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 is about a minute from Kaminarimon and three minutes from Senso-ji Temple. You choose your outfit at the shop, get dressed, then head out to explore the neighborhood at your own pace.

I like two things in particular: the large selection of more than 500 kimono styles, including lace designs, and the location, which makes it easy to reach Asakusa’s main sights without a long walk in sandals. The women’s plan also includes hairstyling and accessories, so you can arrive without packing the bits and pieces needed to dress.

The trade-off is that the advertised starting price may not cover every look you have in mind. Some popular accessories and kimono upgrades cost extra, and the selection process can feel rushed when the shop is busy. Go in with a budget, arrive early, and ask what is included before choosing.

• More than 500 kimono choices: The large selection includes lace styles, with yukata offered in summer.
• Close to Asakusa’s landmarks: Kaminarimon is a one-minute walk away, and Senso-ji is about three minutes on foot.
• Women’s hair styling is included: Choose from five set styles, with options for short hair as well as updos and ponytails.
• Plan for a 45 to 70 minute start: Reception, choosing an outfit, dressing, and hairstyling take time, especially in busy periods.
• Same-day return is firm: Bring the kimono back by 5:30 PM or pay a late fee.
• Extras can change the price: Lace, obi decorations, and bags may cost more than the base plan.

A kimono shop just around the corner from Kaminarimon

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Rika Kimono’s Asakusa shop is at HULIC & New Kaminarimon, 6F, 2-16-9 Kaminarimon, Taito City. Its location is a real practical advantage. A kimono is lovely for photos and a slow stroll, but it is not the outfit most people want to wear across half of Tokyo. Here, you can get dressed near the sights you came to see.

The shop describes itself as the largest kimono rental store in Asakusa by floor area and says it has dressed more than 230,000 people over the year. Those figures suggest a high-volume operation, which can make the process efficient, but also means staff attention may vary with the crowd. You may need to ask directly for help rather than expect someone to guide each choice one-on-one.

This is a rental experience, not a guided tour. Once dressed, you explore independently. That suits anyone who wants flexibility: linger near Senso-ji, walk through the surrounding streets, or simply enjoy the change of pace that comes from wearing traditional clothing in a historic part of Tokyo.

👉 See our pick of the 25 Best Guided Tours In Tokyo

Choosing from more than 500 styles

The range is one of the shop’s strongest selling points. You can browse more than 500 kimono options, including lace styles, while summer visitors can choose a yukata. A broad selection gives you room to find a color or pattern that feels like your own, rather than settling for the first outfit on a rack.

Still, the number of choices does not mean every detail is included in the starting price. Some customers have found that lace, obi decorations, or a preferred bag come with additional charges. One visitor reported paying an extra 3,500 yen for a combination of upgrades, so ask for the cost of each item before you decide. It is easier to make a calm choice at the counter than to discover the total after you are dressed.

The basic plan may be enough if your priority is the experience of wearing a kimono and walking around Asakusa. If you have a particular look in mind, such as a lace kimono with decorative obi pieces, set aside extra money. The men’s plan starts at US$35.05, while the women’s rental and hairstyling plan starts at US$39.45. Children’s plans also start at US$35.05. Prices can vary, and the package details supplied for the listed experience apply to the men’s plan, so check the exact inclusions for your selected option.

Men’s styles are available, but the selection is smaller than the women’s range. Hairstyling and hair accessories are not included for men. If outfit variety is a key part of the value for you, keep that difference in mind when comparing plans.

Getting dressed and having your hair styled

For women, the rental and hairstyling plan includes the kimono, obi, juban, undershirt, zori sandals, tabi socks, drawstring bag, hair accessories, and hairstyling. You do not need to bring those basics with you. Luggage storage is also offered, though large suitcases may incur an extra charge and storage rates should be confirmed with staff.

The hairstyling menu has five patterns. Options include ponytails and classic updos, with choices for bob and short hair too. It is a set menu, not a fully customized salon appointment, so decide whether that suits you before booking. If you want a specific style, show or describe it to the staff, but do not assume they can reproduce any look you request.

The whole process, from reception through changing and styling, usually takes 45 to 70 minutes. The wait can vary by time of day and season. Arrive 15 minutes before your selected appointment, and avoid scheduling another activity immediately afterward. The shop asks you to arrive on time; late arrivals may be placed behind customers who have arrived as booked, which can delay your departure.

The changing process may involve moving between floors, and there is not always individual guidance throughout. If you are unsure what to choose or how the process works, ask the front desk. One customer described the changing area as lacking partitions, so do not assume you will have a private cubicle. If privacy matters to you, ask about the changing setup before you begin.

