Explore Kyoto in Style with Men’s Kimono! 7 Carefully Selected Spots

When you think of wearing kimono for sightseeing, doesn’t the image usually come to mind of women? In reality, that’s not the case! For men as well, wearing kimono will surely make your trip to Kyoto even more memorable. Here, we introduce spots that look especially great when exploring in men’s kimono

At Rental Kimono Okamoto, in order to help our guests create wonderful memories, we provide careful yet speedy kimono dressing so that you’ll have plenty of time to explore. If you have a preferred style, our professional staff will be happy to support and make suggestions.

Here are spots recommended by our staff that men can enjoy with friends or as a couple — perfect for stylish photos!

Kyoto is beloved for its old streetscapes, but did you know that the café culture here has also taken root from early on? There are many cafés that perfectly suit Kyoto’s traditional atmosphere. Here we’ll introduce three that are relatively easy to access from Okamoto.

Located on Chawan-zaka, the approach to Kiyomizu-dera, and Gojo-zaka, where pottery shops have long been lined up, this café was converted from a 200-year-old townhouse that originally served as a pottery workshop.
It sits between Kiyomizu-dera and Sanjusangen-do, making it highly recommended for those strolling in the Kiyomizu and Gojo-zaka area. Step off the main street into the alley of Umamachi and it suddenly becomes quiet, with rows of townhouses and pottery galleries to enjoy along the way. Entering through the wooden-and-glass entrance, you’ll find high ceilings and an airy atmosphere.
Inside, the sound of the roaster, the aroma of coffee, and the simple, attentive service of the staff together create a most pleasant space, ideal for a calm and relaxing time. Coffee here has distinct characteristics — clean and light, bright and acidic, or deeply rich — depending on your preference. The fruit sandwich, which can also be taken to go, is especially popular and worth trying. For a meal, try their demi-glace omelet rice made with butter rice.
Opening hours: Weekdays 11:00–17:00, Weekends & Holidays 9:00–17:00. Smoking allowed in the garden. Cash only.

This is a must-visit café for those strolling around the Kawaramachi area.
From the exterior alone, the retro charm of this café stands out. It is in fact a café with a long history, having opened in September 1934. The northern section was purchased and renovated from a former townhouse in 1941, and the facilities have remained almost unchanged since then. It was the very first café to be designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
The interior is European-style, inspired by the interiors of luxurious Italian cruise ships. Incidentally, the café’s name comes from a French painter.
The menu includes coffee, tea, sandwiches, and cakes.
Open late from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., the café is also unusually spacious for a coffeehouse, making it a comfortable place to spend time. All seats are non-smoking.

Located right by Shijo-Kawaramachi with the Takase River flowing in front, Café Soirée is a long-established coffeehouse that opened in 1948.
It preserves the retro atmosphere of its opening days and remains cherished today. “Soirée” means “evening party” or “wonderful night” in French.
The interior is slightly dim, lit with blue lighting that creates a dreamlike atmosphere. Wooden grape carvings and paintings by artist Seiji Togo decorate the space.
Its signature menu item is the colorful Jelly Punch, invented by the wife of the second owner. This sparkling soda water filled with jewel-like cubes of jelly in five colors is stunningly beautiful. Seating is also available on the second floor, though the café overall is compact and charming.
Opening hours: Weekdays 13:00–19:00, Weekends & Holidays 13:00–19:30. All seats non-smoking. Original goods such as glasses and stationery are available only to customers who dine in.

Kyoto also has plenty of fun places to stir a man’s heart! From among the many, here are two carefully chosen.

Why not put on a chic, subdued kimono and take in the retro charm of classic trains?
The Kyoto Railway Museum is one of the largest railway museums in Japan.
Here you can “see, touch, and experience” railways from many angles. You’ll encounter rare trains not usually accessible, ride a working steam locomotive, try driving a train in a simulator, and more. Highlights include the very first 0 Series Shinkansen car, as well as the 500 Series Shinkansen that first reached 300 km/h in Japan.

・Promenade
This 100-meter walkway, designed like a train platform, features “star vehicles” such as the grand C62 steam locomotive, the colorful KuHa 86, and the adorable round-nosed 0 Series Shinkansen. You’ll surely find yourself taking more photos than expected.

