[Must-Save] 5 Recommended "Kimono x Afternoon Tea" Experiences in Kyoto | Popular for Girls' Trips, Dates, and Oshi-katsu (2025)

Kyoto is a city where "tea culture" has been deeply rooted since ancient times.

In Kyoto, where tea ceremony rooms and wagashi (Japanese confectionery) culture have flourished, afternoon tea has also undergone its own unique evolution.

The appeal lies in enjoying a "Kyoto-style afternoon tea" where Japanese and Western elements truly merge: sweets lavishly made with matcha, savories using local ingredients like Kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables) and Kyo-yuba (Kyoto tofu skin), and tea sets savored while gazing at tsuboniwa (courtyard gardens) and byobu (folding screens) unique to machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouses).

And now, the "Kimono x Afternoon Tea" combination is particularly popular for enjoying Kyoto's "Nunkatsu" (afternoon tea activities) culture.

After experiencing walking through the town in a kimono, spending a relaxing time in a hotel lounge offers:

✔ Photos that look incredibly stunning

✔ A significant boost in travel satisfaction

✔ An excellent "I'm in Kyoto" vibe on social media

✔ An enhanced sense of "specialness" throughout the day

These charms make it extremely popular for girls' trips, weekend dates, oshi-katsu (supporting one's favorite idol/character), and self-rewarding trips for those in their 20s and 30s.

Kimono Rental wargo offers services perfectly suited for afternoon tea, such as kimono dressing that isn't uncomfortable even when sitting for long periods, hair sets that look great in hotels, and free luggage storage. Because of this, the number of customers who "rent a kimono specifically for afternoon tea" is increasing.

>> Book Kyoto Kimono Rental wargo

Reasons why "Kimono x Afternoon Tea" is popular in Kyoto

In Kyoto, the trend of enjoying afternoon tea after strolling through the city in a kimono is rapidly increasing. Recently, more women want to "spend a slightly luxurious day," and the sequence of transforming cutely with a kimono rental → strolling through Kyoto → afternoon tea has become a hot topic, with people saying it's "absolutely amazing" and "great for photos and memories."

• The combination of Kyoto's photogenic cityscape and hotel lounges is outstanding.

• You can experience a sense of "specialness" and "extraordinariness" throughout the day.

• Easy to combine with sightseeing routes, increasing travel satisfaction.

• wargo's kimono dressing is comfortable even for long periods, making it suitable for tea experiences.

Recently, more people are "renting kimonos specifically for afternoon tea," gaining strong support from women who want to enjoy a "slightly luxurious day" in Kyoto.

>> Book a kimono for a "slightly luxurious day" afternoon tea in Kyoto

Tips for going to afternoon tea in a kimono

If you inform us of your schedule for the day (afternoon tea, photo shoots, travel time, etc.) in advance, we can provide kimono dressing and hair styling that will allow you to spend your time more comfortably and beautifully!

① Kimono dressing for afternoon tea: obi not tied too tightly

At Kimono Rental wargo, we meticulously adjust the obi's position, tightness, and padding to ensure comfort even when sitting for long periods.

Especially in hotel lounges where chairs are deep, it's crucial to have dressing that reduces pressure around the waist.

Kimono Rental wargo can make these adjustments precisely because we offer authentic dressing by professional kimono dressers.

② Hair set that won't tire you out even after a long time

Since afternoon tea involves many photo opportunities, loose and fluffy styles, low chignons, and updos that last beautifully are popular.

Our hair stylists will suggest styles that suit you, considering your "face shape," "atmosphere," and even the "pattern of the kimono you've chosen."

③ Hotel lounges can be chilly, so consider fur or haori jackets

Kyoto experiences significant temperature differences between seasons, and lounges can often be chilly.

Pairing a light fur stole, michiyuki coat, haori jacket, or scarf over your kimono makes it easy to regulate your body temperature and adds elegance to your outfit.

Kimono Rental wargo also offers a wide range of cold-weather accessories!

④ Check photo spots in advance for a "photogenic day"

Combining your afternoon tea with popular photo spots that are easy to visit before or after will make your day even more fulfilling.

The "kimono attire x Kyoto scenery x afternoon tea" combination creates the "ultimate photo set for a Kyoto trip."

Kimono Rental wargo staff are well-versed in photogenic locations, so feel free to consult them.

