Cosplay & Yukata Rentals in Otsuki City

Rent a yukata or a cosplay for a grand photoshoot in the beautiful city of Otsuki, Yamanashi.

Yamanashi is a prefecture often praised for its beautiful nature, welcoming residents, and delicious fruit and wine. To get there from Tokyo, all you need to do is take the JR Limited Express train from Shinjuku and get off at Otsuki Station.

▲Saruhashi Bridge (Otsuki City)

If you have ever had an interest in Japan’s pop culture scene, you have probably taken a moment or two admiring the beautiful costumes of your favorite anime characters, or wondered what it would feel like to wear a yukata/kimono. However, there are obstacles such as procuring a costume, figuring out how to correctly wear a yukata/kimono, and making sure what you’re doing isn’t culture appropriation (an issue often spoken about in the West).

At “Kominka Murataya,” there is a special program designed especially foreign guests, where they can have a cosplay photoshoot experience they will never forget. Japanese fans of anime and video games already know that Otsuki City is a great location to take gorgeous snapshots with its beautiful scenery.

▲Become a fairy of the forest

Kominka Murataya offers two sessions per day. When you first arrive, you will be greeted by their friendly staff and welcomed into the walls of their three-story traditional inn. When you get ready, you can choose between using your own makeup or the options provided. Then, you can put on a yukata, cosplay, and/or wig. Once you and your group are ready, the staff and professional photographer, Mr. Hirune Takanashi, will take you for a beautiful photoshoot all across Otsuki. There are less expensive courses to choose from, such as taking the photos on your own—but I highly recommend working with Mr. Takanashi. When our team went, the hydrangeas flowers were in full bloom, which made for beautiful shots.

▲Beautiful shots, rain or shine

There are a variety of areas to choose from for your backdrops, such as the famous Saruhashi Bridge, local shrines, and even an attic where Takanashi will shine cool lights to add a mysterious touch to your photos (just don’t look down).

We stopped for lunch partway through our photoshoot, which was quite nerve-wrecking at first. We were concerned to see how Japanese people would react seeing a bunch of foreigners in yukata/cosplay. To our surprise, though, the people at the restaurant said they loved seeing foreigners embrace both traditional and modern Japanese pop culture. In Western media, there are many instances of cosplayers facing backlash for cultural appropriation—but as long as you respect the culture and have the right mindset, Japanese people will be elated to see your admiration for their culture.

Kominka Murataya also offers an additional and shorter activity, where you can have fun enjoying a Japanese tea ceremony while adorned in a yukata.

▲Tea and seasonal confection

Overall, this was a unique and an eye-opening experience. I definitely recommend giving it a try, even if it is just on your way to Mt. Fuji.

▲Flyer (2020), see their Facebook for the most recent info

More Info

Otsuki yukata/cosplay rentals:
https://www.facebook.com/kominkamurataya/

Address: Yamanashi, Otsuki, Tomihamachi, Torisawa 642
(2-min walk from JR Torisawa Station)