimono pro.
Nagajuban— This is usually a white slip worn under the kimono. Since it’s very difficult to clean the kimono, it’s a practical item. Usually, you only see the collar and some have replaceable collars for cleaning purposes.
Hiyoku— These are robes meant to be worn under the kimono. Historically kimonos had up to twenty layers with a variety of purposes and meanings. Usually geisha and brides wear their kimono like this.
Datejime— This is usually worn under your kimono and is a decorative sash.
Obi— This is the wide silk sash and worn outside the kimono. They come in many different varieties and it’s usually super complex to wrap and tie it. Usually there’s always a bunch of accessories to make the obi look wider and make it stay. The obi also has a bunch of meaning depending on how its tied.
Tabi— These are white and food shaped non elastic socks that are typically worn with the kimono.
Zori— Kimono are typically worn with a formal sandal called zori.
Getting Dressed
After you choose your kimono you should allow ample time to get dressed. The furisode kimono is very complex to put on. First, a white slip was added to absorb the sweat under my kimono. Then, towels were added. In old times, it wasn’t very common to show the curves and contour of a woman’s body. The more straight the kimono on your body, the more elegant you were perceived.
I have a small waist and wide hips so they had their work cut out for them as they added more towels and bound my chest area. I’m all for this elegance because back in the day, it left more to the imagination. 😉
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE AT KIMONO RENTALS YAE ASAKUSA TOKYO
The process of putting on what’s beneath is also an art because it helps keep the wearer comfortable and the robes from falling apart. I’ll have to admit, I had no idea this much when under the kimono, but I learn something new every time I travel.
Pro Tip: When walking in your kimono, make sure to take small strides so that the slit in the side doesn’t open and you look more elegant. Also, make sure that you stand up straight.
Kimono Sizing
If you’re thinking, “Oh no! I’m so short! Or I’m way too tall!” Don’t worry. Kimono Rentals Yae Asakusa, Tokyo has got you covered. If you’re on the short side… Well, most Japanese women are pretty short so the kimonos will fit you just fine.
If you’re a gal who is traveling and a bit more on the taller side, they also carry kimonos for you long legged folks.
Now here’s the real kicker… What if I’m plus size? Can plus size girls fit in a kimono? As a seasoned plus size traveler in Japan, I’m here to tell you…. YES.
I’m not afraid to disclose what size I am and share tips for other bigger travelers. I’m not a small woman. At 5’7 (170cm) and a US size 12, that is pretty much a size fat in Asia. (Whereas everywhere else in the world that would be more normal.) I fit just fine in the kimono except when I was sitting. I would say the maximum size able to fit in a kimono at Yae would probably be about a US size 14.
Also, amazing news! When I lived in Japan before, there were no shoes available above a size eight. Now, they have sandals made for bigger feet and I am pleased to say my size nine feet fit in the sandals that went with the kimono.
Related: Fun and Cheap Things to Do in Tokyo
Hair Styling
A day as a beautiful princess wouldn’t be complete without a crown of finely styled hair now would it? Once you’re dressed and ready to go, a stylist will take you and give you a book of what you would like done to your hair.
They have recommendations for short, medium, and long hair. Once you choose a hairstyle, it probably takes about 15 minutes to style your hair and choose a beautiful hair ornament to adorn it.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE AT KIMONO RENTALS YAE ASAKUSA TOKYO
Where to Take Photos
Anywhere around Sensoji is absolutely scenic. If you’re feeling that wearing kimono is cultural appropriation and you feel odd, just stop. I’ve worn yukata more times than I can count while I lived in Okinawa and I can tell you I’ve gotten so many compliments. The same went for wearing kimono in Asakusa. People told us how beautiful we looked and they liked how we were appreciating their culture.
Pro Tip: Having a Tokyo kimono dressing in Asakusa and rickshaw ride is something so unique. As soon as you walk out of the store, beautifully styled, there are rickshaw drivers ready to take you around if you choose.
Also, if you couldn’t tell, this is a shameless excuse for me to share my photography because as you all know, I love da gram and I love sharing photos of my travels.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE AT KIMONO RENTALS YAE ASAKUSA TOKYO
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a reservation on the same day?
You can provided there is an opening. It’s better to book ahead of time or if your schedule allowed this for last minute, please call Yae at +81 03-6886-4256 and they will let you know if there’s any availability.
Can I leave my belongings in the store?
Yes, you can! You will be given a bag and a ticket. Yae will take care of your belongings. Of course, you should keep all valuables on you.
Can I wear kimono year round?
Kimono is actually only for the cooler months in autumn to late spring. During the summer months, you can rent the beautiful and much cooler yukata.
How long does it take to put on a kimono and have my hair styled?
For men, it takes about 20-30 minutes and for women about 30-40 minutes. If you’re traveling during tourist high seasons or festival seasons, you’ll have to wait a bit longer than usual.
Can I choose my own accessories and kimono?
You’re free to choose whatever you like. The staff at Yae will help and give suggestions but if you want to do your own thing, then you do you!
Can I bring in a photo of how I want my hair styled?
Sure thing! Prepare the photo so you can show it to the stylists.
Can Yae fix my makeup?
Yae doesn’t provide makeup artists so it’s better if you do your own.
Can I rent kimono on a rainy day?
Of course! Yae will put on your kimono so it doesn’t drag along the ground.
What happens if I soil the kimono?
You don’t have to worry if you accidentally spill food, get mud on it or there’s an abrasion on the kimono. These are normal wear and tear. However, if you cause irreparable damage to the kimono such as tears, cigarette burns, or irremovable stains, Yae may charge you a 5,000 yen compensation fee.
How To Get There
This is probably one of the easiest shops to find and is less than a five minute walk from Sensoji Temple. From Asakusa Station, walk out of exit A4 and turn right. Walk until you find the main intersection and cross the street. Turn left and walk down three streets. Make an immediate right and an immediate left. You’ll see it on your right.
Address: Quatre Chic 6th Floor 1-16-2 Asakusa Taito-ku Tokyo Japan 111-0032
Phone: +81 03-6886-4256
Hours: 9:30am – 5:30pm
I highly recommend Kimono Rentals Yae in Asakusa, Tokyo because of how above and beyond their services go. Everything from the purses, the kimono choosing and the styling was absolutely perfect. In my honest and not so humble opinion, they are the best kimono rental in Asakusa.
I felt like a Japanese princess in my furisode kimono at Tokyo Asakusa Kimono Rental Yae. Sandy and I literally had the best time with Yae kimono rental in Asakusa Tokyo. For more fun times, check out her YouTube video here. In addition, I highly recommend checking out where to stay in Tokyo for your first time that way you’re central to all the action!
Gina Bear was invited to try the furisode kimono experience in Asakusa by Kimono Rental Yae. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own.
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