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Shooting Locations
Kyoto offers many different types of locations depending on the atmosphere you prefer — traditional streets, temple areas, parks, gardens and quieter hidden spots.
Popular areas include Higashiyama, Yasaka Pagoda area, Gion, Maruyama Park, Fushimi Inari, Daigoji and seasonal garden locations.
If you already have a preferred location in mind, feel free to mention it when booking your session.
You can also browse previous photoshoots and locations on my Instagram page and send me any photos or locations you particularly like as inspiration for your session.
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Shooting Time
The best lighting is usually during early morning or late afternoon hours when the sunlight is softer and popular areas are less crowded.
For popular locations such as Yasaka Pagoda or Higashiyama streets, early morning sessions around 6–8 a.m. are highly recommended for fewer crowds and a calmer atmosphere.
During summer, morning sessions are usually the most comfortable because of the heat and humidity later in the day.
Please note that most kimono rental shops open around 8–9 a.m., so very early morning sessions may not be suitable for kimono photoshoots.
Morning Sessions
Early morning sessions are ideal for couples who want quieter streets, softer light and fewer crowds in popular Kyoto areas.
Evening Sessions
Evening sessions in Kyoto and Osaka offer a completely different atmosphere with city lights, quieter streets and cinematic night scenery.
All selected images are professionally edited with natural color and lighting adjustments while keeping an authentic atmosphere and realistic look.
The listed number of photos is the minimum guaranteed amount, and depending on the session you may receive additional edited images as well.
Final photos are delivered through a private online gallery where you can easily view and download all images.
Delivery time is usually 7–14 days depending on the season.
Kimono rental is arranged separately depending on your preferred style and budget.
Most rental shops offer options for women, men and children, and many packages already include hairstyling, bag and traditional sandals.
Typical kimono rental prices are usually around ¥5,000–10,000 per person depending on the style and season. More formal or premium kimono styles such as furisode may cost more.
During the summer season, many rental shops also offer yukata — a lighter and more breathable version of kimono that is much more comfortable during hot Kyoto weather.
I can recommend rental shops near your session location and help with timing recommendations to make the experience smooth and comfortable.
If needed, you are also welcome to send me photos of your kimono options during the fitting process, and I can help suggest which colors and styles may work best for photography.
For photoshoots, I usually recommend choosing kimono colors carefully, as very bright tones may reflect onto the skin and slightly affect facial color in photos, especially during strong daylight.
Additional Information
How do I secure my booking? Before confirming the reservation, I will send a booking information and session terms document with payment details and important session information. A session is officially reserved only after the booking deposit is paid and the terms are agreed upon.
If you would like, you can also view the styling guide with outfit recommendations, color palettes and preparation tips for your session.