Asakusa Kimono Rental Aiwafuku — Attraction in Tokyo

I was recommended of this store by a friend. And the reputation was because this store has a reasonable price, which from my experience it was true. I got discount being a student in Japan, and I find it nice because not all stores have these service.

Overall, it was a good experience service. I left one star because of the lack of communication of the service and the attitude.

When I was returning to change my clothes I was asked by one staff who seemed to be a hair stylist. I was very satisfied with her work on my hair but not so much with her attitude.

Staff: “Do you remember which bag is yours?”. Me: “I think it’s this one because another staff put it here for me”, I pointed at the bag starting with the code 1xx. Staff: She seemed pissed off with my answer and said “No, we move bags do you remember exactly the number?”. Me: “I don’t remember the exact code, but I still think it is this one” I remember it starts with 1xx something which the other one next to me is 5xx. Staff: She seems more annoyed and talk in Japanese with other staffs next to me “ほんとかな“. And finally after she was hesitating to open the bag she looked at me and ask me again with an unfriendly tone “are you sure?”. I said “yes” and when she opens it was really mine.

To be honest, I was not sure what the number was because I did not know we need to ‘memorize the number on the bag’. Since I come to Japan all services that we need to leave our belongings, they would give us a code or any piece of paper to identify that we are the owner of that bag or even ask us to take photos of the code and show them later.

Also, before I left the store when I finished dressing up the staff only told me “please bring your important belongings with you like phones and wallet” and that’s what I did. No one told me “please don’t forget to memorize the code of your bag”.

After all I don’t blame the staff of being strict to me. It was also my lack of thoughtfulness that there are many customers and they might have move bags.

I understand that the staff was worried if I opened the wrong bag she would be in trouble, even just to take a peek looking inside to check.

But what gives me a shocked was her tone of voice attitude towards me as I was a thief and getting detect by a police. I believe we can do better in asking without putting emotions.

So my advice to the store is, if the store is strict in opening other’s bag without a permission please do tell your staff to explain clearly with the customer that “please take a photo of your bag’s code and show us when you return”. Or would be better to give the code of...

A very professional, respectful and enjoyable kimono rental service!

🗓️Booking: 1 month before, I visited their website to book a timeslot. The website was quite clear and showcased a lot of information. If you get it before 12nn, you have to return it by 4:30pm. If after 12nn, then you return it by 5:30pm.

🪙As we had a student discount, we paid ¥3,300/person. I believe it is around ¥4,300/person for adults. You can also get add-ons (e.g. specific hairstyles, accessories, bags) for a small fee.

⌚We arrived on a weekday at 12nn. There were around 6-7 staffs around, with a few customers too. It was bustling but not too cramped/full.

📸The staff led us through the ~1 hr procedure:

We registered and paid. They gave us big blue bags to put all our belongings, and we changed into the white under-dress. Then we chose our kimonos/yukatas and matching bags. Their stylists did our hair (can choose the hairstyle from a booklet). The staff helped us put on the final outfit. A staff took photos of us outside for promotional and souvenir purposes (postcards).

Then after using it, we returned to the store by 5:30pm, where they helped us remove the yukatas, retrieve our stuff and gave us the printed postcards.

👗We each got a yukata (starting from early-July everyone gets yukatas instead of kimonos, which are similar with thinner/breezier), a matching bag, and shoes. The yukatas were of great quality, clean and came in a variety of designs.

💬A special note that the staff at the front desk were very very fluent in Mandarin Chinese, which was nice and made it much easier.

Overall, we highly enjoyed the experience. The flow was smooth, the yukatas and hairstyles were nicely done, and the staff were friendly and...

Now I understand why the reviews of this store is high. They offer incentives (2200 yen off the special hair set) if you post. If my experience is very positive, I would happily do so, but my experience is not good. I have been to 3 kimono rental stores during my past visit in Japan and this store is so far the worst. It’s very small and over crowded, no one helps you in picking one that suits you. I stand there for a long time and no one explains and helps me. I just picked one myself. Then I was sent to a fitting cube (small and covered by curtains). They gave you the inner wear and ask you to put on yourself (the other store I went helped me with all parts of the clothing). Then you wait again to get hair done in the inner wear, then queue again to put the kimono on. The hair is nicely done (the hairstylist is good). That’s about it. The last store I went had a staff following me from the beginning to the end and helped me choosing everything. The space is more reasonable there - at least you have breathing space. If you have only been to one kimono store, you might think it’s fine. I had comparisons and this is way too crowded and I don’t get enough support.

entered the shop at 10:10, exited at 11:48, then they ask for a return at 16:30. Seems very short as they are slow in getting you ready due to the amount of people they allow at the same time. Most staff is friendly but the experience is poor. No area to change your shoes back, no space for people who come with you. I had to leave...