Japan · PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS

15 Photo Shoots in Japan to Build a Day Around

35 tours  ·  from $18 a head

Good photo shoots fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Best Go Kart Experience in Shibuya Crossing with Iconic Photos - Harajuku Station and the city’s youth culture
Go-Karts, Photography Sessions, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Best Go Kart Experience in Shibuya Crossing with Iconic Photos

Kyoto: Maiko Makeover and Photoshoot Experience - Choosing a kimono from about 100 designs
Geisha & Gion Tours, Kyoto Tours, Photography Sessions, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Maiko Makeover and Photoshoot Experience

2.Maiko Makeover and Photoshoot Experience

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

Transform into a Kyoto maiko with kimono, makeup, studio portraits, three prints, all photo data, and optional strolling time.

““I had an absolutely amazing experience at Shiki Studio. From the moment I arrived, the staff made me feel so welcome and comfortable. The transformation process—from the traditional makeup to the beautifully detailed kimono—was incredible. The ladies who helped with the makeup and dressing were so kind, professional, and skilled, making the entire experience even more special. The studio setting was perfect for capturing stunning photos, and I truly felt like I had stepped into another world. I highly recommend this studio to anyone looking for an authentic and unforgettable maiko/geisha transformation experience!””

Check availability →Read our full review

Tokyo Go-Karting Experience: Shibuya Crossing with Photos - Harajuku and Omotesando from a low seat
Go-Karts, Photography Sessions, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Tokyo Go-Karting Experience: Shibuya Crossing with Photos

Kyoto: Private Photoshoot Service - Choosing Between Kyoto’s Main Photo Locations
Kyoto Tours, Photography Sessions, Private, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Private Photoshoot Service

4.Private Photoshoot Service

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

Capture Kyoto’s old streets, bamboo groves, and riverside views with local photographer Micky, edited images, and 200-plus originals.

“Had a lovely photo shoot yesterday with Micky. It was so much fun! He’s so professional and is clearly great at what he does. He picked the most amazing location for the shoot - it was just perfect and stunning. I couldn’t have asked for a better photographer. Don’t hesitate to book Micky if you are in Kyoto - it’s such a wonderful memory and the photos just turned out like an amazing cover shoot. Thank you Micky!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Your Private Vacation Photography Session In Kyoto - Yasui-Konpiragu, a small shrine with seasonal color
Kyoto Tours, Photography Sessions, Private, Tour Reviews

Your Private Vacation Photography Session In Kyoto

5.Your Private Vacation Photography Session In Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 110 reviews

Capture Kyoto with private photos by Satoshi, custom locations, local insight, and about 50 edited images for up to six people.

“Satoshi is a wonderful photographer! He's very attentive to detail and gives recommendations as to how we should look and pose before he takes the photoshoot. I highly recommend Satoshi for anyone looking for an excellent photographer who is involved and helps you get your best photographs!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony with Kimono and Photoshoot - Choosing the Nishiki Market or Gion location
Kimono Experiences, Kimono Experiences in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Photography Sessions, Tea Ceremonies in Kyoto, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony with Kimono and Photoshoot

Osaka: Private Vibrant Nighttime Photoshoot (Dotonbori) - Ebisubashi Bridge and the Glico Sign
Osaka Tours, Photography Sessions, Private, Tour Reviews

Osaka: Private Vibrant Nighttime Photoshoot (Dotonbori)

7.Private Vibrant Nighttime Photoshoot (Dotonbori)

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 80 reviews · 90 minutes - 4 hours

Capture polished Osaka portraits among Dotonbori neon, Hozenji lanterns, and quiet lanes with a private photographer and fast photo delivery.

“I was the most worthy activity I did in Osaka. The photographer helped my how with everything and we have really good time. I have now beautiful memories in these pictures.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Private Gion District Photoshoot Experience - Starting at 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa
Geisha & Gion Tours, Kyoto Tours, Photography Sessions, Private, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Private Gion District Photoshoot Experience

8.Private Gion District Photoshoot Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 90 minutes - 7 hours

Capture Kyoto’s Gion streets, pagoda views, and kimono moments with a private photographer, 30 edited images, and fast delivery.

