Kyoto’s timeless charm beckons travelers to experience its cultural heritage. The Machiya House photo shoot and kimono rental offer a unique opportunity to take in the city’s traditions. Participants can don a stunning kimono and explore the picturesque streets, guided by professional photographers. With a starting price of $135.40, this 3-hour activity promises to capture lasting memories in an authentic Japanese setting. Discover the enchanting blend of history and modernity that makes Kyoto a true gem.
- Key Points
- Activity Overview
- Pricing and Reservations
- Package Inclusions
- Selecting the Kimono
- Proper Kimono Poses
- Strolling in Kyoto
- Returning the Kimono
- Restrictions and Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Wear the Kimono All Day After the Photo Shoot?
- Can I Keep the Kimono as a Souvenir?
- Is There an Option for a Longer Photo Shoot?
- Can I Bring My Own Accessories for the Kimono?
- Is There a Discount for Larger Groups?
- The Sum Up
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Key Points

- Authentic Japanese experience in a traditional machiya townhouse, including a 1-hour photo shoot by a professional photographer.
- Opportunity to wear a classic kimono and explore Kyoto’s streets, with 100 edited digital images emailed post-session.
- Starting price of $135.40 per group, with optional extras and a reserve now, pay later option.
- Wide selection of traditional Japanese kimonos available, with assistance from shop staff and guidance on proper wearing and posing techniques.
- Certain restrictions apply, such as for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, and those over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm) and 209 lbs (95 kg).
Activity Overview

Visitors can experience an authentic Japanese atmosphere in a traditional machiya townhouse, with a 3-hour experience that includes a 1-hour photo shoot captured by a professional photographer.
The activity provides the opportunity to don a classic kimono and explore the charming streets of Kyoto. Customers receive 100 edited digital images via email following the session.
With a starting price of $135.40 per group and the option to add various extras, this experience offers a memorable way to fully take in the cultural heritage of Kyoto.
Looking for more options in Kyoto? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Pricing and Reservations

The starting price for the Kyoto Machiya House and Kimono Rental experience is $135.40 per group.
Customers have the convenience of reserving now and paying later. Availability for start times can be checked.
For a full refund, free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance. With the reserve now and pay later option, customers can easily book their desired experience.
The pricing and reservation details provide the necessary information for those interested in this unique culture in a traditional Kyoto townhouse.
Package Inclusions

The package includes a rental of a traditional Japanese kimono, which comes with a belt, bag, socks, and sandals.
Plus, the experience provides:
- 100 edited digital images emailed to the customer after the photoshoot.
- Optional add-ons such as hair styling, makeup, decoration items, and hair accessories.
- Transportation via taxi, which costs approximately 1200 yen and is paid by the customers.
These inclusions ensure a comprehensive and authentic experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the traditional Japanese atmosphere and capture stunning memories.
Selecting the Kimono

Upon arriving at the Yumeyakata Gojo Shop, participants can browse a wide selection of traditional Japanese kimonos in various colors, designs, and sizes.
With the assistance of the shop staff, they can select the perfect kimono that fits their style and body type. The staff provides guidance on proper kimono wearing and posing techniques to ensure a stunning photoshoot.
Once the kimono is chosen, participants are dressed and ready to embark on their Kyoto adventure, embracing the authentic Japanese atmosphere in this traditional machiya townhouse setting.
More Great Tours NearbyProper Kimono Poses

How does one achieve proper kimono poses for beautiful photographs during the shoot?
The experienced staff at Yumeyakata Gojo Shop provide guidance on kimono poses that flatter the figure and create a graceful, traditional aesthetic.
Key tips include:
- Standing tall with shoulders back, creating a long, elegant line.
- Tucking the kimono sleeve into the obi belt to accentuate the waist.
- Placing one foot slightly in front of the other to establish a natural stance.
With the staff’s expertise, guests effortlessly capture stunning images that showcase the beauty of the traditional Japanese attire.
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Strolling in Kyoto

After the photo shoot, guests have the opportunity to stroll through the historic streets of Kyoto while wearing their rented kimonos.
This allows them to experience an authentic Japanese atmosphere and enjoy the cultural ambiance.
Wandering through the charming machiya townhouses and narrow alleys, guests can admire the traditional architecture and observe the local daily life.
The kimono rental includes the necessary accessories, enabling guests to fully embrace the Japanese cultural experience.
This leisurely stroll is a highlight of the activity, providing a memorable and unique way to explore the heart of Kyoto.
Returning the Kimono

By 5:30 PM, guests must return the rented kimono to the Yumeyakata Gojo Shop. This ensures the shop has enough time to prepare the attire for the next guests.
The return process is straightforward:
- Remove the kimono, belt, socks, and sandals.
- Carefully fold the items and place them in the provided bag.
- Hand over the bag to the shop staff, who’ll inspect the contents and provide a receipt.
Once the kimono is returned, guests are free to continue exploring Kyoto or depart for their next destination, having captured lasting memories in traditional Japanese attire.
Restrictions and Reviews

This experience may not be suitable for certain individuals due to various restrictions.
Pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, those over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm), and individuals over 209 lbs (95 kg) aren’t recommended to participate.
Plus, the rental prohibits pets, smoking, food and drinks, strong fragrances, and electric wheelchairs.
Despite these limitations, the Kyoto Machiya House and Kimono Rental experience has received an impressive overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 4 reviews, suggesting a highly satisfactory encounter for those who can partake in it.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Wear the Kimono All Day After the Photo Shoot?
No, you can’t wear the kimono all day after the photo shoot. The experience includes the kimono rental for the duration of the photo shoot only. You must return the kimono by 5:30 PM.
Can I Keep the Kimono as a Souvenir?
Unfortunately, no. The kimono is a rental and must be returned by 5:30 PM on the day of the experience. Customers can’t keep the kimono as a souvenir, but they’ll receive 100 edited digital photos to remember their traditional Japanese experience.
Is There an Option for a Longer Photo Shoot?
No, this experience does not offer an option for a longer photo shoot. The package includes a 1-hour photo shoot, which the customer can use to capture their authentic Japanese experience in the traditional machiya townhouse.
Can I Bring My Own Accessories for the Kimono?
Yes, customers can bring their own accessories to personalize the kimono experience. The package includes basic kimono elements, but additional hair accessories, decoration items, and other customizations can be added at an extra cost.
Is There a Discount for Larger Groups?
Yes, there’s a group discount available. The starting price of $135.40 per group applies, so larger groups can enjoy a more affordable experience per person. Check the website for exact group pricing details.
The Sum Up
This Kyoto Machiya House photo shoot and kimono rental provides a unique opportunity to take in the city’s rich cultural heritage. With a professional photographer’s guidance, guests can capture enchanting memories while donning a traditional kimono and exploring the picturesque streets. The package’s inclusive pricing and comprehensive offerings make it an appealing experience for those seeking an authentic Japanese adventure.
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