Walking out into Asakusa

Once dressed, you are free to explore. The store’s proximity to Kaminarimon and Senso-ji makes this a natural place to wear a kimono: you can reach the temple area within minutes instead of spending much of your rental time commuting. The itinerary is simply departure from the shop, time in Asakusa, and return, so you set the pace and choose where to spend your hours.

That independence is part of the appeal, but it also means the experience does not include a guide, a photographer, or a planned route. If you want photos, make arrangements with your own group and take them outside the shop. An account of the experience described photography inside the store as restricted, so it is wise not to count on taking pictures during the selection or dressing process.

Think about comfort as well as appearance. A kimono and zori sandals change how quickly you move, and the shop is clear that the outfit is meant for a same-day outing, not an all-day marathon across the city. The location makes it easy to keep your walk focused on Asakusa. Summer deserves extra thought: one customer specifically cautioned against wearing a kimono in midsummer, and the shop offers yukata during the season. If heat is a concern, ask which option is available and plan a shorter stroll.

Returning by 5:30 PM

The latest return time is 5:30 PM, no matter when your appointment starts. Some booking options list return slots at 3:30, 4:00, 4:30, or 5:00 PM, depending on your start time and chosen duration. Build in enough time to walk back, change, and return the rental before the deadline.

A late fee applies if you return after 5:30 PM. The shop opens from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last hairstyling reception at 4:00 PM, but the later opening hours do not extend your rental return time. If you want to keep the outfit longer, an extension or next-day return may be available for an added fee; confirm the terms at the shop rather than assuming it is included.

The booked departure time matters, too. Available starts run from 9:45 AM to 2:45 PM in 30-minute intervals. Choose a start that gives you enough time in Asakusa without making the return feel like a race. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable.

What the price is really buying

At the lower end, this is a reasonably accessible way to try a kimono in a place where the outfit fits the setting. The price covers more than the garment itself: the basic clothing pieces and same-day use are part of the experience, and the women’s plan adds hairstyling and hair accessories. Being close to the temple also saves time and makes the outfit practical for sightseeing.

The value weakens if you expect the base price to include every decorative detail or a highly personal styling session. Extra charges can apply to popular accessories and upgrades, and the men’s plan offers fewer styles than the women’s plan. The best way to keep the cost predictable is to ask which kimono, obi, bag, and hair items are included in your selected package before committing to add-ons.

Service can also feel different depending on how busy the shop is. Some customers have described friendly staff who helped recommend outfits, while others found the selection process less personal or difficult across a language barrier. The shop offers language selection, but it is still useful to have a rough idea of the colors or style you want. At busy times, be ready to make choices without extended one-on-one help.

Is Rika Kimono right for your Asakusa day?

I’d consider booking if you want a convenient, self-guided kimono outing close to Kaminarimon and Senso-ji, and you are happy to choose from a set selection. The large range, included women’s hairstyling, and walkable location make it a sensible option for a first kimono rental or a photo-focused afternoon in Asakusa.

I would pause if private changing space, highly tailored styling, or a fixed all-inclusive price is essential to you. Ask about changing-room privacy and upgrade fees before you book, and allow at least an hour for the shop process. For a summer visit, compare kimono and yukata options and plan around the heat.

FAQ

How close is the shop to Senso-ji and Kaminarimon?

The shop is about a three-minute walk from Senso-ji Temple and a one-minute walk from Kaminarimon.

What is included in the women’s kimono and hairstyling plan?

It includes a kimono, obi, juban, undershirt, zori sandals, tabi socks, drawstring bag, women’s hair accessories, hairstyling, and luggage storage. Large luggage may cost extra.

Is hairstyling included for men?

No. Hairstyling and hair decorations are not provided for men.

How many hairstyles can women choose from?

The hairstyling menu has five patterns, including ponytails and updos. Options are also available for bob and short hair.

How long does the rental process take?

From reception to getting dressed, having your hair styled, and leaving, allow about 45 to 70 minutes. The time can vary with the season and how busy the shop is.

What time do I need to return the kimono?

You must return it by 5:30 PM on the same day. A late fee applies after that time.

Are yukata available?

Yes. Yukata are available in summer.

Can I bring a suitcase?

Luggage storage is available, but large suitcases may incur an additional charge. Ask the staff about storage rates.

What are the available appointment times?

Departure slots run from 9:45 AM to 2:45 PM in 30-minute intervals. You must attend at the time selected when booking.

Can I change or cancel my booking?

Changes are allowed until 24 hours before the activity starts, with some booking types excluded. A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, in local time.