Booking a plan
Plans usually differ by the grade of kimono, whether hair styling is included and whether you can return the next day. Booking ahead is common, especially in busy seasons.
Confirm the return time when you book, since it shapes your whole day.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 二名で予約したいです。 | Nimei de yoyaku shitai desu. | I would like to book for two people. |
| 当日でも大丈夫ですか。 | Tōjitsu demo daijōbu desu ka. | Is a same-day booking okay? |
| このプランには何が含まれていますか。 | Kono puran ni wa nani ga fukumarete imasu ka. | What is included in this plan? |
| 何時までに返せばいいですか。 | Nanji made ni kaeseba ii desu ka. | By what time should we return it? |
| 浴衣 | yukata | A light summer kimono |
Choosing a pattern and sizes
You will usually choose the kimono first, then the obi belt and accessories to match. Staff are good at suggesting combinations if you ask.
Sandals are chosen by foot size, and staff may ask your height to pick the right length.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| この柄にします。 | Kono gara ni shimasu. | I will take this pattern. |
| 帯の色を変えられますか。 | Obi no iro o kaeraremasu ka. | Can I change the colour of the belt? |
| どれが似合うと思いますか。 | Dore ga niau to omoimasu ka. | Which do you think suits me? |
| 草履 | zōri | Traditional sandals |
| 足袋 | tabi | Split-toe socks |
| 草履が少し小さいです。 | Zōri ga sukoshi chiisai desu. | The sandals are a little small. |
Being dressed
During kitsuke, staff give short instructions and check comfort several times. The belt is tied firmly on purpose, but it should not be painful or make breathing hard.
Answer the comfort question honestly. Saying daijōbu to be polite and then suffering for six hours helps nobody.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 腕を上げてください。 | Ude o agete kudasai. | Please raise your arms. |
| 後ろを向いてください。 | Ushiro o muite kudasai. | Please turn around. |
| 苦しくないですか。 | Kurushiku nai desu ka. | Is it too tight? |
| ちょっときついです。 | Chotto kitsui desu. | It is a little tight. |
| 大丈夫です。 | Daijōbu desu. | It is fine. |
Hair styling and extras
Hair styling is often an optional extra, and hair accessories may be included or charged separately. Ask before agreeing so the bill is not a surprise.
Most shops keep your own clothes and bags while you are out, which is useful for a day of walking.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ヘアセットは別料金ですか。 | Heasetto wa betsu ryōkin desu ka. | Is hair styling charged separately? |
| 髪飾り | kamikazari | Hair accessory |
| 荷物を預かってもらえますか。 | Nimotsu o azukatte moraemasu ka. | Could you keep my bags? |
| 追加料金はかかりますか。 | Tsuika ryōkin wa kakarimasu ka. | Is there an extra charge? |
Walking, eating and sitting
A kimono changes how you move. Take smaller steps, lift the hem slightly on stairs, and keep sleeves away from food and drink. Staff often give a few tips before you leave.
If the belt loosens or something slips, many rental shops will fix it if you come back, and a nearby staff member at a partner shop may help too.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 小股で歩いてください。 | Komata de aruite kudasai. | Please walk with small steps. |
| 食べるときは、袖に気をつけてください。 | Taberu toki wa, sode ni ki o tsukete kudasai. | Mind your sleeves when you eat. |
| 帯がゆるくなってしまいました。 | Obi ga yuruku natte shimaimashita. | My belt has come loose. |
| 直してもらえますか。 | Naoshite moraemasu ka. | Could you fix it for me? |
| 汚してしまいました。 | Yogoshite shimaimashita. | I have got it dirty. |
Returning on time
Returns follow a fixed schedule so staff can undress everyone in turn. Late returns may cost extra, so if you are running late, call ahead.
Some plans allow next-day return for an additional fee, which is worth asking about if you have evening plans.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 返却 | henkyaku | Returning the rental |
| 少し遅れそうです。 | Sukoshi okuresō desu. | We are going to be a little late. |
| 翌日返却はできますか。 | Yokujitsu henkyaku wa dekimasu ka. | Can we return it the next day? |
| ありがとうございました。楽しかったです。 | Arigatō gozaimashita. Tanoshikatta desu. | Thank you very much. We had a great time. |