5 Afternoon Teas in Kyoto You'll Want to Visit in a Kimono

① The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto (along the Kamo River)

A luxury hotel situated along the Kamo River. Enjoy an elegant East-meets-West tea time with an afternoon tea featuring sweets supervised by world-renowned patissiers.

Location

Kamo River Nijo Ohashi-han, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Nearest Station

Subway/Keihan "Sanjo"

Business Hours

11:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Last Order) / Close 6:00 PM

Reservation Availability

Reservations required. Example afternoon tea reservation times: 12:00 PM / 12:30 PM / 3:00 PM / 3:30 PM

Serving Hours

According to the reservation time slots above (e.g., from 12:00 PM / from 3:00 PM, etc.)

Price (incl. tax, service charge status)

Afternoon Tea 2025/12/3~2025/12/19

¥ 7,500

Afternoon Tea 2025/12/20~2025/12/25

¥ 8,500

Afternoon Tea Highlights

• The only place in Japan where you can enjoy sweets by top patissiers.

• Luxurious East-meets-West interior — perfectly compatible with kimonos.

• Located along the Kamo River with terrace seating, offering an elegant time with a view.

② ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Location

Restaurant "TENJIN", 44-1 Kinugasa Kagamiishi-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Business Hours

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM (※Varies by season/plan)

Reservation Availability

Reservations required (especially for plans including thermal pool + afternoon tea).

Serving Hours

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Thermal Pool

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Afternoon Tea

Price (incl. tax, service charge status)

Thermal Pool + Afternoon Tea Set

¥ 10,000

Afternoon Tea Highlights

• Tranquility and resort-like atmosphere surrounded by nature — a healing space to forget daily life.

• Enjoy the four seasons with sweets and savories that change seasonally.

• Perfect for relaxing in a kimono — escape the urban hustle and bustle.

• A luxurious "in & out" experience is possible with pool + tea.

③ Dusit Thani Kyoto

A luxury hotel located in front of Nishi Hongan-ji Temple. Enjoy a special afternoon tea in the lobby lounge "Dusit Gallery," where time flows peacefully.

Location

466 Nishinotoin-cho, Nishinotoin-dori Shomen Agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Business Hours

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Reservation Availability

Reservations accepted. Please check official reservation pages for details.

Serving Hours

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Last Order 4:00 PM)

Price (incl. tax, service charge status)

¥ 6,072～¥ 7,590 (※Varies by season/plan)

Afternoon Tea Highlights

• A sophisticated space in the hotel lounge.

• Good compatibility with sightseeing near Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, convenient for a kimono trip set.

• An adult tea time in a calm lobby space.

④ THE SHINMONZEN

A boutique hotel where tradition and modernity merge. Enjoy a high-quality afternoon tea made with seasonal ingredients on the terrace near Gion Shirakawa or in a quiet indoor setting.

Location

235 Shinmonzen-dori Nishino-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi

Business Hours

Afternoon Tea reception ~2:30 PM~ (Food Last Order 3:00 PM / Drink Last Order 4:30 PM)

Reservation Availability

Reservations required. 2-hour seating limit.

Serving Hours

From 2:30 PM (Food Last Order 3:00 PM)

Price (incl. tax, service charge status)

¥ 8,500

Afternoon Tea Highlights

• A "Kyoto-like location" along Gion Shirakawa.

• A space where Japanese tranquility and modern design harmonize.

• Perfect for strolling in a kimono, photo shoots, and tea sets.

⑤ Hyatt Regency Kyoto (Higashiyama Shichijo)

A luxury hotel in the quiet environment of Higashiyama. A popular hotel where you can enjoy seasonal afternoon teas and buffet-style tea times at "Touzan."

Location

644-2 Sanjusangendo-mawari, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Business Hours

Afternoon Tea (Tea Time): 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM (Last entry 3:00 PM)

Reservation Availability

Advance reservations required. Early booking is especially recommended on weekends, holidays, and during events.

Serving Hours

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM (May vary depending on content)

Price (incl. tax, service charge status)

¥ 7,000～¥ 20,000 (※Varies by season/plan)

Afternoon Tea Highlights

• A wide variety of sweets and savories with seasonal themes (e.g., strawberries, Japanese chestnuts, matcha).

• Plans incorporating a buffet style are also available, offering high satisfaction.

• Good access from central Kyoto, easy to use for sightseeing and kimono trips.

