A guide to Kyoto sightseeing in each season that goes well with kimono | How to enjoy the four seasons

Kimono worn in accordance with the four seasons of Kyoto create a beautiful harmony with the scenery. Here, we introduce kimono coordination that is perfect for each season of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, as well as recommended tourist spots. It is full of hints for fully enjoying the charm of Kyoto in each season, from the cherry blossoms in spring, the coolness of summer, the autumn leaves turning red, and the snowy landscapes of winter. In addition, we will introduce ideas for how to spend a comfortable time in a kimono and techniques for taking photos at photogenic spots. Why not enjoy a stroll around Kyoto in a kimono while cherishing the feeling of the seasons?

How to wear seasonal kimonos and enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto

When sightseeing in Kyoto, you can enjoy wearing kimonos along with the scenery of each season. By choosing a kimono that suits each season, you can create a photogenic outfit that blends in with Kyoto's beautiful cityscape and nature. In this section, we will introduce the best kimono materials, patterns, and colors for each season: spring, summer, fall, and winter, and suggest tips and recommended spots to make your Kyoto trip even more enjoyable. Coordinating a kimono to suit the climate and scenery of each season will make your trip to Kyoto even more appealing.

Spring | Enjoy gorgeous outfits with cherry blossoms

Recommended kimono materials and patterns for spring

In spring, light and elegant materials are the key to choosing a kimono. In particular, kimonos made of silk or crepe are warm and light, making them perfect for strolling around Kyoto. Many of the patterns are symbolic of spring, such as cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and butterflies, creating a sense of splendor and the season.

Kimono coordination that will look great in spring in Kyoto

In spring in Kyoto, kimonos in pale pink or pastel colors will blend in with the cherry blossom scenery and enhance the gorgeous atmosphere. For obi and accessories, choose floral motifs and bright colors to add a spring-like gorgeousness.

Recommended Kyoto sightseeing spots in spring

• Gion Shirakawa: Gion Shirakawa, with its beautiful scenery of weeping cherry blossoms and stone pavement, is a must-see for spring strolls in Kyoto. The illuminated cherry blossoms at night are particularly attractive, so it's best to visit at dusk. It's also easily accessible, about a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station.

• Keage Incline:Located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, this is the site of a former railway line for transporting ships, and in spring, about 90 cherry trees (Somei Yoshino) bloom along the tracks. When in full bloom, the sight of the cherry trees stretching out like a tunnel is particularly beautiful, making this a popular spot for tourists and camera enthusiasts.

• Maruyama ParkMaruyama Park, one of Kyoto's famous spots, is popular for taking photos with the famous weeping cherry blossoms in the background. It is about a 20-minute bus ride from Kyoto Station and is also famous as a spring feature.

• Arashiyama Togetsukyo BridgeThe Arashiyama area, where rows of cherry blossom trees harmonize beautifully with Togetsukyo Bridge, is also a recommended spot for spring. It takes about 30 minutes by train from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama Station, and then you can enjoy a stroll to Togetsukyo Bridge.

Tips for enjoying spring sightseeing comfortably

Kyoto can still be chilly in March, so be sure to wear a shawl or haori to keep you warm. Cherry blossom season is bustling with tourists, so if you visit early in the morning, you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

Summer | Enjoy a refreshing stroll around Kyoto in a cool kimono

Recommended kimono materials and patterns for summer

In summer, we recommend kimonos made of light, breathable materials such as hemp and silk gauze, which give a cool feeling. Hemp allows moisture to pass through easily, while silk gauze is transparent and gives a cool look. Also, by choosing summery patterns such as morning glories, goldfish, and fireworks, you can create a refreshing impression while incorporating the seasonal feeling.

Kimono coordination that will stand out in Kyoto in summer

Cool colors are important when coordinating a summer kimono. Choose light colors such as light blue or pale green to create a cool feeling. Choosing a see-through obi belt will give a light, summery impression. Also, choosing a summer obi belt and obi-jime belt will further emphasize the seasonal feel.

Recommended Kyoto sightseeing spots in summer

• Kifune area: Kifune's riverside terrace is a Kyoto summer tradition. You can enjoy your meal while feeling the coolness of the seats set up along the river. From Kyoto Station, take the Eizan Railway to Kifuneguchi Station for about an hour, then take a 1-minute bus ride to Kifune Shrine. This is a special spot where the natural scenery surrounded by trees and the cool river breeze will help you to beat the summer heat.

