At Hanakomichi, you can rent kimono (traditional Japanese wear) or ninja costumes. It is located on the way to Matsumoto Castle. A professional dresses you in your favorite kimono or ninja wear in about only 15 minutes. Afterwards, you can walk to the castle in just 5 minutes to take photos. Kimono and ninja costumes go perfectly with Japan’s oldest castle in the background!
Reservation is not required if you are an individual or a group of several people, so feel free to look around at kimono in the shop and if you find one you like, take it for a spin outside. From early August to mid-August, admission for Matsumoto Castle is free for visitors wearing kimono. (Note: upper stairs inside the castle tower are steep, making it difficult to climb to the top of the tower if you wear kimono)