11 Best Kyoto Photography Tours in 2024 (Get Stunning Photos)

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Kyoto is an incredible city that has been ranked as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. 

Its rich culture, delicious food, stunning architecture and stunning natural scenery make it a must-visit destination for any traveller.

And one of the best ways to capture your Kyoto travel memories is by joining the photography tours and photo shoot sessions. 

Read on to choose the best Kyoto photography tours as you plan out your Kyoto itinerary. 

Let’s dive right in!

Kyoto Photography Tours: Best 11 Options

1. Beautiful Photography Tour In Kyoto
2. Your Private Vacation Photography Session in Kyoto
3. SnapKyoto’s Professional Shoot & Tour
4. Kyoto Private Photoshoot Experience with a Professional Photographer
5. Kyoto Street Shot (Deactivated)
6. Maiko Makeover (Indoor Traditional Japanese Room Plan) (Deactivated)
7. Turn Into A Maiko (Garden Plan) (Deactivated)
8. Dress like an Oiran (Deactivated)
9. Maiko Makeover Experience in Kyoto (Couple Plan) (Deactivated)
10. Kyoto: 2-Hour Maiko Makeover and Photo Shoot
11. Kimono Photo Shoot in Kyoto

1. Beautiful Photography Tour In Kyoto

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🌟5/5 Stars (42 Reviews)

Collecting more than 40 reviews with a 5-star rating, this Beautiful Photography Tour in Kyoto is undoubtedly one of the best Kyoto photography tours to sign up for!

This 90-minute photography tour takes you around some of the most beautiful and photogenic spots in the city. 

From Hanami-koji – where locals come to enjoy cherry blossom season – to Yasuikonpira Shrine, Ishibekoji and Maruyama Park, the professional photographer guide will take you to secluded sites where there is no risk of photo bombing by other travellers!

If you are worried about not being photogenic or posing the same pose for the 39th time during the tour, fret not. 

Apart from learning the local culture and history throughout the tour, you will be guided on how to pose for the perfect shot too. 

By the end of this Kyoto photography tour, you can take home a whopping 50 high-quality photos within 24 hours!

Beautiful Photography Tour in Kyoto is suitable for all traveller types, including solo travellers, couples, family members or friends. 

It can cater to up to 6 people in a group, so make sure to sign up for this best photography tour in Kyoto to create a lasting memory of your trip.

Highly recommend it! Satoshi was very friendly and knowledgeable of the area. He was very helpful with posing and making sure we get the shots we want and more. Thank you so much, Satoshi!

–Mellanie (See more reviews)

• Meeting Point: Gionmachi Minamigawa, 571 Japan, 605-0074 Kyoto
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, family, friends
• Kimono inclusive: No

BOOK Beautiful Photography Tour In Kyoto NOW ➡️

2. Your Private Vacation Photography Session in Kyoto

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🌟5/5 Stars (22 Reviews)

Are you looking for a unique way to capture your trip to one of the romantic places in Japan without using all those selfie sticks and timers? 

Look no further than this 90-minute Private Vacation Photography Session Tour! 

Since it is a private photography tour, you can choose and discuss your preferred photo-taking time and locations within Kyoto with the photographer. 

The professional photographer will give you tips on how to pose too, so you can make the most of the stunning scenery in this ancient city. 

This photography tour is also a great chance to learn about Kyoto’s history and culture from the knowledgeable photographer guide as you walk from one location to another. 

This Private Vacation Photography Session in Kyoto is recommended for those who would like to have their special moment captured with their loved ones without the presence of other strangers, as done by Seth. 

I cannot recommend Satoshi enough. I hired him to capture my proposal to my girlfriend (now fiance). Not only were the photos magical, but he helped make the whole experience unforgettable. –Seth (See more reviews)

You can expect to receive 50 beautifully edited shots after the photography session ends. 

What great mementoes to boast about back home that is sure to make all your friends jealous! 

