Asakusa looks better in silk. This kimono rental plus photography experience lets you choose your kimono and take a relaxed walk through Asakusa for memorable photos. I like the way the staff makes it feel easy to pick something that fits, and I love the photo results you get from the photographer. The whole thing is run as a private group, with an instructor who can help in Japanese, English, or Chinese.

One thing to plan for: the price can creep up if you want to upgrade. While there can be around 100 kimonos available, some options cost extra, and upgrades for obi or accessories also add fees.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Try on your kimono first: You can sample several styles before choosing.
• Standard women’s hair styling is included: You can request the hairstyle and get matching ornaments.
• Photography is a core part: The photographer helps you get great images for your memory.
• Selection size can vary: The shop may have about 100 kimonos, but it’s smart to expect possible limits depending on the day.
• Extra items cost extra: Upgraded kimono/obi and optional accessories can change the final total.

Asakusa in Kimono: Why This Works So Well

Asakusa is one of those places where a costume choice instantly changes the whole feel of your day. Wearing a kimono turns your walk into more than sightseeing; it becomes part costume, part portrait session, part cultural experience. The best part here is that the experience is built around you getting time to select a look, then spending your time in Asakusa while photos get taken for you.

I also like that this isn’t a rushed, factory-style setup. The experience includes kimono rental and (for women) standard hairdressing, so you’re not left to figure out the hair + styling piece by yourself. And the reviews highlight that staff friendliness and photo quality are big parts of the satisfaction, which makes sense: the smoother the dressing process, the more natural you’ll look in photos.

The private group format matters too. Even if you’re traveling solo, you’re not stuck in a huge crowd being herded around. That often translates into less waiting and more attention when you’re making choices about your kimono and hairstyle.

Choosing Your Kimono from a Big Rack of Options

This is where you get the most “you” value. You can freely enjoy the streets of Asakusa wearing the kimono you choose, and the shop keeps a large selection on hand. The info says there are always about 100 kimonos available (with some that may require an additional charge). That’s a lot of visual options—enough to help you match a color or pattern to your taste, and enough to give you real comparison.

What I’d do if you want the smoothest day: plan to try on more than one. The process is designed for you to choose, and then choose again if it doesn’t feel right. You’re not locked in after the first option comes down.

Now, a fair heads-up from a practical angle: one review noted that on their visit there were only about 10 kimonos to choose from, and they’d have paid extra for others. That doesn’t mean your day will be the same, but it does point to a smart strategy: arrive with enough flexibility. If you have a very specific look in mind, it’s worth expecting you might have fewer choices at certain times or days.

Also keep an eye on what can cost extra:

• Upgraded kimono and obi
• Optional accessories (like items listed in the add-on list)

If you want a simple, no-surprises look, stick close to the standard set options. If you’re chasing a particular style, expect upgrades may be part of the plan.

Women’s Hair Styling: Standard Set Plus Matching Ornaments

If you’re getting hair styling, this is a strong part of the experience. Standard hairdressing is included, but it’s women only. The hair is finished in a style you choose, and the stylist listens to your wishes—so you’re not stuck with one preset look.

A nice detail: hair ornaments are provided to match your kimono and hair style. That matters more than people think. In kimono photos, tiny styling elements can make the difference between looks slightly off and looks thoughtfully coordinated.

The standard set is included, but upgrades are possible. The info mentions additional charges for hairdressing when upgrading. So if you want something more elaborate, ask what’s included first, then decide if the upgrade is worth the cost for you.

If you’re traveling as a man, the data doesn’t include hair styling for men, so you’ll be relying on the kimono rental portion only. That can still work great for photos, but just be clear that the “choose your hairstyle” step may not apply.

The Photography Piece: Getting Photos That Actually Feel Like a Day Out

The experience is designed to end with pictures you’ll be happy to keep. The highlights are straightforward: you’ll take a walk around Asakusa while wearing your kimono, and you’ll get beautiful pictures for your memory. Reviews also specifically call out that the photographer was amazing, which fits with what you need from a photo session like this—clear direction and confidence behind the camera.

The photo value here isn’t only in the “camera skill.” It’s also in how the session is paired with the kimono experience. When your outfit and styling are already handled, you’re free to focus on enjoying your walk instead of worrying about poses, angles, and whether your hair looks right.

A practical note: your best photos will come from being ready to move with the flow. Kimono can feel different from everyday clothes, so give yourself a calm, unhurried mindset. If you’re thinking about your final photos, treat it like a guided portrait while still being able to enjoy Asakusa.

