Lace Kimono and Short-Sleeve Furisode Rental in Asakusa

Lace kimono is the sheer, modern end of the rail: light fabric, an airy silhouette and a look closer to a dress than to costume. Short-sleeve furisode — nishakusode — trades the long swinging sleeve of a furisode for something you can walk in all day. Both rent from ¥7,000 per person.

What is a lace kimono?

A kimono cut from lace fabric, so the shoulders and sleeves read as translucent. It is lighter than a traditionally patterned kimono and feels closer to Western clothing, which makes it an easy first kimono. Ennichi keeps over 500 kimono, from antique pieces to the newest lace, so “lace” covers everything from white grounds scattered with small flowers to deep layered colours.

It photographs best in bright light, which makes it a natural choice from spring through autumn.

How is nishakusode different from furisode?

The sleeve length. A furisode sleeve falls below the knee, while a nishakusode sleeve is about two shaku — roughly 76 cm — and stops where your arm does. It is less ceremonial than furisode and more dressed-up than komon, which suits the day when you want serious photographs and still want to walk around.

It rents from ¥7,000 per person, the same as lace. Choosing between the two comes down to how you want the photographs to read: lace for something light and contemporary, nishakusode for sleeves with a bit of weight that still let you walk all day.

What does the ¥7,000 price include?

The kimono, the under-layer, a half-width obi, zori sandals, a matching bag and basic hair styling. Dressing is part of the price and nothing on that list is billed separately.

Is there an extra charge for the obi?

No. The lace, komon and short-sleeve plans include a half-width obi at no charge. The only obi that costs extra is an upgrade to a wider fukuro obi: ¥1,500 for an otaiko knot, ¥3,000 for a decorative kawari knot. A half-width obi is lighter and sits more loosely, which holds up well over a full day of walking.

What about the deposit and the return time?

A security deposit of ¥10,000 per person is held while you are out. It is a holding amount rather than a fee, separate from the rental price, and it comes back to you in full when the kimono does.

The set returns by 17:00 the same day. After 17:00 the rental becomes a next-day return, with an extra ¥1,100 per person, and the kimono goes back by 14:00.

Can I rent on the day?

Walk-ins are accepted, but guests with reservations are dressed first, so there may be a wait. The reservation deposit is ¥1,000 for one to four guests and ¥2,000 for five to eight, and the booking is confirmed once it is paid.

Make-up is ¥4,500 per person, must be reserved in advance and cannot be added on the day. An elaborate hairstyle is ¥1,700 per person.