Wearing a kimono in Japan – preparing your perfect travel photos

Many of us have fantasized about wearing a kimono in Japan, but how should you go about it? Here are a few ways to get involved with kimonos!

Let’s be real, we live in a world in which we’re all after aesthetic photos and videos that capture the best moments and most precious memories of our lives.

So if you’re planning a trip to Japan and want to dress up in a traditional kimono or yukata, here are some options for you to get the ideal look you’ve always dreamed of!

Finding Your Perfect Fit

The best place to find a kimono and yukata store is on the streets of Kyoto, the traditional capital of Japan.

In a city surrounded by culture, beauty, and heritage, it’s only natural that most kimono rental shops can be found in the very place people would want to wear them.

From the main metropolitan hub of Kyoto station to the traditional town of Ninenzaka, there are countless stores where you can buy or rent a kimono for the day.

Essentially, you have the option of renting the outfit for the day at a reasonable price or purchasing it for keeps at a higher price.

You can also choose between a warm kimono made of silk or a light yukata made of cotton and linen.

The Kyoto Classic

As I mentioned, Kyoto is surrounded by beauty and culture, showcasing some of the world’s most beautiful traditional structures and heritage sites.

Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine is the most iconic destination for tourist photos in Japan, offering awesome backgrounds of orange torii gates and fox god statues.

During the summer, it’s a good idea to invest in a traditional Japanese fan not only for practical purposes but also to complete the yukata or kimono look for your photo album!

For winter, consider buying or renting a traditional bamboo umbrella to enhance those kimono photos!

Perfect Mt. Fuji Photos

Fushimi Inari Taisha, Ninenzaka, and Arashiyama bamboo forest are just a few of the many awesome kimono photo spots in Kyoto.

However, Kyoto isn’t the only place to take stunning kimono photos with backgrounds of natural beauty and eye-catching scenery.

For example, the iconic Mt. Fuji just outside Tokyo can be the perfect backdrop that highlights the essence and pinnacle of Japan’s natural beauty.

As the tallest mountain in Japan standing at 3,776 meters high, it’s easy to get a great kimono shot once you’re in Mt. Fuji’s proximity.

There is an element of “luck of the draw” when it comes to the mountain’s visibility, but you can be sure to get great scenic photos around the Lake Kawaguchiko area regardless.

Festivals & Fireworks

There is always a festival of some sort happening somewhere in Japan, so be sure to find out what’s on in your area!

Whether it’s the Kamakura Fireworks Festival in July or the Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival in October, they can be great opportunities to attend wearing a traditional kimono or yukata.

They are also great opportunities to fit in some night kimono shots for your Japan travel album by lighting the way with some hand-held fireworks!

Ultimately, there’s really no limit to where you can wear a kimono or yukata in Japan, and I can attest I’ve seen locals wearing them in all kinds of settings.

Fun For Everyone!

I still haven’t developed a desire strong enough to wear a kimono in public myself, but I can confirm it’s a lot of fun being around someone who’s wearing it.

You can walk around town with your kimono-wearing comrade and enjoy the extra attention, or you can take on photography duties like myself and have fun taking those perfect Japan holiday shots!


Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!

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