**What You Should Know Before Exploring Kyoto in a Kimono! A Handy Checklist for What to Pack in Your Kimono Bag**

Walking through the streets of Kyoto in a kimono makes your trip feel even more special.
From the stone-paved paths of Gion to the slope leading up to Kiyomizu-dera and the bamboo grove of Arashiyama,
every corner offers a view you’ll want to capture in a photo.
However, going out in a kimono is a little different from wearing everyday clothing,
so there are a few things to keep in mind.
Kimono bags tend to be small, so it’s important to keep your items to the bare essentials
while also making sure you have what you need for a comfortable stroll.
In this article, we’ll introduce useful items to bring along
so you can enjoy your kimono outing even more comfortably.
May your day of sightseeing in Kyoto be pleasant, worry-free,
and filled with wonderful memories.

Wearing a kimono actually requires many small items, such as tabi socks, undergarments, koshihimo ties, and datejime belts.
However, at Rental Kimono Okamoto, all of these essentials are included in the rental set, so there is no need to prepare anything special before your visit.
Even if it’s your first time wearing a kimono and you feel a little nervous, you can come empty-handed and enjoy the experience with peace of mind.
That said, if you are worried about the cold or prefer to wear an inner layer under your kimono,
we recommend bringing something with a wide neckline, so it won’t show from the collar.
For the lower body, ankle-length leggings with a low waistband work well—they won’t interfere with the tabi socks and will keep you warm.
During sightseeing, the only things you really need to manage on your own are the small items you carry with you.
That’s why preparing the “useful items to bring,” which we’ll introduce next, will make your kimono stroll much more comfortable.

From here, we will introduce and explain the items that you'll be glad to have with you when walking around Kyoto.

First, we’d like to introduce a few small items that help prevent little troubles and keep you comfortable throughout your kimono day.
Handkerchief, Tissues, and Wet Wipes
While exploring Kyoto, you’ll find many moments when these come in handy—wiping perspiration, drying your hands after visiting a shrine’s water basin, or keeping your hands clean when enjoying street foods.
A small handkerchief is especially convenient, as it fits easily into the compact bags often used with kimono.
Compact Mirror
Perfect for checking your hairstyle or makeup.
It lets you do a quick touch-up before taking photos.
Lip Balm or Lipstick
Kyoto’s air tends to be dry in autumn and winter, and your lips can also become chapped from strong sunlight in summer.
Since you’ll likely be taking lots of photos, carrying one in your pouch provides peace of mind.
Band-Aids
If you’re walking for a long time in zori or geta sandals, you may worry about your feet becoming sore.
Having a few band-aids in your bag helps you deal with discomfort right away.
Placing one between the sandal straps (thong area) can act as a cushion and reduce pain.

Choosing the Right Seasonal Items Makes Your Kimono Walk Much More Comfortable
Summer
【 Sunscreen / Parasol / Folding Fan 】
Kyoto’s summer can be very sunny, and you’ll likely spend a lot of time outdoors.
Kimono show the back of the neck, so it’s easy to get sunburned without noticing.
Carrying a small, portable sunscreen—especially a stick-type you can reapply easily—is very convenient.
A folding fan is a stylish and practical item that matches perfectly with kimono.
A parasol is also extremely useful for protecting yourself from strong UV rays.

Winter
【 Shawl / Stole / Hand Warmers / Gloves 】
Winter in Kyoto can be bitterly cold, and kimono allow more air to pass through than you might expect, so keeping warm is essential.
A shawl not only provides warmth but also adds elegance and looks beautiful in photos.
You are welcome to bring your own, but Rental Kimono Okamoto also offers shawls and haori coats for rent, so please rest assured.
Since it’s difficult to attach or remove adhesive heat pads after putting on a kimono,
bringing a non-adhesive hand warmer is helpful for warming your fingers whenever needed.
If you prefer adhesive warmers, placing one between your shoulder blades keeps you warm all day without risking low-temperature burns.
For gloves, long ones that cover up to the forearms are especially recommended.
Arm warmers are also a great option.

Since sightseeing in Kyoto offers so many photo opportunities, bringing a few photo-friendly accessories will help you capture even more beautiful moments in your kimono.

【 Fan or Traditional Japanese Umbrella (Wagasa) 】
Seasonal accessories like a folding fan or a traditional Japanese umbrella add elegance and charm to your kimono look.
Wagasa especially look stunning against the historic scenery of Gion and the pathways leading to Kiyomizu-dera.
At Rental Kimono Okamoto, you can also rent wagasa (please note that they cannot be used on rainy days).

【 Small Makeup Touch-Up Items 】
Carrying a compact face powder, blush, or other small touch-up items helps keep you photo-ready throughout your sightseeing day.
Travel-size makeup products are perfect because they easily fit into the small bags often used with kimono.

Modern sightseeing in Kyoto relies heavily on smartphones, from taking photos to navigating with map apps.
Since you’ll be using your phone often, you definitely want to avoid running out of battery during your kimono stroll.
【 Portable Charger 】
A must-have for kimono sightseeing, where you’ll frequently take photos and check maps.
A lightweight model is especially convenient to carry in a small kimono bag.
【 Small Wallet & IC Card 】
Large wallets can be difficult to take in and out while wearing kimono.
A compact wallet with just the essentials—cards and a small amount of cash—makes your day much smoother.
Depending on where you plan to visit, don’t forget your bus day pass or IC card.
【 Foldable Eco Bag 】
Perfect for souvenirs or unexpected small purchases during your walk.
A fabric-type eco bag that folds up compactly fits easily inside a kimono bag and is very handy.

Wearing a kimono is all about staying light and comfortable, so keeping your belongings minimal is key.
At Rental Kimono Okamoto, you can store one large item—such as a suitcase or backpack—free of charge, separate from your clothing and personal items.
This allows you to enjoy sightseeing with only the essentials in hand.
If you choose our hotel return service or return your kimono to a different Okamoto location,
we can also transport your belongings for you (additional fees and conditions apply).
Walking around Kyoto with just a small bag that matches your kimono makes both strolling and taking photos much more enjoyable and stress-free.

Just a little preparation can make your kimono outing surprisingly comfortable.
By choosing items suited to the season and adding a few photo-friendly accessories, your day in Kyoto becomes even more enjoyable and will remain a beautiful memory.
At Rental Kimono Okamoto, all essential dressing accessories are provided, so even first-time guests can feel completely at ease.
You can come empty-handed and still enjoy a relaxed and effortless kimono stroll around Kyoto.
We sincerely hope your day in kimono will be a wonderful one,
and all of our staff are here to help make it special.

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