Timing for a 1-Day Experience (and How to Plan Your Day)

This is a 1-day experience, with starting times depending on availability. That means you’ll want to check the available time slots before locking in the rest of your schedule. In practical terms, you’re planning a block of time for:

• choosing your kimono
• (for women) standard hair set
• walking around Asakusa while getting photographed

Because the pace includes dressing and styling, don’t pack your day with back-to-back activities right after. Build in a buffer so you don’t feel rushed while changing and then transitioning into normal sightseeing mode.

Also consider the “after” details. There’s mention of a next-day return fee if the costume is returned after 17:30, but that’s only relevant if you plan to return next day. Either way, it signals that you should pay attention to return timing so the end of the day stays simple.

And because luggage storage isn’t included, don’t assume you can drop bags easily. If you’re coming with more than a small day bag, plan how you’ll carry your essentials through the experience.

Price and Value Around $39: What You Get vs What Can Add Up

The listed price is $39 per person, and that’s actually a decent starting point for Asakusa. Here’s what matters for value: what’s included is the kimono setup that usually takes the most work (and the styling piece if you’re eligible). You get:

• standard kimono set rental
• standard hairdressing (women only)

That’s the core cost that makes the experience possible without extra research and guesswork. If you were to rent a kimono on your own and then separately figure out how hair should be styled for photos, you’d likely spend more time and money.

Where cost can rise is when you want to go beyond the standard set. The data clearly lists add-ons, including:

• additional charges for upgrading kimono and obi
• additional charges for optional accessories (half collar, obijime, obiage, kimono bag, Japanese umbrella, hair ornament, haori, stole, etc.)
• additional charge for hairdressing when upgrading

So here’s the balanced way to think about it. If your goal is a beautiful kimono look plus good photos without going overboard, the $39 price is a strong foundation. If you want a more custom, high-cost outfit combination (specific accessories, upgraded obi, special ornaments), budget extra and treat the rental like part of a full styling session.

Finally, there’s a note on kimono availability: some of the around-100 options may have extra charges. That’s one reason it’s helpful to decide early whether you want standard selections or you’re okay paying for upgrades.

Instructor Support, Languages, and Private Group Comfort

You don’t need to speak perfect Japanese for this kind of experience. The instructor supports Japanese, English, and Chinese, which makes a big difference when you’re describing hairstyle preferences or clarifying which kimono options are included versus upgrade items.

A private group also helps reduce friction. Instead of negotiating instructions in a crowded environment, you can focus on choices: picking a kimono that looks right to you, and (for women) selecting a hairstyle you actually like.

From the reviews, staff friendliness shows up again and again. That matters because kimono rental is one of those activities where small details feel huge. Good staff support turns the process into a pleasant outfit change instead of a stressful checklist.

Who Should Book This Asakusa Kimono Rental and Photography

This fits especially well if you want an Asakusa day with a built-in “wow” factor. You’ll enjoy it most if:

• you want kimono as the main experience, not a quick photo stop
• you care about having photos taken professionally
• you’d like hair styling included (women only)
• you prefer a calmer, more personal group setting

It might be less ideal if:

• you strongly dislike the idea of potential add-on fees for upgrades and accessories
• you’re trying to travel paper-thin budget-style and want zero possibility of upsells
• you need luggage storage (it’s not included)

If you’re the type who likes to plan outfits tightly and keep costs locked, do a quick mental checklist: standard look only, no upgrades unless it’s clearly worth it to you.

Should You Book? My Straight Talk

Yes, I’d book it if you want a simple path to kimono photos in Asakusa with staff support and clear included options. The included kimono rental is the centerpiece, and the women’s standard hair styling is a real value add if that applies to you.

Just go in with two smart expectations: (1) upgrades and optional accessories can change the final total, and (2) kimono choice might feel different depending on day and availability, even if the shop usually has a large selection.

If you want a polished result with less stress, this is the kind of experience that makes the effort feel worth it.

FAQ

What’s included in the standard $39 kimono rental?

You get the standard kimono set rental. Standard hairdressing is also included for women.

Is hair styling included for everyone?

No. The included standard hairdressing is women only.

About how many kimonos can I choose from?

The shop is said to have about 100 kimonos available, though some options may have an additional charge. One review also noted fewer choices on their visit.

Will I have to pay extra for an upgraded kimono or obi?

Often, yes. The info lists additional charges for upgrading kimono and obi.

Do I get photography as part of the experience?

Yes. The experience is a kimono rental and photography offering, and the photographer’s work is specifically praised in reviews.

How long is the experience and when do I start?

It’s a 1-day experience. You’ll need to check availability to see starting times.

Is luggage storage available, and is there a return-time fee?

Luggage storage service isn’t included. There is also a next-day return fee if the costume is returned after 17:30.