• Gion Festival (July)The Gion Festival, held in July, is a large-scale festival that symbolizes summer in Kyoto. It is customary to participate in the festival in a yukata, and the beautiful scenery of lanterns and floats at night enhances the yukata look. In the gorgeous festival atmosphere, the yukata blends perfectly with the cityscape.

• Kamogawa River Cool Floor: In the summer evenings, it is popular to enjoy a meal on a noryodoko (a platform where you can sit on a tatami mat) along the Kamo River while feeling the cool breeze. The riverside is especially beautiful at dusk, and kimonos look even more beautiful. You can spend a luxurious time feeling the Japanese atmosphere while listening to the murmuring of the river.

Tips for enjoying summer sightseeing comfortably

When sightseeing in Kyoto in the summer, it is important to take measures against the heat. Bring a parasol and a folding fan to avoid the sun during the day. A folding fan in particular is compact and easy to carry, and is a practical item for keeping cool. Another effective measure against sweat is to wear an inner layer with excellent moisture absorption properties. By layering an undergarment under your kimono, you can reduce the discomfort caused by sweat and stay comfortable.

Autumn | Kimono outfits that stand out against the autumn leaves

Kimono coordination that will look great in autumn in Kyoto

In autumn, when the leaves turn beautiful red, deep red and orange colors match well with the leaves. Especially when you go leaf-viewing, the calm colors that harmonize with the colors of the trees will stand out even more. Also, adding a velvet obi or retro accessories as an accent will give your outfit a seasonal feel.

Recommended Kimono Materials and Patterns for Autumn

In autumn, we recommend "Awase" kimonos to match the slightly chilly season. Awase kimonos have a lining, so you can stay comfortable while maintaining a moderate level of warmth. Also, if you choose a design that evokes the atmosphere of autumn, such as maple leaves, autumn flowers such as chrysanthemums, and silver grass patterns, you can emphasize the seasonal feeling while giving an elegant impression.

Recommended Kyoto sightseeing spots in autumn

• Tofukuji Temple: Tofukuji Temple's Tsutenkyo Bridge is known as one of the best spots in Kyoto to see autumn leaves. The sea of ​​autumn leaves seen from the bridge is a spectacular sight, and if you take a photo wearing a kimono, the contrast with the autumn leaves will be vivid.

• Arashiyama・Tenryu-ji TempleThe autumn foliage season in Arashiyama is also not to be missed. The beautiful gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple and the autumn foliage of the mountains in the background create a perfect location for a kimono to stand out. You can spend an elegant time enjoying the scenery of the ancient capital enveloped in autumn leaves.

• KodaijiAt Kodaiji Temple, a nighttime illumination event is held, creating a fantastical contrast between the autumn leaves and the illumination. If you visit in a kimono, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time and experience the fantastical atmosphere.

Tips for enjoying autumn sightseeing comfortably

In autumn, the temperature drops in the mornings and evenings in Kyoto, and it often gets chilly. When you go out, bring a scarf or a haori coat to protect yourself from the cold and stay comfortable. It is also a dry season, so don't forget to bring along lip balm, hand cream, and other dryness prevention items to enjoy sightseeing in comfort.

Winter | Enjoy the tranquil streets of Kyoto

Winter in Kyoto is charming with its quiet atmosphere and snowy scenery enveloped in cold air. In the midst of all this, you can enjoy the tranquil cityscape while wearing a warm kimono. Be sure to take precautions against the cold and enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto in a winter-like outfit.

Recommended kimono materials and patterns for winter

In the cold winter season, kimonos made of wool or thick silk are ideal for protection from the cold. These materials are warm and yet flexible and elegant. Wintery patterns such as plum blossoms, camellias, and snowflakes create a seasonal feel. In particular, in snowy Kyoto, patterns that match the snowy scenery look beautiful.

Kimono coordination that will stand out in winter in Kyoto

For winter coordination, chic colors such as calm navy blue and gray go well with the clear winter air and quiet cityscapes. Also, adding a fur collar and gloves can increase protection from the cold while adding a touch of glamour. Enjoy a refined and elegant winter coordination while taking proper measures against the cold.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Kyoto in winter

• Kinkakuji Temple: The snow-covered Kinkakuji Temple is a highlight of sightseeing in Kyoto in winter. When Kinkakuji Temple is covered in snow, the contrast between white and gold is beautiful, making it a popular photo spot. Enjoy the moist beauty of Kinkakuji Temple in the clear winter air.