“Mina was the absolute best. Great directions for poses and super socialable. Would high recommend to anyone looking for a similar experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto Tea Ceremony and Samurai Photo Session - Maya makes the formal customs easy to follow
Kyoto Tours, Photography Sessions, Samurai & Ninja Experiences, Samurai and Ninja Experiences in Kyoto, Tea Ceremonies in Kyoto, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tour Reviews

Kyoto Tea Ceremony and Samurai Photo Session

9.Kyoto Tea Ceremony and Samurai Photo Session

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · from $71

Make matcha in a 100-year-old Kyoto machiya, enjoy wagashi, craft a latte, and pose in samurai armor during this small-group cultural class.

“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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Takayama and Shirakawago/Photoshoot by professional photographer - Takayama Jinya gives the morning historical focus
Kanazawa Tours, Photography Sessions, Tour Reviews

Takayama and Shirakawago/Photoshoot by professional photographer

10.Takayama and Shirakawago/Photoshoot by professional photographer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 67 reviews

Explore Takayama and Shirakawago from Kanazawa with private transport, a photographer guide, and 30 edited photos to keep.

“We had an incredible day with Takatoshi-san, who was both an excellent tour guide and a skilled photographer, making the trip seamless and memorable. We went to Shirakawago in the morning, had lunch at a very nice Ramen shop in TakaRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Photoshoot Experience in Kyoto ( Gion ) - Sannenzaka’s old Kyoto setting
Geisha & Gion Tours, Kyoto Tours, Photography Sessions, Private, Tour Reviews

Private Photoshoot Experience in Kyoto ( Gion )

11.Private Photoshoot Experience in Kyoto ( Gion )

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

Capture Kyoto in Gion with a private photographer, five scenic stops, posing help, and edited high-resolution images in a 90-minute walk.

“I had a fantastic experience working with Mina! His professionalism and attentiveness were outstanding. The photos he captured exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend him for any photography needs.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto Gion Kiyomizudera Kimono Yukata Hairstyle | Photoshoot - Picking between Gion and Kiyomizudera
Geisha & Gion Tours, Kimono Experiences, Kimono Experiences in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Photography Sessions, Tour Reviews

Kyoto Gion Kiyomizudera Kimono Yukata Hairstyle | Photoshoot

12.Kyoto Gion Kiyomizudera Kimono Yukata Hairstyle | Photoshoot

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

Rent a kimono near Kyoto’s Gion or Kiyomizudera, add hair, makeup, and a professional photo session, then explore at your own pace.

“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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Private Photoshoot Experience in Arashiyama Bamboo - Meeting at the Randen station
Bamboo Grove Tours, Kyoto Tours, Photography Sessions, Private, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Private Photoshoot Experience in Arashiyama Bamboo

13.Private Photoshoot Experience in Arashiyama Bamboo

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 55 reviews · 90 minutes - 7 hours

Capture Kyoto memories on a private Arashiyama photoshoot through bamboo, Kimono Forest, riverside paths, and Togetsukyo Bridge.

“We had a beautiful photoshoot at Arashiyama! Our photographer, Josh, was really nice and made us feel comfortable the whole time. We got some amazing photos and had a great time; highly recommend this experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Tokyo Asakusa: Miu Kimono Rental and Optional Photoshoot - Kimono or yukata from June through September
Kimono Experiences, Kimono Experiences in Tokyo, Photography Sessions, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Tokyo Asakusa: Miu Kimono Rental and Optional Photoshoot

Tokyo: Photo Shoot with a Private Vacation Photographer - What happens during the one to three-hour session
Photography Sessions, Private, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Tokyo: Photo Shoot with a Private Vacation Photographer

15.Photo Shoot with a Private Vacation Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · 1 - 3 hours

Capture Tokyo with a private local photographer, custom locations, candid images, and edited digital photos delivered within five working days.

“It was a great experience Mr Yosuke he did a great job, took pictures of me and showed me all the hidden spots on shinjuku. I highly recommend him to take care pictures of you when you visit Tokyo!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Scroll to Top

Explore Japan

Pick a city, a season or a counter.