Asakusa | Kimono Rental Experience | Rika Kimono Asakusa Store (Provided by Rika Kimono)

Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s easiest places to try a kimono: Rika Kimono sits a minute from Kaminarimon and three minutes from Senso-ji. I like the large selection of more than 500 kimono styles, including lace designs, and the fact that women’s hairstyling and basic dressing accessories are included.

The catch is that the advertised starting price covers a basic plan, not every decorative extra you may spot in the shop. Plan your look and budget before you arrive, and give yourself time to choose: the selection process can be harder if you do not share a language with the staff.

At a glance

• Right by Asakusa’s main sights: Kaminarimon is a one-minute walk away, and Senso-ji is about three minutes on foot.
• More than 500 kimono choices: Lace styles are included in the selection, while yukata are available in summer.
• Women’s hair styling is part of the plan: Choose from five styles, with options for short hair as well as longer hair.
• Allow 45 to 70 minutes before setting off: Choosing clothes, changing, and styling take time, especially during busy periods.
• Your return deadline is 5:30 PM: You can’t extend your Asakusa stroll past the shop’s closing routine without risking a late fee.
• Add-ons can change the price: Extra decorations and accessories may cost more than the basic rental rate.

A kimono shop in the heart of Asakusa

Rika Kimono is on the sixth floor of HULIC & New Kaminarimon, at 2-16-9 Kaminarimon in Taito City. Its central location is the main practical advantage: you can be at Kaminarimon almost as soon as you leave, then walk to Senso-ji without arranging transport or crossing town in formal clothes.

The store is described as Asakusa’s largest kimono rental shop by floor area and says it dresses more than 230,000 people a year. The practical takeaway is scale: there are many styles to look through, but the shop can also be busy. Staff help and recommendations are available, though you may need to ask for assistance rather than expect one-on-one guidance throughout your selection.

This is a self-guided rental, not a tour with a guide. You choose and wear the kimono, then explore Asakusa on your own before returning it to the shop. That suits you if you want time for your own photos and temple visit, but it means the experience does not include a photographer or a planned walking route.

Choosing your kimono and setting the budget

The store offers more than 500 kimono styles, including lace designs. In summer, you can choose a yukata instead. The choice is a real part of the outing, but it can also take longer than you expect. Arrive with a rough idea of the color and style you want, and ask staff for suggestions if you are unsure what will work together.

The listed starting prices are US$39.45 for the women’s rental and hair styling plan, and US$35.05 for the men’s and children’s plans. Tax is included. These prices are a starting point, not a promise that every bag, obi decoration, or upgraded detail is part of the basic package. Customers have found that some nicer-looking accessories carry an additional charge, so ask what is included before settling on your outfit.

That distinction matters most if you have a specific look in mind. One customer found that lace, obi decorations, and a bag added 3,500 yen to the women’s set. Another was content with the range but felt the basic bag choice was limited. The sensible approach is to set a spending limit first, then ask the staff to show you options within it. The shop says you can add options on the day, but check each extra’s price before agreeing.

Men’s styles are available, but the selection is smaller than the women’s range. That makes the men’s plan convenient if you want to join friends or family in kimono, but less compelling if your main aim is a wide choice of designs. Children’s plans are also offered; infants and children must be included in the booking headcount.

Getting dressed, with hair styling for women

The rental includes the kimono, obi, juban, undershirt, zori sandals, tabi socks, and a drawstring bag. Women’s plans also include hair styling and hair accessories. In other words, you can arrive without bringing the clothing pieces needed to wear a kimono.

Women can choose from five hair patterns, ranging from ponytails to classic updos. There are options for bob-length and short hair, too. This is a set menu rather than an open-ended salon appointment, so it helps to choose from the offered styles rather than arrive expecting a custom design. Hair styling and hair decorations are not provided for men.

From reception through dressing and styling, allow 45 to 70 minutes. The time varies with the season, time of day, and how quickly you settle on an outfit. A busy shop can mean waiting or less individual attention, while a quieter weekday may give you a calmer, more thorough appointment. Arrive 15 minutes before your booked time; late arrivals may be served after customers who are on time, which can delay your departure.

The shop’s process may involve moving between floors for outfit selection, dressing, and hair. If you need help, ask early and be clear about what feels comfortable. In particular, speak up if an obi feels too tight. Staff may be working with several customers, and a simple request can prevent discomfort during your walk.

Do not assume that you can take photos inside the shop. A customer was stopped from taking pictures there, so ask the staff before using your phone indoors. Once you are outside, you can enjoy Asakusa in your rented outfit, but photography is not listed as a service and no photographer is included.