・Main Hall
This expansive building with open ceilings showcases signature JR West trains such as the 500 Series Shinkansen. On the first floor, you’ll find displays explaining how trains work, along with models of trains from past to present. Don’t miss the meticulously crafted miniature of an old station.
On the second floor, interactive exhibits such as a driving simulator and a transparent automatic ticket gate (where you can watch the ticket pass through) make it fun and educational. You can even keep the ticket as a souvenir!

・Roundhouse
The roundhouse is an absolute must-see. This historic reinforced-concrete roundhouse — the oldest surviving in Japan — houses 20 steam locomotives, including the famous D51 No. 1, nicknamed “Degoichi.”
・SL Steam Train
At the SL Plaza, you can ride the Steam Train “SL Steam.” Pulled by a steam locomotive, the train runs for about 1 km with vintage passenger cars. Feel the vibrations, hear the powerful whistle, and savor a unique experience that only a steam locomotive can offer.

Other highlights include the Sky Terrace on the 3rd floor and a restaurant where you can dine while looking out toward To-ji Temple. With its retro Showa-era atmosphere, the museum is perfect for enjoying Kyoto in kimono with a twist.

The origins of Minami-za date back to the early Edo period (1596–1615). In 1603, Okuni of Izumo performed kabuki dance in Kyoto, attracting the masses. As the Shijo-Kawara area developed into a bustling theater district, Minami-za was born and has been a center of kabuki and diverse entertainment for over 400 years.
In 1996, it was registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property and later designated as a Kyoto City Historic Design Building.
Standing in Kyoto, Japan’s representative international cultural city, Minami-za has been reborn as a theater that transmits culture throughout the year, from “traditional classical performing arts” to “new live entertainment,” making the most of its status as Japan’s oldest theater.
Watching a performance while wearing kimono is a truly special experience.

Kyoto also offers many places where you can have hands-on experiences! Wearing kimono will definitely make your memories even more unique. Here are two selected spots.

A must-visit for spice lovers, this shop specializes in chili peppers. Among its most famous products is the “Maiko-san Hi~Hi~” series, made with Japanese-grown habanero peppers for a slow, lingering heat that chili enthusiasts adore. Other popular products include fragrant “Yuzu Shichimi,” “Black Shichimi,” and “Kyoto Chili Oil Furikake” that will have you reaching for more rice.
The highlight here is the Custom Blended Shichimi. You can create your own original mix, for example, “with extra sansho pepper” or “with a little less heat.” The blending counter is available only at the Sannenzaka Main Store and Nishiki Store.
Here’s how it works: first you choose the amount and basic flavor (sansho, yuzu, seasonal, etc.), then the staff ask questions about spiciness and adjust the mix while letting you taste it in a cup of broth. You can fine-tune it until it’s just right.
Shichimi chili pepper has long been loved in Kyoto as a condiment that matches the delicate flavors of Kyoto cuisine. These make excellent souvenirs or small gifts, and with the cold season approaching, it’s perfect for topping hot udon or nabe. Try it to elevate your home dining!

Pronounced Kikizake-dokoro Sansaro, “Sake Tasting Spot 336” is a stylish standing bar fully supported by Fushimi’s brewery Kinshi Masamune Co., Ltd.
A renovated Kyoto townhouse, it blends Kyoto tradition with modern flair for a unique atmosphere.
Here you can enjoy all varieties of their sake as well as all their craft beers on tap.
Their concept is to let visitors “enjoy Kyoto’s local sake and beer in Kyoto cups.” Along with Kyoto’s sake culture, you can also appreciate Kiyomizu-yaki pottery.
One wall is lined with sake cups and vessels crafted by pottery artists — like a miniature art gallery. Guests can choose their favorite cup from among the many and enjoy their drink in it. All of the cups are works created by local potters and kilns from the Chawan-zaka and Gojo-zaka areas.
Enjoy Kyoto’s sake in Kyoto’s cups — for a truly unforgettable experience.


【Author of this Article】
Rental Kimono Okamoto Kiyomizu Higashiyama Store
110-9 Tatsumi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0855
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