Riko Kimono Rental Yasaka Store — Local services in Kyoto

We visited the shop in person and were served by the owner, Yuie. Unfortunately, we found the prices too high for the selection – especially since this was our third time in Japan and we had the opportunity to compare.

The selection was rather limited and, in our opinion, didn't justify the price (the equivalent of €200 per person for just the kimono).

We were willing to pay the price. We were persistently pushed with additional services,

e.g. Socks with studs cost extra (in every other store, the "special" socks come with the kimono and are free of charge). We were offered a photographer, which was fine. Then the worst: we were repeatedly asked, almost forcing us to take out insurance if the kimono got dirty (there were already stained kimonos hanging there for fitting). If she had mentioned it once, then fine, but after the fifth time, I became suspicious.

Why does EVERYTHING cost extra? That seemed strange to me. We already had experience with kimono rentals. That would have been a total price for 4 people of around €900?!?!! Converted to about 147,000 yen.

Since the whole thing seemed like a sales pitch and everything was happening so quickly, we canceled the whole thing. After a long discussion, they let us go.

So be careful: these are NOT traditional kimonos (the designs are beautiful, no question). The reviews are clearly not real.

We are happy to pay more for quality and performance but not...

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the outstanding kimono rental experience me and my girlfriend enjoyed at your store in Kyoto on 20/6. From start to finish, the service from YUI and photographer exceeded all expectations and truly enriched our cultural journey in this beautiful city.

The variety of kimonos and accessories was remarkable, and all staff’s (including makeup and hair style) expert guidance helped us choose designs that perfectly reflected our personal styles. We were deeply impressed by the skillful and meticulous dressing process. The team’s patience, warmth, and professionalism made us feel welcomed and valued. They gracefully answered all our questions and ensured we felt confident in our attire.

Wearing the exquisite kimonos allowed us to immerse ourselves in Kyoto’s heritage authentically. We received countless compliments throughout the day and created unforgettable memories at Kiyomizy-dera.

Thank you for contributing so significantly to our perfect Kyoto experience.

This comment highlights their service quality while emphasizing the cultural value they provide—perfect for encouraging and rewarding...

Great customer service! We went here earlier in April 2025 and had an excellent experience! The girls were beyond helpful and spoke a good amount of english! They were very nice to talk to and made sure me and my family felt comfortable, as it was our first time. They had a lot of great options for Kimono’s. Be aware that kimono styles are available depending on your size. I feel terribly bad for forgetting her name, but one of the assistants gladly took more than enough pictures for us to remember this special moment! She knew all the great angles and poses. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community, they provided a safe space for me and my boyfriend. All-in-all, I highly recommend this place to everyone! The staff deserve the entire world for being some of the nicest people...