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On those important celebratory days and milestones in life, you want to dress up in something special. In particular, the kimono is a dazzling traditional garment admired by Japanese women, and many have dreamed of wearing one at least once. On the other hand, some might think that buying a kimono is prohibitively expensive. In such cases, an affordable kimono rental is highly recommended.

Attending Your Child’s Entrance or Graduation Ceremony

For your child’s important entrance or departure day, as a parent you want to appear impeccable. Kimono rental is ideal for such occasions. Entrance and graduation ceremonies can be attended by people of all ages wearing the appropriate kimono or hōmongi (formal visiting kimono), perfectly suiting a celebratory event.

Hōmongi are considered the next highest in formality after tomesode and are characterized by stylish designs where patterns (often called “egoma” motifs) extend from the shoulder or chest toward the sleeves. Rental prices for hōmongi typically range from about 15,000 to 20,000 yen, depending on the kimono’s rank.

Renting for Children’s Shichigosan

When it comes to Shichigosan, people think of adorable children’s kimonos and haori-hakama sets. However, since children grow quickly and rarely have the chance to wear these garments, renting is recommended over purchasing an expensive kimono.
• For a 3-year-old girl, besides a regular kimono, it is common to wear an additional outer garment called “hifu.” Rental fees are around 7,000–8,000 yen.
• A 5-year-old boy typically wears a haori-hakama set with family crests, celebrating his first time wearing a hakama; the rental price is roughly 9,000–10,000 yen.
• A 7-year-old girl usually wears a vibrant and ornate “yotsu-shin kimono,” a slightly oversized kimono adjusted for the child’s frame (with modifications like raised shoulders and waist). Rental prices for such sets, which typically include a nagajuban (under-kimono) and a double-layered collar along with the kimono itself, are about 9,000–12,000 yen.

Note that the above rental fees apply to polyester kimonos; if you prefer genuine silk kimonos, the price range is typically 20,000–40,000 yen.

Enjoying Kimono Rental for a Day Out

For casual occasions like relaxed dinners or tea parties—or even when visiting historic cities like Kyoto or Nara—why not enjoy a taste of the extraordinary by renting a kimono? In these cases, one often opts for less formal garments such as komon, tsumugi, or iro-muji (solid-color kimonos).
• Komon: Kimonos featuring a repeated, uniform pattern all over, suitable for both casual and festive occasions.
• Tsumugi: Finely woven silk textiles, perfect for everyday or casual wear.
• Iro-muji: Solid-colored kimonos (in colors other than black) with a textured base but no pattern.
– Plain iro-muji are considered casual; however, adding one family crest elevates it to a simplified formal outfit suitable for tea or celebratory parties, and adding three crests places it at a higher rank than an unadorned hōmongi.
Rental prices for these options are generally around 10,000–20,000 yen.

Conclusion

How was it? Kimono rental allows you to effortlessly enjoy a slightly special feeling and create beautiful memories. Nowadays, not only can you rent from physical stores, but you can also easily book online, dramatically lowering the barrier to experiencing a kimono. Why not let a kimono add a touch of elegance to your day?