Hello. This is VASARA Kimono Rental. Students, have you decided how you're going to spend your spring break? Are any of you planning to go sightseeing in Kyoto on your graduation trip? If so, we have some useful information for you. From mid-March to late April, there are shrines and temples where the cherry blossoms are lit up. The famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kodai-ji Temple can be beautifully viewed when lit up. In this article, we will introduce some recommended light-up spots around Kiyomizu-dera Temple, so please use it as a reference. VASARA Kimono Rental allows you to return the kimono the next day. You can also go to the hotel and return your luggage on your way back. The combination of cherry blossoms, kimono, and illumination is sure to make for a great photo!

 

●Kimono Rental VASARA Kyoto Station Store Budget 2,900 yen to 6,900 yen + extension fee 2,200 yen per person

VASARA Kyoto Ekimae is located right in front of JR Kyoto Station. You can start dressing as soon as you arrive in Kyoto, so it's the perfect starting point for those who are coming by Shinkansen, train, or bus. Let's start by changing into a kimono. A set of kimono rental and dressing starts from 2,900 yen (online reservation price). The 2,900 yen kimono has a plain and simple design. Of course, if you want to make it more gorgeous, we recommend the Three Star Plan (online reservation price 6,900 yen). Kimono with furisode patterns are included in this plan. Of course, if you feel that the kimono of this plan is better after actually seeing it in the store, you can change it from the plan you made when you made the reservation! (※Refunds cannot be made for downgrades) The final return time on the day is 17:30. After that, it will be returned the next day, and an additional 2,200 yen extension fee will be charged, but this will extend the return time to 9:00-17:30 the next morning.

 

Once you have decided on a kimono, a professional dresser will help you put it on. The estimated time is about 10 minutes for choosing a kimono, 20 minutes for dressing, and 15 minutes for hair styling, totaling about 45 minutes. It is quite possible that it will be crowded, so it is best to allow yourself about an hour just to be safe.

 

●Go to the area around Kiyomizu-dera Temple

You can get to Kiyomizu-dera from Kyoto Station by bus, taxi, or train. The most recommended way is by taxi. If there are four or more people, the fare is about 1,080 yen divided among four people, so it comes to 270 yen per person. The fare is not much different from the bus fare, so we recommend a taxi, which allows you to travel leisurely and get close to the temple.

 

●Check the illumination locations and times

We will introduce some recommended places to see the lights.

・Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a very fantastic place to visit at night, where you can enjoy not only the illuminated trees but also the night view of Kyoto from the stage. You can enjoy a fantastical moment as if you were floating on the clouds. The admission fee is usually 300 yen, but it is 400 yen for a special night admission, but it is very reasonable because you can enjoy a different side of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Illumination Information

Period: Mid-March to early April

Reception hours: 18:30-21:30

 

・Kodaiji Temple

Kodaiji Temple is about a 15-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Kodaiji Temple was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife, Nene, and is affectionately known as "Nene's Temple." It is also famous as a place to see cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, and is lit up at night when they are at their best. The quaint cobblestone road paved with granite that runs to the west of Kodaiji Temple, "Nene's Road," is also a recommended spot for an evening stroll.

This illumination is an artistic event that has a different theme each time. The weeping cherry blossoms are lit up in the darkness of the night, creating a bewitching atmosphere. The admission fee is a little high at 600 yen, but the beautiful scenery is worth the price.

Illumination Information

Period: Mid-March to mid-May

Reception hours: Sunset to 21:30

 

・Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is located about a 5-minute walk from Kodaiji Temple. Don't be fooled by the fact that it's just a park, the cherry blossoms in the center of the park are also called "Gion Weeping Cherry Blossoms" and are one of the most famous tourist spots in Gion. Since it's free to enter, many tourists drop by casually, so be careful. Another feature of this park is that it is lit up until 1:00 AM, which is very late. We recommend visiting in the quiet hours of the night.

Period: Mid-March to mid-April

Reception hours: Sunset to 1:00am

 

・Chion-in Temple

About a 5-minute walk from Maruyama Park, you will find Chion-in Temple near Yasaka Shrine. You will be amazed by the sheer scale of the temple. The garden "Yuzenen," associated with Miyazaki Yuzen, the founder of Kyo-Yuzen, the "Sanmon," one of the largest wooden double gates in Japan, and the "Amida Hall," which enshrines a 2.7m tall seated statue of Amida Nyorai, will be lit up.

Period: Mid-March to late March

Reception hours: 17:30-21:00

 

Summary

What did you think? We have introduced information on cherry blossom illuminations that are perfect for a graduation trip. The cherry blossom season will pass in the blink of an eye. After graduation, you may not be able to casually enjoy cherry blossom viewing with your friends. Why not try going out to view the cherry blossoms in a kimono as your final event after graduation?

 

For more information about the VASARA Kimono Rental Kyoto Station store, please click here.

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