• Meeting Point: Gionmachi Minamigawa, 571 Japan, 605-0074 Kyoto
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, honeymooners
• Kimono inclusive: No

BOOK Your Private Vacation Photography Session in Kyoto NOW ➡️

3. SnapKyoto’s Professional Shoot & Tour

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🌟5/5 Stars (7 Reviews)

Want to mash up photography and cycling around Kyoto together in a single tour? 

Then this SnapKyoto’s Professional Shoot & Tour is the right photography tour for you.

Led by an English-speaking expat photographer, you are bound to have fun throughout this jam-packed 1-hour photoshoot session.

That’s because six mesmerising photography locations are included in this photo tour! 

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!- Cristina (See more reviews)

These locations are Gion, Yasui-Konpiragu, Hokan-ji Temple, Ninen Zaka Path, Maruyama Park, and Yasaka Shrine.

You can also learn more about the history of each of these Kyoto landmarks from the professional photographer as you cycle from one site to another.

Each participant will be given 40 to 50 wonderfully taken and edited photos of theirs the next day so you can take them home and reminisce about the good old travel memories!

Tip: This photography tour in Kyoto is not suitable for pregnant ladies.

• Meeting Point: Gion-Shijo Station
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, family, friends
• Kimono inclusive: No

BOOK SnapKyoto’s Professional Shoot & Tour NOW ➡️

4. Kyoto Private Photoshoot Experience with a Professional Photographer

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🌟5/5 Stars (1 Review)

Another private photography tour in Kyoto to sign up for is Kyoto Private Photoshoot Experience with a Professional Photographer.

This private tour allows you to capture all the amazing moments during your stay in Kyoto without scrambling for a selfie stick.

You have four breathtaking photoshoot locations to choose from for the 1-hour photography tour: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Gion. 

Don’t worry if you have young children in tow; this Kyoto private photography tour is perfect for guests of any age.

Great photography. We had a wonderful experience. It was our first time in Kyoto and our photographer accommodated us professionally. Easy to work with and fast response. She handles my three-year-old perfectly. –Charmaine (See more reviews)

And when the tour is done, you will receive a digital package of the photos taken via email. 

This means you can easily upload onto your social media accounts and share beautiful photos with your friends and family members conveniently!

Note: The entrance ticket to the photo shooting site is not included in the tour. 

• Meeting Point: Depends on your preferred tour option
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, family, friends (10 people)
• Kimono inclusive: No

BOOK Kyoto Private Photoshoot Experience with a Professional Photographer NOW ➡️

5. Kyoto Street Shot (Deactivated)

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🌟5/5 Stars (4 Reviews)

Want to uncover Kyoto’s breathtaking shrines and parks while donning a stunning kimono?

One of the top Kyoto photography tours offering free kimono rental to their participants is Kyoto Street Shot. 

Helmed by multilingual female photographers, you can enjoy the photography session and interact with them without facing any language barrier. 

The photographer lady is sincere and kind, caring and gentle, like a friend without a sense of distance, the photos are really great. It turns out that I can look so good under the lens! Recommend! –Cici (See more reviews)

The photoshoot location is pre-planned and offered based on the season allowing you to experience the beauty of natural splendour to the fullest in Kyoto! 

Some of the typical sites in this photography tour include Gion Shirakawa, Yasaka Shrine, and Maruyama Park.

If you want your hair styled in classic Japanese fashion while wearing a kimono, you can opt for hairdo (at least 1800 yen or US$14)  and makeup (at least 3000 yen or US$23) services for an additional fee. 

This Kyoto Street Shot photography tour also provides two photograph versions to their participants.

Raw photos from the session will be given to the participants on the same day while the edited ones will be sent via email within two to three weeks. 

Note: Reach 1 hour before the photography tour starts to don the kimono. 

• Meeting Point: 59 Motoyoshichō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0087, Japan
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, family, friends (6 people)
• Kimono inclusive: No

BOOK Kyoto Street Shot NOW ➡️

6. Maiko Makeover (Indoor Traditional Japanese Room Plan) (Deactivated)

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🌟5/5 Stars (1 Review)

If you are keen to dress like a Maiko (apprentice geisha) for a day in Kyoto, then this Maiko Makeover photography session is for you. 

