Top Kyoto Services

Choose your kimono and get dressed with simple hairstyling (1–1.5 hrs) Join a 1-hour tea ceremony: learn tea culture, enjoy matcha & sweets Keep the kimono until 6:00 PM to explore and stroll nearby A memorable way to enjoy Japanese tradition.

The magic of Kyoto’s Gion district is best experienced when it’s all lit up at night. Enjoy a more personalized approach to discovering Japan’s traditional culture on this small group tour. Wander through narrow back streets and see offbeat temples and shrines that most tourists don’t know to visit. If you’re lucky, you may even see a maiko or geisha.

Samurai Armor & Cinematic Photo Experience in Japan ! Step into the world of the samurai and become a warrior for a day. In this unique experience, you will wear authentic samurai armor and hold traditional weapons such as swords and spears while a professional photographer captures dramatic, cinematic photos. Our studio creates a powerful atmosphere using professional lighting and fog effects, making you feel like you are in a scene from a samurai movie. Whether you love Japanese culture, samurai history, or simply want unforgettable travel photos, this experience will be a highlight of your trip to Japan. Highlights Wear authentic samurai armor Hold traditional weapons such as swords and spears Professional cinematic-style photo shoot Dynamic studio effects including fog for a dramatic atmosphere Unique souvenir photos from your trip to Japan Create unforgettable memories and experience the spirit of the samurai. We look forward to welcoming you to our studio! ⚔️

Get dressed up in authentic samurai armor in Kyoto and experience a rare, hands-on look at Japan’s warrior past. This three-in-one experience includes an armor fitting, a traditional calligraphy session, and a premium matcha tea experience to help you do more in less time. Also, to ensure you have well-composed images of your time in armor, the on-site staff can help take your photos.

Begin your journey from Osaka or Kyoto, and step into Japan’s most iconic sights (Arashiyama, Nara Park, Fushimi Inari Taisha). Start at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where sunlight filters through towering stalks, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Enjoy a superb meal at Kyoto Wasabi Restaurant. Choose from Kobe Beef Shabu-shabu, Pork Shabu-shabu, Kobe Beef Rice Bowl or Kobe Beef Sukiyaki. (Optional lunch) Continue to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Stroll through Nara Park and visit Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside the world’s largest wooden structure, marvel at the 15-meter Great Buddha, an awe-inspiring symbol of Japan’s heritage. Conclude at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famed for its thousands of vermilion torii gates forming a striking path up Mount Inari. This unforgettable sight is among Japan’s most photographed landmarks. At day’s end, relax on your bus ride back, with the flexibility to return to Osaka or Kyoto.

Discover Kyoto’s celebrated cuisine on a small-group guided tour of the city’s top food spots. Begin at the 400-year-old Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” where hundreds of shops and stalls showcase the flavors of the region. With your guide leading the way, learn about Kyoto’s rich culinary history and taste specialties you might otherwise miss. Enjoy the chance to explore the surrounding neighborhood with confidence, without worrying about navigating the busy streets on your own.

Prepare for battle and learn the skills of the samurai during an interactive class studying the ancient Japanese martial art of kenbu. Learn everything from basic choreography movements to more complex actions that incorporate a sword and folding fan. After your class, participate in a photo session with your samurai costume and receive a certificate of completion and a souvenir towel.

Highlights Wear authentic-style Japanese samurai armor Professional studio photo shoot Cinematic samurai movie included Pose with swords and samurai weapons Dramatic lighting and special effects Professional posing guidance A unique souvenir from your trip to Kyoto

Visit Fushimi Inari & the secret bamboo grove that locals don't even know exists! Two contrasting and beautiful locations in one photoshoot! A rare location to get so many various backdrops in a 60 minute photoshoot. Details: ■ 60-minute photoshoot ■ A private & exclusive booking ■ 75 professionally taken and edited shots (in Jpeg) for solo / 90 + for couples *I will always try to add some extras* ■ I can guide you in a variety of poses and capture some great, natural candid moments too On the day: ■ Meet at your choice of JR or Keihan Fushimi Inari Stations ■ Guided to the main shrine where we will take a series of candid shots and poses along the way ■ We'll then shoot at the secret bamboo grove and a hidden area ■ Finally, we will go through the famous red Torii gates and capture the best shots of you After: ■ Images edited & sent via Google Drive 1-3 days later Extras: ■ RAW files available for an extra 5000 yen Check out my IG account: hugh_dornan_photography

Check my IG! : Kyotoric (80K followers) I am very much looking forward to getting know you and take the best shots! You can check my availability, works, client interviews and prices. I can arrange sessions more flexible there. ◼︎Unfortunately received unfair reviews, likely from competitors pretending to be clients. I always do my best and have been appreciated by many real clients who kindly left nice reviews. I will be sure to do the best edits and take the best shots for you in this session, as I am the only photographer providing this service unlike others. We'll explore the enchanting historic streets and locations. As your dedicated photographer, I'll expertly capture the essence of your Kyoto adventure, focusing on portraits, couples, honeymoons, and family moments. I'll also personalize your poses and preferences. I'll also share insights into local culture, recommend delectable dining spots, and provide insider tips for maximizing your enjoyment of Japan.

