One of the best things I did when travelling around Japan for the first time was to get a Maiko makeover in Kyoto. Before my visit I was quite apprehensive about how the photos would turn out but I was thrilled with the results. I visited the Yumekoubou Studio which has a good English website and that allowed me to book my appointment by email ahead of time. I visited their studio close to Kyoto Station as all I wanted was the photoshoot itself – their other studios allow you to walk outside whilst dressed up.

To get to their Kyotoekimae studio you need to turn right out of the Kyoto Station Hachijo exit (the side the Shinkansen tracks are) and walk for about five minutes. The Yumekoubou studio is on the right next to the Toyota office.

During the make-up application it was a shock to open your eyes to see the white face and bright red lips looking back at you in the mirror. They bring you a folder showing all the kimonos they have when you arrive – be aware though as a Westerner, you will only a very limited selection to choose from due to normally being taller than our Japanese counterparts. There were so many layers of clothing that even in an air-conditioned studio I felt hot – there was no way I would have survived walking outside in the summer heat!

Once inside the studio you are told how to pose and where to look whilst a series of twenty photos are taken by a professional photographer. You are then free to take as many photos as you like with your own camera and phone – the staff will even take some photos for you. They will also help you to remove all the make-up afterwards however I would recommend taking your own toiletries with you as well – I just wanted to wash and moisturise my face properly afterwards with my own products due to the amount of make-up I had been wearing whilst I was there.

You are then presented with a contact sheet of your twenty photos and a postcard version with the photographers choice of their favourite photo. I also had all my photos given to me on a CD which I could then print myself once back in the UK. They usually charge extra for the CD but they include it in the package for foreign tourists instead of the prints which would have to be posted to you on a later date.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Kyoto then do this – it is an experience you will not forget!

Since this blog post was written back in 2012, some of the information may no longer be accurate or up to date. Be sure to do your own research and check official websites for the latest details before making any of your own travel plans.

Support Me and Buy Me a Coffee
Pin this Blog Post on Pinterest
Follow Me on Instagram
Follow Me on Bloglovin’