Asakusa Kimono Rental Experience & Photo Shoot & Makeup (Tokyo | Aiwafuku Asakusa Store)

Asakusa is a fine place to try a kimono: you can step into the outfit just a short walk from Sensoji Temple, then spend the day among the neighborhood’s temples, shops and streets. At Aiwafuku, staff help you choose and dress in a kimono, with options for hair styling, makeup and a professional photo shoot.

I like the large choice of styles, including lace kimonos, formal furisode and houmongi, plus larger sizes at the same price. I also like that experienced dressers handle the layers and that English- and Chinese-speaking staff can help you get settled.

The main catch is that what’s included depends on the package. Hair styling is promoted as free for some plans, but excluded from the afternoon-only plan, and the booking details also list hair styling as not included. Check your exact option, and arrive on time: late fees apply.

A few things to know before you book

• More than 600 styles: Choose among lace, furisode, houmongi and other designs. Arrive early for the widest choice.
• Larger sizes are available: The shop offers 3L and 4L kimonos at the same price, though some styles may be limited.
• Dressing is part of the experience: Staff with kimono-dressing experience help put on the outfit, obi, tabi socks and sandals.
• Hair, makeup and photos vary by plan: Read the package details closely. Photo options include a 30-minute session per person and a 60-minute session for one or two people.
• A handy Asakusa base: The shop is near Sensoji and Asakusa Station, and offers free storage for luggage and changed clothes, excluding valuables.
• Timing matters: You may be charged 500 yen per person if you are more than 30 minutes late, and 1,100 yen per person for every 10 minutes past the 4:30 PM return time.

Choosing a kimono in Asakusa

The first part of the visit is choosing what to wear. With more than 600 kimono styles, you have room to find a look that suits you, whether that means a lace design, a classic pattern or a more formal outfit. Staff can offer advice on color combinations, which helps if the choice feels bigger than expected.

For women, the selection is described as especially broad. Men’s options are available too, including kimono and yukata, though the choice may feel more limited. Couple packages make it easy to book outfits together, and there are also higher-grade furisode and houmongi plans for a more formal look.

If you want to wear hakama with lace-up boots, bring your own boots. Larger sizes, including 3L and 4L, are offered at the same price as other sizes. Still, size range does not mean every style comes in every size. If you have a larger bust or need a particular fit, arrive early and keep an open mind about alternatives.

The shop can get crowded, and a compact fitting area may feel tight when several people are choosing outfits at once. An early appointment gives you more time and a better chance of finding a preferred style before the racks have been picked over. It is a useful start to the day, especially if you are visiting as a couple or family and need to coordinate colors.

Getting dressed, with help from the pros

After you have chosen your kimono, experienced staff dress you in the outfit. The rental set includes the kimono, obi, juban, Japanese bag, tabi socks and zori sandals. You do not need to work out how to tie or arrange everything yourself. Staff handle the dressing, and the layered process is part of what makes this more than simply borrowing a costume.

Allow time for the fitting. The shop aims to move people through the process efficiently, but the exact wait can depend on how busy it is and how many people are getting dressed. Families and groups should plan for a longer stop than a solo visitor. One family described the dressing process taking about half an hour for two children, while another couple’s visit, including styling, took more than an hour. Those are useful reminders that this is not a quick five-minute change.

The rental is for one day, so you can wear your outfit while exploring Asakusa. In summer, from mid-June to mid-September, the shop uses yukata instead of kimono. The lighter seasonal outfit may be a more comfortable choice in warm weather. One practical tip: use the toilet before dressing. Once you are wrapped and tied into several layers, changing clothes is less convenient.

Hair, makeup and photos: check the plan carefully

Hair styling can finish the look, and professional hair setting is described as free on some plans, with hair ornaments available. But this is not universal. The afternoon-limited plan excludes hair styling, while the package information also lists it as not included. Treat the details for your specific booking as the final word, and check before you arrive if the wording is unclear. An additional hair set is listed at 2,200 yen.

Makeup is an optional extra. It can be a useful add-on if you want the whole look done at the shop, but the experience may vary. A report of a chaotic visit and disappointing makeup is a reason to set realistic expectations, especially if you are particular about your cosmetics. If you have a preferred look, it is sensible to arrive with your makeup already done rather than rely on an add-on.

Photo shoots are also available, with options for 30 minutes per person or a 60-minute session for one or two people. If having polished photos matters to you, book the relevant option rather than assuming it comes with the rental. A photographer can provide posing directions, which may help if you feel awkward in front of a camera. Rickshaw rides are also listed as an available service, but they are not part of the rental inclusions described here.

Taking your outfit out around Sensoji

Once dressed, you are well placed to enjoy Asakusa on foot. Sensoji Temple is close by, and the neighborhood’s streets and nearby sights make a natural backdrop for the outfit. The shop is also close to Asakusa Station, so you do not need to spend a long time getting from the rental counter to the area you came to see.