• Kiyomizu temple: In winter, Kiyomizu-dera Temple has a magnificent view with clear air and a solemn atmosphere, especially if you visit in the silence of the morning. When snow piles up, the scenery becomes even more fantastical, and the kimono looks even more attractive.

• Fushimi-Inari TaishaFushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, with its rows of red torii gates, is covered in snow in the winter, creating a fantastic atmosphere. The torii gates in the snow are a particularly special sight, and if you visit in a kimono, you can enjoy the beautiful winter scenery that is unique to Japan.

Tips for enjoying winter sightseeing comfortably

When sightseeing in Kyoto in the winter, it's important to take measures to protect your feet from the cold. When wearing a kimono, wearing tabi socks as an inner layer will help prevent the cold and allow you to walk around comfortably. We also recommend carrying a heating pack to keep you warm easily. It's particularly effective to keep one in your pocket or obi if you'll be doing a lot of outdoor sightseeing. Enjoy winter in Kyoto while staying warm.

Seasonal Kimono Rental & Photo Shoot Tips

In Kyoto, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season, renting a kimono and taking photos according to the season will make your travel memories even more special. By choosing different kimono styles and accessories for each season and taking photos that look good, you can enjoy the unique charms of Kyoto to the fullest.

How to choose a rental kimono

By choosing a kimono that suits the season, you can enjoy sightseeing comfortably. Depending on the rental plan you choose and the accessories you use, you can create a high-class kimono style.

Choose a plan that suits the season

On hot summer days, yukatas and light lace kimonos are popular because they offer a cool feeling. Lightweight yukatas are breathable and allow you to stroll around Kyoto in comfort. Meanwhile, in the cold winter, you can choose a plan that includes a haori coat to stay warm and enjoy stylish outfits while staying protected from the cold.

Take your outfit to the next level with accessory rentals

If you want to make your kimono look even more gorgeous, consider renting accessories such as obi fasteners and hair accessories. Obi fasteners can add an accent to your obi, giving you a unique style, and hair accessories can also enhance your outfit. Choosing accessories that match the season will definitely make your kimono look even better in photos.

Photogenic photography techniques

Wearing a kimono in Kyoto is something you'll want to capture in photos. By taking advantage of the seasonal scenery and paying attention to the composition and time of day, you can take a special photo.

Compositional ideas that make use of the seasons

Choosing the right background is important to capture the feeling of the season. Using a symbolic seasonal landscape as the background, such as cherry blossoms in spring or autumn leaves in autumn, will allow you to take a photo that naturally conveys the feeling of the season. In this case, standing a little away from the trees will produce a more beautiful photo, as it will create a more blurred background effect, rather than standing directly in front of the cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. In summer, we recommend taking photos by a river or using wind chimes or other locations or items that create a cool feeling.

Recommended shooting times

Kyoto is a popular tourist destination, so if you want to avoid the crowds and take your time taking photos, it's best to go early in the morning or in the evening. Not only will you be able to avoid the crowds, but the soft light of the morning and evening will make your kimono look beautiful. Also, if there is a light-up event being held, we recommend taking photos at night in a fantastic atmosphere. Your kimono will be illuminated by the lights, making for some romantic photos.

Summary

Kyoto is an attractive tourist destination with beautiful scenery in every season and cityscapes that look great in kimono. By choosing the material, pattern, and color of your kimono according to the season, you can enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto even more. Each season has its own special charms that can only be experienced: cherry blossoms in spring, coolness in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy scenery in winter.

You can also create more wonderful memories and photos by taking better photos and visiting tourist spots. By choosing the right kimono rental plan and accessories for each season, and keeping in mind the key points for enjoying sightseeing comfortably, your trip will be even more fulfilling. Enjoy strolling around Kyoto in a kimono outfit that suits you, while taking in the atmosphere of the season.

If you want to rent a lace kimono in Kyoto, head to Hanaemi!

If you're going to enjoy wearing lace kimonos in Kyoto, why not rent a lovely one? Hanaemi has a wide selection of trendy and stylish lace kimonos, allowing you to coordinate your outfit to your liking.

Recommended points of "Hanaemi"

• A wide variety of delicate and elegant lace kimonos! Enjoy coordinating outfits incorporating the latest trends
• We also offer hair styling and accessory rentals, allowing you to coordinate your look to the fullest.
• Easy access to major tourist spots, ideal location for strolling and photography

If you want to enjoy wearing lace kimonos in Kyoto, be sure to check out Hanaemi!
➡ Hanaemi official website