A candid surprise proposal photographed at Matsumoto Castle, Nagano — including how we pulled off the surprise, and why this quieter alternative to Kyoto might be perfect for your own proposal.
Read MoreSurprise Proposal at Matsumoto Castle
A Family of Four, All in Kimono, in the Heart of Higashiyama
I genuinely love photographing kids — and this Higashiyama family session shows why. Four kimonos, one afternoon in Kyoto, and an approach built on running alongside kids instead of directing them.
Read MoreFushimi Inari Isn't a "Stand Here, Hold Still" Kind of Place Anymore
Fushimi Inari gets crowded these days — really crowded. Instead of fighting the crowds for the perfect shot, here's why I've started building sessions there around a slow walk and real conversation instead.
Read MoreSoft November Light in Higashiyama: A Solo Portrait Session in Kyot
A story from a solo portrait session in Higashiyama, Kyoto in fall. Soft November light, natural expressions, and the kind of unhurried conversation only a solo session allows.
Read MoreA Sunrise Proposal at a Quiet Kyoto Temple
Before the crowds arrive, Kyoto belongs to no one but you. A sunrise proposal at a quiet temple, her genuine surprise, and an engagement session along the Philosopher's Path — all captured candidly.
Read MoreProposal Photography Game Plans
in proposal
We offer three different styles of capturing your proposal.
Please choose the plan that best fits your vision and your partner’s personality.
1. Fly on the wall
In this plan, the photographer will pretend to be another tourist waiting nearby. You and your partner will arrive at the pre-decided location (shared via Google Maps). Before the shoot, we will exchange photos with each other so we can recognize one another on the day.
When you are ready to propose, simply take a selfie with your partner. This will be the signal for the photographer to get ready. From that moment, you can begin whenever you feel comfortable, and the photographer will capture the moment as it unfolds.
This style creates the most natural and surprising reaction. However, since we cannot control your exact positioning, please note there is a little more risk involved compared to the other plans.
2. Friendly tourist
This plan is similar to Plan 1, but with a little more direction. The photographer will again be waiting nearby as a tourist. Once you recognize each other, you can ask the photographer to take a picture of you with your phone. They will gladly agree and help adjust the positioning while taking the photo.
At that point, you can either kneel and propose during the phone photo, or wait until your phone is handed back to you and begin the proposal immediately after. Either way, The photographer will quickly switch to my camera and begin shooting right away. Both options work well.
The photographer will continue capturing the entire sequence with their professional camera.
Tip: If you normally ask people to take photos for you while traveling, this plan will feel very natural. Otherwise, it may look a little unusual if done suddenly.
3. Vacation cover
In this plan, the proposal is set up as part of a vacation photoshoot session. We begin with natural vacation-style photos, and in the middle of the session, you can surprise your partner by starting the proposal.
This option has less of a surprise element compared to Plans 1 and 2, but it’s perfect if your partner prefers to be fully prepared for the camera.
Book a Session Anywhere in Japan
We’re based in Nagano and Kyoto, but we’re happy to travel anywhere in Japan for your photo session. Whether you’re traveling as a family, couple, or group, we’d love to help you capture natural moments in a meaningful setting.
Learn more or reach out here:
Photography Plans & Inquiry
Vacation Packages
Proposal Packages
Wedding Packages
See the Testimonials
Available in English & Japanese
A Surprise Snow Proposal in Nagano
A surprise snow proposal in Nagano for a couple visiting from the Philippines, beautifully planned with the help of family and friends. From the emotional proposal moment to joyful first-time experiences in the snow, this unforgettable winter session captured genuine smiles and memories to last a lifetime.
Read MoreA Beautiful Surprise Proposal in Hakone
A recent surprise proposal shoot at Hakone Shrine in Hakone, Kanagawa. Surrounded by nature and the iconic red “Torii” gate, this heartfelt moment for a couple from the Philippines was captured in a calm, timeless setting.
