Kyoto: Machiya House Photo Shoot and Kimono Rental

Enjoy the timeless allure of Kyoto’s traditional machiya townhouses with this captivating photoshoot experience. Dress in a stunning kimono, learn the art of Japanese attire, and explore the city’s charming streets as a professional photographer captures your cultural journey. This three-hour activity offers a unique glimpse into Kyoto’s rich heritage, promising an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to uncover the essence of this captivating destination. With included translation services and the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, the stage is set for an experience that will linger long after the shutter clicks.

This experience made our list of the 30 Best Kimono Experiences In Kyoto.

Key Points

• An authentic Japanese photoshoot experience in a traditional machiya townhouse, including rental of a kimono and guidance on posing.
• A 3-hour activity that provides a professional photographer, translator, and the opportunity to freely explore Kyoto in traditional attire.
• Comprehensive kimono rental process with options to add customized hairstyling and makeup, and receive 100 digital photos.
• Offers a serene atmosphere to immerse in Kyoto’s cultural heritage, with the ability to mingle with locals and discover hidden temples.
• Not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or individuals over 6’6" (200 cm) or 209 lbs (95 kg).

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Details

This cultural experience lasts for 3 hours and provides a photographer and translator who can communicate in Japanese and English. Guests can freely cancel their bookings up to 24 hours in advance.

The highlight of the activity is an authentic Japanese atmosphere in a machiya townhouse. Participants will enjoy a professional photoshoot in kimono, learning proper poses, and then walking around Kyoto while wearing the traditional attire. The rental package includes a kimono, belt, bag, socks, and sandals. Optional add-ons are decoration items, customized hairstyling, and makeup.

Guests are responsible for their own transportation, which costs approximately 1,200 yen by taxi.

Photoshoot Highlights

During the photoshoot, participants typically enjoy the authentic Japanese atmosphere of the machiya townhouse. The experience includes:

• A professional photoshoot where participants are dressed in elegant kimono and guided through proper poses to capture stunning images.
• Learning the art of kimono-wearing, from how to properly put on the layers to striking the right poses.

After the shoot, participants have the opportunity to walk around Kyoto while still dressed in their kimono, allowing them to fully embrace the traditional Japanese aesthetic.

This immersive experience offers a memorable way to capture the essence of Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.

Included Services

The Kyoto machiya house photoshoot package includes several valuable services to ensure participants have an immersive and memorable experience. The rental of a traditional kimono, complete with a belt, bag, socks, and sandals, allows guests to fully embrace the Japanese cultural atmosphere.

Complementing the kimono is the availability of a professional photographer and translator, capturing stunning photographs in both Japanese and English. Participants can also opt for additional services such as customized hairstyling and makeup application to complete their authentic look.

With 100 digital photos included, guests can cherish the memories of their Kyoto kimono adventure long after the experience has concluded.

Excluded Services

Participants are responsible for several expenses not included in the Kyoto machiya house photoshoot package. These excluded services include:

• Transportation to and from the photo shoot location, with an estimated taxi fare of around 1,200 yen.
• Bringing one’s own kimono, as the package only covers the rental of the traditional Japanese garment.
• Any additional services beyond the core package, such as decoration items, customized hairstyling, or makeup, which are available as add-ons at an additional cost.

It’s important to note that the activity also has certain restrictions, including not being suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and individuals over 6’6" (200 cm) or 209 lbs (95 kg).

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Restrictions and Requirements

Although the Kyoto machiya house photoshoot experience offers a unique opportunity to take in traditional Japanese culture, there are certain restrictions and requirements participants must be aware of.

The activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, individuals over 6’6" (200 cm) or 209 lbs (95 kg). Participants are also not allowed to bring pets, smoke, consume food or drinks, use electric wheelchairs, wear strong fragrances, or don a costume.

These guidelines ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees, as well as the preservation of the authentic Japanese atmosphere during the photoshoot.

Kimono Rental Process

A comprehensive kimono rental process awaits those partaking in the Kyoto machiya house photoshoot experience. The rental package includes:

• Kimono, belt, bag, socks, and sandals
• Decoration items for the kimono as an add-on
• Customized hairstyling and makeup as additional options

The kimono and accessories are professionally fitted, ensuring a tailored and authentic look. Participants will learn proper kimono poses from the on-site photographer and translator, who can also provide guidance in both Japanese and English. With the rental, guests can fully enjoy the traditional Japanese atmosphere and confidently showcase their kimono-clad selves during the photoshoot and stroll through Kyoto.

Kyoto Exploration

After the photoshoot, guests can wander the charming streets of Kyoto, soaking in the rich cultural heritage on full display. Adorned in the traditional Japanese kimono, visitors can explore the city’s historic machiya townhouses, mingle with locals, and discover hidden temples and shrines.

The serene atmosphere of Kyoto’s winding lanes provides the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable memories. Whether strolling through the Gion district or stopping for a matcha tea break, guests will enjoy the timeless elegance of this ancient capital. The Kyoto exploration allows travelers to fully embrace the essence of Japanese culture and leave with a deep appreciation for the country’s timeless traditions.

Booking and Cancellation

To book the Kyoto machiya house photo shoot and kimono rental experience, guests can easily do so through the activity’s online platform. The cancellation policy is straightforward – full refunds are available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. This allows for maximum flexibility should plans change.

Plus, the activity features:

• A duration of 3 hours, ensuring ample time to fully immerse in the experience
• Availability of photographers and translators to capture the memories and facilitate communication
• Complimentary rental of the kimono, accessories, and associated items for the photoshoot

With these convenient booking options and inclusive package details, guests can seamlessly plan and enjoy this authentic Japanese cultural experience in Kyoto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

Yes, there’s usually a group discount for this activity. The exact discount amount may vary, but groups can typically save on the total cost compared to booking individually.

Can I Bring My Own Camera for Personal Photos?

Guests can bring their own camera for personal photos during the activity. However, they won’t receive the included 100 digital photos taken by the professional photographer.

Can I Keep the Kimono After the Photoshoot?

No, customers cannot keep the kimono after the photoshoot. The kimono rental is only for the duration of the activity, and participants must return the kimono and accessories at the end of the experience.

Do I Need to Pay a Deposit for the Rental?

The rental includes the kimono and related accessories, but customers don’t need to pay a deposit. Clients can enjoy the photoshoot experience without worrying about additional fees for the kimono rental.

Is There an Option to Extend the Photoshoot Duration?

Yes, there is an option to extend the photoshoot duration. Customers can speak with the provider to inquire about additional time beyond the standard 3-hour session, which may incur an extra fee.

Recap

This Kyoto machiya house photo shoot and kimono rental experience offers a unique opportunity to take in the city’s rich cultural heritage. Guests can dress in a traditional kimono, explore Kyoto’s charming streets, and have a professional photographer capture the essence of their cultural adventure. With included services and the flexibility to cancel, this activity promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Japan’s iconic Machiya townhouses.

You can check if your dates are available here: