Looking for kimono rentals in Osaka? Here’s everything you need to know.
Japan’s history has long shaped its rich and unique culture, from 900-year-old temples to dishes that have not changed in centuries, from famous cultural activities like the green tea ceremony to traditional and iconic clothing like the kimono.
The kimono is one of the most popular and best-known dress items in Japanese culture. It is traditionally wrapped from the left side over to the right first and often worn with a sash (obi), Japanese sandals (zori), and special socks (zobi). There are many different types of kimono for men and women for different occasions, statuses, or ages, and they can be worn in both formal and informal settings.
Today, kimonos are less popular for everyday dress and mostly used for special events such as festivals, or other more formal affairs like weddings. These casual kimonos are called yukata, and for visitors who are looking for a uniquely Japanese experience, hiring a kimono or yukata from rental shops is a popular and memorable activity.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the different options for kimono rental and experience tours in Osaka!
Heading to Osaka? Be sure to check out my ultimate 1-day Osaka itinerary with 5 different itinerary options for families, couples, sightseeing, foodies, and culture and history!
Staying overnight in Osaka? Make your kimono experience extra special by staying at a traditional Japanese Osaka ryokan with private onsen.
Top 3 Picks: Best Kimono Rental in Osaka
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kimono & Tsumami-zaiku Workshop Experience
✔️ Includes photo opportunity
✔️ Take your tsumami-zaiku home as a souvenir
✔️ Traditional Japanese crafting experience
#2 PICK
Rickshaw Ride & Kimono Experience
✔️ Explore the city in your Kimono
✔️ Private rickshaw ride
✔️ Includes stops for photos
#3 PICK
Kireikan Kimono Rental
✔️ Next-day kimono return
✔️ Guided kimono dressing
✔️ No time limit
10 Best Kimono Rental in Osaka
1. Kireikan Kimono Rental
Location: Naniwa Ward
Check out Kireikan Kimono Rental
Spend some time exploring the city of Osaka in your own traditional Japanese kimono and take in the sights in your own time.
Arrive at Kireikan and pick the package that is right for you. Next, a staff member will help you select a kimono from the various kimono designs and show you how to wear it. Finally, take to the streets for some fun, stopping for photo opportunities and sightseeing.
The rental period also allows you to return your beautiful garments the next day so that you can enjoy your experience without having to keep your eye on the clock.
“Fantastic service. The ladies are super nice and helpful. Highly recommend. Thank you Kireikan.”
– READ MORE REVIEWS
Check out Kireikan Kimono Rental
2. Vasara Kimono and Yukata Rental
Location: Vasara Osaka Station Branch
Check out Vasara Kimono and Yukata Rental
Vasara Kimono and Yukata rental offers visitors to Osaka the chance to immerse themselves in Japanese culture with a personalized and completely unique experience.
The staff will guide you through the process of kimono selection and complete your ensemble with a range of different accessories. Once you are dressed, you can stroll the streets of Osaka in your new outfit in search of the perfect photo opportunity.
Packages include women’s, men’s, or children’s kimono rentals, as well as obi sash, Japanese sandals, socks, undershirts, and kimono bag rentals with damage insurance and optional hair styling or accessory add-ons.
“There are many styles, there is a small shrine nearby, and the store is very enthusiastic.”
– READ MORE REVIEWS
Check out Vasara Kimono and Yukata Rental
3. Kimono and Tsumami-zaiku Workshop Experience
Location: Nishinari Ward
Check out Kimono and Tsumami-zaiku Workshop Experience
This kimono rental, located in Nishinari ward in Osaka, offers a traditional Japanese crafting experience as well as a kimono dressing and photo opportunity. Tsumami-zaiku is a traditional Japanese brooch commonly worn by Geisha in the Edo period.
The staff will guide you through the process of making and decorating your accessory before helping you choose and dress in your kimono. Next, you can stop for photos before taking to the streets in your new outfit.
