Okamoto Kimono Rental Fushimi Inari Shop — Local services in Kyoto

I chose this place because it's one of the original places for Kimono rental, and I had very high expectations for it. However, I didn't have as great a time as I had anticipated.

One of the staff members working there was quite rude (especially compared to Japanese standards of hospitality). Her tone of voice and facial expressions were surprisingly shocking to me, as I did not expect to experience this. I used to live in Japan for one year and have intermediate-level Japanese language skills (so I am definitely not just a traveler here). Still, you don't even need to understand the language to notice how she treated us. I was there with my parents, and even though they don't know Japanese, they could still recognize the rudeness.

Furthermore, the same staff member helped my father put on his kimono, and it was very loose, resulting in him not really having a good time wearing it. (Side note, I won't 100% blame her as my father also doesn't like to confront or express his needs directly, but when you compare how she dressed him to the way other staff members dressed us, you can see how unprofessional it was).

I apologize for giving it a 3/5 rating when only one staff member ruined our overall experience.

It might be because of the time (we rented it in the afternoon, the staff might be tired) or maybe she has a bad day/bad time with other customers. But yes, that’s just my personal experience today.

On the positive side, the shop is conveniently located very close to Fushimi Inari, less than a 5-minute walk from the station. The shop is also very clean, and the hairdresser really knows her job, as she did our hair beautifully. Additionally, I think your chance of not having bad experiences like mine are still high since other staffs...

This was the most wonderful experience in Kyoto! The three of us paid for the full outfit plan with hair styling and it came out to about 6500 yen (~$43usd with the current conversion rate) and it was so worth it! The outfit came with 5 parts- the kimono, nagajuban (white robe that goes under the kimono), obi sash, obi belt rope accessory, and handbag. Everything is fully customizable and they have hundreds of each type of item! Choosing colors and patterns and pairings was a blast and made me feel like I was playing one of those dress up doll games! After you choose your outfit, they’ll bring you up to the second floor and start the hair styling. We chose the 1000 yen hairstyles that are more complicated but there’s also a 500 yen option. These default styles were all curated to fit with the elegant aesthetics of the kimonos.The hair stylists were really efficient and our hair came out gorgeous! After hair they will fit you into your chosen kimono. The whole process is pretty complex and there are many many layers that will go under your chosen kimono and obi sash. By the end, expect to feel pretty cinched at the waist lol! Our reservation was at 10:30am and we were ready an hour later. They let you roam around in the kimono and we took a lot of pictures at the Fushimi Inari shrine that is only 3 minutes away from the Okamoto kimono shop! You can keep the kimono and return by 6pm otherwise they’ll charge you a late fee. All in all it was an amazing experience and I can’t wait to return and get their decoco kimono plan that invokes less traditional western aesthetics like...

I searched all and truly believe this Okamoto Kimono chain is the best in town. Our teenage girls really wanted to do it. We came on a very busy day but able to book the last morning slot available. Reservation is a MUST, on most good-weather time. So, plan ahead a bit.

We ended up being almost 1 hr late on a truly booked day, as we went to the wrong branch at first. There are 5 branches total, so make sure you go to the right one! The reception lady was so nice, and after 3 mins of consulting with her team, she let us it. What a relieve.

Our kids were 13 & 14 and had the best time there. They were nicely helped and taken care off, with no rush but only smile and gentleness. We only got a basic set for 2980 yens and basic hair do 500 yens, which worked out so pretty as it is. So worth it. It was probably the best and most fun thing we have done in the 5 days we have been in Japan.

Oh, mornings are better than afternoon (as you can keep it till 6 pm, same price)

This chain is best, look no further, book here if you can. Choose whichever location that suits you, though I personally think this one is best looking in pictures from red colors. And don’t forget to head to the right brach on time. Especially if you have teenage girls, you won’t be disappointed.

Thank YOU Okamoto Kimono staff on the morning of 2/4/24 for getting us in and giving us such a good family...