Family Photoshoot in Arashiyama, Kyoto
I had the pleasure of photographing a lovely family from New Zealand in Arashiyama, Kyoto. The rain had just stopped, and the fresh air and soft light made everything feel calm and beautiful — a perfect moment to capture their memories in Japan.
Our route took us through the iconic bamboo grove, along the Katsura River, and finally to the colorful Kimono Forest near Arashiyama Station. Walking through the quiet bamboo grove after the rain made the scenery even more magical, while the riverside offered wide open views of the mountains. At the Kimono Forest, the vibrant patterns of the kimono poles added a playful touch to their photos.
It turned out to be such a memorable session, with both the charm of Arashiyama and the family’s warm smiles shining through in every photo.
“What began as a dreary, rainy evening turned into a surprisingly memorable one. Masa was engaging, and pleasant to chat with throughout our outing, and he was wonderful with the kids. He shared fascinating and humorous insights about the local culture, and we enjoyed swapping stories about our travels. The rain kept the crowds away and it cleared just in time to capture some beautiful shots, giving the atmosphere a fresh, moody charm. We were also thrilled with the variety of backdrops available. The turnaround was impressively quick, and we shared them with families immediately!”
Capturing Kids’ Smiles in a Natural Way
Photographing children is one of our favorite things. While it can sometimes seem a little challenging — and some photographers might even feel it’s not their strength — we actually love it. We always try to talk with kids as individuals, just like we do with adults, and make sure each one enjoys the session and feels happy with their photos. For us, it’s not only about making children look good in pictures, but also about ensuring they truly enjoy the experience.
📍Location: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Address: Ogurayama Tabuchiyama-cho, Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 616-8394, Japan
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s most iconic and serene locations. Located in the Arashiyama district on the western edge of Kyoto, this enchanting path is lined with towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the wind, creating a peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
Walking through the grove, visitors are surrounded by natural beauty and the soft sounds of rustling leaves and creaking bamboo. The filtered light and vertical lines of the bamboo make it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.
What makes this place especially attractive for photo sessions—especially in summer—is that the entire path is shaded. Even during Kyoto’s intense summer heat, the grove remains relatively cool and comfortable, making it ideal for families with children or anyone looking for a relaxing experience.
Easily accessible by train, Arashiyama is also home to other popular attractions such as the Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the scenic Hozugawa River.
Book a Session Anywhere in Japan
We’re based in Nagano, 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 like Karuizawa.
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