Postponed trip


Japan has became the top tourist destination post COVID-19 and after postponing the trip, we’re finally able to visit. To capture the memories, we decided to book a 1 hour photography session with Michael. We also rented kimonos for the session and after a hearty discussion, chose Gion as our photo location.


Japanese couple wearing traditional kimono posing together in front of blooming plum trees.

Thankfully, The Sakura bloomed early this year.

Smiling couple in traditional kimonos standing together along a path with orange torii gates.
Couple in traditional kimonos posing before a red torii gate shrine in Kyoto.
Couple in traditional kimonos standing near a red torii gate at a Japanese shrine.
Couple in traditional Japanese kimono admiring orange lanterns at a Japanese temple shrine.

Tatsumi Shrine


We also had the chance to capture photos at Tatsumi Shrine which was line with striking red-coloured fences and sacred writings. The Shinto Shrine sits in-between the streets of Gion, splitting the roads into two ways and has became a trademark of that area. Despite being an old shrine, Tatsumi Shrine is very well-preserved and people still come and go to pray. 

Couple in traditional kimonos walking past historic wooden shops on a Kyoto street.
Couple in traditional kimonos holding hands while strolling through a historic Kyoto alleyway.
Couple in traditional kimonos walking hand in hand along a sunlit Japanese garden path.

Alley, Home and Shops


After taking photos at the shrine, we continued our journey to the traditional streets of Gion and words couldn’t describe our feelings, it’s like we stepped into a different time period of Japan. The streets and buildings are very well-preserved, the traditional design was mesmerizing and we took some photos by the buildings and streets too.


With the kimono, don’t we look like we went back in time?

Couple in traditional kimonos admiring pink cherry blossoms together on a Japanese street.

Early Sakura Bloom


Initially, we had given up taking pictures with The Sakura Trees since we heard that it wouldn’t bloom when we got there. But, we were very lucky that The Sakura Trees bloomed earlier this year and we’re able to snap some shots with the beautiful flower as our background. We also managed to take some candid photos of ourselves!

Man in black kimono smiling under pink cherry blossom trees on a Japanese street.
Woman in light kimono standing gracefully under blooming cherry blossom tree on Japanese street.
Woman in cream kimono posing under vibrant pink cherry blossoms on a sunny Japanese sidewalk.
Man in black kimono with gold obi standing beneath pink cherry blossom trees in Japan.

Memorable Short Journey


We received the photos within 3 business days and Michael sent us all of the photos. In total there were 80 shots which was more than we agreed (we agreed on 60). We hope to come back again in Autumn to book another session of photoshoot with the falling leaves!


See you again next time!

Couple in traditional kimono posing on stone steps outside historic Japanese temple building.