Read MoreCapturing a Couple’s Stroll Through Kyoto’s Higashiyama
A look back at a couples photoshoot in Kyoto’s Higashiyama — reflecting on seven years of photography, the joy of shared experiences, and what we value most in our work.
Read MoreA Warm Proposal on a Freezing Winter Day
On a snowy winter day in Kiso-Fukushima, a heartwarming proposal unfolded amid glowing ice candles, laughter, and joyful applause.
Read MoreRainy-Day Surprise Proposal in Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A beautiful rainy-day proposal in Kyoto’s Arashiyama, where the vibrant greenery and nearly empty paths created a perfect, intimate setting for unforgettable photos.
Read MoreA Beautiful Surprise Proposal in Kyoto Nijo Castle
Capture your unforgettable proposal at Kyoto’s Nijo Castle with a “vacation cover” photoshoot — relaxed, natural, and fully supported with local expertise to make your special moment perfect.
Read MoreFamily Photoshoot in Arashiyama, Kyoto – Bamboo Grove, Riverside, and Kimono Forest
A beautiful family photoshoot in Kyoto’s Arashiyama — from the bamboo grove to the riverside and the colorful Kimono Forest. The rain stopped just in time, giving us soft light and a magical atmosphere for unforgettable memories.
Read MoreFamily Photography in Kyoto’s Old Town: Higashiyama’s Charming Streets
Family photos in Kyoto’s beautiful Higashiyama area—featuring two lovely girls, their parents, and an approach designed for even the shyest kids.
Read MoreSummer Smiles in Kyoto’s Higashiyama – A Family Session from the U.S.
A Hong Kong family visits Kyoto with their 1-year-old daughter, enjoying a gentle and meaningful photo session in Arashiyama’s cool bamboo grove during the hot summer.
Read MoreFirst Family Trip, First Photo Session – Kyoto with a One-Year-Old
A Hong Kong family visits Kyoto with their 1-year-old daughter, enjoying a gentle and meaningful photo session in Arashiyama’s cool bamboo grove during the hot summer.
Read MoreFamily Vacation Photoshoot in Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan
We recently had the pleasure of photographing a lovely family from Singapore during early summer in the scenic town of Karuizawa, Nagano. The session took place in Karuizawa Taliesin, a peaceful cultural and recreational park known for its beautiful lake, open green spaces, and charming architecture.
Read MoreGolden Hour in Higashiyama: An American Couple's Honeymoon Session in Kyoto
A Honeymoon Session in Kyoto
A story from a summer evening honeymoon session in Higashiyama, Kyoto.
The couple, visiting from the US, had one simple request: keep it relaxed and fun. Instead of posed shots, they wanted something that felt like them — so we went with a candid, natural style.
Shooting Plan
We only had 30 minutes, but the light was beautiful, and we spent the time walking through Higashiyama, catching real moments as they happened. Holding hands, laughing together, pausing in front of a quiet temple — that kind of thing.
Even in that short window, they were completely relaxed, and it turned into a really lovely session.
If you're planning a casual honeymoon shoot in Kyoto, a short golden-hour session in Higashiyama is a great way to go.
📍 Higashiyama, Kyoto 📸 30-minute candid honeymoon session
“Masa was a great host! He made our phography experience so comfortable. We had an ongoing conversation throughout our session, making our photos feel so natural. We are very happy with how they turned out. More importantly, we had such a great conversation with Masa, we now have a friend in Japan. Thank you so much!”
Book a Session Anywhere in Japan
We’re based in Nagano and Kyoto, but we’re happy to travel anywhere in Japan for your photo session. Whether you’re traveling as a family, couple, or group, we’d love to help you capture natural moments in a meaningful setting.
Learn more or reach out here:
Photography Plans & Inquiry
Vacation Packages
Proposal Packages
Wedding Packages
See the Testimonials
Available in English & Japanese