Kyoto Memories in Kimono-How Waplus Kyoto Creates Timeless Cultural Experiences
In the heart of Kyoto, a city steeped in history and culture, there is a place that conveys Japanese culture to the world in the form of kimonos. Today, we spoke with Manager Ikari of “Waplus Kyoto Yasaka Shrine Store,” which enjoys overwhelming support from foreign tourists. (Review Rating Lab Inc: Tamura)
Connecting with the world through responsiveness and hospitality
Tamura:
My impression is that many foreign travelers are impressed by the kindness and warmth of the customer service.
Are there any particular points you are conscious of in terms of customer service?
Manager Ikari:
We place great importance on providing a sense of Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) that transcends language barriers.
☑English as multilingual support:
We have English-speaking staff on hand, and we also use gestures and translation apps in languages other than English to make our guests feel at ease and enjoy themselves.
That is what makes me most happy.
☑Relaxation for all customers:
Our ideal is that our customers can relax and enjoy wearing kimonos in their own way.
Extensive lineup of kimonos
Tamura:
There were many word-of-mouth comments that customers were surprised by the wide selection of designs and sizes.Manager Ikari:
Thank you very much.☑Matching outfit:
Many of our foreign customers are new to kimono selection, so we enjoy working with them to create a coordinated look that suits each individual customer.☑Wide variety of designs:
We have a wide range of kimonos, not only traditional patterns but also modern ones.☑Inclusive Sizing:
We also have plus sizes up to 5L, and other BL and TL sizes available, so you can choose a kimono in the size that suits you best.
Not just a rental, but a memorable cultural experience
Tamura:
Many customers said they were able to experience the culture itself, not just a simple kimono rental.Manager Ikari:
Kimono is Japanese culture itself.
It is our pleasure to create such a time with you that you will want to tell someone about.
☑Japanese culture experience:
We are conscious of having you experience, learn and be moved by culture through kimono.☑Machiya stores:
The Yasaka Shrine store is not in a building, but in a machiya (townhouse), so we have received favorable comments from customers that they can feel even more Japanese by getting dressed in a machiya.☑Be Moved:
Sense the atmosphere of Kyoto as they walk through a traditional machiya (townhouse) dressed in kimono.
Easy access and convenience to popular tourist destinations in Kyoto
Tamura:
It seems that easy access to popular sightseeing spots and taking pictures there are also reasons for your popularity.Manager Ikari:
☑Location close to the station:
It is often difficult to travel long distances in kimono, so being within walking distance from Yasaka Shrine and Gion is a great advantage when walking in kimono.☑Abundant photo spots:
There are many photo spots in the surrounding area, and our strength is that you can enjoy the atmosphere typical of Kyoto.
Walking around in kimono, you will feel as if the whole town is a scene from a movie.☑Affordable Photo-Set Plans:
We also offer a set plan with photo shooting at a relatively low price, which is also popular.
Dressing techniques that make even first-timers feel at ease
Tamura:
Many people said that the dressing and hair-set was very attentive.Manager Ikari:
☑Comfortable Kimono Dressing :
Most of our customers, especially foreigners, are wearing kimonos for the first time, so we try to dress them in a way that they don't fall out of place, but that is not too tight.☑On-the-Spot Adjustments:
Even so, there are some who struggle with unfamiliar kimonos, but if they come to the store, we can make adjustments during the process.☑Photogenic Hair Sets:
We also offer hair sets in a style that suits both the kimono and the customer, and we are conscious of looking good in photographs.
Review
kimono
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2025/07/04
【Rental of Japanese Traditional clothes 】In summer, I recommend you wearing YUKATA and put on your own sandals.Please use a sun protect umbrella.*****I wore a Japanese-style yukata which is a casual kimono worn in summer.My friend from Switzerland said that she had a good experience.This store is convenient because it is near Yasaka Shrine.Our hair was so cute. Thank you for setting our hair with ribbons.♡Thank you for continuing this traditional store. I think your store is very important in this day and age.(*^^*)☆
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2025/06/25
The staff was welcoming and professional, and they had options that worked well for kids too. Everyone was easygoing and made the whole kimono experience feel relaxed and enjoyable. If you're not fluent in Japanese, having a translation app will definitely come in handy. The shop’s just a short walk from Yasaka Shrine, and their eye for detail—especially with the styling—really stood out. Definitely worth checking out.
