BLOG

Kimono Photoshoot in Osaka Castle Park | Osaka Couple Photography in Japan!!

Posted 02/20/202602/19/2026 Manu AkamatsuPosted in OSAKA

I recently had the pleasure of photographing a wonderful couple wearing kimono at Osaka Castle Park, one of the most popular locations for traditional photoshoots in Osaka.

They wore beautiful outfits that made them look just like professional models. The styling was especially elegant. The man wore a white hakama and the woman chose a bright pink kimono, creating a formal and celebratory atmosphere that matched the historic surroundings perfectly.

However, despite the formal appearance, they were incredibly friendly and easy to talk with. They even spoke a little Japanese, which helped me relax and made the photoshoot feel natural and comfortable.

Most of all, their smiles were truly bright and full of happiness. Simply capturing those moments made me feel happy as well. Every time I showed them the photos during the session, they were excited and delighted, and even after the shoot I kept thinking how glad I was to photograph them.

Thank you so much for such a fun photoshoot. I was very happy to meet you, and I hope you will visit Japan again.

Photoshoot in Osaka Kyoto Nara | Photoguider-Japan

Family Photoshoot in Nara Park and Gion Kyoto: A Fun Two-Day Photography Experience in Japan!!

Posted 02/16/202602/09/2026 Manu AkamatsuPosted in KYOTO, NARA

I had a wonderful time photographing a cheerful family over two days in Nara Park and the Gion area of Kyoto. From the moment we met, everyone was incredibly friendly and open with me. While I was explaining the shooting locations, I already felt relaxed instead of nervous, which created a very comfortable atmosphere for the photoshoot.

In Nara Park, we enjoyed taking photos with the famous deer. The family fed the deer and we also shot around Ukimido, one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in the park. We walked quite a lot, but no one complained, and they happily followed the route I planned for the session.

Originally, the Kyoto shoot day had rain in the forecast, and I considered canceling. However, the family really wanted to continue, so we decided to go ahead. They rented kimono, which was completely different from what they wore in Nara, and it allowed us to capture a new and unique atmosphere in Gion.

Because of the rain, there were fewer tourists than usual. Even around Yasaka Pagoda, which is usually very crowded, it was much more comfortable to shoot. We visited several locations in Gion, and they were happy with every photo, which made me very glad as well.

What made this photoshoot special was the family’s positive energy. I am also very energetic, so it felt like we shared the same vibe. Their parents were especially fun, making jokes, keeping everyone smiling, and helping create natural expressions in every scene.

I am truly grateful to have met this family and to photograph their journey in Japan. Thank you for choosing me as your family photographer in Nara and Kyoto. I hope you all come back to Japan again someday.

Surprise Proposal Photoshoot at Osaka Castle Park and Namba: A Romantic Love Story in Osaka!!

Posted 02/13/202602/09/2026 Manu AkamatsuPosted in Uncategorized

I had the pleasure of photographing a lovely couple’s surprise proposal at Osaka Castle Park, followed by a night photoshoot in the vibrant streets of Namba and Dotonbori in Osaka.

Thanks to careful planning, the surprise proposal photoshoot went very smoothly. She had no idea what was coming, and when he proposed, her happiness filled the air. Her beautiful smile told the whole story. During the shoot, she kept looking at her ring with a big smile, and watching her joy made me feel happy as well.

It was the perfect season, with the ginkgo trees turning bright yellow around the park. The scenery was stunning, and we captured their proposal in a truly beautiful setting. They loved the photos, and I was very glad to see how happy they were with the results.

Later, we met again in the evening for a second shoot in the Namba area. The city lights, neon signs, and lively atmosphere of Osaka created a completely different mood from the daytime session. They enjoyed every part of the shoot and were happy to try all the ideas and poses I suggested.

We talked about many things, not only photography but also travel and life in Japan, which made the experience even more meaningful for me. That connection is one of the reasons I love being a photographer.

Thank you so much for choosing me as your photographer and for trusting me with your surprise proposal in Osaka. It truly meant a lot to me to be part of such a special moment. Congratulations to you!!

A Surprise Proposal Photoshoot at Osaka Castle Park: A Beautiful Winter Love Story in Japan!!

Posted 02/10/202602/09/2026 Manu AkamatsuPosted in OSAKA

I had the pleasure of capturing a surprise proposal photoshoot for a truly wonderful couple at Osaka Castle Park. It was a very cold day, but the weather was perfect, with clear skies and beautiful light, making it an ideal day for a proposal in Japan.

