How does kimono rental in Asakusa work, from booking to return?

Renting a kimono in Asakusa runs in five stages: booking, arriving and choosing, dressing and hair, your day out, and the return. Here is what actually happens at each one.

Do I need to book, or can I walk in?

Booking ahead is the safer plan, but walk-in visits are accepted. You can book through the website or by contacting customer support, and the booking is confirmed once the reservation deposit is paid: ¥1,000 for one to four guests and ¥2,000 for five to eight. If you also want a photo session, the photography reservation deposit is ¥2,000.

If you simply turn up, we will fit you in, but guests with a booking are dressed first and you may have to wait when the shop is busy. Weekends and the cherry blossom and autumn colour weeks fill up from the morning slots down.

What is the first thing that happens when I arrive?

You choose the kimono. There are more than 500 to look at, and the quickest route is to settle on a mood first and match the size afterwards. We can hold one specific piece for you if it is paid in full, though we cannot change it once you arrive.

What does the dressing and hair stage include?

The plan price covers the kimono set, zori sandals, a matching bag and basic hair styling with an accessory, so nothing more is due at this point. The obi is matched to the formality of the kimono: a half-width obi with lace, komon and short-sleeve sets, and a full fukuro obi with iromuji, homongi, tomesode and furisode.

Makeup must be booked in advance and is ¥4,500 per person; elaborate hair styling is ¥1,700 per person. Photography is also booked in advance and cannot be added on the day.

What do I leave at the shop before going out?

A security deposit of ¥10,000 per person is taken when you head out — ¥20,000 per person for premium furisode. It is not a charge but money we hold, and it is returned in full when the kimono comes back.

The clothes you change out of are kept free of charge, so you are not carrying a paper bag around Senso-ji. Valuables stay with you. Large suitcases cannot be stored because there is not enough room in store, so leave one in a station coin locker or use the ecbocloak app to find a nearby drop-off point before you come in.

What time do I need to be back?

By 17:00 the same day. How long you get in the kimono depends almost entirely on how early you set off. After 17:00 the rental becomes a next-day return, with a ¥1,100 per-person fee and a 14:00 deadline the following day.

Arriving at the 09:00 opening gives you roughly eight hours until 17:00 — enough for Senso-ji, Nakamise, a tea break and a walk along the Sumida river without hurrying.

What if my plans change, or I am late?

Free cancellation and date changes close at 20:00 the day before your visit. After that we cannot accept a change or a cancellation, bad weather included, so check the forecast the evening before.

Arrivals more than 30 minutes past the booked time may not be dressed, and that slot is not refunded. If you can see you will be late, call the shop before anything else.

Is there anything I should tell you in advance?

If you are over 180cm or unsure about sizing, a quick message before you book saves time at the counter. For safety reasons we cannot dress pregnant guests, and we appreciate your understanding on that.