Best Kimono and Costume Photoshoots in Kyoto — Our Top 9

1.Maiko Makeover and Photoshoot Experience

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

Spend about 150 minutes at Maiko Transformation Studio Shiki choosing a kimono, receiving optional white makeup, false eyelashes, and a wig, then posing in a Japanese room. You receive three printed photos and all images digitally, plus 10 minutes for your own pictures. Optional 30 or 60-minute strolling is available.

“Excellent experience. Very professional and attentive staff. Highly recommended. You get beautiful memories of your trip to this amazing city. Love it!”

See open dates →The full review

2.Tea Ceremony with Kimono and Photoshoot

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

Spend 90 minutes at either the Nishiki Market or Gion location, dressing in a kimono, watching an English tea ceremony demonstration, preparing matcha, and posing for professional photos. Staff help you choose colors and hair accessories, while tea master Mami and the team explain the customs in a friendly, relaxed way. You receive three photos and may stroll outside in your kimono afterward.

“It was a very good experience. The attention to detail is superb, the professionals working altogether to make the tea ceremony and kimono dressing a memorable one.I would highly recommend. The photos turned out great too!5 stars!!”

See open dates →The full review

3.Kyoto Tea Ceremony and Samurai Photo Session

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · from $71Top rated

At a 100-year-old Kyoto machiya, Maya guides you through tea ceremony customs, traditional matcha preparation, seasonal wagashi, and a creamy matcha latte. The session is interactive rather than a simple demonstration, then ends with photos in samurai armor. Expect a small group of up to 10 people, English instruction, and about 50 minutes of tea activities within an approximately 80-minute visit.

See open dates →The full review

4.Kyoto Gion Kiyomizudera Kimono Yukata Hairstyle | Photoshoot

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

Choose from more than 700 kimonos at an OKIMONO branch near Kiyomizudera or Gion. Professional dressers fit the outfit, and you can add hairstyling, makeup at Kiyomizudera, and a private photoshoot with up to 180 raw images. Then explore Gion, Yasaka Shrine, and Kiyomizudera on your own schedule.

“Great service and choice of Kimonos. The dressing experience was quick and a great way to see the intricate details involved in dressing in a Kimino. Our photographer Leila (sorry wrong spelling) was lovely and fun to work with, she took some beautiful photos and knew some great spots in Gion. Definitely recommend!”

See open dates →The full review

5.Kyoto kiyomizu Temple : Maiko and Samurai Couple Photoshoot

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

At Maiko Transformation Studio Shiki near Kiyomizu Temple, two participants choose from 100 kimonos before professional hair, makeup, and dressing. You pose as maiko and samurai in a Japanese room, tea room, garden, or before a gold folding screen. The three-hour package includes three printed photos and all digital images. Optional strolling costs extra.

See open dates →The full review

6.Kyoto Kimono Professional Photoshoot

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 10 reviews · from $124

Choose a kimono at Yumeyakata Gojo Shop, then head by taxi with your photographer to either a 100-year-old machiya or Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. You’ll learn traditional poses, use props such as a Japanese umbrella, and receive edited digital images by email. Optional hair styling, makeup, and formal kimono upgrades are available.

“We are very happy with this experience! The staff at yumeyakata were all very friendly during the kimono dressing and the photographer Yoshino was so great, she took wonderful pictures of us! We 100% recommend this experience :)”

See open dates →The full review

7.Kiyomizu-dera Temple : kimono and Indoor photo shoot

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 5 reviews · 1 day · from $48

At Maiko Transformation Studio Shiki in Kyoto, you choose a kimono, obi, geta, and tabi before posing in a Japanese-style room. Two or more people receive the photo shoot at no extra charge. One postcard-sized print is included, with extra room, garden, digital photos, and hair styling available for added fees. Keep the kimono until 5pm and visit Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka, Gion, and nearby temples.

“Lots of Kimono options for male and female, super friendly staff and photographer. Highly recommended”

See open dates →The full review

8.Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera Temple : Samurai Costume Photo Shoot

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $93

At Maiko Transformation Studio Shiki, you’ll choose a samurai costume, be dressed in a traditional kimono, and pose with a sword in a Japanese-style room, garden, and before a gold folding screen. The 1.5-hour session includes two studio photos, a two-page photo book, all images on USB, and 10 minutes for your own pictures. Men and women are welcome.

See open dates →The full review

9.Kyoto kiyomizu Temple : Maiko and Samurai Family Photoshoot

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $161

At Studio Shiki near Kiyomizu Temple, your family of up to three dresses as maiko, samurai, or a child maiko or samurai. Choose from about 100 kimonos, receive professional hair and makeup, and pose in a Japanese room, tea room, garden, or before a gold screen. You take home a four-page photo book and USB of all images.

See open dates →The full review