You will need to return your kimono to the store within an hour, but you will get to take your tsumami-zaiku home as a souvenir.
“Wonderful experience! Mayumi taught my friends and me how to make a cultural hair accessory then she dressed us in beautiful kimonos, did our hair, and the overall experience was very pleasant.”
– READ MORE REVIEWS
Check out Kimono and Tsumami-zaiku Workshop Experience
4. Yukata try-on Workshop
Location: Chuo Ward
Check out Yukata try-on Workshop
This Yukata try-on workshop offers free cancellation and is great value for anyone on a budget.
A yukata is a simplified version of the well-known kimono, most often worn in more casual settings such as festivals or bathhouses.
In this hour-long experience, available in English, you’ll meet in Awaza, close to Hommachi station, where you’ll choose your own yukata design and be shown how to dress in this simple, traditional Japanese garb. You can also add accessories such as an obi (sash), zori (Japanese sandals), and zobi (socks). Afterward, feel free to explore the city and photograph yourself in your new outfit.
Check out Yukata try-on Workshop
5. Rickshaw Ride and Kimono Experience
Location: Nishinari Ward
Check out the Rickshaw Ride and Kimono Experience
If you’re looking for a great kimono rental service with a little something extra, this memorable experience is a great way to see the city in style.
You will meet at the venue close to Dobutsuen-Mae station to choose your kimono and will be shown how to put it on. Next, you will head back downstairs where a rickshaw driver will pick you up for your own private rickshaw ride around the Shinseikai area where you will have plenty of photo opportunities before returning to the start.
The whole experience lasts for 90 minutes, and your rickshaw driver can answer any questions you have as you travel.
Check out the Rickshaw Ride and Kimono Experience
6. Kimono Rental and Osaka Castle Tour
Location: Osaka Castle
Check out Kimono Rental and Osaka Castle Tour
Maiyoka offers their customers the opportunity to take a private tour of Osaka Castle and its grounds while professionally dressed in a kimono of their choice.
For this unique and memorable experience, you will meet at Maiyoka Osaka where staff will help you select your kimono, offer hair styling, and help you choose any accessories you like. Afterward, their bilingual staff members will take you on a tour of Osaka Castle where you can enjoy the sights, take photos, learn about its history, and stop for lunch.
Finally, stop for some tea before wrapping up your tour and heading back to Maiyoka
Check out Kimono Rental and Osaka Castle Tour
7. Tenma Kimono
Location: Kita Ward
Tenma Kimono is a kimono rental store in Kita Ward of downtown Osaka, a convenient location in the busy Tenjibashisuji indoor shopping street. They offer more than 100 different styles and designs of kimonos ranging from traditional to modern and are open to walk-ins.
As you enter the store, their staff will welcome you and help you put together your outfit which can include a sash, socks, slippers, and a bag, along with your kimono. Once you are dressed, you can leave the store and go sightseeing in your new outfit.
Different rental or purchase plans are available according to how long you would like to wear your kimono.
8. Wargo Kimono Rental
Location: Shinsaibashi Station
With stores in most major cities across Japan, Wargo is one of Japan’s best-known kimono budget rental companies.
A great place to go for visitors on a budget compared with many other kimono rental or experience companies, Wargo offers kimono rental with none of the extras, such as additional experiences or private tours. Located close to Shinsaibashi station, staff will greet you as you enter and help you select and dress in your chosen kimono, then you will be free to explore the city before returning your garments before the end of the day.
If you’re just looking for a kimono to wear as you explore Osaka, this is your best bet.
9. Private Kimono Tea Ceremony in Osaka
Location: Nishi Ward
Check out Private Kimono Tea Ceremony in Osaka
Enjoy the mindfulness, taste, and experience of a Japanese tea ceremony while dressed in a traditional kimono.
In this private experience, you will get to choose the kimono you’d like to wear before the staff helps you dress. Then, you will be guided into a tearoom where a qualified instructor will walk you through the ritual of the tea ceremony step-by-step, showing you how the tea is prepared and presented. You will also the chance to taste matcha green tea and traditional Japanese sweets known as wagashi.
The experience lasts for 90 minutes and is offered in both English and Japanese. Reservations are recommended.
Check out Private Kimono Tea Ceremony in Osaka
10. Rent a Kimono and Explore a Former Geisha House
Location: Shinmachi, Nishi Ward
Check out Rent a Kimono and Explore a Former Geisha House
This one-of-a-kind experience offers visitors the opportunity to wear a kimono as they wander around the grounds of a former geisha house.
Included in this experience are the kimono rental until 6 pm, hair styling, hair accessories, and other dress accessories. Once you select your kimono, the staff will dress you, style your hair, and answer any questions you have before you’re free to look around.
The property has been equipped with several photogenic backdrops and special lighting to offer guests the ideal kimono experience. When you’re finished exploring the grounds, you can step onto the streets to wander around the area.
Check out Rent a Kimono and Explore a Former Geisha House
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Kimono in Osaka?
On average, kimono or yukata rentals in Japan typically cost around 4,000 to 5,000 yen per session. The fee also usually includes accessories such as a sash, socks, sandals, etc, if you wish. Some kimono rental vendors also offer additional services such as hair styling, make-up, and even a photo shoot for an additional fee.
Most rental companies will allow you to go out sightseeing in your kimono or yukata, this is included in the rental fee, but if you want to book an experience, such as a rickshaw ride, or a tea ceremony, prices can go up.
Special Events You Should Not Miss: The Umeda Yukata Festival
If you are visiting Osaka in July, rent a yukata and head over to the bustling Umeda district for two days of great food, drinks, dancing, and a fun festival atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to try on a yukata and immerse yourself in a local cultural celebration.
Since 2012, this annual summer event has given visitors the opportunity to put on their yukata and participate in a range of summer activities including Umeda de uchimizu, the Japanese traditional practice of watering the ground in front of homes and buildings to reduce the temperature and humidity, and the Bon Odori dance. Visit umeda-connect.jp for more information, including dates for this year.
Best Photo Spots in Osaka for Wearing a Kimono
Found your perfect kimono rental experience? Ready to hit the streets in your stylish outfit? Don’t miss out on the best views and photo ops! Check out our top picks for the most Instagram-worthy spots to make the most of your time.
Osaka Castle
An iconic city landmark and very easy to reach from most places in the city. Osaka Castle ticks all the boxes. As you wander the grounds or inside the walls of this famous historic building, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop for a photo or two.
Don’t Miss: The sprawling park surrounding the castle is also home to more than 300 cherry trees, which are lit up at night during cherry blossom season. Don’t let this unique photo opportunity pass you by.
Museum of Living & Housing
Just a one-minute walk from Tenjimbashisuji 6-Chome Station, the museum is a popular spot for some sightseeing. One of the museum’s main attractions is the ancient town, which features recreations of dozens of buildings and streets in Osaka from the Showa, Meiji, and Edo period. You will really feel like you’re a part of history as you walk the streets of this tribute to Japan’s past in your kimono.
Shiteno-ji Temple
The oldest official temple of Buddhism in Japan is in Osaka and was founded almost 1,500 years ago by Prince Shotoku. Since its reconstruction in the 1960s, a large central hall and impressive 5-tiered pagoda stand among the many buildings throughout the complex. While still a revered religious site, the temple is also a popular draw for tourists and an ideal place for sightseeing in your kimono.
Shinsekai
A lively and brightly colored area in the southern part of Osaka, Shinsekai is famous for its bright neon signs, cheap restaurants, and Tsutenkaku Tower, which you’ll find in the center. As you stroll through the brightly lit streets, try to find the golden statues of Billikensan and rub his feet for good luck.
If you’re exploring other parts of the Kansai region during your trip to Japan, be sure to check out my 3-day Kyoto itinerary and Kobe itinerary articles!
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