Seasonal: Recommended Kimono x Afternoon Tea Outfits

Japanese Modern Retro Modern Houmongi Adult Outfit [No.1 Popular]

Adding Japanese-style accessories to a houmongi (formal kimono) in subdued colors creates an excellent match with Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, and other historic buildings. You can create a "mature cute" atmosphere and enjoy a photogenic experience unique to kimono rental.

>> Book a retro modern houmongi recommended for afternoon tea

[Spring] Popular Kimono Colors for Cherry Blossom Season

For spring kimono outfits, soft colors like cherry blossom pink, mint, and pale pink are very popular.

When photographed at cherry blossom spots in Asakusa or Kyoto, the colors naturally blend with the background, making your photos stand out even more.

Popular Recommended Spring Colors

• Cherry blossom pink

• Mint green

• Baby pink

• Pale beige

Choosing "gentle tones" characteristic of spring makes it easy to look good on social media and for beginners to coordinate outfits.

[Summer] Yukata also looks great in "cool colors"

In hot seasons, "cool colors" like white, light blue, and pale gray, which look light and refreshing, are popular.

These cool tones pair perfectly with the townscapes of Gion, Arashiyama, and Asakusa.

Popular Recommended Summer Colors

• White (No.1 for refreshing feel)

• Light blue (especially popular for yukata)

• Pale gray

• Light blue x white combination

Choosing "transparent colors" makes summer outfits significantly more stylish.

[Autumn] Deep Colors that Shine with Autumn Leaves

Deep green, mustard yellow, burgundy, and antique-style colors, which pair well with the reds and yellows of autumn leaves, are popular.

During Kyoto's autumn foliage season, reservations are particularly concentrated because kimonos in subdued colors look elegantly striking.

Popular Recommended Autumn Colors

• Deep green

• Mustard yellow

• Deep green

• Mustard yellow

• Bordeaux

• Retro antique patterns

The combination of "deep colors" and "retro patterns" creates a sophisticated look, making it highly recommended for those visiting for photo shoots.

[Winter] Elegant Colors Popular for Hotel Lounges and City Strolls

In winter, there are many photo shoots in calm settings and hotel afternoon tea experiences, making retro modern *homongi* particularly popular.

Colors like beige, gray tones, and pale pink are classic choices that create a sophisticated adult look.

Popular Recommended Colors for Winter

• Beige・Mocha

• Gray・Pink Gray

• Pale Pink (muted tones)

• Retro Modern Kimono

They pair well with warm lighting and the classical ambiance of hotels, making winter outfits significantly more glamorous.

[Year-Round Popular Classic Colors]

Popular regardless of the season are:

"Pale colors (pink, yellow, gray, pink gray, beige tones)."

They blend easily with any location and make photos appear bright and soft,

so they are chosen as "the go-to colors for first-time kimono renters."

>>Book a retro modern *homongi* recommended for afternoon tea

Afternoon Tea Spots Easily Accessible from Kyoto Station

・Dusit Thani Kyoto

・ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts

・Kyoto Tower Hotel

・THE THOUSAND KYOTO

・Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto

The biggest advantage is that after getting dressed at Kimono Rental Wargo Kyoto Station Front Kyoto Tower Sando store, you can go directly by foot, taxi, or train.

Afternoon Tea Spots Easily Accessible from Gion・Higashiyama

・The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

・THE SHINMONZEN

・Hyatt Regency Kyoto

・The Westin Miyako Kyoto

Convenient to travel within a 10-minute taxi ride from Kimono Rental Wargo Kyoto Gion store!

Reasons Why Wargo's Kimono Rental is Suitable for Afternoon Tea

✔ Comfortable dressing (not too tight)

✔ Kimono that resists wrinkles even after long hours

✔ Professional hair styling

✔ Free luggage storage

✔ Excellent access at Kyoto Station Store and Gion Store

✔ Location convenient for direct access to hotels

>>Book Kimono Rental Wargo Kyoto

Model Schedule for Kyoto Kimono × Afternoon Tea (Example)

① <Kyoto Station Front Kyoto Tower Sando Store> A Day Enjoying Higashi Hongan-ji, To-ji, and Kyoto Station Area

10:00 Kimono dressing & hair styling at Kyoto Station Front Store

・Pale and muted colored kimonos look great in hotel lounges

・If you mention you're going for afternoon tea, they will adjust the obi to be looser