This 2-hour long photo shoot is held in a real Japanese teahouse room built during the Taisha era (1912-1926), so you will get to experience the traditional atmosphere firsthand. 

Kimono rental, hairdo, and makeup are included in this photography session too so you just need to sit back and relax and allow the staff to doll you up for a complete maiko makeover!

Mom and two daughters (24 and 19) spent two 1/2 very entertaining hours being immersed in this experience. -Bruno (See more reviews)

To make your pictures look extra special, each participant can choose any of the gorgeous Japanese hair ornaments to adorn their hairdo.

The seasoned photographer will provide posing advice throughout the session, ensuring your photos look their absolute best. 

At the end of the photo shoot, you can take home four stunning 127x178mm prints as memorable keepsakes from this Maiko makeover experience.

This Maiko Makeover plan also includes 10 extra minutes for you to take selfies with your mobile phone as an added bonus.

Note: Only customers more than 10 years old can participate in this Kyoto photography tour.

• Meeting Point: 499-8 Shimokawarachō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0825, Japan
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, family, friends (4 people)
• Kimono inclusive: Yes

BOOK Maiko Makeover (Indoor Traditional Japanese Room Plan) NOW ➡️

7. Turn Into A Maiko (Garden Plan) (Deactivated)

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🌟5/5 Stars (1 Review)

Another Maiko makeover photography session to choose from is Turn Into A Maiko (Garden Plan).

Instead with a backdrop of a traditional Japanese room with tatami floor, this Turn Into A Maiko photography session is done with a beautiful garden backdrop decorated with water-filled bamboo tubes and garden lanterns.

The garden is located at the Tsuboniwa Courtyard of a teahouse built during the Taisho era, so you can find yourself transported back in time instantly. 

This photo shooting session is inclusive of the kimono, hairdo, and makeup. You can also style your hair with authentic traditional hair ornament for a more Maiko look.  

This was a makeover with great attention to detail and quality. Both the makeup and the clothing were top-notch. We were also given ample time to take photos ourselves. The end result was fantastic. -Bart (See more reviews)

After the makeover is done, the friendly photographer will guide you along the way to pose like a Maiko using props such as umbrellas.

By the end of the session, you will receive three photos (127mm x 178mm) to commemorate this unique experience. 

Each participant will also get an extra 10 minutes for a selfie-taking session in the picturesque garden so you can share your awe-inspiring Maiko appearance on your social media accounts right away!

Note: Only customers more than 10 years old can participate in this Kyoto photography session.

• Meeting Point: 499-8 Shimokawarachō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0825, Japan
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, family, friends (4 people)
• Kimono inclusive: Yes

BOOK Turn Into A Maiko (Garden Plan) NOW ➡️

8. Dress like an Oiran (Deactivated)

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🌟5/5 Stars (2 Reviews)

Looking for something that goes beyond the Maiko appearance or the typical kimono dress?

Well, treat yourself to a day of dressing up as an Oiran, the high-ranking courtesan back in Japan’s 17th century!

This one-of-a-kind photography session in Kyoto comes with a free costume, makeup, hairdo, and kanzashi (Japanese hairpin) to transform yourself into a real Oiran. 

If you want to go the extra mile, you can also request the staff to put on flashy artificial nails and coloured fake eyelashes for a more fancy appearance.

Once you are all dolled up, a professional photographer will be there to give direction for facial expression and posture to capture the Oiran essence in you. 

After the 3-hour photography session ends, you will receive three 127mm x 178 mm stunning photos. 

Worth every yen! My request was to make me look young and beautiful. That’s exactly what they did. I had a great time. -Kayoko (See more reviews)

• Meeting Point: 616-8385 Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagatenryūji Susukinobabachō, 3
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, family, friends (6 people)
• Kimono inclusive: Yes

BOOK Dress like an Oiran NOW ➡️

9. Maiko Makeover Experience in Kyoto (Couple Plan) (Deactivated)

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🌟5/5 Stars (2 Reviews)

Want to get your significant other on board for a fun photography session while dressing in the traditional Japanese costume?

