A girls' trip with close friends is more fun in itself, as you can talk more honestly than if you were to go on a trip with your boyfriend. To make the trip even more special, why not try a girls' trip in Kyoto, dressed in kimonos?

Kimono is something you don't usually wear, so it feels fresh and makes you stand up straight. If you wear a kimono and go around Kyoto's sightseeing spots with your close female friends, it will be perfect for Instagram!

Here we will introduce some recommended walking spots for girls who want to go on a kimono trip.

■First of all, where can I rent a kimono?

In Kyoto, there are many stores where you can rent kimonos and have them dressed and styled. They are located near stations and tourist spots. VASARA is particularly convenient, located in front of Kyoto Station!

Most kimono rental shops will provide you with everything from undergarments to socks, sandals, and other accessories. Compare different shops from various angles and choose the kimono shop that will best fulfill your needs.

For details on VASARA Kyoto Station, click here

■Introducing 7 walking spots perfect for a girls' kimono trip!

Once you've put on your kimono, it's time to go for a walk. We'll introduce you to some spots that are perfect for kimono-clad girls.

◇Around Gion and Kawaramachi

1. Shirakawa Minami Street, Hanamikoji Street

On the east side of the Kamo River is Gion. Gion is the geisha district. The geisha district is a place where there are many tea houses where maiko are invited to have sex and play, and many okiya where maiko work.

Gion is home to Shirakawa Minami Street and Hanamikoji Street. There are many quaint spots that will give you a taste of Kyoto, including the streetscapes.

Among them, Tatsumi Bridge is a very famous photo spot.

If you take a commemorative photo in a kimono with an old building as your bag, you'll feel like a maiko! Another plus is that you'll likely meet a maiko on her way to the tatami room.

2. Pontocho

For those who want to enjoy Kyoto at night in a kimono, we recommend Pontocho. There are rows of bars and izakayas, and you can see Kyoto's famous chidori lanterns lit up.

Another great thing about the area is that there are many restaurants where you can enjoy a drink while looking out over the Kamo River.

Just walking around Kyoto at night in a kimono illuminated street is thrilling, but alcohol is also essential for girls to confess their secrets. This is recommended for those who want to spend a deep night in Kyoto.

◇Around Kiyomizu-dera Temple

3. Jishu Shrine

Located near Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Jishu Shrine is famous as the shrine for granting love and marriage.

The "Love Fortune-Telling Stone" is popular among girls. It is said that if you can walk between a pair of stones with your eyes closed, your love will come true.

The reason why it is better to try wearing a kimono is that you will be walking around in a kimono, so your chances of success will be higher. This is a love fortune-telling stone that is constantly being guided by friends saying things like, "More to the left!", but it seems that people like this often find success in love with the help of their friends.

Please come and have fun with your fellow girls.

4. Kodaiji Temple

This temple was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife, Nene, to commemorate his passing. I recommend visiting it as it gives you a glimpse into the gorgeous Momoyama culture.

The moon-viewing platform connecting Shoin and Kaisan-do Hall is where Nene and Hideyoshi watched the moon reflected in the pond together. Even after Hideyoshi passed away, Nene would continue to watch the moon from the moon-viewing platform while thinking of Hideyoshi. It's an episode that tickles a woman's fancy.

In addition to the moon-viewing platform, there is a garden with ponds on either side that is a masterpiece by Kobori Enshu (a man of many talents who worked in the tea ceremony, calligraphy and painting industry, but who also showed his talent in landscaping as a magistrate), and all of these are spots where a kimono looks great, making you think, "I'm glad I came in a kimono."

◇Around Kyoto Station

Ichihime Shrine

This is a rare shrine in Japan that enshrines all the goddesses.

Therefore, it is said that he protects women and grants their wishes such as good relationships, fertility, and safe childbirth.

It is also famous as a shrine for warding off evil spirits to women. The goddesses may be pleased if you visit the shrine dressed in a kimono, the traditional Japanese dress.

Hime Daruma (a small, bright red Daruma) fortune-telling slips are also very popular among girls as they look great on Instagram.

◇Arashiyama area

6. Togetsukyo Bridge

Togetsukyo Bridge is a must-see in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The beauty of Arashiyama is so great that even the elegant Heian aristocrats adored it.

As for Togetsukyo Bridge, the distant view is beautiful with Arashiyama in the background, and the view from the bridge, which has been praised as looking like "the moon crossing the bridge," is also amazing.

7. Bamboo Forest Path

It is also one of the famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto. Bamboo forests stand out on both sides, and when you walk, you can hear the rustling sound of the cool breeze. If you get tired of walking around in your kimono, you can also take a rickshaw.

When you ride a rickshaw through the bamboo forest in a kimono, you will feel like an aristocratic princess. This is a spot where you can feel the beauty that is unique to Kyoto.

■ Summary

We have listed seven recommended spots for a girls' trip in kimono. What do you think?

Because I will be wearing a kimono, I chose a location that would highlight it.

Places where you look great in a kimono are also places where you can fully enjoy the Kyoto atmosphere.

Come and enjoy a girls' kimono trip to Kyoto!