Tips for Renting Yukata and Kimono in Kyoto on Rainy Days and [5 Recommended Sightseeing Spots]

Even if you want to rent a yukata or kimono in Kyoto and enjoy sightseeing, many people may worry, “What if it rains on the day during the rainy season?” At Kyoto Kimono Rental Okamoto, we receive more consultations like this during this time of year.
But don’t worry! As long as you know the precautions for renting a yukata or kimono on a rainy day, and the recommended sightseeing spots you should go to especially because it’s rainy, you can still enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto without any problems!
This time, Kyoto Kimono Rental Okamoto will introduce important tips for enjoying yukata and kimono rentals on rainy days, as well as recommended places you should definitely visit on such days.

First, let us share the key points you should keep in mind to fully enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto even on a rainy day in a yukata or kimono. If you remember these, you’ll surely still have fun with a smile even if it suddenly rains while you are wearing one.

Sometimes, when the weather forecast says “rain” the day before their reservation, customers feel uneasy and ask us, “It’s raining on the day—can I still rent?”
Of course! At Kyoto Kimono Rental Okamoto, many customers come to rent yukata and kimono even on rainy days, so please feel reassured and come visit us.
We always have a wide variety of yukata and kimono in stock, so you can choose your pattern according to the day’s weather or your mood.
And there are unexpected perks such as, “You get to use a traditional Japanese umbrella on a rainy day!!” and “With fewer people out, it’s easier to take photos at many spots!!”

Some kimono rental shops offer affordable insurance you can join beforehand to prevent high cleaning costs in case the kimono gets stained by rain or mud. If you are worried, it may be worth considering depending on the price.
At Kyoto Kimono Rental Okamoto, we do not charge any cleaning fees for rain stains, so you can enjoy your walk with peace of mind.

Still, of course you want to enjoy your walk while keeping your outfit as clean as possible!
On rainy days, it is possible to wear your yukata or kimono with the hem slightly shorter than usual during the dressing process. Since the hem is the part most likely to get dirty, our staff may recommend this depending on how much it’s raining.

On rainy days, the ground is more slippery than when dry. On top of that, you will be walking in unfamiliar zōri sandals.
Especially when walking on stone pavements, be extra careful and walk slowly. Another spot where the hem easily gets dirty is staircases. When going up or down stairs, gently lift your hem slightly with your fingers and walk gracefully.
Be careful not to lift it too high, as it may give an inelegant impression. Before heading out, check your look in a full-length mirror after dressing.
By being mindful of these movements and walking slowly, you can avoid mud splashes and naturally move with beautiful posture.

A 7-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station and also within walking distance from Kyoto Kimono Rental Okamoto Yasaka Shrine Shop.
This is the main street running through Kyoto’s Gion area.
Stone-paved streets lined with old townhouses create the perfect atmosphere of “This is Kyoto!” and it is a popular spot.
The sight of the stone pavement glistening in the rain is especially photogenic.
6 minutes on foot from Yasaka Shrine Shop

Walking south along Hanamikoji leads to this historic Zen temple.
It houses many precious cultural assets, including the National Treasure “Wind and Thunder Gods Screen.” The grounds are very spacious, and you can enjoy seasonal scenery.
Inside the main hall, you can view the beautiful garden from indoors, making it perfect to relax and appreciate even on rainy days.
Photography is allowed in the grounds, and the temple is easy to access with many highlights to see.
Why not forget the busyness of everyday life and experience the charm of Zen?
4 minutes on foot from Kiyomizu-Higashiyama Shop

Located near Hanamikoji, Kennin-ji, and right beside Yasaka Shrine.
As the name suggests, this is an interactive museum about kanji, enjoyable for both children and adults.
The “Kanji of the Year” that is announced annually at Kiyomizu-dera at year-end is also displayed here.
Families can enjoy it, and couples may find their intellectual curiosity satisfied by a different kind of activity.

There are also souvenir shops and a café inside, so you can take a short break when you get tired of walking.

2 minutes on foot from Yasaka Shrine Shop

This temple was built by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to pray for his soul.
It features Important Cultural Property teahouses, the famous “Nene no Michi” street, and Daidokoro-zaka slope leading into the grounds, all of which look beautiful even on rainy days.
You can also enjoy seasonal night illuminations, zazen meditation, and tea ceremony experiences, immersing yourself in the full atmosphere of traditional Japan.
2 minutes on foot from Gion Shop

Close to Shijo-Kawaramachi, this historic shopping street is also called “Kyoto’s Kitchen.”
About 400 meters long with around 130 shops, it offers a variety of Kyoto’s specialty foods.
Currently, visitors are encouraged to enjoy takeout items in designated eating spaces.
Since the market is covered by an arcade, you can enjoy Kyoto’s flavors without worrying about the rain.
17 minutes on foot from Yasaka Shrine Shop

We have introduced 5 spots as an example, but Kyoto is full of many more fascinating places.
Whether for leisurely sightseeing or just a short stroll, why not enjoy the experience of wearing kimono with Kyoto Kimono Rental Okamoto?
From June, yukata rentals are also available. All our staff look forward to meeting you.
Reserve your kimono rental here


[Author of this article]
Kyoto Kimono Rental Okamoto – Gion Shop
523 Washio-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0072
TEL: 075-531-7890
Open daily: 9:00–18:00 (Please return rentals by 17:50)
Website: www.okamoto-kimono.com
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