We planned to meet early in the morning so we could avoid the crowds. Thanks to that, the park was quiet and peaceful, and we were able to create a very private and intimate atmosphere for the proposal. This is one of the biggest advantages of doing a morning proposal photoshoot in Osaka Castle Park.

She had no idea what was about to happen, and when he got down on one knee, she was completely surprised. She was so happy that she started crying, and it was a very emotional moment to witness. Watching their reaction really touched me, and I felt grateful to be the photographer who could capture such an important moment in their lives.

Both of them were incredibly friendly and genuinely interested in Japanese culture. She could even speak some Japanese, which made the experience even more special. While taking photos, we talked about Japan, traditions, and food culture, and the shoot felt more like spending time with friends than working.

Their smiles were beautiful, and we captured many natural and heartfelt photos throughout the session. I am very happy with how the images turned out, and even happier that I could be part of their story.

Thank you so much for trusting me with your surprise proposal in Osaka. I hope you come back to Japan again someday. Congratulations to you both.

Winter Kimono Proposal Photoshoot at Osaka Castle Park | A Magical Snowy Engagement in Japan!!

Posted 02/07/202602/05/2026 Manu AkamatsuPosted in OSAKA

My first photoshoot of 2026 was a beautiful kimono proposal session with an amazing couple at Osaka Castle Park. It was the perfect way to start the year with love, surprise, and unforgettable scenery in Japan.

We planned the proposal carefully at Osaka Castle Park and told her that it would be a normal couple photoshoot. Wearing traditional kimono, they arrived excited for photos, not knowing that a proposal was about to happen. We met naturally, took a few casual photos, and then slowly moved to the special spot we had planned in advance.

Just as we discussed, he followed the plan perfectly and proposed smoothly. Because of that, I was able to capture very emotional and natural proposal photos. She was truly surprised and happy, and even people nearby started congratulating them. It was such a warm and beautiful moment surrounded by smiles and love.

On that day, the weather was extremely cold, and at one point, snow started falling heavily, almost like a snowstorm. However, that made the experience even more special. The snowy scenery turned Osaka Castle Park into something magical. Seeing Osaka Castle covered in snow while capturing their engagement photos felt like the city itself was celebrating their important day with them.

The combination of kimono, snow, and Osaka Castle created unforgettable proposal photos in Japan. It became a very memorable day for the couple and also for me as their photographer.

Thank you so much for such a fun and emotional shoot, and for choosing me as your proposal photographer in Japan. Please come back and visit Japan again someday. I would love to photograph your next memories here.

Autumn Couple Photoshoot in Arashiyama Kyoto During Peak Fall Foliage!!

Posted 02/04/2026 Manu AkamatsuPosted in KYOTO

At the end of November, I had the pleasure of photographing a wonderful couple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, during the most beautiful season of autumn leaves. The maple trees were fully red, creating a perfect background for a romantic couple photoshoot in Japan.

From the moment we met, we quickly became comfortable with each other, almost like old friends. We started our session along the riverside, where the vibrant red foliage reflected beautifully on the water. We walked along the river, taking relaxed and natural photos while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Arashiyama in the early morning.

After that, we took a taxi to another location the couple had requested. Because we began the shoot early, every place we visited was quiet and uncrowded. The second spot was a hidden bamboo grove away from the main tourist area, and it was incredibly calm, allowing us to create stunning and intimate photos without interruptions.

During the shoot and while moving between locations, we talked a lot about our countries and cultures. It was a great experience to learn about each other while capturing their love story in Kyoto. They were truly friendly and kind, and the entire session felt meaningful and enjoyable.

Thank you so much for choosing me as your Kyoto travel photographer. I hope you visit Japan again someday, and I look forward to seeing you again in the future.

A Beautiful Winter Proposal Photoshoot in Japan – Romantic Riverside Surprise in the Mountains!!

Posted 01/31/202601/31/2026 Manu AkamatsuPosted in KYOTO

I recently had the pleasure of photographing a truly sweet and beautiful couple for their surprise proposal photoshoot in Japan.

For this session, we chose a quiet riverside location deep in the mountains, completely away from crowds and tourists. It was the middle of winter, so the air was very cold, but the weather was perfect. Soft sunlight filtered through the trees and reflected on the river, creating a magical atmosphere for romantic proposal photography.

We followed the plan carefully and met at the arranged location. He naturally brought his partner there right on time, and everything flowed smoothly. When I approached them pretending to be a tourist, she did not feel suspicious at all. Moments later, he got down on one knee and surprised her with his proposal. Her reaction was full of emotion and happiness, which made the photos even more special.

