Kimono Roman ~ Visit empty-handed! A kimono rental shop where you can stroll through the Bikan Historical Area in elegant yukata or pure silk kimono.

Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Area is a town where traditional Japanese clothing looks wonderful.
Why not stroll through Kurashiki in a kimono?

At “Kimono Roman,” you can easily rent an elegant, stylish kimono and have it fitted.

We asked a model to try on a yukata and take a stroll around Kurashiki.
Here’s a report from a writer who loves kimono.

Overview of Kimono Roman

Kimono Roman is a shop that rents, fits, and sells kimono and yukata, mainly antiques.

It’s about a nine-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station and right by the entrance to the Bikan Historical Area, making it very convenient for exploring the Bikan Historical Area!

In addition to kimono and yukata, you can also rent zori sandals, geta, and bags, and they can do a simple hair styling if needed.

You can visit without bringing anything, and reservations aren’t required.
It’s very easy to wear a kimono.

There’s a wide range of colors and patterns.
They reportedly have about 150 types of yukata, over 100 types of regular kimono, and about 40 types of denim kimono for women and 15 for men.

As of July 2020, rental prices are as follows.

There are also discounted plans for couples.

Rental items must be returned by 5:30 p.m.
If you can’t return them by then, you can return them the next day for an additional ¥1,000 (before tax).

The time required for dressing is as follows.

Most of the kimono available for rent can also be purchased.

There are also new yukata and silk kimono.
They are ready-made (already sewn), so you can reportedly buy quality items at bargain prices.

Kojima obi and some denim kimono can be purchased new.

Rent Kurashiki-style kimono and obi, as well as authentic kimono

Kimono Roman’s distinctive feature is that it offers these three items for rent:

• Denim kimono
• Kojima obi
• Silk kimono

Here’s a closer look.

Denim kimono unique to Kurashiki, the city of jeans

One of Kimono Roman’s distinctive features is its denim kimono.

They carry original Kimono Roman kimono and denim kimono by Aoki Hifuku Co., Ltd.

The designs are varied, ranging from very denim-like styles to denim made with thread woven with pearls, and even styles that make you wonder, “Is this really denim?”

Generally, denim has a rough, stiff feel, doesn’t it?

However, Kimono Roman’s denim kimono are very supple.

Some of the fabric used in the denim kimono is “Giza denim,” made from the highest-grade cotton.

Giza denim is also used in Aoki Hifuku’s Ibara denim.
Luxury brands such as GUCCI and HERMES reportedly come to buy fabric from the Ibara manufacturer that produces it.

These denim kimono are made with high-quality fabric from a manufacturer recognized around the world.

Kojima obi for a modern look

A “Kojima obi” is an obi made using denim, Sanada cords, and tatami edging, all local specialties of Kojima in Kurashiki City.

It’s a stylish, chic half-width obi that can be worn casually.

It’s long enough for decorative knots, and the look changes depending on how you tie it.

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

You can enjoy Japanese attire with a distinctly Kurashiki feel, whether in the kimono or the obi.

Authentic silk kimono that suit adults, too

Kimono Roman has a wide selection of silk kimono.

Silk kimono are made from 100% silk fabric.

Traditionally, silk has been used for high-end kimono fabrics.
Silk kimono have an elegant luster unique to silk, a fine, luxurious feel, and are comfortable to wear and gentle on the skin.

However, they also have drawbacks: they are expensive, difficult to wash and store, and require a lot of care. As a result, easy-care polyester kimono have become widespread.

Many kimono rental shops currently offer only polyester kimono and do not carry silk.

Polyester kimono can be lovely, too.
However, some are merely flashy and look cheap, and may be dismissed as “rental-looking kimono.”

The writer believes that silk kimono are what best convey the beauty of kimono.

Since Kimono Roman rents silk kimono, you can wear beautiful kimono that don’t look like rental wear.

They have kimono in colors and patterns that aren’t too flashy, which is great because they’re easy to wear not only for young people but also for older generations.

Yukata rental experience report

We asked a model to try renting a yukata.

First, she chose a kimono.
It looks fun to choose while chatting and asking, “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 were shown several recommended obi to go with the yukata and chose their favorites.

The dressing went quickly while they chatted happily.

They suggested “coordinated outfits,” creating a common element in the couple’s clothing.

One of the concerns when wearing traditional Japanese clothing is probably what to do with your hair.

You can request a simple hairstyle as an optional service, so even those who aren’t good at styling their hair can feel at ease.

The manager, Hongo, has a cheerful and warm manner.
She was flexible and accommodated our requests.

The dressing and hairstyling are complete.

Absolutely lovely!

We spent half a day walking around and sightseeing in the Bikan Historical Area.

The Edo-period streetscape suited the outfits, and the writer had a wonderful time taking photos.

We also asked the models what they thought.

Is this your first kimono date?

Yes, it’s my first. It feels fresh and new.

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

It was easier to walk in than I expected, and comfortable.
The denim kimono was soft, too, and not uncomfortable at all.

I’d also thought getting dressed in a kimono would be a big hurdle, so I was surprised at how easily you can wear one.

I feel like I blended into the town.

Q&A About Renting

We asked the manager, Hongo Akiko, about things we wanted to know before renting a kimono.

Is there anything we should bring?

You can come empty-handed.

Is it okay to wear my usual underwear?

Yes, that’s fine.

Can we use the service for places other than strolling around the Bikan Historical Area?

Of course.
You can also visit places such as Korakuen Garden in Okayama City, and we can accommodate occasions such as Shichi-Go-San and weddings.

Do you have kimonos that can be worn when it’s raining?

Yes.
Silk kimonos can be ruined if they get wet, so we offer polyester kimonos instead. Among them, we have a selection in subdued colors and patterns.

Is there anything you’d prefer people not to do while wearing a kimono?<

Well… I think sports would be difficult.
Also, please avoid using paint or other substances that won’t come out.
That’s about it.

Is there an extra charge if we accidentally stain the kimono?

We don’t charge extra.

Can you accommodate requests such as “I’d like this kind of knot” or “I’d like to use this accessory”?

We’ll do our best to accommodate you.
However, if you ask at the last minute, we may not have the necessary items ready, so it’s best to let us know in advance.

How do you accommodate customers from overseas?

We have written instructions in English.

We also offer plans for international visitors with simpler, clearer pricing, since unclear prices can be a source of concern.

Are there any perks for customers?

The fare for rickshaw rides in the Bikan Historical Area is 10% off.

Next, we interviewed the manager, Hongo Akiko.

Kimono Roman Information

Name	Kimono Roman
Address	2-23-1 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
Contact	090-9502-4455
Parking	None
Hours	10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Rental applications accepted until 5:00 p.m. Rental kimonos must be returned by 5:30 p.m.
Closed	Irregular holidays See the business calendar on the official website and Facebook
Fees (tax included)	Kimono rental from ¥3,900 (before tax)
Payment methods	Cash Credit cards PayPay Credit cards accepted for purchases only
Reservations	Accepted Reservations take priority; walk-ins are also welcome
Restroom	Western-style toilet
Childcare	The room can be partitioned with a curtain and used as a nursing room
Website	Kimono Roman

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