Esperanto Kokoro Kyoto Okazaki Studio — Local services in Kyoto

I had a photoshoot at Studio Esperanto in Kyoto on September 5th 2025. It was such an amazing experience and I am in love with my photos! I’m not really a reviewer, but I HAVE to come and praise the staff, they were all so wonderful. First of all, every member of staff I encountered noticed that my birthday had just passed and all wished me Happy Birthday and was so kind.

Hina was the member of staff who got me ready and did my hair and makeup, she was so so sweet and made me feel beautiful and comfortable. We had another member of staff who assisted with my outfit, and helped me get un-ready after, I’m so sorry I did not get her name but she was also so kind and lovely. I had emailed before hand expressing that I was a bit nervous as I am plus size (UK22) and concerned that I wouldn’t be able to have a photoshoot done, but from their response to my whole experience there, they made me feel so comfortable and I never felt like my size was an problem or trouble, which is something I am so grateful for. Also another shoutout to the member of staff who assisted me at the end of my session when choosing my pictures and was so kind to give me some hair care recommendations when I asked!!

Finally I absolutely have to express how amazing my photographer, Shiho, was!! She was so so lovely, it honestly felt like taking photos with a. friend. Shiho you are so talented and kind-hearted, thank you so much for making my experience even more enjoyable. Thank you so much for everything and for the print you gave me at the end of my shoot 🩷 I’m sorry I didn’t notice the sweet Birthday message you had wrote on the back until I got back to my hotel, thank you so much and I hope you had a lovely birthday too!

To anyone who is feeling sceptical about booking a session with Esperanto Kokoro Kyoto Okazaki Studio, drop your worries and book it!! An unforgettable experience, and I hope to visit again on my next trip to Japan!!...

I absolutely loved the experience here ! All the staff were very lovely, helpful and passionnate, I had a very good time chatting with everyone. You don't have to speak Japanese, but it can help if you want to do some specific request about the makeup, the look, etc. The place is also very easy to find and calm, as it's way off the centre of the city.

As I do cosplay on my own already, I am picky about specific things regarding the makeup and the wig, and if you ask them, they will do their best to match your request if you have any. You do not need to bring anything specific with you, except your foundation if you are tanned or deep skinned, and perhaps your daily skincare and makeup products to do your makeup once you're done with the shootings and want to get ready to continue your day outdoor.

I chose to do 2 plans, cyberpunk and imperial beauty, and the former one was with my partner. I chose and booked the costumes in advance since I knew what I wanted to go for, but it's not necessary, but it helps getting things done faster. We both aren't exactly used to being taken in photo, but we enjoyed everything very much, as the staff were very helpful and precise with their directions. For this part, it can help to understand Japanese but it really is not necessary. For both plans + optional shots for each costume, it took approx. 5h30. Chosen pictures for retouch will be delivered after 3-4 weeks after the shooting (pictures joined to this review are the final versions). I completely advice you bring your own USB device to purchase all the JPEG data on the d-day, because choosing few pictures will be difficult !

I totally recommend this experience if you are interested in having your portraits shot in studio with makeup and costumes. I will definitely go back here or to their sister stores on my next trip in Japan ! As a present, we got one mini souvenir picture for...

I did a couple's oiran photoshoot. The staff and photographer were so kind and so good at their work. They got me all dolled up very nicely and quickly and efficiently. The photographer was able to give us great direction despite the language barrier. He very much cared about how our photos would turn out. I would highly recommend this place as their props and clothing are of high quality.

The facility was big, clean, and well put together. There is also a selfie area with lighting where you can take your own photos from your phone as well.

The only thing I would critique would be the editing skills. You get your edited photos after 3 weeks and you can tell that they made it obvious to warp my face and didn't blend the skin as discreetly as it was too polished and blurred. I would recommend purchasing the raw photos and hire someone else to do the editing.

Other than that, honestly the raw photos were so good, no edits are really needed. Hence why I give it 5 out of 5.

I would definitely come back again when I return to Japan.

Update: After Watanabe's response to my original google review, he re-did the the editing of my photos are they were 100% better. If you are for whatever reason not satisfied with the editing, feel free to mention it to them. They are capable of editing it to your liking. Thank you very much Watanabe! I have uploaded those re-done photos on...