Introducing the Special Hospitality of Rental Kimono Okamoto

Experience the finest hospitality in Kyoto.
At the long-established Rental Kimono Okamoto, you can spend a truly special day.
Nestled in the charming streets of Kyoto, the shop offers a space where you can experience the culture of kimono with all five senses, enriched with the refined hospitality unique to a long-standing establishment.
The staff at Rental Kimono Okamoto focus on providing “hospitality from the heart,” ensuring guests create unforgettable memories. Every morning, staff gather for a meeting to prepare mentally, recite the “Seven Okamoto Customer Service Phrases,” and adjust their smiles and tone of voice to warmly welcome customers.

Connecting hearts beyond language barriers
At the Gion store, multilingual support ensures a stress-free kimono experience for international visitors.
Kyoto welcomes an increasing number of tourists every year, especially in the Higashiyama and Gion areas—famous for their historic streets, cultural landmarks, and photogenic spots. These districts are highly popular among travelers seeking authentic “Japanese charm.”
Among them, Rental Kimono Okamoto is highly regarded by international visitors for its comprehensive multilingual services that remove the anxiety of language barriers, often a hurdle in kimono rental experiences.

We provide menus in four languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean). Translation apps are also available.
At Rental Kimono Okamoto, staff who can communicate in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean are available. Reservation pages and instruction documents are also prepared in each language, so customers can comfortably choose their kimono and receive dressing assistance without worrying about language.

Hospitality begins with choosing a kimono.
The highlight of the Gion store is its vast collection—over 1,000 kimonos on display at all times. From classic patterns to lace and modern designs, the store is like a “treasure chest of kimonos.” Even if you feel overwhelmed with choices, no need to worry.
Experienced staff carefully suggest the best coordination to match your taste, personality, and destinations. The process feels like weaving your own “kimono story” together with a stylist.
You first select one kimono of your choice. Since many find it difficult to coordinate the obi (sash) and accessories, our staff will be happy to help. While listening to your preferences, they offer styling advice and guide you toward the look you desire—all in a fun, enjoyable way.
Guests can also take their time to choose at their own pace. Couples and friends often enjoy matching outfits or coordinating with different colors.

At the Gion store, which has earned strong support in the prestigious Kyoto Gion district, daily unseen efforts go into improving skills and deepening hospitality.

Evolving Hairstyles
Balancing modern trends with traditional style
A kimono look is never complete without the right hairstyle. At Okamoto, hairstylists continually refine their techniques, combining fashionable styles with traditional harmony.
Even a simple low bun can vary greatly depending on:
how softly the hair is curled around the face,
the strength of the bangs’ curl,
the balance of hair accessory placement.
Every detail is considered to create a look that truly suits you—not just for photos. Regular training ensures that stylists incorporate the latest beauty trends, providing beautiful Japanese hairstyles to guests from around the world.
Dressing with Beauty in Mind
Wearing a kimono is not just about putting it on—it is about making it look beautiful. At Rental Kimono Okamoto, all staff approach their work with the mindset: “How can I make this kimono look its most beautiful?”
We prioritize comfort and beauty by offering dressing that is photogenic, long-lasting, and not too tight.
Only staff who have passed strict internal tests are allowed to dress or style guests.
Staff undergo regular lessons and training sessions to stay updated on the latest trends.

Kimono dressing time is not just quiet preparation—it is also a chance to connect. Staff gently engage in conversation to ease nerves:
“Is this your first time in Kyoto?”
“Where are you going tomorrow?”
“Did you know this kimono’s motif is based on seasonal flowers?”
As the conversation flows, posture naturally improves, and guests relax. Seeing themselves in the mirror and saying “Wow, amazing!” brings smiles that spread to the staff as well.
Through conversations during dressing and hairstyling, we aim to provide useful tips, ease, and joy. Listening carefully to each guest’s wishes, we guide them toward their desired look while staying close to their heart.

For guests new to taking photos in kimono, our staff provide professional advice on how to look your best:
“If you align your hands, it looks elegant.”
“From a diagonal angle, your face looks smaller.”
“A walking pose while looking back is very popular.”
We help discover your most flattering angles. Each store also has original photo spots where friends enjoy taking pictures together. Before you head out, staff assist with snapshots to create lasting travel memories.

Beauty begins with cleanliness.
At the Gion store, cleanliness and hygiene are taken as seriously as visible beauty. Supporting over 190 years of trust, we ensure meticulous cleaning and hygiene management so guests feel completely at ease.
From infection control measures to thorough cleaning, every detail is cared for to ensure your comfort.

When you return, we greet you with “Okaeriyasu” (Welcome back). At checkout, we chat about your day—where you went, what you enjoyed—hoping to help create more Kyoto memories. We always send guests off with a warm smile and heartfelt thanks.

With over 1,000 kimonos always in stock, guests can freely choose from a wide variety of colors, patterns, obis, and hair accessories. To ensure every kimono is in the best condition, daily maintenance and cleaning are carried out by our staff.

We offer a wide range of plans, from simple sets including kimono, obi, and bag, to premium full-scale plans, student discounts, and couple plans. Hair styling is available as an option from ¥550. Please consult our staff to find the plan that best suits your needs.

Business hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Kimono return time: by 5:50 PM
For those who wish to wear kimono longer, we also offer next-day return plans and hotel return services—special options unique to Okamoto. (See our website for details.)

With over 30,000 kimonos and yukatas, we are Japan’s largest kimono rental chain. Founded in 1830 (Tenpō Era) as Okamoto Orimono, our heritage continues today through seven Kyoto locations near popular sightseeing spots.
Main Store, Kiyomizu Store, and Gion Store → Traditional Japanese design
Yasaka Shrine Store, Kiyomizu-Higashiyama Store → Western-style design
Fushimi Inari Store → Korean-inspired design
Arashiyama Store → The largest in Arashiyama, with a spacious atmosphere

Reservations can be made easily online by selecting your store, date, number of people, and plan.

Wearing a kimono is not just about putting on clothes—it is an experience where new culture and aesthetic awareness blossom through conversations and encounters. Rental Kimono Okamoto aspires to be a place where words connect hearts, leaving you with a “day to remember.”
We hope the beauty of Kyoto’s streets and kimono becomes an unforgettable memory for you. Please experience our heartfelt hospitality at Okamoto.

While all stores offer unique concepts, the Gion Store is especially rich in Kyoto’s traditional charm. Located along the stone-paved Nene-no-Michi near Kōdaiji Temple, this area offers the most “Kyoto-like” atmosphere.
Behind the grand gate lies a large traditional townhouse with a Japanese garden, creating a truly special space.

1-minute walk from Kōdaiji Temple, 3 minutes from Yasaka Shrine
Nearby World Heritage Sites and cultural properties within walking distance
Inside the store stands the historic “Bashōdō” hall
Ideal location for strolling and photography

Article by:
Rental Kimono Okamoto Gion Store
523 Washio-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0072
TEL: 075-531-7890
Website: www.okamoto-kimono.com
Instagram: @rentalkimonookamoto
TikTok: @rentalkimono_okamoto
Facebook: Rental Kimono Okamoto
X (formerly Twitter): @okamotokimono
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