Best Kimono Experience in Tokyo with Professional Hair and Makeup
If you are looking for a kimono experience in Tokyo, you will find many rental shops offering beautiful kimono and yukata.
But if you would also like professional hair styling and full makeup—not just kimono rental—a Kimono Makeover Experience may be a better choice.
At Biyodo, near Yanaka and Nippori in Tokyo, guests can enjoy a private kimono experience that combines professional hair and makeup, kimono or yukata rental, dressing, and optional photography.
This guide explains what to look for when choosing a kimono experience in Tokyo and how a professional makeover can make the experience even more special.
What Is a Kimono Makeover Experience?
A typical kimono rental service mainly focuses on choosing a kimono, getting dressed, and going sightseeing.
A Kimono Makeover Experience adds professional beauty services before the dressing.
At Biyodo, the experience can include:
- Professional hair styling
- Full makeup
- Kimono or yukata rental
- Kimono dressing (kitsuke)
- Styling with obi and accessories
- Optional salon photoshoot
- Optional Yanaka Location Photoshoot
- English support
The goal is not simply to wear a kimono, but to create a complete look that suits each guest.
Why Choose Professional Hair and Makeup with Your Kimono?
Kimono has a distinctive balance of colors, patterns, neckline, hairstyle, and accessories.
Professional hair and makeup can help bring all of these elements together.
Rather than applying the same hairstyle and makeup to every guest, an experienced hair and makeup artist can consider:
- Your facial features
- Your preferred style
- The color and design of your kimono
- Your hairstyle and hair length
- The atmosphere you would like to create
- How the finished look will appear in photographs
This is especially helpful for travelers who want to take memorable photos during their time in Japan.
Kimono Rental vs. Kimono Makeover
The right choice depends on what you want from your experience.
A simple kimono rental may be ideal if your main goal is to wear a kimono while sightseeing.
A Kimono Makeover Experience may be better if you:
- Want professional hair styling and makeup
- Want a complete, coordinated look
- Are planning a photoshoot
- Want a quieter and more private experience
- Are celebrating a special trip or occasion
- Would like professional help choosing a style that suits you
Neither option is necessarily better for everyone. The important thing is to choose an experience that matches what you want from your day.
A Private Kimono Experience Near Yanaka and Nippori
Biyodo is located in the Nishinippori area of Tokyo, close to Yanaka and Nippori.
Yanaka is known for its traditional streets, small shops, temples, and relaxed atmosphere.
Compared with some of Tokyo’s busiest sightseeing areas, Yanaka offers a different side of the city—one where visitors can enjoy walking through older residential streets and traditional neighborhoods.
After getting ready at the salon, guests can explore areas such as:
- Yanaka Ginza
- Nezu
- Nippori
- nearby traditional neighborhoods around Yanaka
These areas can also provide attractive backgrounds for kimono photography.
Professional Hair and Makeup Before Dressing
One of the main differences at Biyodo is that the makeover begins before the kimono dressing.
First, the hair and makeup artist discusses your preferences and the style you would like to achieve.
Your hair and makeup are then created to complement your features and the kimono you will wear.
After the hair and makeup are complete, the kimono or yukata is dressed and the full look is finished.
This process allows the hairstyle, makeup, kimono, obi, and accessories to work together as one coordinated look.
Optional Salon Photoshoot
Guests who would like professional photographs without leaving the salon can add a salon photoshoot.
After the makeover is complete, photographs are taken inside the private salon.
This option is suitable for travelers who want:
- Professional portraits in kimono
- A convenient photoshoot without additional travel
- High-quality photos of their completed hair and makeup
- A shorter photography option
- A comfortable choice on very hot days or in rainy weather
The salon photoshoot takes approximately 30 minutes.
You can see more examples of the finished look on Instagram @kimono.makeover.tokyo.
Optional Yanaka Location Photoshoot
For guests who would like photographs in a traditional Tokyo setting, a Yanaka Location Photoshoot is also available.
A professional photographer can photograph you while walking through the Yanaka area.
