Rental Kimono Okamoto Gion Shop — Local services in Kyoto

I am writing to share a deeply disappointing experience my wife and I had at this kimono rental shop.

We visited the shop early in the morning and were the second customers to arrive. While my wife was speaking to your staff about the rental packages, I set my small bag and coffee bottle on the table by the entrance and started looking at the kimonos on the rack. The shop was small so I intentionally didn’t want to bring them - just to be safe. Soon after, the staff member beckoned me with her index finger and, without any explanation, gestured for me to take my umbrella to the outside rack (I clearly missed the umbrella rack when entering). While this wasn’t a major issue, her tone and approach were far from polite and felt rather dismissive.

After complying with her request, I came back inside, but she immediately insisted, in an unwelcoming and almost rude manner, that I hold onto my small bag and coffee bottle instead of leaving them on the table. Her English was limited, and her way of speaking felt abrupt and harsh, rather than constructive or helpful. By this point, I already felt unwelcome, but since my wife was still looking at kimonos, I decided to wait near the entrance, out of the way of other customers.

While standing there , I took a sip of my coffee, and the staff member came over again, pointing her finger at me and rudely saying, “No drinking.” There were no signs or clear rules posted to indicate that drinking wasn’t allowed, and considering I was staying by the entrance, this seemed unreasonable.

Given the consistent lack of courtesy and hospitality, we decided to leave this store and visit another kimono rental shop. The difference in service was night and day. At the second shop, the owner not only welcomed us warmly but also took the time to show us how to properly wear and walk in a kimono. She explained some local rules and etiquette, which made the entire experience much more enjoyable and informative. We left that shop feeling extremely satisfied and happy with our experience.

I believe that clear communication and respectful, welcoming customer service are essential, especially in a business that attracts international visitors. Unfortunately, our experience at this shop did not reflect that. I hope that the owner will take this feedback seriously and work to improve the way customers are treated...

We rented our kimono’s at the Gion Shop, located in such a beautiful area of Kyoto. The ladies who worked there were so incredibly kind and helpful in assisting us to choose our kimonos and recommending obi colours that would suit our chosen kimonos. There was always a smile on their face as they helped us through the process of getting ready. As stated on their website, it will take around 1-1.5h to get ready in addition to choosing your kimono, collar, obi, bag and accessory. The hairstyles are also varied and beautiful.

Additionally, we were told to return the kimonos by 6:30pm, to which we were a little late to after getting lost and going to a different location! Whoops! We frantically ran back to the store, but the ladies were so kind and told us not to worry at all.

All in all, I would highly recommend renting a kimono at Okamoto. The workers there are professional and talented. Not only is it an incredible experience, but you will undoubtedly feel beautiful wearing a kimono that holds so much culture and grace.

It would have been good to see more plus size + tall kimono combinations. While there were some options it wasn’t extensive. However there are so many free size options to choose from!! I would recommend emailing them prior to your reservation with your width and height size to ensure they can accommodate such sizes.

Once again, thank you to Rental Kimono Okamoto Gion Shop for making us look and feel beautiful. It was an unforgettable cultural experience that we would love...

I would recommend this kimono rental to everyone . My mom and I went there without a reservation at noon. Still they were able to squeeze us in. It took them about 45min to dress us and do our hair. We went with the full rental plan and the original eight choices for the hairdo. That’s what I would also recommend!! We also rented a traditional umbrella. They had an amazing collection and we loved the ornaments for the hair! It was a bit overwhelming to choose from all the different belts and garments. But the staff was very forthcoming and helped us. They have great taste and know what they are doing. In the short time that it took them to dress us and do our hair they still managed to give us an amazing experience. It’s quite interesting how a kimono is being put on. It might seem a bit rushed but considering that one does not want to lose time to explore the city, I liked that it was not time consuming and did not feel at all like we wasted some of our time. I would love to come again especially in the winter because their winter collection of kimonos seemed lovely. Compared to other prices you see going around town it might seem a bit more pricey but it’s totally worth it!! You can see the difference is the quality of their kimonos and I would also come for the experience of being dressed in a kimono here. Ps: consider coming early because the later you come the less of a selection you have. Especially because the pretty fabrics obviously are going to run out...