Helping You Take That First Step into the Extraordinary.

着物レンタル「藤田屋」の紹介

Tucked quietly away in a back alley of the Konpira Omotesando stands Kimono Rental Fujitaya.
On the first floor, handcrafted Japanese accessories made by artisans are displayed, and on the second floor, rows of vividly colored kimono await.
In the middle of a journey, you choose "the one you love", get dressed by a professional, and step out into town — this is a place that makes such a special experience possible.

We spoke with the owner, Asako Tosa.
Through kimono and yukata dressing, she gently adds a touch of the extraordinary to everyday life.

The charm of Kotohira, as Ms. Tosa sees it

I'm originally from Kotohira, and now I commute from Marugame.
If I had to sum up the charm in one phrase, it's how close people are to one another.
People I've known for years and people I've just met—everyone is full of energy.
What really stands out is how many people are proactively thinking, 'What can I do for this town?'

Smiles connected through kimono

I was away from Kotohira for about 25 years, and this is only my second year being active here.
Coming every week, everyone has been incredibly kind to me.

It seems there weren't many shops specializing in kimono rentals before, so people have been genuinely happy to see this place open, which makes me very glad.
I personally love dressing people in kimono.
Seeing smiles appear right in front of me — that's the most rewarding moment.

During the kabuki season this spring, you can of course enjoy the performances without wearing kimono, but more people thought, 'Since it's a special occasion, why not try wearing one?'
Seeing local residents come all the way to Fujitaya, get dressed, and leave happy really warms my heart.
When people tell me, 'I'd never thought of wearing one before, but I felt like giving it a try', it truly encourages me.

Creating opportunities to enjoy the extraordinary

At the moment, we mainly operate on weekends, and neighbors often help spread the word.
During fireworks season, more customers come to wear yukata.

Everyday clothes are convenient, of course, but for events or anniversaries, enjoying something extraordinary in yukata or kimono — I feel that more and more people are choosing that option.
The biggest catalyst is definitely the kabuki season.

It all began with inherited kimono

My main profession is hairdressing, and I run a salon in Marugame.
I've long handled formal kimono dressing at the salon for coming-of-age ceremonies, entrance ceremonies, and graduations, but I hadn't done dressing specifically for strolling around town.

The turning point came when an acquaintance entrusted me with many kimono.
At first, I dressed people at my salon, but then I came across this space — now Fujitaya — which had been vacant for over ten years, and thought, 'Let's try it here'.
That was exactly two years ago.

Giving kimono life until the very end

Many people bring kimono to us saying, 'I want you to use a family kimono that was dearly worn'.
If the lining is damaged or the fabric has weakened, we remake it with the owner's consent.
I ask my older sister, who can do traditional tailoring, to turn them into skirts or bags.

In Edo-period life, there was a culture of using things until they turned to ash.
I hope to carry on even a small part of that mindset.
Managing kimono does take effort, but the joy of touching fabric every day outweighs everything else.

Enjoy the extraordinary without pressure

I want people to first experience the atmosphere of the past.
By wearing kimono or yukata, everyday life becomes just a little more special.

Many people imagine kimono as 'uncomfortable' or 'hard to move in', but after spending a full day,
I often hear them say, 'It was actually so much fun!'
That's why I want to keep lowering the psychological hurdle of kimono.
I want to create more experiences where people leave Fujitaya thinking, 'That was fun — I want to wear one again'.

Aiming for a "town that suits kimono"

Every kimono at Fujitaya is one that has been passed on from someone else.
The revival of kimono, creating places where they can be worn, and the joy of the people who wear them — that's our starting point.

People walk through Kotohira in Fujitaya's kimono, and everyone feels a little more energized.
That's the simple goal.
Not necessarily a 'town of kimono', but if Kotohira could be known as 'a town that suits kimono', I'd be very happy.
Even if you usually wear Western clothes, I hope you'll sometimes enjoy the extraordinary in kimono and have fun strolling through town.

Writer's experience memo

I actually experienced the dressing myself.
At first, I was worried it might be hard to move, but once dressed, it was surprisingly comfortable.
Even on a midsummer day with a high of 33°C, it was easier to spend the day than expected, and I felt a strange delight as familiar streets suddenly looked more vibrant.

There truly are moments you can only encounter in kimono or yukata.
Ms. Tosa's wish to "increase smiles" could be felt in every detail of the experience.

Conclusion

Through kimono, Fujitaya creates moments of extraordinary joy while carrying the life of inherited garments into the future.
It is not merely a rental shop, but a guide that tailors memories.

On the day you walk through Kotohira, why not slip your arms into kimono sleeves?
The scenery you know may suddenly feel just a little more special.

Kimono Rental Fujitaya (Konpira Omotesando back alley)

Services:
Kimono and yukata rental and dressing, Japanese accessories, remade items, and more

Open:
Mainly weekends (please check in-store or on social media for details)