Kimono rental in Asakusa — prices, where to book, and how it works

Visitors in rented kimono outside a kimono-rental shop in Asakusa, Tokyo
shankar s. / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The short answer

Asakusa is the easiest place in Tokyo to rent a kimono, and you don't need to book days ahead or speak Japanese. Walk-in-friendly shops around Senso-ji dress you in a full kimono — robe, obi sash, accessories and geta sandals — in about 30–60 minutes, and you keep it until the early evening. Expect from ¥2,900–¥6,000 for a same-day plan, with hair styling and next-day return as paid add-ons.

This page is the honest go-info: which English-friendly shops to book, what each really costs, and the one rule that matters when you put it on.

Where to book (English-friendly)

ShopOnline fromWhat's includedNotes
Kimono Rental Wargo — Asakusa¥2,900Kimono, obi, accessories, dressingJapan's largest chain; next-day return +¥1,100
VASARA — Asakusa¥2,980 (Standard)Kimono, obi, accessories, dressingHair styling & couple sets; 3-star plan ¥6,980

Book Wargo on its official Asakusa page and VASARA on its official Asakusa page. Both take online reservations in English — usually cheaper than walking in — but in cherry-blossom and autumn weeks the good time slots and popular patterns sell out, so reserve a few days ahead. Prices move with season and plan, so confirm on the shop's page before you pay.

What's included — and what costs extra

A base plan covers the kimono (or a yukata in summer), obi, under-robe, bag and geta, plus professional dressing. Common add-ons are hair styling (about ¥1,000–¥2,500), a next-day return (about ¥1,100) so you don't have to rush back, and photo plans. You change at the shop and leave in the kimono, so wear thin clothing underneath.

The one rule that matters

When the kimono is wrapped it is always left side over right (your right side goes against your body first). Right-over-left is reserved for dressing the deceased, so staff will get it right — but it's good to know. Take small steps and don't tug the collar tight at the throat. Our how to wear a yukata guide walks through wearing and obi basics.

Make a day of it

Asakusa rewards a kimono walk: the Kaminarimon gate, the Nakamise shopping street, Senso-ji temple, and a riverside view across to Tokyo Skytree. Pair it with another Tokyo session — many travellers add a samurai experience in Tokyo. Heading to Kyoto next? See the best cultural experiences in Kyoto, or learn the etiquette of the tea ceremony you might do in your kimono. For festivals worth dressing up for, check japan-event.info.

The MICHI Desk
  • Japanese-culture experience editor

Verified, English-friendly guides to experiencing Japanese culture.