Well, this Maiko Makeover Experience in Kyoto (Couple Plan) is going to be your top option. 

Perfect for couples, this photography session lasts for 2 hours.

Amazing experience and amazing photos. If you go to Kyoto, just book this and the Gion walking tour. You learn so much about Maiko and Geisha. So many fun and lasting memories. The staff are incredible. Highlight of our trip. -Chandra (See more reviews)

You will be taken inside a traditional tatami-floored Japanese room, where the staff will transform the participants into a Maiko and Samurai in no time. 

Costumes are included in this package too, along with makeup and a Japanese hair ornament for the ladies. Men will also receive a kimono and obi to complete their Samurai look.

Props like wooden red umbrellas, handheld paper fans, and swords can be used when posing for photos during the photography session. 

And when the session ends, you and your partner can take home three gorgeous photos of size 127mm x 178mm and a lifetime of memorable Kyoto travel memories.

• Meeting Point: 499-8 Shimokawarachō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0825, Japan
• Suitable for: Couples
• Kimono inclusive: Yes

BOOK Maiko Makeover Experience in Kyoto (Couple Plan) NOW ➡️

10. Kyoto: 2-Hour Maiko Makeover and Photo Shoot

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🌟4.5/5 Stars (35 Reviews)

Travelling to Kyoto solo and want to have the best time of yourself doing something out of your comfort zone?

Especially when putting thick white makeup on your face deliberately sounds exciting to you?

Then make sure to check out this 2-Hour Maiko Makeover & Photo Shoot!

This two-hour photography session in Kyoto has everything you need for the perfect photoshoot – from kimono rental, wig styling, and maiko makeup.

The seasoned photographer will also offer some posing tips throughout the session to bring the Maiko in you to life. 

Since you will be given three edited photos at the end of this photography session, you can make use of different props like wooden umbrellas for a more diverse pose.

It was fantastic. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. The process of the transformation was so quick and I looked completely different and stunning. The photo shoot was great as well. I never felt uncomfortable or anything. She even took some photos with my phone and let me take some time after for some selfie shots. I’m really happy I could have this fun experience. -Traveller from Germany (See more reviews)

• Meeting Point: Hosai Bdg 353 Shiogamacho Nishiiru sakaimachi 600-8103 Kyoto
• Suitable for: Solo travellers 
• Kimono inclusive: Yes

BOOK Kyoto: 2-Hour Maiko Makeover and Photo Shoot NOW ➡️

11. Kimono Photo Shoot in Kyoto

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🌟4.6/5 Stars (42 Reviews)

Another best Kyoto photography tour that you can sign up for is none other than the Kimono Photo Shoot in Kyoto. 

This 2-hour photography tour offers three beautiful site options to choose from, including Bishamon-do Temple, Higashiyama, or Arashiyama. 

Since the session is done outdoors, the photographer can capture photos of you surrounded by stunning views and amazing natural splendours. 

The location is beautiful! I had so many great photographs! Would love to sign up again and try to go to a different location, someday! -Katherine (See more reviews)

The friendly photographer will also give the participants some tips when posing so they can capture the best angles that they look best in.

As kimono and makeup are not included in the photoshoot package, you can easily rent one 

from One Day Kimono Rental before heading out for your session. 

And if you do not speak Japanese, you can also request for a translator to be present throughout the shooting to communicate with the photographer. 

Once the photography tour concludes, you will receive a whopping 200 high-resolution pictures within 1 to 3 days!

This Kimono Photo Shoot in Kyoto can accommodate a wide range of participants, including solo travellers, couples, and a big travel group of 7 members.  

• Meeting Point: 353 Shiogama Cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, 600-8103
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, family, friends (7 people)
• Kimono inclusive: No

BOOK Kimono Photo Shoot in Kyoto NOW ➡️

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Top 11 Kyoto Photography Tours In 2023