Kimono Romance - Visit Hands-Free! A rental kimono shop where you can stroll through the Bikan Historical Area in elegant yukata or silk kimono.

The Bikan Historical Area in Kurashiki is a town that suits kimono very well.
Why not walk around Kurashiki in a kimono?

At "Kimono Roman," you can casually rent elegant and stylish kimonos and have them fitted.

We had a model experience the fitting and stroll around Kurashiki in a yukata.
I, a kimono enthusiast, will deliver the report.

Overview of Kimono Roman

Kimono Roman is a shop that rents, fits, and sells kimonos and yukata, mainly focusing on antiques.

It is about a 9-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station and right next to the entrance of the Bikan Historical Area, making it very convenient for exploring the Bikan Historical Area!

In addition to kimonos and yukata, you can also rent zori (traditional sandals), geta, and bags, and if needed, you can have a simple hair set done.

You can visit without any belongings, and it is available without a reservation.
You can wear a kimono very casually.

There is a wide variety of colors and patterns.
There are about 150 types of yukata, over 100 types of regular kimonos, and about 40 types for women and 15 types for men of denim kimonos.

As of July 2020, the rental fees are as follows.

There are also plans that offer discounts for couples.

Returns for rentals are until 5:30 PM.
If you cannot return by then, you can return the next day for an additional 1,000 yen (excluding tax).

The time required for fitting is as follows.

Most of the kimonos available for rental can be purchased.

There are also new yukata and authentic silk kimonos available.
Since they are ready-made (sewn), you can purchase good quality items at a low price.

Kojima obi and some denim kimonos can be purchased new.

Unique kimonos and obi from Kurashiki, authentic kimono rentals available

The features of Kimono Roman include the ability to rent the following three items.

• Denim kimonos
• Kojima obi
• Authentic silk kimonos

Let me introduce them in detail.

Denim kimonos unique to Kurashiki, the town of jeans

One of the features of Kimono Roman is the denim kimono.

They handle original kimonos from Kimono Roman and denim kimonos from Aoki Hifuku Co., Ltd.

From very denim-like designs to denim made with threads woven with pearls, and even designs that make you wonder, "Is this really denim?" the variety is extensive.

Generally, denim has a rough texture, right?

However, the denim kimonos from Kimono Roman are very supple.

The fabric used in some denim kimonos is called "Giza denim," which is made from the highest grade of cotton.

Giza denim is also used in Aoki Hifuku's Ibara denim.
High-end brands like GUCCI and HERMES come to purchase from the manufacturers in Ibara that produce this fabric.

These denim kimonos are made from high-quality fabric recognized worldwide.

Modern-use Kojima obi

The "Kojima obi" is an obi made from denim, Sanada-himo, and tatami edging, which are local specialties of Kojima in Kurashiki City.

It is a stylish and chic hanhaba obi that can be used casually.

It is easy to tie in various styles, and the atmosphere changes depending on how you tie it.

As of July 2020, Kimono Roman is the only place in the world where you can rent Kojima obi.

Whether it's a kimono or an obi, you can enjoy "Kurashiki-like" traditional clothing.

Authentic silk kimonos suitable for adults

At Kimono Roman, we have a large selection of "authentic silk" kimonos.

Authentic silk refers to fabric made from 100% silk.

Traditionally, authentic silk has been used for high-quality kimono fabrics.
Authentic silk kimonos have a unique elegant luster, a fine texture, and a comfortable feel that is gentle on the skin.

However, there are disadvantages such as high prices and difficulty in washing and storing, making maintenance challenging, which has led to the popularity of polyester kimonos that are easier to handle.

Currently, many rental kimono shops do not handle "authentic silk" and only offer polyester.

There are beautiful polyester kimonos available.
However, some may look cheap and flashy, leading to them being referred to as "rental-like kimonos."

I believe that "the best way to appreciate the beauty of kimonos is through authentic silk kimonos."

At Kimono Roman, you can rent authentic silk kimonos, allowing you to wear good-quality kimonos that don't feel "rental-like."

With a selection of kimonos in colors and patterns that are not too flashy, it is pleasing that they are easy to wear for both young people and those in slightly older generations.

Rental Yukata Experience Report

We had a model experience renting a yukata.

First, they choose a kimono.
It seems fun to discuss while choosing, "Which one do you think is better?"

The woman chose a white yukata with peony and lily patterns, while the man chose a denim kimono that can be worn as a yukata.
They selected a few recommended obi that match the yukata and chose their favorite.

While having fun chatting, the fitting progressed quickly.

They proposed "link coordination" to create common points in the couple's outfits.

One of the concerns when wearing a kimono is the hairstyle, isn't it?

You can request a simple hair set as an option, so even those who are not good at hair arrangements can feel at ease.

The manager, Hongo Akiko, has a cheerful and warm atmosphere.
She flexibly responded to our requests.

The dressing and hair set are complete.

So wonderful!

We walked around the Bikan Historical Area for half a day.

The Edo period townscape and attire suited us well, and I had a lot of fun taking photos.

I also asked the model for her impressions.

Is this your first time on a kimono date?

Yes, it's my first time, and it's refreshing.

How was it walking around the Bikan Historical Area in a kimono?

It was easier to walk than I expected, and it was comfortable.
The denim kimono is soft, and there is no discomfort at all.

Also, I had the impression that wearing a kimono was a high hurdle, but I was surprised at how casually I could wear one.

I feel like I blend into the town.

Q&A about Rental Use

I asked the manager, Hongo Akiko, about things I was concerned about when renting a kimono.

Is there anything I should bring?

You can come empty-handed.

Is it okay to wear my usual underwear?

Yes, that's fine.

Can I use it for purposes other than strolling around the Bikan Historical Area?

Of course.
You can also go to Korakuen in Okayama City, and we also accommodate Shichi-Go-San and weddings.

Are there kimonos that can be worn when it rains?

Yes.
Since silk is damaged when wet, we have polyester kimonos, but among the polyester kimonos, we have a selection of calm colors and patterns.

Is there anything you would prefer not to do while wearing a kimono?

Well... I think sports would be difficult.
Also, if you could avoid using paints that don't wash off, that would be great.
That's about it.

Will there be an additional charge if I accidentally get it dirty?

There is no additional charge.

Can you accommodate requests like "I want to tie it this way" or "I want to use this accessory"?

We will do our best to accommodate as much as possible.
However, if it's sudden, we may not have the necessary tools ready, so it's safer to let us know in advance.

How do you accommodate customers from overseas?

We have prepared a paper with explanations in English.

Also, since I think it can be confusing regarding prices, we have set up plans for overseas customers to make the prices simpler and clearer.

Are there any benefits for users?

You will receive a 10% discount on the rickshaw rental fee in the Bikan Historical Area.

Next, I conducted an interview with the manager, Hongo Akiko.

Kimono Romance Data

Name	Kimono Romance
Location	23-1 Achi 2-chome, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
Contact	090-9502-4455
Parking	None
Business Hours	10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Rental acceptance until 5:00 PM Rental kimono return until 5:30 PM
Regular Holidays	Irregular holidays Business calendar available on the official website and Facebook
Usage Fee (Tax Included)	Kimono rental from 3,900 yen (excluding tax)
Payment Methods	Cash Credit Card PayPay Credit cards can only be used for purchases
Reservation Availability	Yes Reservations preferred, but can be used without a reservation
Toilet	Western-style toilet
Childcare	Can be used as a nursing room since the room can be partitioned with curtains
Website	Kimono Romance

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