10:45 Walk to [Higashi Hongan-ji Temple] (approx. 5 min)

・The massive Miei-do Hall allows for "Kyoto-esque solemn photos"

・In the morning, the backlight is soft, making photos beautiful

11:30 Travel to [To-ji Temple] (train + walk approx. 20-25 min)

・The area in front of the Five-Storied Pagoda is an absolute must-take photo spot

・Spring: Cherry blossoms × Pagoda, Autumn: Autumn leaves × Pagoda for a classic shot

・Mornings are ideal as there are fewer tourists

12:45 Return to Kyoto Station, then travel to the hotel

<Afternoon Tea Candidates>

• Dusit Thani Kyoto (12-minute walk from Kyoto Station)

• THE THOUSAND KYOTO (1-minute walk from Kyoto Station)

• Hotel Granvia (directly connected to the station)

• ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts (30-minute taxi ride)

13:00 Afternoon Tea

・Pale and muted colored kimonos pair perfectly with hotel lounges

・Since you'll be sitting for a while, the "loosened obi" will prove effective

・Produce many photos with 3-tiered stands × Kyoto-sourced sweets

15:30 Photo shoot at Kyoto Station Building (Grand Staircase・Skyway)

・A scenic spot + "futuristic composition" for Instagrammable photos

・The combination of kimono × modern architecture surprisingly works well

16:30 Travel to Kyoto Tower (2-minute walk)

・In front of Kyoto Tower at dusk is truly photogenic

・Enjoy sightseeing and photography simultaneously

17:30 Return to Kyoto Station Front Store

>>Book Kimono Rental Wargo Kyoto Station Front Kyoto Tower Sando Store

② <Kyoto Gion Store> Classic Plan to Enjoy Yasaka Shrine, Gion Shirakawa, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple

10:00 Kimono dressing & hair styling at Kyoto Gion Store

・"Retro modern *homongi*" that look great with Gion × kimono are popular

・If you mention you're going for afternoon tea, they will adjust your hair to be less likely to fall apart

10:45 [Yasaka Shrine] (3-minute walk)

・Definitely want to take photos at the vermilion *romon* (tower gate) symbolizing Kyoto

・The morning light is soft, making skin look beautiful in photos

11:20 [Gion Shirakawa] (5-minute walk)

・"One of Kyoto's premier kimono photo locations" with beautiful cobblestone streets, *machiya* (traditional townhouses), and Shirakawa River

・Shots of willows swaying along the river are very popular on social media

12:00 To [Kiyomizu-dera Temple] (20-minute walk or 10-minute bus ride)

・Enjoy street food × photo shoots on Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka along the way

・The Kiyomizu-dera stage offers a photo with "maximum Kyoto ambiance"

13:30 Travel to the hotel

<Afternoon Tea Candidates>

• The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto (Sanjo)

• THE SHINMONZEN (right by Gion Shirakawa)

• Hyatt Regency Kyoto (Higashiyama Shichijo)

• ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts (30-minute taxi ride)

14:00 Afternoon Tea

・A Kyoto-like experience with Kyoto-sourced ingredients × seasonal sweets

・Posting photos side-by-side with those taken at Gion Shirakawa looks great on social media

・Relax and unwind in an elegant lounge

16:00 Enjoy the "soft evening light" on the Kamo River banks

・River breeze × evening scenery is a perfect match with kimono

・Matching outfits with friends look absolutely stunning

17:30 Return to Kyoto Gion Store

>>Book Kimono Rental Wargo Kyoto Gion Store

9. Summary | "Kimono × Afternoon Tea" is the Best Way to Spend a Special Day in Kyoto

The reason "kimono × afternoon tea" is popular in Kyoto is because it allows you to enjoy a day with a special feeling.

Walking around Kyoto in a kimono, then elegantly enjoying afternoon tea at a hotel—this combination is supported by women for being "photogenic" and "memorable."

Furthermore, Kimono Rental Wargo offers a full range of services that pair well with afternoon tea, such as comfortable dressing that isn't tight even after sitting for a long time, hair styling that looks great in hotels, and free luggage storage.

For this reason, the number of customers who "rent a kimono specifically for afternoon tea" is increasing.

It makes your holiday in Kyoto even more special—that's why "kimono × afternoon tea" is chosen.

>>Book "Kimono × Afternoon Tea" at Kimono Rental Wargo Kyoto