Kyoto Kimono Rental Rei, Higashiyama

The ladies were really nice and had a great selection of kimonos. My hair was done excellently. The process of getting dressed was rushed and it was a whirlwind from the moment the elevator door opened up. But they took us as soon as we arrives even though it was a little bit before our scheduled appointment. The location is excellent too near a lot of nice shopping and a lovely park.

Got this on Viator. Staff fluent in Chinese and Japanese but seemed at a loss for what to do with this large awkward American cluttering up their floor. Kimono are polyester and hot when the temperatures are high. They don’t have feminine sandals over a size 8—I had to wear men’s, and even those were a touch small. The bright spot was one Chinese customer who spoke great English. She was getting a fullon princess treatment with a photographer and everything. She gave me recommendations. The staff was doing this for other patrons—but not me. I guess language was a barrier, but I didn’t feel like I was having fun. I felt like I was in the way. They also offer hair styling for an additional fee. This really makes it. While the stylist was frustrated because I couldn’t tell her to just “do whatever you like,” she did work wonders with my short bob cut and arranged some ornaments nicely. I did enjoy the flurry of Chinese customers getting their kimono and hairdos on. They were all so excited and happy! I felt like we were all in on this together, even if we couldn’t understand each other. Maybe try some other place down the street if you’re a tall gaijin like me. If you’re Chinese, I think you will be pleased :)