Where To Rent Kimono in Osaka

I think I’m on a roll this year with renting beautiful garments in both Korea and Japan. Although Osaka is mostly known for their culinary heaven, you can also rent a kimono or yukata in Osaka.

If you’re wondering where to rent a kimono in Osaka, then I highly recommend going to Kyoto Kimono Rental Wargo. As one of the biggest companies, they have stores in many locations around Japan. In addition, because they cater specifically to the foreign community, they have kimono and yukata in many different sizes and shapes. They also have garments available for men and children. Therefore, when I went to Osaka, I had to try this service.

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The Experience

At Kyoto Kimono Rental Wargo Daimaru Shinsaibashi, you can rent both yukata and kimono. Wargo is a huge yukata and kimono rental service that has stores in all major cities like Fukuoka, Kyoto, Osaka, and Sapporo. They have additional locations like Kamakura, Kanazawa, Okayama, and Tohoku.

If you’re looking for a cheap kimono rental in Osaka, then Kimono Rental Wargo will definitely not disappoint. They have plans starting at 3,000 yen for their standard dressing, kimono or yukata accessories, and hairstyle.

When in doubt of what yukata and obi set to pick, leave it to the friendly attendants. Many of them can speak some English if you’re worried about communicating. Also, they’re Japanese so they know best what looks most beautiful together or not.

Also, check my vlog down below for what the experience was like renting yukata in Osaka.

How much does it cost to rent kimono in Osaka?

There’s a variety of plans for every budget so however little or much you want to spend, there’s a great option for you.

Standard Plan (3,000yen + tax)
Premium Kimono Plan (3,900yen + tax)
High-End Kimono Plan (4,000yen + tax)
Mamchiyo Kimono Plan (5,000yen + tax)
Antique Kimono Plan (5,000yen + tax)
Casual Furisode Plan (10,000yen +tax)

What is a yukata?

Kimono is made of heavy silks and usually worn during cooler months in autumn, winter, and spring. Yukata is the summer kimono usually made up of lighter materials like cotton. It is more comfortable and breezy during hotter temperatures. This garment is more casual and often worn to summer festivals. Yukata designs are usually brighter and fun because of the summer time.

Why did I choose yukata in June? Easy. Because it’s hot and I don’t want to be one with the swass. If you’re like Kim K and you make your own temperature, then by all means, be brave and go with a kimono.

Getting Dressed

Before you get dressed, I highly recommend going into the shop wearing something you can easily move around in. I wore my favorite buttery soft work out tank top and biker shorts. Since you’ll be doing a lot of walking this is sweat wicking and for my thicker thighed ladies, keeps you from getting chub rub. In addition, you need to go with comfortable tighter fitting clothing so you don’t look huge and bulky.

If you’re wearing kimono in early spring, autumn or winter, then I suggest wearing a warm long sleeved shirt and work out pants.

The attendant will give you a slip to put under the yukata. They will then help fit you into your garment and choose the accessories. There will be some towel padding tied around your waist to give you the straight look and so you don’t sweat into the obi and ruin it. It takes about one hour to get dressed and style your hair.

Kimono and Yukata Sizing

Since Kyoto Kimono Rental Wargo is a pretty big company and caters to a large foreign population, they do have bigger sized kimono and yukata. If you’re a tall lady, they also carry kimono for your longer legs. If you’re plus size with big hips, you can definitely get a kimono or yukata up to 2x. I would put that at about a US size 16.

Hair Styling

Raise your hand if you’d rather have someone else do your hair. For the longest time, I used to wonder how Japanese women got their hair to be so beautiful with the intricate designs and flowers. Then I realized they weren’t doing it themselves and getting it done professionally. At the shop, the hair stylist will give you a laminated sheet with photos of available hairstyles.

Where to Take Photos in Osaka

There’s tons of places in Osaka for you to get a lot of perfect photos for the ‘gram. I highly suggest going to the Nanba Shrine and Osaka Castle. The Shrine is actually quite small, but great for photo opportunities because no one is there.

More Kimono Rental in Osaka Japan

Since Kyoto Kimono Rental Wargo is pretty popular, you should make a reservation in advance. When you travel, I totally get how plans change ALL the time and sometimes things end up being very last minute. If you’re in a pinch, I also suggest going to these kimono shops.

Vasara Kimono Rental– They are located near the JR Osaka Station and you have the ability to rent children’s, men’s, or women’s kimono or yukata. They also have a hair styling service if that is what you wish. Vasara is located near Ogimachi Park so you can snap some pretty epic photos there.
Wafuku Sakura Kimono Rental– This shop is very close to Dotonbori and Hozenji-Yokocho. It include the kimono dressing service and accessories, but no hair styling.
Samurai Experience Osaka– Okay, so this is totally not a kimono rental shop, but what a seriously cool experience! If you’re into the culture of old Japan and particularly the samurai, then you can’t miss this experience. After all, the Osaka Castle played a major role in the unification of Japan and the samurai in the 16th century.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there more kimonos in the store?

Yes, there are many different kimonos that are available in the store versus online. They receive new kimonos every day, so there’s a huge selection to choose from!

2. Can I book a kimono in advance?

Yes, contact them a week in advance via their contact page.

3. Can I cancel my booking?

Make sure you cancel two days before your booking so that you don’t get a cancellation fee. If you cancel within two days of the booking, you will get charged a fee.

4. Is there anything I should bring to the store?

You don’t need to bring anything extra. All rental materials for the kimono or yukata are provided in the store. It gets cold in the winter so be sure to dress warmly underneath. In the summer, wear tight work out clothes so that you don’t look bulky.

5. Can I book earlier in the morning or for later at night?

Early morning dressing is an addition 2,000 yen. You need to call in advance and let them know what time in the morning you want to come. Currently they do not have later night rentals.

6. Can they do my makeup?

You should do your makeup before you come to the store; however if you have the higher grade kimono plans, for an extra 2,900 yen you can get your makeup professionally done.

7. Can I return the kimono the next day?

Yes. There is an extra 1,000 yen fee for returning the kimono the next day. Be sure to return it directly to the store.

Is it Gina Bear Approved?

Wearing a yukata is a beautiful experience you can have in Japan. If you’re worried wearing kimono in Japan is cultural appropriation, it’s not. I’ve received many compliments from people (especially the older folks) whenever I wear it and am praised even more when they find out I speak Japanese.

A traditional kimono rental in Osaka doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, a beautiful garment, hairstyling, and photos to remember it by are the most priceless memories you can have.

How To Get There

Kyoto Kimono Rental Wargo Daimaru Shinsaibashi is located on the second floor. The bottom is a fancy fruit store and if you walk right up the stairs, you will be able to see it.