This allows you to combine the kimono experience with photographs of Tokyo’s traditional streets and neighborhood atmosphere.
Location photography is available as an optional service and should be requested in advance.
More photos from past Yanaka Location Photoshoots are on Instagram @kimono.makeover.tokyo.
Enjoy Your Kimono for Longer
Normally, guests return to the salon later in the day to change and return the kimono.
For travelers who would like to continue sightseeing in kimono into the evening, a Mail Return option is also available.
With this option, you do not need to return to the salon to change before continuing your day.
Details are provided when booking.
Is English Support Available?
Yes. Biyodo welcomes international visitors, and English support is available.
Guests can communicate their preferences for their hairstyle, makeup, kimono colors, and overall style during the consultation.
If you have reference photos for your preferred hair or makeup style, you are also welcome to show them to your artist.
How Long Does the Experience Take?
The approximate preparation time depends on the selected service.
A standard Kimono Makeover Experience generally includes:
- Consultation and kimono selection
- Professional hair styling and makeup
- Kimono dressing
The preparation takes approximately two hours.
If you add a salon photoshoot or location photoshoot, additional time will be required.
How Much Does a Kimono Makeover in Tokyo Cost?
Biyodo’s standard Kimono Makeover Experience is ¥33,000 per person.
It includes:
- Professional hair styling
- Full makeup
- Kimono or yukata rental
- Dressing
- Obi and necessary dressing accessories
Optional services include salon photography, Yanaka Location Photoshoot, and Mail Return.
Who Is This Experience Recommended For?
A Kimono Makeover Experience may be especially suitable for:
- First-time visitors to Japan
- Couples or friends traveling together
- Travelers who enjoy beauty and fashion
- Guests who want professional photographs
- Visitors looking for a private experience
- Anyone who wants more than a standard kimono rental
- Travelers interested in exploring Yanaka and traditional Tokyo neighborhoods
- Travelers who want to go beyond sightseeing and connect more deeply with traditional Japanese culture
How to Book
Biyodo operates by reservation. International visitors can check available dates and send a booking request through the online booking page below.
Because some services require confirmation of staffing, kimono availability, or photography arrangements, the booking is confirmed after Biyodo reviews the request.
For groups of two or more people, please indicate the number of guests when submitting your booking request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my kimono?
Yes. You can choose from the available kimono or yukata according to your preferences and the season. The artist can also help you coordinate the kimono with your hair, makeup, obi, and accessories.
Is professional makeup included?
Yes. Full makeup is included in the Kimono Makeover Experience.
Is hair styling included?
Yes. Professional hair styling is included.
Can I book only hair and makeup without kimono?
Yes. Professional Hair & Makeup can also be booked as a separate service.
Can two or more people book together?
Yes. Group requests are possible. Because preparation time and staffing may change depending on the number of guests, please indicate the total number of participants when booking.
Can I take photos at the salon?
Yes. A salon photoshoot can be added as an optional service.
Can I take photos outside?
Yes. A professional Yanaka Location Photoshoot is available as an option.
Can I walk around Tokyo in the kimono after the makeover?
Yes. After your makeover, you can enjoy sightseeing in areas such as Yanaka, Nezu, Nippori, and other parts of Tokyo.
Do I need to return to the salon?
Normally, guests return to the salon to change and return the kimono. If you would like to wear the kimono for longer, a Mail Return option is available.
Is the experience available in English?
Yes. English support is available for international guests.
Experience a Different Side of Tokyo in Kimono
A kimono experience can be more than simply renting traditional clothing.
With professional hair and makeup, dressing, photography, and time to explore one of Tokyo’s traditional neighborhoods, it can become a complete beauty and cultural experience.
Biyodo offers a private Kimono Makeover Experience near Yanaka and Nippori for visitors who would like a personalized and relaxed way to enjoy kimono in Tokyo.
Biyodo – Kimono Makeover Tokyo
Private Kimono Makeover Experience near Yanaka and Nippori, Tokyo
Professional Hair & Makeup / Kimono & Yukata / Dressing / Optional Photography / English Support
Instagram: @kimono.makeover.tokyo