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2025/06/25
Great staff, kids sizes, patient and lovely professionals who made our kimono experience special. If you don't speak Japanese, you should bring Google Translate along. Super helpful, very close to Yasaka Shrine, and beautiful hairstyles and attention to detail. Highly recommend!
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2025/06/21
I had a wonderful experience! I am plus size (US women's size 18 in pants and XL/XXL in top) and I was expecting to not be able to wear a Yukata or Kimono during my trip to Japan. Communication with the staff was great. I emailed a few weeks beforehand with my measurements and they assured me they had my size.Not only did they have my size but there was more than one option! I was expecting to only have one choice so I was thrilled to see the different designs. I did the hairstyling service as well, and the staff did an AMAZING job. My mother couldn’t stop talking about it!I love to travel and immerse myself in different cultures. Being able to wear traditional outfits is something I find to be very special and allows me to have more of an understanding of the history of a country.I do not feel pretty very often but today I felt beautiful.I do not leave Google reviews but this is something I had to leave a review for. I highly recommend this! The location is great, and the staff friendly and kind.
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2025/06/21
They have a very good service and also have English speaking staff.When putting the kimono on it was faster than expected and even give you a bag to leave your clothes.
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2025/06/11
Great service, good selections of kimonos! We had a great time wearing it and walking around👍
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2025/06/01
I had an amazing kimono rental experience at Wa Plus Kyoto Yasaka! The prices were very reasonable, and they offered a huge selection of kimonos, accessories, and sizes — from the smallest to the largest. As a man who is 190 cm tall, I was happy to find a perfectly fitting kimono from their great variety.I was with a group of four women, and the staff helped all of us get ready quickly and efficiently. They were very polite, friendly, and attentive — assisting us in choosing the best styles and colors and providing full help with dressing and preparation. We also used their hairstyling service, which was fast, professional, and looked fantastic.The shop is conveniently located just a short walk from Yasaka Shrine and near the Gion district. I highly recommend Wa Plus Kyoto Yasaka to anyone wanting to enjoy a beautiful kimono experience in Kyoto!
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2025/05/26
We had an amazing experience with wonderful kimonos, the staff were very professional and friendly! Would recommend
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2025/05/25
The owner is very skilled in wearing a kimono and tying the obi. Highly recommended.
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2025/05/25
Skillful staff and beautiful selections of kimono. We love it!
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2025/05/25
I was very satisfied with this kimono rental service at Waplus Kyoto. The way the kimono was tied was incredibly neat, especially the obi at the back—it looked so elegant and well-done. Even the small details were taken care of, making the whole outfit look graceful and comfortable to wear. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to experience wearing a kimono beautifully styled.
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2025/05/23
It is an honor and a privilege to be able to be dressed in a kimono and fulfill an inner desire to feel, understand and be a part of the Japanese culture as a foreigner. The true Geishas, I have a new found respect for as it's quite a process. Both of these ladies are true gems whether they are assisting to find the perfect kimono, obi and accessories or helping you transform and styling your hair, they make you feel cared for, respected and absolutely beautiful. Thank you for an incredible experience to explore Gion with, it was truly an Honor.
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2025/05/19
Very cute little shop, so many kimono’s to choose from. Both the lady’s at the shop are so knowledgeable and kind. Was a 10/10 experience, highly recommend for those visiting Japan!
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2025/05/12
The place is great and the kimonos are wonderful! The girls in the store are very nice and they help you with everything you need. It was a great experience 🫰🏻
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2025/05/04
Great experience getting a kimono. The ladies were all very nice and did a great job at putting on our kimonos and styling our hair. Would recommend!
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2025/04/27
As a plus-size girl, I was a bit nervous about trying on a traditional kimono for the first time during my trip to Japan — but this experience completely exceeded my expectations. The staff was incredibly kind, welcoming, and attentive, making me feel comfortable and beautiful.They had a lovely selection of kimonos in all sizes, and took great care helping me choose the perfect one — from the pattern and colors to the delicate accessories. The whole process was magical.Wearing the kimono wasn’t just about looking beautiful (though I did!) — it was an emotional and cultural experience I’ll never forget. I can’t recommend it enough. Thank you to the amazing team for making this moment so special.
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口コミタグ
kimono