Tokyo › Tokyo photo guides › Asakusa kimono photo guide
Published November 15, 2026
Asakusa is Tokyo’s most popular place for kimono photos. The giant lantern at Kaminarimon, Nakamise shopping street, Hozomon Gate and the five-story pagoda all suit a kimono, and there are plenty of rental shops nearby, so you can start shooting a few minutes after dressing. Here’s how to plan it, from rental to shoot.
Renting a kimono: what to check
- Book ahead: shops fill up on weekends and in cherry blossom and autumn leaf season
- Check opening and return times: the shoot must fit inside the rental period, with time for dressing and hair
- Check what the plan includes: hair styling, accessories and haori jackets vary by shop
- Pick a color: Asakusa is full of red, so light, blue and green kimono stand out
- JLP PHOTO Tokyo offers photography only; kimono rental, dressing, makeup and hair are not included
Suggested route
- Kaminarimon: front and side full-length shots under the lantern; quieter in the morning
- Nakamise shopping street: strolling shots in kimono
- Hozomon Gate and the five-story pagoda: more formal portraits and shots from behind
- Sumida Park: walk to the river for Skytree in the background; cherry blossoms in spring
Standard (60 min) covers Senso-ji + Sumida Park. If you only want Kaminarimon and the temple grounds, Intro (30 min) works. Details in the Senso-ji + Sumida Park guide.
Keeping crowds out of the frame
- Make Senso-ji your first stop of the day
- Shoot the popular spots first, then move to quieter lanes and the riverside
- The photographer uses a longer lens to compress the background and finds side angles to cut down crowds
Kimono poses
- Stand with one foot slightly ahead and turn a little to the side
- Take small steps so the sleeves and hem move
- Rest a hand on your sleeve, or hold a fan or small bag
- Look back, look up at the lantern, or rest a hand lightly on a railing
If it rains
In light rain we shoot with a clear umbrella or move under eaves; heavy or steady rain means we can agree on a free date change. Check the rental shop’s rain policy directly with the shop.
Photography at Senso-ji follows the temple’s posted rules; the photographer checks them when you book. Service details: Tokyo kimono session.
Shared with our clients' permission. The photos are retouched.
Tokyo sessions: Solo portrait, Kimono session, Packages
FAQ
How do I schedule a kimono rental and a photo shoot in Asakusa?
Fix the shoot date first, then book a nearby rental shop. Set the meeting time to allow for dressing and hair, and finish before the return time.
How much is a kimono photo shoot in Asakusa?
JLP PHOTO Tokyo kimono sessions: Intro ¥9,800 (30 min), Standard ¥16,800 (60 min), Extended ¥29,800 (120 min). Kimono rental not included.
Can two of us wear kimono together?
Yes. Standard and Extended cover 1–4 people, and two people pay the same price.