14 Photoshoots in Kyoto, Ranked by Travellers

1.Maiko Makeover and Photoshoot Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 239 reviews · 2h 30m · from $140Our pick

Dress as a Kyoto maiko in a small group, choose from 100 kimonos, get pro hair and makeup, then enjoy a guided photoshoot plus optional strolling.

“The experience made me feel very feminine. The make-up artist and the photographer are really masters of their trade. The process gave a glimpse of the intricacy of maikos’ make up and dress up process. As I took strolling option I could walk around the Gion district and received so many compliments of people saying “you are so beautiful”. Many also wanted to make pictures with me. I must say that wearing kimono makes you move more elegantly. Oh, and pictures were simply… marvelous! I definitely suggest this experience and regard it as one of my highlights of visiting Japan.”

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2.Private Photoshoot Service

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 158 reviews · 1 hour - 90 minutes · from $78Top rated

Private Kyoto photoshoot with a local photographer, Gion and Arashiyama spots, 200+ images delivered in 2 to 3 days.

“Micky was the absolute best! Everything you could ever want or ask for in a professional photographer! He was able to take a crowded streets/scenes and capture moments as if we were the only ones there! Great communication, very prompt with getting our pictures to us, amazing editing! Cannot say enough good things about our experience. 10/10 would recommend!”

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3.Tea Ceremony with Kimono and Photoshoot

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 90 reviews · 1h 30m · from $127

Kyoto tea ceremony with kimono and English instruction, plus a matcha you whisk yourself and a professional photoshoot with 3 pictures.

“Lovely experience, the host was fantastic and we had a great time. Really happy with the whole process, you get to wear the kimonos, you can choose the colour of the fabric & the hair accessories. The whole tea ceremony was fantastic and we had someone take out pictures with the kimono, but u also have time to take your own photos.”

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4.Private Gion District Photoshoot Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 90 minutes - 7 hours · from $109

Private Kyoto Gion district photoshoot with a pro photographer, up to 5 iconic spots, 30 edited JPGs, and calm posing guidance.

“Lovely pictures and a fun photographer who was willing to take a lot pictures of different poses”

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5.Kyoto Tea Ceremony and Samurai Photo Session

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · from $71

Hands-on Kyoto matcha ceremony in a 100-year-old machiya, plus seasonal wagashi and samurai armor photo time. Small group.

“I had lots of fun! Maya was a very fun host. I highly recommend visiting here! You will not be disappointed and will learn how to make matcha the proper way!”

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6.Private Photoshoot Experience in Kyoto ( Gion )

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 61 reviews · from $132

A private 1.5-hour Kyoto photo shoot in Gion with a photographer, five scenic stops, and downloadable edited JPGs, built for real moments.

“That was a nice experience. Micky is cool guy, fluent in English. And I got many great photos. So definitely recommend!”

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7.Kyoto Gion Kiyomizudera Kimono Yukata Hairstyle | Photoshoot

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 55 reviews · 20 minutes - 1 day · from $21Best value

Rent a kimono near Kiyomizudera or Gion, get styled and photographed, then explore Kyoto at your own pace with pro help.

“It was a really nice activity, I booked the kimono, hairstyle, make-up and photoshoot. My hair and make-up were very pretty and the photographer was very friendly and professional. I enjoyed the experience and will reccomend it to my friends.”

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8.Private Photoshoot Experience in Arashiyama Bamboo

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 55 reviews · 90 minutes - 7 hours · from $129

Get a private Arashiyama bamboo photoshoot with up to 6 stops, 30 edited JPGs in 24 hours, and guided posing through Kyoto scenery.

“It was an amazing experience, really the photographer is professional and know how to take photos even though the area was so crowded. Keep the good job Mina.”

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9.Kyoto Portrait Tour with Kimono

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · from $85

Kyoto portrait tour in a kimono vibe. Small group, morning or afternoon shoots near Yasaka Shrine and Yasaka Pagoda, edited photos included.

“Our photographer, Mina, took us to several great spots in Kyoto for our portrait tour. Mina also edited our pictures after and was professional and responsive even after our tour was completed. Thank you Mina!”

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10.Tea Ceremony with Kimono and Professional Photoshoot in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · from $130

Kyoto tea ceremony in kimono with matcha making, sweets, and a pro photo shoot, plus 3 digital images emailed to you.

“Make sure you can receive your photos from them via email. Also, for women, you will have to kneel on the floor and not sit Indian style. Kneeling can be a little challenging for older women. They do have two chairs and tables. If you have morRead more”

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11.Kyoto Private Photo Shoot & Tour by SnapKyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · from $330

A private Kyoto photo tour with English guidance, one to full-day options, and 50 to 200 edited, full-resolution photos delivered next day.

“Matt was so much fun to spend time with. He was amazing with our kids, shared cultural information, and ultimately sent us gorgeous photos (the next day!!). We loved this experience and would highly recommend it!”

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12.Kyoto Photo Shoot by Professional Photographer (77K Followers)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · from $401

Private Kyoto photo shoot with Reo in Higashiyama, 50-90 edited photos, culture tips, and crowd-smart locations for couples and families.

“Did not get what I asked for and could not use the footage he did for me. Paid way too much for what I got and avoided all my messages. I would never use this person. Beware. His footage he gave did not look like what I asked. Didn't even shoot all the stock i sent him. Spent well over 200000 Yuan”

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13.Kyoto kiyomizu Temple : Maiko and Samurai Couple Photoshoot

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 25 reviews · 3 hours · from $114

Dress as a Maiko and Samurai in Kyoto Kiyomizu area, pick from 100 kimonos, get hair and makeup, and leave with prints plus a full photo DATA.

“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.”

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14.Private photo shoot & walk in Kyoto – Professional photo shoot

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · from $164

Private Kyoto photo-walk with a pro photographer. Pick your neighborhood, get 25 edited photos plus originals on Google Drive.

“Jens was amazing and wonderful. Would highly recommend him to anyone. He was professional and takes beautiful photos.”

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