Kimono Rental - Sakura Kimono Kyoto 桜きもの京都 — Local services in Nara

This would have been 5 stars, but I'll explain why it isn't.

First off, the lady I dealt with over Instagram was very pleasant to deal with while making my reservation. On their Instagram, I saw a furisode I fell in love with. The colours went so perfectly with the handbag and the obi that was on the model. I wanted to rent the exact outfit for my 30th birthday photoshoot.

Unfortunately to my despair, when it was time for kimono dressing, the other lady who helped me out would not allow me to have obi I requested to go with the furisode. She did not speak very good english and could not explain well why I couldn't have the obi I wanted, other than it being "not good." I told her I wasn't a big fan of green but she kept recommending green obi and green accessories for me and was insistent on them. I'm not sure if the language barrier had something to do with it, but all in all, I was upset that having come overseas for a particular furisode and obi set, only to be denied. Especially for my birthday. Wish things could have been done better.

The shop is a little hard to find, but it is at the end of an alley nearby the Snoopy Chaya shop. There is a mannequin with kimono at the beginning of the alley. You have to go up the stairs past the restaurant on the 1F to find the shop.

I will say that the furisode was very beautiful. The shop is not too far walking distance for some good photo locations. The kind lady also let us rent a parasol free of charge as it had a little hole in it, but still usable for our photo shoot. Very...

For our last day in Japan I booked this kimono experience and I have to say it was such a highlight. The location is easily accessible from Nara station, close to all the beautiful temples and Nara Park all within walking distance. I was nervous going in about being a bigger size, but the wonderful ladies put me at ease and were absolutely amazing at their craft of dressing. I was absolutely amazed by the quality of the beautiful kimonos and happily would have spent hours just looking at every one! Luckily I spotted the one I wanted quickly - it was just a work of art. They gave me a gorgeous matching bag and little sandals with the white tabi socks. A special thank you to the hairdresser who did an amazing job and offered a choice of pretty hair accessories. I would definitely recommend this experience, I was smiling all day, surrounded by nature, temples, autumn leaves and deer. What a day. Thank you so much! Ps thanks to my lovely husband for...

High regards to the staff that helped create the beautiful kimono-looks for my fiance and I. We are English-speakers and managed communication fine with staff, it also helped that I knew a little bit of Korean too. There are many patterns, colours, fabrics and styling options for the kimonos. My hair was styled and decorated all included with the price. The location of the shop is also very convenient, as it is only a few minutes away from the Nara pagoda and deer park. The quality of the kimonos were exquisite! Also the attention to details, regarding the styling and creation of the bow (obi) were superb! The elder lady (sensei) who was the main person dressing both of us, is definitely a master of her art! When finished I felt like a beautiful present~ Thank you so much for helping with our amazing experience and memories in Japan. This was one of the highlights to our trip, and on top of being one of my favourite birthdays ever!...