After the proposal, they were incredibly friendly and relaxed. They enjoyed the photos I took and kept saying how much they loved them. We didn’t only shoot by the river, but also walked around the area and captured different scenic spots in the mountains, giving them a beautiful variety of engagement photos.

It was such a fun and memorable experience, and I am truly grateful they chose me as their proposal photographer in Japan. Thank you for trusting me with your special moment, and I hope to see you again when you visit Japan in the future.

Fun Couple Photoshoot in Nara Park, Japan With Autumn Leaves and Deer!!

Posted 01/28/202601/26/2026 Manu AkamatsuPosted in NARA

I had an amazing and joyful couple photoshoot in Nara Park, one of the most beautiful and peaceful photography locations in Japan. From the first few seconds we met, they treated me like a close friend, talking with big smiles and creating a very relaxed atmosphere.

Their energy was incredibly positive, and during the shoot they moved naturally without needing much direction. Because of that, we were able to capture many genuine, emotional moments. It felt less like a formal session and more like spending time with friends while taking photos.

When I suggested exploring spots they normally would not visit, they were excited to try, which allowed us to shoot in many different areas of Nara Park. They loved every photo, which made me truly happy as a photographer.

Thanks to the remaining autumn leaves, we also captured beautiful fall colors, and because they were friendly with the deer, the deer felt comfortable coming close to them. It made the experience even more special.

Thank you for such a wonderful time, and please come back to Japan again someday!

Surprise Proposal Photoshoot in Arashiyama Kyoto During Autumn Leaves Season!!

Posted 01/25/2026 Manu AkamatsuPosted in KYOTO

I had the pleasure of photographing a truly beautiful surprise proposal for a lovely couple in Arashiyama, Kyoto. Their session took place in early December, and before the shoot, we were a little worried that the autumn leaves season might already be over. However, some of the maple leaves were still in stunning condition, and the mountains of Arashiyama were glowing in warm orange colors, creating the perfect atmosphere for romantic proposal photos.

The proposal photoshoot went smoothly exactly as planned. The groom-to-be was a little nervous, but he prepared very well. Before the meeting, he shared his live location with me, and everything worked perfectly without any problems. When the moment came, his partner was completely surprised and overjoyed, and I felt very honored to capture such an emotional and special moment in Kyoto.

After the proposal, we continued the photoshoot for about one hour, visiting several beautiful spots around Arashiyama. Even though it was a cold day, they happily walked with me, and we had many nice conversations along the way. The time passed very quickly, and the entire session felt relaxed, fun, and meaningful.

Thank you so much for choosing me as your photographer for such an important moment in your lives. I truly appreciate your trust. Please come back to Japan again, and once again, congratulations on your engagement in Kyoto.

A Memorable Surprise Proposal Photo Shoot at Ukimido in Nara Park!!

Posted 01/19/202601/14/2026 Manu AkamatsuPosted in NARA

I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful couple’s surprise proposal at Ukimido in Nara Park. This shoot took place in early October, and although some time has passed before sharing it, it remains one of the most unforgettable proposal sessions I have ever photographed.

We stayed in very close contact leading up to the meeting point, but an unexpected incident occurred when one of the Nara deer damaged her dress, causing a short delay. However, the moment we began shooting, that small trouble completely faded away. Her dress was absolutely stunning, and the proposal itself went very smoothly.

The couple was incredibly calm, gentle, and kind, not only with each other but also with me. Perhaps the deer sensed their peaceful energy, as they remained relaxed and did not run away even when the couple approached. Thanks to this atmosphere, we were able to capture many beautiful photos.

We also visited a shrine that I do not usually photograph at, and by running, jumping, and moving actively, the couple helped create a wonderful variety of natural and dynamic images. The one hour session flew by, and I enjoyed every moment of it.

Thank you so much for trusting me to capture such a meaningful proposal. Even the deer seemed to celebrate with you. I truly hope you will visit Japan again someday!:)

A Joyful Surprise Proposal Photo Shoot at Osaka Castle Park!!

Posted 01/16/202601/14/2026 Manu AkamatsuPosted in OSAKA

I recently had the pleasure of photographing a truly wonderful couple during their surprise proposal photo shoot at Osaka Castle Park. From the moment the proposal began until the very end of the session, their smiles were absolutely radiant, and their happiness filled the entire atmosphere around us.

