Private Tour
Kyoto Private Photo Shoot & Tour by SnapKyoto
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Contact for the time & locations of your choice. snapkyoto (ig)
A professional photographer captures your Kyoto memories and the next day you will receive 50-200 edited pictures to share with family/friends. Free guide about the history, culture and the people of Kyoto and Japan. No need to worry where to go and what to see. I'll take care of it all. Just enjoy the sites. Help with booking kimono upon request (show up, select kimono and pay at the shop). Also I help book a private car upon request.
I offer 1-6 hours of shoot in epic locations. 1 hour in 1 area, 3 hours in 2-3 areas and 6 hours in 3-4 areas.
Inside Kyoto:
-Gion Geisha District (old town)
-Higashiyama (Yasaka Pagoda area)
-Arashiyama Bamboo Forest,
-Fushimi Inari (Orange Gates)
Outside Kyoto (ask for availability)
-Osaka, Nara, Tokyo, Fuji etc.
Portfolio: check snapkyoto my Instagram.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Gion
Gion Geisha District Maruyama Park (cherry blossom & Autumn leaves)
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
this is one of the largest and msot beautiful shrines in Kyoto.
What‘s Included
help booking kimono or private taxi (fees not included)
50-200 pro-level full resolution photos (the number of photos depends on tour length).
English speaking photographer
Transportation is by public transport, but can arrange private car upon request +added charge
Prints
Lunch
Options
2hr Photoshoot in Kyoto
Duration: 2 hours
Half-day Photoshoot & Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Full-day Photoshoot & Tour
Duration: 6 hours
1hr Photoshoot in Gion Kyoto
Duration: 1 hour
Reviews
46 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience with a talented and thoughtful photographer
paigen534,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer! He was so easy to work with and always quick to respond, which made planning effortless. He was also amazing with our two year old daughter—patient, engaging, and able to capture her natural smiles. He also went above and beyond by helping us book our kimono rental. His upbeat and positive energy really set the tone for the shoot. On top of that, we received our photos much faster than expected, and they turned out absolutely stunning. We couldn’t be happier with the results and would highly recommend Matt!
PROFESSIONAL, SKILLED, HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
M35SDbrandona,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Matt was the best. Amazing experience in helping me propose by helping with the location, time to have the least amount of people present, and skills. Pictures came out amazing! I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Thank you again Matt for perfect pictures!
Highly recommend SnapKyoto
52surajm,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved our family photo shoot with Matt in Kyoto in March 2026. Being our first trip to Japan, he knew exactly where to take us on a walking photography tour covering all the iconic highlights and famous spots of Kyoto. We also caught an early blooming sakura cherry blossom, which made the photos extra special. Beautiful images and a wonderful experience. Highly recommend SnapKyoto.
Great experience with Matt, loved how all the photos turned out and the entire experience!
286staciac,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Engaged Matt for a surprise proposal photo shoot and he absolutely delivered! He recommended locations for the shoot, as well as options on how the shoot can be done, whether as a surprise (which would be tough) or pre-planned with the proposal not being a surprise. I requested for it to be a surprise and he was very patient with me as I tried to get my partner to the designated spot for the surprise proposal. We were very lucky that it snowed just the day before, and the landscape was absolutely gorgeous and Matt was able to capture the beauty of the scenery as well as the key moments which we would love to look back onto in the years to come. He was able to turn-around the photos very quick too and sent across all the photos the day after the shoot which we really appreciated. All in all Matt was great, and the photos were great too! Highly recommend!
Great photographer
lucydH6208EP,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent photographer. Very professional, knowledgeable and kind. I recommend his services if you are in Japan for a great experience.
Exceptional photographer to capture special moments in Japan
941tasneemg,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Despite turning out to be a rainy afternoon, Matt was able brighten our spirits by making our photoshoot fun and engaging. Kyoto was showing off its beautiful fall colors and Matt captured not only the beauty in his pictures but also somehow made us look great, despite being a little wet from the rain. You can't even tell that it had been raining in the pictures! Thanks again Matt for capturing some amazing moments in Kyoto.
Incredible Photos & Experience
trevorbO8482JS,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience with Matt. He captured incredible engagement photos for us at multiple temples/shrines in Kyoto. Best photographer in the area.
Terrific day and half around Kyoto with spectacular photos to remind ourselves of the beauty of Kyoto
nkashyap,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had initially booked one day with Matt but the tour and photos were so good that we ended up booking an extra half day. Matt took spectacular photos throughout the day but also told us so much about life in Japan and the different places we visited. He was very respectful and polite throughout and also fun to be with. I highly recommend Matt if you want a tour but also great memories without having to worry about asking strangers to take photos, especially with the large crowds we have encountered at every stop.
Fall Photography in Kyoto
Mary Kate A,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a wonderful photography session with Matt in the Gion district. He was very professional and friendly. I highly recommend hiring Matt for any photography needs in Kyoto or Osaka. Thanks for the photos, Matt!
Best day in Kyoto with Matt!
audreymE9482TQ,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an exceptional day with Matt! We hired him as a full day tour guide as well as the photographer for our group of 6 friends. The communication was really easy and on time via IG messaging and/or WhatsApp prior to the trip. He had planned a full day itinerary visiting 4 different sites and also had arranged a comfortable private transportation. (extra fee directly to the driver) Even an amazing lunch spot! He is extremely knowledgeable with the history and culture. We learned a lot and appreciated what we were seeing and experiencing. He is very pleasant and easy to work with. Fun and humorous energy. His photographs of us were absolutely lovely capturing the beauty of Kyoto and our good time combined. We all agreed that it was the best part of our Japan trip! So much gratitude. I highly recommend Matt. You won't regret it!
Related Experiences
Operated by SnapKyoto