Photo Trips · COSTUME PHOTOSHOOTS IN KYOTO
Good costume photoshoots in Kyoto fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 11 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
At Maiko Transformation Studio Shiki, you choose a kimono, receive traditional white makeup, a wig, and professional posing help before a Japanese-room photoshoot. You get three printed photos plus all images as data, with 10 minutes for your own pictures. Optional 30 or 60-minute strolling is available.
“Very cultural experience, the staff if super friendly. I A memory k will never forget”
Meet at Yumeyakata Gojo Shop for a two-hour maiko transformation led by professional artists, including former maiko instructors. Choose a seasonal kimono, receive traditional white makeup and wig styling, learn how to pose and walk, then take five digital portraits in an air-conditioned studio.
“So fun and professional!!! High quality photos. The address was wrong on my form though which caused a lot of confusion.”
Spend 90 minutes at Kyoto’s Nishiki Market or Gion location dressing in a kimono, watching an English tea ceremony, preparing matcha, and posing for professional photos. You can choose kimono colors and hair accessories, then stroll outside in costume before returning it by the required time.
“An amazing experience, very knowledgeable in regard to Japanese culture!”
At a 100-year-old Kyoto machiya, Maya guides you through tea ceremony history, traditional matcha preparation, seasonal wagashi, and a Kyoto-style matcha latte. The session ends with photos in samurai armor. It lasts about 50 minutes, with the full activity listed at roughly 1 hour 20 minutes.
“The tea ceremony was amazing! Maya was so kind and informative! We learned a lot and had so much fun! I would highly reccomend!”
Choose from more than 700 kimonos at OKIMONO near Kiyomizudera or Gion. Professional dressers handle the fit, while optional hairstyling, makeup, and photo sessions add polish. You can visit Kiyomizudera, Yasaka Shrine, and Gion without a rushed group schedule.
“Great service and choice of Kimonos. The dressing experience was quick and a great way to see the intricate details involved in dressing in a Kimino. Our photographer Leila (sorry wrong spelling) was lovely and fun to work with, she took some beautiful photos and knew some great spots in Gion. Definitely recommend!”
Spend three hours at Maiko Transformation Studio Shiki in Kyoto with a partner, choosing from 100 kimonos before professional hair, makeup, and portrait photography. Pose in a Japanese room, tea room, garden, or before a gold folding screen, then take home three prints and all digital images.
“This photo shoot couldn’t have been better. We chose the couples package and it was awesome. The staff was kind, professional, and timely. The costumes were absolutely top notch. The makeup artist was very good. Best of all we only waited 20 minutes after our shoot & our phots were processed, printed, and emailed. I highly recommend this activity, book it.”
Choose a kimono at Yumeyakata Gojo, then pose for about 30 minutes in a 100-year-old machiya or among Higashiyama’s old lanes. A professional photographer, including Yoshino on some bookings, guides your posture and use of props. You may keep the kimono for sightseeing until 5:30 PM.
“We are very happy with this experience! The staff at yumeyakata were all very friendly during the kimono dressing and the photographer Yoshino was so great, she took wonderful pictures of us! We 100% recommend this experience :)”
At Maiko Transformation Studio Shiki, you choose a kimono, receive traditional white makeup, false eyelashes if wanted, and a natural wig or no wig. Pose for three photos in a Japanese room, then stroll outdoors for 60 minutes. The small-group session takes about three hours.
“It was great but one of my girls kimono didn’t stay on her well. While we were walking, her kimono was coming off.”
At Maiko Transformation Studio Shiki, choose a kimono, obi, geta, and tabi, then pose with your group before Japanese sliding doors. Two or more people receive the photo shoot at no extra cost. Afterward, keep the kimono until 5pm and explore Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka, Gion, and nearby sights.
“Lots of Kimono options for male and female, super friendly staff and photographer. Highly recommended”
Spend about 3.5 hours at Studio Shiki near Kiyomizu Temple, choosing from a large kimono collection before professional hair, makeup, dressing, and photography. A woman, man, and child can pose together in Japanese rooms, a tea room, garden, or before a gold screen. All images come on a USB, with a four-page photo book included.
“Better signage of where to go or at least the name and photo if the store in your app”
At Maiko Transformation Studio Shiki Sakura, you’ll be dressed in a samurai kimono, given a sword, and photographed in a Japanese-style room, garden, and before a gold folding screen. The 1.5-hour small-group session includes kimono dressing, free Japanese socks, a two-page photo book, all images on USB, and 10 minutes for your own photos.
Pick the frame you came for.