The proposal went exactly as planned. She was completely surprised and became emotional, shedding tears of joy as she said yes. Afterward, she kept looking at her engagement ring over and over, jumping with excitement. Seeing her pure happiness made all of us there feel incredibly joyful as well.

We chose a quiet area within Osaka Castle Park with very few people around, which allowed me to guide them through a variety of poses. They followed every direction perfectly. They walked, ran, carried each other, and moved actively throughout the shoot, showing even more beautiful and natural smiles. Thanks to their energy and chemistry, I was able to capture many amazing photos.

Thank you so much for choosing me as your photographer to capture such a meaningful and once in a lifetime moment. I truly enjoyed photographing you both, and I hope you will come back to Japan again someday.

A Surprise Proposal Photoshoot at Osaka Castle Park with the bright yellow ginkgo leaves!!

Posted 01/13/202601/13/2026 Manu AkamatsuPosted in OSAKA

Castle Park. We carefully planned the proposal in advance, and everything went smoothly, just as we had hoped.

The best part was her reaction. She had absolutely no idea what was coming. When he proposed, she jumped with surprise and joy, her face filled with pure shock and happiness. It was such a genuine and emotional moment. Nearby tourists quickly noticed what was happening and began celebrating the couple together, which made the atmosphere even more special and unforgettable.

Unfortunately, our schedule shifted slightly, and the initial shooting time became shorter than planned. However, after some time had passed, I had another chance to meet the couple again. This allowed us to continue the photoshoot for a short while under beautiful ginkgo trees.

Under the bright yellow ginkgo leaves, I was able to capture many joyful smiles and natural moments of the newly engaged couple. Photographing them in such a peaceful and seasonal setting made me feel incredibly happy as well. The time I spent with them was so meaningful that I still remember it very clearly even now.

I truly hope they will visit Japan again someday, and I would be delighted to see them here once more.

A Magical Surprise Proposal Photoshoot in Arashiyama, Kyoto!!

Posted 01/10/202601/10/2026 Manu AkamatsuPosted in KYOTO

I had the pleasure of photographing a surprise proposal in Arashiyama, Kyoto.
We started early in the morning, and because it was so early, the temperature was quite low. The mountains were still covered in soft clouds, creating a beautifully dreamy and magical atmosphere that made the morning feel truly special.

Everything went perfectly according to plan. He kindly kept me updated with detailed messages before the shoot, which made our meeting very smooth and stress free. Thanks to his careful preparation, we were able to carry out the surprise proposal exactly as planned, without his partner suspecting anything at all. When the proposal happened, she was completely surprised and overjoyed, which made the moment even more emotional and memorable.

Both of them had the most wonderful smiles, and being able to capture such a happy and meaningful moment made me feel incredibly happy as well. After the proposal, we continued with the photoshoot at several locations that I suggested around Arashiyama. They really loved the spots, and we were able to take a wide variety of beautiful photos in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

During the shoot, we talked about Japan, his home country, and our different cultures. We shared stories, learned from each other, and enjoyed meaningful conversations, which made the experience even more fulfilling. They were both incredibly kind, polite, and genuinely interested in Japanese culture, which I truly appreciated.

I feel very grateful to have met such a lovely couple and to have been part of this special moment in their lives. If you ever visit Japan again, please feel free to reach out. Thank you so much for choosing me as your photographer, and congratulations once again on your engagement.

【10 Years of Gratitude!!!】

Posted 01/08/202601/08/2026 Manu AkamatsuPosted in Uncategorized

Since 2016, I have been working as a photographer for 10 years. There are honestly so many things I want to say, but above all, what I feel most strongly is gratitude.

I am deeply thankful to every single client who has chosen me over these past 10 years. Through photography, I have been able to meet so many wonderful people, and I truly feel how lucky I am. Each encounter, each photoshoot, and each shared moment has meant more to me than I can fully express in words.

When I first started, I was still learning everything. My photography, my editing, and even my English were far from perfect. But my clients were always kind, supportive, and encouraging. Because of that, I never lost the desire to grow, improve, and do better with every shoot.

Some clients have returned many times over the years, and meeting them again after a long time always feels special. Sharing meals, conversations, and memories together has truly changed my life.

This 10-year journey is something I will always treasure. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me and trusted me with their precious travel memories in Japan.

To celebrate this milestone, I am also sharing details about my 10th anniversary campaigns in this video. I hope to make 2026 another unforgettable year, filled with beautiful moments and meaningful connections.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for these past 10 years. I truly look forward to continuing this journey with you.

Add LINE friends with QR code