Kyoto Honeymoon Photoshoot: Kimono & Dress Guide from ¥121,000

You are already married, perhaps with a ceremony back home, and now you are coming to Kyoto for your honeymoon or an anniversary. This guide is for couples who want wedding-style photos in kimono or a wedding dress during that trip. You will learn what a Kyoto honeymoon photoshoot at Bridal Salon Pure costs, how the photo day fits into your itinerary, and how to plan it all from abroad.

Why take wedding photos on a Kyoto honeymoon?

If you married abroad, you may not have had the chance to wear Japanese bridal attire. A honeymoon or anniversary in Kyoto is a natural moment to do it. Pure is a bridal salon inside The Westin Miyako Kyoto in Higashiyama, and it handles both kimono and western-style wedding photos. Every plan includes the bride’s hair and makeup.

Japanese bridal kimono in plain English

• Shiromuku: an all-white bridal kimono. White is traditionally said to express purity and a fresh start.
• Iro-uchikake: a colorful, richly patterned outer robe worn over the kimono. It is often chosen for a festive, celebratory look.
• Hiki-furisode: a long-sleeved kimono with a trailing hem, traditionally worn by brides.
• Montsuki: the groom’s black formal kimono marked with family crests, worn with hakama (pleated formal trousers).
• Tabi: split-toe white socks worn with kimono.

Most kimono plans let the bride choose a shiromuku, an iro-uchikake or a hiki-furisode, and include a black montsuki for the groom. For a deeper look at the meanings, read our guide to Japanese wedding traditions and kimono styles.

How much does a Kyoto honeymoon photoshoot cost? Plans from ¥121,000

Prices below include tax. Location costs may differ depending on the location, and weekend or Japanese national holiday shoots add ¥33,000 (tax included). The full English price list is on our English page for international couples.

If your schedule is tight, a 3-hour studio plan is the easiest to fit in. If you want Kyoto scenery in your photos, choose a location plan. The Kyoto Townhouse with Garden Plan includes the location fee and entrance fee, and the Kimono Studio Plan, Wedding Dress Studio Plan, Kimono & Dress Studio Plan and Kimono & Dress Location Plan list all-cut photo data as included.

When is the best time to visit Kyoto for honeymoon photos?

Each season gives your photos a different feel. Exact timing changes every year, so treat these as general guides.

For autumn, locations with maples include Daikakuji, Bishamondo, Sennyuji, Zuishin-in and Takaragaike Pond. See real shoots on our Zuishin-in Temple wedding photos page.

How does a photo day fit into your Kyoto itinerary?

A location shoot follows a simple schedule, based on the example on our website:

• 10:00: The bride arrives at the salon to check the outfit and start dressing, hair and makeup.
• 11:00: The groom arrives and gets ready.
• 11:30: Move to the location and prepare.
• 12:00: The photoshoot begins, following your plan.
• 15:00: Back at the salon, change into your own clothes, light hair styling, and settle any payment.

You may want to keep the photo day itself relaxed and plan most of your sightseeing for other days. Our guide to planning a 3–5 day Kyoto itinerary with a photoshoot covers which day to choose.

Small etiquette tips at temples and old streets

• Keep voices low inside temple and shrine grounds.
• Step aside so other visitors and residents can pass, especially on narrow streets.
• Follow any posted signs about where photography is not allowed.
• Remember that historic streets like those around Ninenzaka are also people’s neighborhoods.

How do you plan and book from abroad?

You can consult us online or through LINE, or visit the salon if you are already in Kyoto. You can also send our contact form in English with your travel dates, preferred style and plan. Your outfits are chosen and reserved during the consultation, and if you change your mind on the day, you can still switch.

For a full packing list, see what to bring to a kimono photoshoot in Kyoto.