A kimono changes the pace of a sightseeing day. You may find yourself taking more care on stairs and when moving through crowded spots, and sandals can feel different from everyday shoes. But you can shop, eat and walk around in the outfit. A customer who had expected the layers to be uncomfortable found the fit manageable, while another said the clogs were easy to wear. Comfort will depend on fit, weather and how long you spend on your feet.

Give yourself time to enjoy the neighborhood rather than making the rental one stop in a packed itinerary. You will need to return the outfit by 4:30 PM to avoid the stated late-return charge of 1,100 yen per person for every 10 minutes. Changed clothes and luggage can be stored until 5:30 PM, excluding valuables. That gives you a little room after changing, but it is not a reason to plan a late return.

What the price covers, and what can cost extra

Prices start at $15.75, but the real value depends on the package you choose. The basic rental includes a full day with the kimono, obi, juban, Japanese bag, tabi and zori, plus dressing and free storage. That is a reasonable starting point for a day in Asakusa, particularly if you want the outfit itself more than a salon-style makeover.

The headline price should not be treated as the price of every finishing touch. Hair styling, makeup, higher-grade kimono, photos and other options may have separate fees, or may be bundled only into particular plans. One customer reported paying extra for a hair set and being pleased with the result; another noted an on-site hakama surcharge. Check the exact inclusions and any upgrade costs before choosing.

Aiwafuku’s large inventory, dressing service and central location add practical value. You are not just renting clothes: staff help you get into a layered outfit that can be difficult to arrange on your own, and you can head straight into the Asakusa sights. But if you want a particular style, large size or hairstyle, price alone should not decide the booking. Availability and the precise package matter.

A busy shop, with a few rules to keep in mind

Aiwafuku has several branches in Asakusa and Kyoto, and its Asakusa locations are described as close to stations and attractions. The branch details supplied for this experience need careful attention: the meeting point is given as Aiwafuku Main Store at 1-11-1 Hanakawado, while another note says Stores 1 and 2 were temporarily closed and directs customers to Store 3. Confirm the current branch shown on your voucher before setting out, rather than relying on an old map pin or address alone.

The shop is not wheelchair-accessible. Anyone with a physical disability must apply with an accompanying person, and pregnant people cannot take part. Children aged 13 and older pay the adult rate. These restrictions are worth checking before booking, particularly if you are arranging the experience for a group.

Be punctual. If you arrive more than 30 minutes after your reservation, the stated fee is 500 yen per person. Some visitors have also described strict handling of even shorter delays, so allow extra time for the train and finding the right branch. If you need to change a booking, changes are generally allowed until 24 hours before the activity, with exceptions for certain pass, presale and voucher bookings. The voucher is valid only on its specified date and time.

Who should book this kimono experience?

This is a good fit if you want a hands-on cultural activity that also makes sightseeing in Asakusa feel special. It suits couples, families and solo visitors who are happy to spend time choosing an outfit, getting dressed and walking around in it. The broad selection, helpful styling advice and available larger sizes make it more flexible than a one-style costume rental.

It is less suitable if you are in a rush, dislike crowded fitting areas or need a fully accessible venue. It may also disappoint if you assume hair styling or makeup is automatically included. Those services depend on the plan, and the makeup option may not suit anyone with very specific expectations.

I would book it if wearing kimono is a central part of your Asakusa day, and I would choose the package only after checking every inclusion. Arrive early, confirm the correct branch, and leave plenty of time before the return deadline. That simple preparation helps you spend less time sorting out logistics and more time enjoying the outfit.

FAQ

What is included in the kimono rental?

The one-day rental includes a kimono, obi, juban, Japanese bag, tabi socks and zori sandals. Kimono dressing and free storage are also included.

Is hair styling included?

It depends on the package. Hair styling is promoted as free on some plans, but excluded from the afternoon-limited plan. Check the exact inclusions for your selected option.

Can I add makeup or a photo shoot?

Yes. Makeup and photo services are available as options. Photo choices include a 30-minute session per person and a 60-minute session for one or two people.

How many kimono styles can I choose from?

The shop offers more than 600 styles, including lace kimono, furisode and houmongi. The available selection may vary by size and appointment time.

Are larger sizes available?

Yes. The shop offers 3L and 4L kimonos at the same price. The choice of styles in those sizes may be more limited.

When is yukata provided instead of kimono?

Yukata is worn from mid-June to mid-September.

How late can I return the rental?

The listed return time is 4:30 PM. A surcharge of 1,100 yen per person applies for every 10 minutes after that time.

Can I leave my luggage at the shop?

Yes. Free storage is available for large carry-on cases, luggage and changed clothes. Valuables are excluded, and stored items can be collected until 5:30 PM on the same day.

What happens if I arrive late?

If you are more than 30 minutes late, a fee of 500 yen per person applies. Allow extra time to reach the correct branch.

Is the experience wheelchair-accessible, and can pregnant people take part?

The activity is not wheelchair-accessible. Pregnant people cannot participate. Those with physical disabilities should apply with an accompanying person.