Walking from Kaminarimon to Senso-ji

After you leave the shop, Asakusa’s best-known sights are close at hand. Kaminarimon is a one-minute walk away, and Senso-ji Temple is about three minutes away. That proximity makes the rental especially convenient: there is little transit time between getting dressed and reaching the district’s familiar temple scenery.

The itinerary is simple: depart from the shop, spend time in Asakusa, then return to the same location. You set your own pace and decide how long to spend looking around. The shop does not provide a guide or a fixed sightseeing schedule, so this works best if you are happy to plan your own stops.

A kimono changes the feel of an ordinary stroll, but it is still clothing you will wear for several hours. Think about the day’s weather and how much walking you want to do. One practical warning: midsummer can be uncomfortable in traditional layers. Yukata are available in summer, but the details do not say how the shop assigns or prices them, so confirm your choice and any extra cost when you arrive.

The central location is a strong value point for a short visit. You do not have to spend time travelling to a photo spot or temple after getting dressed. On the other hand, Asakusa can be crowded, and the rental gives you a fixed end time. If you want a slow day with several far-flung Tokyo sights, this is not the right outfit to wear from morning until night.

Timing your visit and returning the outfit

You can book departure times from 9:45 AM through 2:45 PM, in half-hour steps. The shop opens at 9:30 AM, and the last styling reception time is 4:00 PM, though your available appointment depends on the option you book. Choose an earlier start if you want more time in Asakusa. A later slot leaves less room before the return deadline.

The final return time is 5:30 PM, regardless of when you book. Return-time choices shown at booking may include 3:30, 4:00, 4:30, or 5:00 PM, depending on your start time and the itinerary length. Treat those as scheduling choices, not permission to return after 5:30. A late fee applies if you miss the deadline.

Luggage storage is available, but large items such as suitcases may cost extra. Contact staff at the venue about storage rates rather than assuming every bag is included. Only people using the service may enter the shop, so companions who are not renting should not count on waiting inside.

The shop is at HULIC & New Kaminarimon 6F, 2-16-9 Kaminarimon, Taito City, Tokyo. The experience is not suitable for pregnant women or children under three. Some shops may not have bathing facilities, so arrive prepared; do not count on being able to change or freshen up using facilities at the store.

Is the price worth it?

The basic price buys more than a costume: it covers the main clothing layers and accessories, plus women’s hair styling. You also save the trouble of bringing your own tabi socks, sandals, and bag. For a few hours in central Asakusa, that can be a fair deal, especially if you want the outfit to be part of your visit rather than a separate activity across town.

The value depends on whether you are satisfied with the basic selection. If you want lace, extra obi details, or a particular bag, the total can rise. The experience is easiest to budget when you treat the starting price as the cost of a standard outfit and ask about upgrades before you choose them. For men, the lower starting price is useful, though the narrower selection may make the plan feel less flexible.

The overall rating is 4.3 out of 5 from 11 ratings, but the practical picture is mixed. Strong points include a clear process, a large range of designs, friendly recommendations, and a convenient location. The main concerns are extra charges, limited personal guidance when the shop is busy, and differences between the selection offered to men and women. A weekday visit may be less hectic, though no day guarantees a quiet appointment.

Who should book this Asakusa kimono rental?

I’d choose Rika Kimono if you want a kimono for a self-guided walk around Kaminarimon and Senso-ji, value having the outfit pieces supplied, and are comfortable choosing from a set menu. It is especially handy for women who want hair styling included and for visitors who would rather spend their time in Asakusa than travel to a rental shop elsewhere.

I’d look elsewhere if you expect a private stylist, unlimited custom hair options, an included photo session, or a fully transparent single price for every accessory. The shop’s location and large selection make it a convenient choice, but the best experience comes when you arrive on time, ask about add-on prices, and keep the 5:30 PM return in mind. If that sounds like a fair trade, this is a practical way to add a traditional outfit to an Asakusa day.

FAQ

What is included in the kimono rental?

The rental includes a kimono, obi, juban, undershirt, zori sandals, tabi socks, and a drawstring bag. Women’s plans also include hair styling and hair accessories.

How long does it take to get ready?

Allow about 45 to 70 minutes from reception until you are dressed, styled if applicable, and ready to leave. The time can vary with the season, appointment time, and kimono selection.

What time do I have to return the kimono?

The latest return time is 5:30 PM on the same day. A late fee applies if you return it after that time.

Are yukata available?

Yes. Yukata are available in summer.

Is hair styling included for men?

No. Hair styling and hair decorations are not provided for men.

Can I bring a suitcase?

Large luggage such as suitcases may incur an additional charge. Storage is available at the venue, but you should ask staff about the rates.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, based on local time. Changes are allowed until 24 hours before the activity starts, with restrictions for some bookings, including certain passes, presales, vouchers, and cultural credit programs.