Bring home memories and fabulous photos you can cherish for a lifetime! Visit the best parts of Gion and Higashiyama! I know all the best spots in and around the area. If you want nature, traditional streets, temples, etc. Details: ■ 60-minute photo tour ■ A private & exclusive booking ■ Get 75 professionally taken and edited shots (90 for couples/groups) in JPEG ■ Use of some props ■ Guided to your location ■ I'll guide you in a variety of poses and capture wonderful candid moments too After: ■ Images professionally edited and sent via Google Drive 1-2 days after the shoot Extras: ■ All RAW files available for 8000 yen IG account: thekyotoprophotographer

Start your day right on a fun small-group breakfast walking tour of Kyoto’s Nishiki Market. This is a great opportunity to learn more about local Japanese food while seeing some sights that you might otherwise miss. Start with a stroll through historic Gion before tucking into the delicacies on offer in the 400-year-old market that’s known as the “kitchen of Kyoto."

This guided tour helps you discover Kyoto’s dispersed temples, shrines, and cultural attractions in one day. Save time researching and planning your trip, by having the itinerary organized for you. Travel in an air-conditioned coach for a hassle-free day. Highlights include Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sagano Bamboo Forest, and Kinkaku-ji Temple—admission tickets are included for all.

We offer expert guidance from a professional photographer with local knowledge who will lead you to the best locations, angles, and lighting for stunning photos. During the tour, you’ll receive personalised education on camera settings, composition, and other techniques to enhance your skills. As locals, we know the top spots and hidden gems in Kyoto, ensuring you capture magical images. Our private tours allow you to go at your own pace, tailored to your skill level. Maximise your time and photographic opportunities, improve your skills, and explore new locations with expert guidance, making this activity unique and enriching.

Capture the most beautiful memories of your trip to Kyoto with this private photoshoot session. Against a backdrop of some of Kyoto's most scenic shrines, parks, streets, and temples, pose for your professional photographer. Later, receive 40 high-resolution edited photos as well as the remainder of unedited photos.

Sightsee through Kansai’s most scenic areas, seeing iconic landmarks in Nara and Kyoto in one day, without the hassle of changing trains or getting lost. With pickup times in either Osaka or Kyoto, board a convenient tour bus to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kinkaku-ji and Todaiji Temple as well as 1000 vermilion gates of Fushimi-Inari Shrine and scenic Nara Park.

Private photo shoot. Choose your favorite location and leave the photos to me! Professional photos by a photographer with over 8 years of living in Kyoto, who knows all the secret spots, hidden streets and with techniques to avoid crowds. Only photo shoot in Kyoto that includes: All photo data! 25 photos selected by me and edited. Digitally sent by Google Drive.

Craft a unique bracelet by hand using exquisite Japanese Akoya pearls in this engaging workshop designed for all ages. In just an hour, our friendly staff will guide you step-by-step through the simple process, ensuring you leave with a beautiful piece of jewelry to cherish. Located a short 5-minute subway ride from Kyoto Station, this activity is perfect for those seeking a memorable experience during their travels. As a well-established company with over 150 years of history, you can confidently experience and engage with the culture of pearls together with us. You can make bracelets with one or two strands, and you can also make necklaces. Reservations are accepted for experiences for two or more people.

Capture your unique journey through Japan with a personalized photography session that tells your story against the backdrop of the country’s stunning landscapes. Each photoshoot is designed to blend your narrative with the charm of locations like Kyoto’s serene temples and Osaka’s vibrant streets. Whether it’s a solo portrait, a couple’s romantic shoot, or a family gathering, sessions include hundreds of images that reflect your chosen style. With professional editing and an emphasis on authenticity, your memories are transformed into visual treasures. No overbooking, no middleman, no late arrivals, delivery on time.

Dive into traditional Japanese culture by taking a calligraphy class in the middle of Kyoto. Discover the beauty of one of the oldest traditional art forms in Japan and learn how to use the correct brush movements to make beautiful kanji characters. Choose a kanji character to write and write your own name in Japanese. Afterward, you’ll have beautiful piece of calligraphy art to take home as a keepsake.

Kids and adults alike will love this Ninja experience in Tokyo. It’s informative, it’s fun, and it’ll give you some cool ninja skills to show friends at home. Avoid annoying hidden costs as ninja costume rental is included. You’ll learn how to throw ninja weapons, have a photo shoot, and go on a treasure hunt.

Discover Kyoto’s magical Gion district, which is known for being the city’s Geisha area. Don't worry about language barriers, as a guide is there to help you translate and explain the difference between maiko, geiko, and other Japanese words. The unmarked narrow streets of Gion can make it easy to get lost at night, but this is not a problem with a guide to navigate and lead the way. Upgrade to a longer, private tour for a closer look at Geisha culture.

Discover the culture behind *izakaya*, the Japanese equivalent to tapas, during a half-day cooking class with dinner in Kyoto. Rather than just dining on popular home dishes, learn tips and tricks for getting the food right at home during a session with a master chef before preparing and eating your own izakaya-style creations. It’s the perfect chance to explore the country’s cuisine beyond the typical sushi and teriyaki offerings.