Gion & Higashiyama Photo Plan

Step into the Heart of Kyoto’s Heritage

Immerse yourself in the ambiance of Kyoto’s famed geisha district with me as your personal photographer. Gion’s picturesque streets, lined with traditional wooden machiya, teahouses, and lantern-lit alleys, offer a glimpse into the city’s storied past.

Plan Highlights

Walk alongside the historic Higashiyama District, where the charm of old Kyoto lives on through its narrow streets, traditional buildings, and serene temples.

This plan welcomes solo travelers, families, or groups up to 10 people.
For larger groups, a custom shoot is necessary.

Duration: 1 to 6-hours available for booking.
Outfit: Your own outfit or dress to blend with the natural and traditional backdrop;
kimono rentals available for ¥8,000 per person.

Location Ideas

  • Gion District (Shirakawa & Shimbashi) Explore the scenic heart of Gion, featuring the beautiful Shirakawa bridge, willow-lined canals, and historic wooden teahouses. A classic and elegant Kyoto setting.
    • 💡 Photography here is strictly limited to 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. I hold the required permit, so we have authorized access to this beautiful preservation area.
  • Maruyama Park Explore Kyoto’s oldest park, famous for its weeping cherry trees and traditional garden design. The grounds feature a lovely stone bridge and a small waterfall that looks especially beautiful after rain.
    • 💡 Highly recommended for a relaxed, stress-free shoot. It suits any group size and remains beautiful and accessible throughout the day.
  • Kodai-ji Temple Explore the serene and scenic gardens, featuring the main temple, cozy old cottages, and a beautiful bamboo path. A perfect spot for a peaceful photo journey.
    • 💡 Usually free of crowds. It is a temple so quietness is of the essence, this location is limited to groups of 6 or fewer. A 50-minute session here is usually sufficient. (Entry fee required).
  • Gyoja-bashi Bridge Test your balance on this traditional narrow stone bridge that crosses the Shirakawa River. It creates a unique and charming setting for portraits.
    • 💡 A quick and easy location (10-mins) suitable for groups of all sizes. Best visited as a short stopover rather than a main destination.
  • Yasaka Pagoda The striking pagoda stands as a timeless symbol of Higashiyama district, perfectly framed by the historic narrow street below.
    • 💡 Extremely popular. To avoid heavy crowds in the background, a start time of 6:00 am or 7:00 am is essential. By 8:00 am it is already difficult to get clear photos. (Early morning fee applies).
  • Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka Step back in time on these iconic stone-paved streets, capturing the preserved beauty and historic atmosphere of ancient Kyoto.
    • 💡 To avoid heavy crowds, a start time of 6:00 am or 7:00 am is essential. By 8:00 am it is already difficult to get clear photos. (Early morning fee applies).
  • Other locations also possible! Just ask me for recommendations or if you got a specific place in mind.

( Note: Any entrance fees or travel expenses within the districts are not included and should be covered for the photographer. )

Classic Location Shoot

Natural and candid looking edited photos.
All Original Data: All unedited, unretouched photos are always included.
Edited Photos: I’ll select and fix brightness, colors & minor adjustments.

Classic Samples:

1 Hour Classic Plan

¥22,000

○ Up to 25 edited photos
○ All Original Data included
○ (Available earliest from 9:00)

2 Hour Classic Plan

¥42,000

(Save ¥2,000)

○ Up to 50 edited photos
○ All Original Data included
○ (Available earliest from 8:00)

3 Hour Classic Plan

¥62,000

(Save ¥4,000)

○ Up to 75 edited photos
○ All Original Data included
○ (Available earliest from 7:00)

Book Now

Reach out to book your own photo shoot now!

Premium Location Shoot

Natural and candid looking edited photos.
All Original Data: All unedited, unretouched photos are always included.
Edited Photos: I’ll select and fix brightness, colors & minor adjustments.

Premium Samples:

1 Hour Premium Plan

¥28,000

○ 3 retouched photos
○ Up to 25 edited photos
○ All Original Data included
○ (Available earliest from 9:00)

2 Hour Premium Plan

¥52,000

(Save ¥2,000)

○ 5 retouched photos
○ Up to 50 edited photos
○ All Original Data included
○ (Available earliest from 8:00)

3 Hour Premium Plan

¥76,000

(Save ¥4,000)

○ 7 retouched photos
○ Up to 75 edited photos
○ All Original Data included
○ (Available earliest from 7:00)

Book Now

Reach out to book your own photo shoot now!

Additional Options

  • Kimono rental & hair-setup
    ¥8,000 per person
  • Extra professional retouch
    ¥2,000 per photo
  • Early Morning Shoot
    (If you want to start earlier than the plan time)
    ¥2,500/hour early
  • Payment Information

  • For bookings under ¥40,000: Payment can be made in cash on the day of the shoot.
  • For bookings over ¥40,000 or with Kimono rental: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking. This deposit can be paid by credit card or PayPal.
    It is also possible to do a full payment upfront.
  • Cancellations: A 50% cancellation fee will apply for all cancellations, regardless of when they occur.
  • Kimono Rental
    8,000/person

    Book Now

    Reach out to book your own photo shoot now!

    Gion Gallery: