There is a story behind each and every one of Sowaka’s rental kimonos. For example, the mysterious dyeing style known as Tsujigahana, kosode (short-sleeved kimono) that hearkens back to the Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1568-1600), Kyo-Yuzen that adds extravagance to any setting, and Edo-Komon in an Ameiri-Mansuji pattern with its modern, poetic air. Wearing one of these kimonos gives you a direct experience with traditional Japanese culture.
The next question is where to go in your kimono. Each kimono is carefully chosen to match with the occasion and formality of the wearer’s destination. This means you can wear a perfectly suited kimono with confidence to any occasion, whether it’s to watch Noh or Kabuki theater, a tea ceremony, or dinner at a top-class restaurant.
English-language support is available from the time of fitting.
| Kimono Rental Fees | Pure Silk Kimono Plans ・Komon (casual wear): 18,000 yen ~ ・Tsukesage/Homongi (formal wear): 30,000 yen ~ Premium Plan (made with high-quality Toray Sillook): 13,000 yen ~ Gentleman’s Kimono Plan: 15,000 yen ~ (When visiting a kimono shop. All prices shown include tax.) |
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| Optional Fees | Fitting (includes delivery to hotel): Above cost + approx. 10,000 yen Hair styling: 3,000 yen/person Early morning fee: 3,000 yen/person Hotel return fee: 2,000 yen/return (All prices shown include tax.) |
| Reservations | At least one week in advance |
Participate in an authentic “chaji” tea ceremony that takes place in a tranquil tearoom. Chaji is the most highly valued form of hospitality by tea ceremony masters. From Sumitemae (initial charcoal setting) to Chakaiseki (multi-course meal), Koicha (thick tea), and Usucha (thin tea), the tea master of the Yabunouchi school of tea ceremony for samurai families will guide you through this experience. You can feel the compassion in each and every step of the ceremony as you come to know and understand the true nature of tea.
The whole experience lasts for two and a half hours. The beautiful moments you experience in this small teahouse will fill your heart with joy.
The chaji tea ceremony is typically done only among people with very close personal relationships, so it is a very rare thing to experience even for people who have spent a long time in Japan. This experience is highly recommended. English and Chinese language support are also available.
| Fee | 30,000 yen ~ (up to 3 people; 10,000 yen per each additional person) Includes Sumitemae (initial charcoal setting), Tenshin (meal), Koicha (thick tea), Usucha (thin tea), dried sweets, fresh sweets |
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| Location | Bikouen |
| Minimum required participants | 1 person |
| Required time | 2 and a half hours |
| Reservations | At least three days in advance |
Hop on a bicycle and take a cruise around Kyoto as if you lived there.
The city is compact and has lots of things to see; it’s like a treasure chest of a city. Bicycles are the perfect way to get around town.
The Gion District where Sowaka is located lies in the heart of Kyoto. This makes it an ideal starting point for anywhere you want to go. From historical spots, temples, and shrines to cafes and used bookstores, pedaling your bike through the breeze of this ancient capital is a great way to become familiar with both the old and new aspects of Kyoto.
| Fee | 2,000 yen/day |
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The striking Kiyomizu-dera Temple attracts more visitors than any other sightseeing spot in Kyoto. Avoid the crowds with a special visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site before breakfast, as the lights begins to touch the rooftops of Higashiyama and the wind murmurs in the trees of Mt. Kiyomizu. The silent precincts of the temple provide the perfect escape from the daily hustle and bustle, and make for a blissful start to your day.
| Period | All year round |
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| Time | 6:00 am ~ Available during the hours that Kiyomizu-dera is open to the public. Since the time is subject to change, please confirm the details on the Kiyomizu-dera website. It’s a 15-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera. (Since it’s an uphill walk, please allow enough time.) |
| Fee | A Kiyomizu-dera Temple admission fee is required to visit the main temple. |
| Reservations | Not needed |
One method of Buddhist practice is Nissokan. The practitioner gazes at the sun setting in the western sky, keeping it in mind everyday. It’s that simple, but this daily act is said to have been spread to the general populace by Buddhist priests. Try to face yourself for a brief time with a tranquil mind, at the western gate of Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s best evening sights.
| Period | All year round |
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| Time | ~ 6:00 pm (sometimes open until 6:30 pm, depending on the season) Available during the hours that Kiyomizu-dera is open to the public. Since the time is subject to change, please confirm the details on the Kiyomizu-dera website. It’s a 15-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera. (Since it’s an uphill walk, please allow enough time.) |
| Fee | A Kiyomizu-dera Temple admission fee is required to visit the main temple. (There is no charge to visit the west gate.) |
| Reservations | Not needed |
Sowaka is located in Higashiyama, which, with so many famous sites, is the best area for walking around Kyoto. Ishibekoji, Nenenomichi, Ninenzaka and Sanneizaka, whose townscape is strictly preserved and maintained by Kyoto City law as a historic building preservation district, have many must-see sights that you can enjoy while just walking around. Recommended is the walking course to Maruyama Park and Chion-in Temple by way of Ishibekoji to Nenenomichi. Beyond the stone-paved street of distinctive ambience are buildings you can enjoy while walking around, including Gionkaku of Daiun-in Temple, which can be seen from Sowaka, and Chourakukan, whose classic Renaissance exterior produces an elegant atmosphere.
