Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera Temple : Samurai Costume Photo Shoot

Visitors to Kyoto’s iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple can enjoy Japan’s cultural heritage through a unique Samurai Costume Photo Shoot experience. This intimate 1.5-hour session allows participants to don traditional samurai attire and capture stunning photos in picturesque settings. With a maximum of four guests per group, the experience offers personalized attention and the chance to treasure the captured memories forever. But the true allure of this offering lies in its ability to transport participants back in time, blending the modern and the ancient in a truly unforgettable way.

Key Points

1. This experience offers a 1.5-hour immersive cultural experience where participants dress in traditional kimono and samurai attire for a photoshoot.
2. Participants can enjoy photo opportunities in a Japanese-style room, garden, and before a gold folding screen, with a photo book and USB provided.
3. The samurai costume includes a lightweight kimono, iconic armor, a crisp white jacket, and a signature samurai helmet, allowing visitors to connect with Kyoto’s cultural heritage.
4. The experience is limited to a group size of 4 participants, with a minimum age requirement of 13 years and a minimum height of 4 feet 6 inches.
5. The meeting point is at the Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, followed by a 20-minute bus ride and a 10-minute walk to the store, with a cancellation policy allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Experience

The Samurai Costume Photo Shoot at Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera Temple offers participants an immersive cultural experience.

For 1.5 hours, guests can dress in traditional kimono and samurai attire, taking photos in a Japanese-style room, garden, and before a gold folding screen.

The experience includes a photo book and USB with all the captured images.

The group size is limited to 4 participants, and the cost starts at $85.46 per person.

Certain restrictions apply, such as age, height, and weather limitations.

Advance booking is recommended to secure a spot.

Dressing in the Samurai Costume

Donning the traditional samurai costume is a highlight of the experience. Participants begin by slipping into a lightweight kimono made of delicate fabric.

Next, they don the iconic samurai armor, including a chest plate, shoulder guards, and a crisp white jacket.

The final touch is the signature samurai helmet, which adds an air of nobility and command.

With the costume complete, participants are ready to strike dramatic poses and capture the essence of Japan’s legendary warrior class.

This immersive experience allows visitors to step back in time and become a part of Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.

Photography Opportunities

After donning the samurai costume, participants are treated to a variety of photography opportunities throughout the experience.

They can pose in a traditional Japanese-style room, surrounded by a lush garden, and in front of a stunning gold folding screen. The photographers capture both individual and group shots, ensuring that each guest has ample time to get the perfect photo.

At the end of the session, participants receive a photo book and a USB containing all the images, allowing them to cherish the memories of their time as a samurai at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

The Included Photo Book and USB

As part of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple photo shoot experience, participants receive a carefully curated photo book and a USB drive containing all the images captured throughout the session.

The photo book includes 2 pages (203mm x 145mm) featuring the best shots from the costume shoot.

The USB drive provides digital copies of every photograph taken, allowing guests to easily share and print their favorite memories.

This inclusive package ensures visitors leave with a tangible keepsake and the flexibility to access their images for years to come, preserving the magic of their samurai-inspired photoshoot at the iconic Kyoto temple.

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Restrictions and Requirements

The photo shoot experience at Kiyomizu-dera Temple isn’t suitable for everyone. Certain restrictions and requirements apply.

Participants must be at least 13 years old and 4 feet 6 inches (140 cm) tall. Pregnant women are also not permitted.

Plus, the samurai costume can’t be worn in certain locations during adverse weather conditions, such as:

• Entering shrines or temples
• Visiting stores
• Traveling by taxi
• If it’s raining or snowing

These limitations ensure the safety and enjoyment of the photo shoot for all participants.

Meeting Point and What to Bring

To begin the photo shoot experience, you will meet at the Kiyomizu-michi bus stop. From there, it’s a 20-minute bus ride and a 10-minute walk to the store.

Participants should bring their own camera to capture additional self-taken photos during the 10-minute free time allotted. Comfortable clothing is recommended, as the full experience, including dressing in the samurai costume, will take approximately 1.5 hours.

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for participants.

Cancellation Policy

Participants can take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy, which allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This policy ensures that guests have the flexibility to adjust their plans without financial penalties.

The key details of the cancellation policy are:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled event
• Full refund provided for cancelled bookings
• Convenient and hassle-free process for modifying reservations
• Flexibility to accommodate unexpected changes in travel plans

This cancellation policy is designed to provide a seamless experience and minimize any inconvenience for participants.

Exploring Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Although located in the heart of bustling Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera Temple offers visitors a serene escape into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. The iconic wooden stage, perched atop a hillside, provides breathtaking views of the city below. Explore the temple’s various halls and shrines, each with its own unique history and architectural beauty. Be sure to visit the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink from the three streams, each said to grant a different blessing.

Feature	Description
Wooden Stage	Offers stunning views of Kyoto
Halls & Shrines	Showcase traditional architecture
Otowa Waterfall	Grants three different blessings
Hillside Location	Provides a tranquil atmosphere
Historical Significance	Connects visitors to Japan’s past

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Camera for Additional Photos?

Yes, guests can bring their own camera for additional photos during the free time allotted. The package includes professional photos, but guests are welcome to capture their own memories as well.

Is There an Option to Purchase Extra Photo Prints?

Yes, guests can purchase extra photo prints. The package includes a photo book and USB with all pictures, and guests have the option to order additional prints if desired.

Can I Request Specific Poses or Shots During the Photoshoot?

Yes, participants can request specific poses or shots during the photoshoot. The photographer will work with them to capture the desired images within the time allotted for the experience.

How Long Does It Take to Get the Photo Book and USB After the Event?

The photo book and USB with all photos are provided shortly after the photoshoot. Typically, you’ll receive them within 15-20 minutes of completing the experience.

Is There a Dress Code or Any Guidelines for What to Wear Underneath the Costume?

There are no specific dress code guidelines for what to wear underneath the costume. Participants can wear comfortable clothes, as long as they don’t interfere with the samurai costume and allow for easy dressing and movement.

The Sum Up

The Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera Temple’s Samurai Costume Photo Shoot offers a unique opportunity to take in Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Participants can dress in traditional samurai attire and explore picturesque photography locations, capturing stunning images that they can cherish forever. With a maximum of four participants per session, this intimate experience provides an unforgettable glimpse into Japan’s iconic warrior tradition.

You can check availability for your dates here: