Kyoto Local Guide tour (bonus with photo)

The Best Kyoto Photo Tour with Kei at Kimura Photo

My solo tour and photoshoot with Kei was the absolute highlight of my trip to Japan. I found him through Viator, and booking with him was easily the best money I spent during my entire trip. Kei took the most breathtaking photos of me that I will genuinely cherish for a lifetime. He beautifully captured not only the photos themselves, but also the incredible atmosphere and spirit of Japan, allowing those memories to last forever. He is incredibly creative and has a true artist’s eye for locations, lighting, composition, and unique shots even with large tourist crowds. My advice is to trust Kei and his creative vision because he knows exactly how to create something special. He also knew exactly where and when to capture the best images while remaining incredibly mindful and respectful of the other tourists and locals around us. Beyond the photoshoot, he showed me around Kyoto and gave me amazing local restaurant recommendations. Since I was traveling solo for part of my trip, Kei was also a wonderful companion and made the whole experience feel comfortable, relaxed, and fun. His English is excellent from his time studying abroad in Australia, so communicating with him was effortless. He is an exceptionally talented professional photographer who has even photographed celebrities, yet he is incredibly personable and down-to-earth. Although I booked Kei for Kyoto, he is also available to guide visitors through other parts of Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, where he grew up, Kobe, and even Mount Fuji since he is an avid hiker. This would require additional coordination, but I have no doubt it would be completely worth it. One important note about the photos attached to this review: these are compressed versions because the original images Kei delivered were too large and high-quality for the website to accept. The full-resolution photos he provided are even more stunning than what you see here! If you are visiting Japan, book Kei while you still can. The experience and the photos are truly priceless. By the end of my two-week trip, I only wished Kei had been my guide the entire time!

via Tripadvisor

Highlight of My Trip to Japan

Hiring Kei was the best decision I made while planning my trip to Japan and by far the best money I spent while on this trip. He is such a thoughtful and intentional photographer and tour guide. He is truly an artist. The photographs that he captured are a perfect balance of the beautiful Kyoto scenery and myself. His camera equipment is next level, top tier professional gear. I didn’t know that photographs could contain so much depth and detail. You are truly getting a professional photographer and knowledgeable tour guide all in one. I booked him to show me around Kyoto, but he will do tours in Osaka, Kobe, Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and more if you ask him. I wish he had been my tour guide for my whole trip! When I come back, I will definitely rebook Kei to show me around more parts of Japan. He is fluent in English and knows the best local places and photography spots.

via Viator

This photo and guide experience is a gem!!!

Very 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!!

Response from the operator: Thank you very much

via Viator

Great way to explore Kyoto with photographer

This 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.

Response from the operator: Thank you very much

via Viator

Best Travel Photography Experience!!

This 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.

Response from the operator: Thank you very much

via Tripadvisor