Rental Kimono Okamoto Kiyomizudera Shop — Local services in Kyoto

We chose this location for the convenient access and positive reviews, and also for the fact that its a chain store. The range of styles and the price were good, but unfortunately, one of the staff (I think she is a senior staff as well, since she seems to be in a managerial role) really ruin the experience for us.

When our group walked in, the staff, let's refer to her as "staff A", had a rather cold attitude towards us when asking for our reservation. That's ok though, since we all have good days and bad days and as someone who also worked in the service industry I understand it's difficult to keep a cheerful attitude at all times. BUT things went downhill for me when after I asked for the male style kimono plan. I'm a girl but my fashion is androgynous and I have a buzzcut so I don't vibe with the female kimonos. Staff A turned to her colleague and commented in Japanese right in front our group "why is a girl wearing men's clothes" (or something along the lines). MA'AM WE SPOKE JAPANESE TO YOU EARLIER, two of us spoke conversational Japanese and we both heard her comment (perhaps she thinks our listening skills are not that great). I found it extremely unprofessional and rude for her to be passing judgements on a customer when they are STILL in the store. At least wait for us to leave first??? Anyway, I didn't want to confront her and ruin the mood for my friends.

But behold, it's not over yet. My friends who picked the ladies' kimono plans were choosing their selections of the kimono layers and the obi, and one of my friend who didn't speak Japanese asked me to act as translator and ask staff A to help her finalize a good combination for her outfit, as she selected some options already but is having trouble deciding. My friend said she likes the colour pink and lace fabric so I translated. Staff A took a look at my friend's selection and said: "She likes pink? But there is no pink here (in the items my friend picked), does she really like pink (本当にピンク色が好きですか)?" And I'm just so bewildered by this interaction...because... why would you give unsolicited comment like this? What were you hoping to achieve by questioning my friend's favourite colour?

All the other staffs who helped us were all very courteous and professional! My friends also bought the hairstyle plan and they all looked great! The 2 stars are for them!!! Otherwise it would be a 1 star review from me, because someone in a senior position really should not be exhibiting these kinds of problematic behaviour....

Honestly, after experiencing Osaka's Kimono rental, this Kyoto chain was by far my favourite rental service. There were many experienced staff members for male and female customers, and no reservations required, we walked in and after payment, were directed to separate male and female changing sites.

For females selections of kimonos, it was quite comprehensive. For the menswear, perhaps the choices were more limited at the basic price point. Perhaps for men's kimono, they could have more swords and props for rental as other comparable rental shops might provide more of these.

For females, the staff members were super helpful, recommending hairstyles (very pretty braids and buns for as low as just 500yen extra)! Hair accessories are also super comprehensive and you can choose what you like to match the kimono you chose!

And the selection of basic kimonos at just 4950yen for females is amazing! The baggage deposit was also super easy and swift.

The kimono wearing process was also fully supported by an all female staff, and mine was super experienced and completed the wearing process in just 5 mins which is remarkable!

Would definitely visit again as this is just a 5min walk uphill from the main road and then 5 min walk through crowded streets to Kiyomizudera Temple! Amazinggg

But pro tip: If you want to avoid crowds, the peak period for kimono rentals here is March April (Cherry blossom) and early November...

I rented from Kimono Okamoto at their Kiyomizudera location today and I had a wonderful experience!

I checked in at 9:15 for my 9:30 appointment and the attendants went straight to explaining the kimono options for the plan I purchased.

(Full set plan) With original hairstyle +1000yen

There was an amazing assortment, it was difficult to find which one to go with but there are styles available for everyone.

After selecting my kimono, the attendants also helped me choose and undergarment. You also get to choose your obi belt, purse and belt accessory.

The kimono dresser was expertly skilled and watching her help me put on my kimono was fascinating. She was precise and extremely skillful.

After that was completed, I moved on to hair styling. The hair stylists were also very skillful. They created an up do and adjusted the style to my hair which I really appreciated. I highly recommend hair styling. I also got to choose unlimited hair accessories which was super fun.

In the end, the attendant also helped me into a coat and scarf to prep for the cold weather which I really appreciated, we also got into sandals.

Overall, I had such an amazing experience with the team at the Kiyomizudera location and I was so happy to be exploring Kyoto in such a beautiful Kimono.

ありがとうございます to the team at Kimono Okamoto for helping me create such a memorable experience here...