Kyoto Kiyomizudera Temple: Maiko and Samurai Family Photoshoot

Kyoto’s Kiyomizudera Temple offers a unique cultural experience for visitors – the chance to dress up as iconic Japanese figures and have a professional photoshoot. Participants can transform themselves into maiko, samurai, and even child versions of these traditional characters. Donning authentic costumes, wigs, and makeup, they’ll pose in scenic settings around the temple, capturing their metamorphosis into Japan’s cultural heritage. The intimate experience, limited to just 3 people, ensures a personalized and memorable encounter. But what truly sets this apart is the lasting keepsake – a 4-page photo book and USB containing all the stunning images that immortalize the experience.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Photography Experiences In Kyoto.

Key Points

• Opportunity to dress up as maiko, samurai, or child maiko/samurai and be photographed in traditional Japanese attire at Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto.
• 3-3.5 hour photoshoot experience with a personalized, intimate group of up to 3 participants.
• Participants receive a 4-page photo book and a USB containing all the captured images.
• Additional options include a 30-minute or 60-minute strolling plan and the ability to purchase extra photos.
• Flexible cancellation policy and a "reserve now, pay later" approach provide convenience and peace of mind for participants.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The family photo shoot at Kiyomizudera Temple offers participants the opportunity to dress up as maiko, samurai, or child maiko/samurai. Guests will don traditional Japanese attire like kimonos, wigs, and makeup. The photos are taken in scenic Japanese rooms, tea rooms, gardens, and in front of gold screens. Participants will receive a 4-page photo book and a USB containing all the shots. The entire experience lasts approximately 3-3.5 hours and is limited to 3 participants.

Additional options include a 30-minute or 60-minute strolling plan and the ability to purchase extra photos.

Duration and Group Size

The family photo shoot at Kiyomizudera Temple lasts approximately 3-3.5 hours. The experience is limited to 3 participants, allowing for a more personalized and intimate photoshoot.

During this time, the you will:

• Dress in traditional Japanese attire, including kimonos, wigs, and makeup, transforming themselves into maiko, samurai, or child maiko/samurai.
• Pose for photos in various Japanese-inspired settings, such as rooms, tea rooms, gardens, and gold screens.
• Receive a 4-page photo book and a USB containing all the captured images as the final deliverables.

This carefully curated experience ensures that each family leaves with a cherished memento of their time at the iconic Kiyomizudera Temple.

Included in Experience

As part of the Kiyomizudera Temple family photo shoot experience, participants receive a comprehensive package. This includes the full maiko, samurai, or child attire and preparation, as well as four photos (either group or individual). The photos are then provided in a 4-page photo book and a USB containing all the images.

Included in Experience
Attire and Preparation
4 Photos
Photo Book & USB

The package ensures that guests have a memorable and tangible keepsake of their journey into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

Additional Options

For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Kiyomizudera Temple family photo shoot offers additional options. Visitors can opt for a 30-minute ($2,200) or 60-minute ($3,465) strolling plan, allowing them to explore the stunning temple grounds and capture their journey through photography.

Plus, the package includes the opportunity to purchase extra photos at 13,200 yen per extra person, ensuring families can commemorate their experience with a comprehensive collection of cherished memories. These add-ons cater to those who desire a more expansive and personalized photo session, elevating the already remarkable Kiyomizudera Temple family photo shoot experience.

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Cancellation Policy

Families interested in the Kiyomizudera Temple photo shoot can rest assured that their plans are protected. The experience offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance. This gives participants the freedom to adjust their plans if needed without incurring any penalties.

The "reserve now, pay later" approach also adds an extra layer of convenience, enabling families to secure their spot without immediate payment. The cancellation policy provides peace of mind and flexibility, ensuring that the Kiyomizudera Temple photo shoot can be enjoyed without worry.

Dress and Attire

Participants can choose to dress as either a maiko (apprentice geisha), a samurai, or a child maiko/samurai for the Kiyomizudera Temple photo shoot.

The traditional Japanese attire includes:

• Ornate, colorful kimonos for the maiko and child maiko
• Samurai armor, swords, and robes for the samurai and child samurai
• Wigs, makeup, and accessories to complete the authentic look

The attire and preparation are all provided as part of the experience, ensuring participants are fully immersed in the traditional Japanese ambiance.

Photoshoot Locations

At Kiyomizudera Temple, the family photo shoot takes place across multiple stunning backdrops, from traditional Japanese rooms and tea houses to the temple’s serene gardens and iconic gold screens. The rooms and tea houses provide an intimate, authentic setting, allowing the participants to truly enjoy the traditional Japanese atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the verdant gardens offer a natural, picturesque backdrop, with lush foliage and tranquil ponds. The gold screens, a signature element of Kiyomizudera, add an opulent, regal touch to the photos, creating a truly remarkable visual experience. These diverse locations ensure that the family captures a wide range of breathtaking images during their photoshoot.

Photo Delivery

After the family’s captivating journey through Kiyomizudera Temple’s stunning backdrops, they eagerly await the delivery of their treasured photographic memories. The photos are carefully curated and presented in a 4-page photo book, showcasing the family’s transformation into maiko, samurai, and child versions.

Plus, a USB drive is provided, containing all the high-quality digital files, allowing the family to cherish and share their unique experience. The photo book and USB serve as tangible reminders of the family’s immersion in traditional Japanese culture, capturing the magic and enchantment of their time at the renowned Kiyomizudera Temple.

• 4-page photo book
• USB drive with digital files
• Lasting memories of the family’s transformation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Props or Accessories for the Photoshoot?

According to the activity overview, participants cannot bring their own props or accessories for the photoshoot. The experience includes the traditional Japanese attire, and additional items are not allowed to be used during the session.

How Long Does the Preparation for the Attire and Makeup Take?

The preparation for the traditional Japanese attire and makeup takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. This allows ample time for the participants to be fully outfitted and made up before the 3-3.5 hour photoshoot experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Poses or Themes for the Photos?

There are no restrictions on the poses or themes for the photos. Participants can choose to be photographed in a variety of traditional Japanese attire and settings, allowing for creative and personalized photo opportunities.

Can I Request Specific Photos or Backgrounds for the Photoshoot?

Yes, clients can request specific photos or backgrounds for the photoshoot. The experience provides a range of traditional Japanese settings, and the staff will work with participants to capture their desired poses and themes within the available options.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Child Maiko/Samurai Option?

There is no minimum age requirement for the child maiko/samurai option. The experience is suitable for children of all ages, allowing families to capture cherished memories in traditional Japanese attire.

Recap

This immersive experience at the Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto offers a chance to step into the world of Japan’s cultural icons. Participants are outfitted in authentic kimonos, wigs, and makeup, and pose for personalized photos in picturesque settings. The intimate group size and comprehensive photo package ensure a memorable transformation into maiko, samurai, and children of Japan’s historical past.

You can check if your dates are available here: