Overview
5 hours
Mobile ticket
I’ve called Kyoto home for many years, which means I know the city not just as a visitor, but as a local. I can guide you to hidden gems, quiet streets, and picture-perfect spots that most people never find. Whether it’s the glow of a lantern-lit alley, the charm of a traditional machiya, or the beauty of seasonal blossoms, I’ll help you experience Kyoto in a way that feels authentic and unforgettable.
Beyond locations, I provide with candid photo for memories
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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
What To Expect
Imagine strolling through Kyoto’s most iconic spots—Gion’s historic streets, the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari, or the peaceful gardens of Higashiyama—without worrying about selfies or asking strangers for photos. With me, you’ll have both a local guide and a personal photographer by your side. I’ve lived in Kyoto for many years, so I know the best routes, hidden corners, and the perfect times to catch beautiful light. As we walk together, I’ll share local insights and make sure you feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera. Think of it as enjoying a private tour—with the bonus of professional travel photos that capture the spirit of your journey. Instead of just visiting Kyoto, you’ll live it, feel it, and take it home in timeless photographs. best suited for (e.g., families with children, travelers with limited time , adventure seekers, culture lovers, etc.) - Do not provide a Kimono for shooting. - Not a full photographer session like a prewedding photo - The Photo will be edited only slightly, but beautiful for most usecase not heavy edits like prewedding - Go to Osaka or Nara, need to add a travel fee by cash - Full-frame camera
Options
Kyoto Local Guide tour (bonus with photo)
What‘s Included
Photoshoot during tour witll (Slightly Edit color) digital only all the photo during tour
Some temple need fee to entrance varied by temple price between 500-1000yen pay by cash on site (not necessary to visit temple if you wish)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This photo and guide experience is a gem!!!
MariaCecilia D,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very good price for excellent photos and flexible guide. It was raining and K brought a different camera/lens for the rain so we still had a good time. He took us to non touristy snack and lunch places which we loved! Much cheaper but very good quality!!
Great way to explore Kyoto with photographer
Natalia M,May 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such an awesome way to explore Kyoto with someone who knows in and outs. Having your pictures taken is a huge bonus, especially for solo traveler like me. Loved pictures! I would totally recommend it to anyone who wants to explore Kyoto and have professional photos afterwards for long lasting memories.
Best Travel Photography Experience!!
T3164SQbrittah,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such an amazing experience!!! Kai was phenomenal. I booked this mostly for commemorative photos, as I had an itinerary already picked out for the day. It did not disappoint! Kai was not only an excellent photographer and guide, but he was so patient! We needed to postpone 30 minutes the day of due to my dressing appointment running long, which Kai graciously agreed to. Then he proceeded to take the most beautiful, cinematic photos I could have hoped for, even in the rain. We got to know about so much local history and we made every single one of the stops I had planned and even a few new ones, which was amazing considering how many possibilities were on my list! I’d love to book him again the next time I’m in Kyoto! Absolutely recommend.
Amazing time in Kyoto
Aline K,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time with Kei. He’s an amazing and talented photographer and a really cool person! He guided us smoothly through hidden gems in Kyoto to take the best angles without crowds and took not just amazing pictures, but amazing memories. The photos came out movie-like and they are like a dream come true. Also, he was really patient with us, we had a baby in our photo shoot and he accommodated our needs easily. We absolutely will recommend him for every single friend who comes to Japan, and for sure will take photos with him in our future trips to Kyoto.
Kyoto, Japan - Kei
Dulce L,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Where do I start ? We booked Kei approximately 1.5 months prior to our vacation in Kyoto, Japan. We read the great reviews and Kei didn't disappoint. Kei is very Personable, Patient, Kind, Respectful, Flexible and fluent in English, which is a Plus. He took us to very popular places around Kyoto and took very beautiful pictures He knows his craft and is a great photographer. Since it was our first time in Japan, he helped us navigate around town and provided us insight in the Japanese culture. Very professional and down to earth. My wife and I are very happy that we chose him to spend time touring Kyoto. It made our 1st trip to Kyoto a memorable one. We walked a lot during our tour and took the local commuter train. There is no doubt, we chose the right person to take photos and tour us around... We've recommended him to our close friends and family !!! A+++++
Excellent photographer
SeaCentaur,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kei was very helpful in getting us the best pictures even with crowds - obviously the earlier time would be better.
200/10!
seansC9689AY,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kei is so comfortable and genuine the entire day felt like hanging out with a friend! My husband and I didn’t have a specific spot in mind, and Kei took us to some incredible spots including the bamboo forest! He took his time explaining the significance of each spot, and the camera equipment. Kei gave us the option of film, which we enthusiastically agreed to! Kei used multiple different cameras with skill (showing us the shots and confirming that is what we wanted). This was overall a wonderful experience and I highly, highly recommend it to anyone in the Kyoto area! Kei, if you ever find yourself in Denver, CO I hope you’ll find us! Thank you for everything!
The best trip in Kyoto
xwmss82c5b,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I booked a private Kyoto tour with a guide and photographer, and it turned out to be one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. I feel like hang out with a friend again. From the moment we started, everything felt personalized and stress-free. Our guide planned the itinerary around what we wanted to see, while also suggesting hidden spots we would never have found on our own. Kai is not just a tour guide is the best photographer in the area. He took us to many hidden spots and temples for all the wonderful pictures. We love love love the pictures so much feel like we take other pre wedding photo again. You won’t regret by booking this tour. It will best memories for this trip. We will contact Kai again if we have friends or families come to Kyoto. Also he has the best recommendation to local food and other stuff. He is amazing! Thanks Kai for the wonderful pictures and memories.
Great photos! Great tour!
Amanda C,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Kei was our wonderful tour guide. He met us right at our hotel and took us around Kyoto on one of the busiest days of the year- New Year’s Day. He was patient with our kids, flexible, a skilled photographer and shared a lot about Kyoto. He totally catered the day to what we wanted to see, but also had great recommendations. We had a great time! The photos were great and the tour was great. Even just one of those would have been worth the price. Highly recommend!
Highly recommend
Priyam P,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing tour in Kyoto with Kai! He was incredibly thoughtful and customized the day perfectly to what our family wanted to see and do. Kai was so kind and patient with my son, making the experience fun and relaxing for everyone. He also took beautiful photos and knew all the best spots around Kyoto — thanks to him, we have wonderful memories and pictures to look back on. Highly recommend Kai to anyone visiting Kyoto!
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