璃光着物レンタル 祇園店 — Local services in Kyoto

Overpriced and does not honour time of reservation. Extremely long waits to get service and unorganized. Waited in line to pay, was cut in line by a family getting a more premium service with a reservation who was after ours and then even when we were first in line to get changed or for the hair service for my partner, they would push others who paid more ahead of us and extend the wait further. Have been in the store for over an hour at this moment, have spent 40 minutes waiting to get changed thus far and they continue to allow others who arrived later and weren’t in line but paid more to cut in front. Japan is a lovely country full of respect and people waiting their turn, this store was starkly different than what you expect from such a culture. Do not believe the Instagram hype, there are many other great kimono rental options out there (saw 20+ in the immediate surrounding area), all with a beautiful selection. Paid over 13,000 yen to be treated as a second class citizen in the store. Go elsewhere, not worth the money and especially the time…wasting half a day waiting just...

Best Kimono shop and photographer! 🌟

We coincidentally encountered our photographer Ko on a little street close to Riko while he was doing photo shooting for other customers. Because the kimonos the couple wear were so nice, we decided to also rent from Riko and book Ko for the next day photo shooting. It turns out to be the highlight of our visit in Kyoto!! 🥰

The shop has a great variety of kimonos, all at high quality in my view, compared with the high street ones. For example the one I wear actually is from their lowest price category, but it is made of 100% silk and has very nice patterns with elegant color. Experienced staff helped me and my husband dress up the kimono.

Our photographer Ko is amazing too! He knows all the nice spots that are not so crowded and around the shop, so that we can easily capture nice pictures while not walking so much (not the easiest with kimono shoes as you may know😜). The photos are beautiful with the traditional houses and streets of Kyoto and have nature light and style. Highly recommend to book a session for the great kimono...

I had made reservations for me, my friend, and our daughters to rent kimonos from another business near Riko Kimono, but they were late opening. I was waiting at the other store and they did not open or answer their phone. We walked around the corner to Riko and they were able to take care of all 5 of us! (3 of them being children) The team at Riko are so kind, welcoming, and make the entire process fun and really special. I was amazed to watch the entire process of being dressed. Each part of the process was explained to me. I did not feel there were any hidden prices. I chose to add additional costs if I wanted to. It was a Saturday morning, but the team at Riko still worked swiftly to take care of everyone in the store. They even took photos of us after we were dressed and sent them to us.

I've lived in Japan several years, but this was one of the most memorable experiences I have had. Thank you...