Morning and Night time Photoshooting tour with a professional photographer in Osaka!

Posted Manu AkamatsuPosted in OSAKA

The nice guy booked 2 tours are morning tour and night time tour in Osaka. I met him first time at Sumiyoshitaisha station. This tour is local area tour around Sumiyoshitaisha shrine and it was less people this area because we started early morning. We walked famous bridge which is called Taikobashi. Taiko means drum and Bashi means bridge in Japanese because this bridge reflections on the water and then looks like drum. So this is called Taikobashi for long time around this area.

Sumiyoshitaisha shrine has very very long history and it is over 1,000 years. I was born and raised around here and you know this shrine is my favorite shrine. It has some small shrines, natures, power stones spots and wild animals. I took his photos a lot with big tree, old orange buildings, and it was great time for us!! And we see at night again for photo tour in Namba area.

At 7pm, I was waiting for him and another guy join my tour as well. They were coming on time and the night photoshooting tour was started. We talked about many things along the way to photo spots. Especially we all like K-POP and talked about Blackpink a lot. I took them to Dotonbori, Namba area, Hozenji temple, Glico sign bill board, Sennichimae, Ura-Namba area and Shinsaibashisuji Shopping street. We had nice time and they were very friendly and nice guys!! I recommend them some restaurants I have been very often during this photoshooting tour. I was born and raised in Osaka and love to eat, So I know a lot of good restaurants are not touristy. I will tell you some great restaurants like Tempura, Udon, Ra-men, Sushi, Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki and sweets.

Thank you so much for taking my tour twice and I was very happy he likes the photos I took. Hope see you again!!:)

Night Phtoshooting tour in Dotonbori area in Namba, Osaka with a Professional Photographer!

Posted Manu AkamatsuPosted in OSAKA

It is still hot in Osaka but much better at night time. I have held Night photoshooting tour in Namba area such as Amerika-Mura, Dotonbori, Hozenji temple and Ura-Namba area. Very friendly family joined the tour in August. Parents have been to Japan before but their son and his girl friend have never been. I showed them great Osaka night sceneries and take to some spots.

Mandarake in America-mura has many Manga, character figure and Anime goods. Especially the boy is interested in this shop and he knew about Japanese Manga well. Actually I have read many Manga from when I was child and like it still now. We talked about it and it was great time for us. His girl friend has learned fashion and she was very good at posing. Mom wanted to try colorful cotton candy and they enjoyed it. I captured some of the moment and they looked very fun. Dad was very unique and very friendly. I really liked this family and I had great time with them. I was very happy because they liked all places I took them and all pictures. We promised see again in US and I am looking forward to seeing them!! Thank you for taking my tour and giving me great time!!

Engagement Photoshooting tour in Gion, Kyoto

Posted Manu AkamatsuPosted in KYOTO

The tour was held the beginning of September, but it was like summer day and so hot and humid. So we were worrying before starting the tour. But we were able to walk around Gion area and got many good pictures.

We met at Kimono rental shop after they changed to Yukata (Summer style Japanese traditional clothes). They chose nice color such as purple, pink and navy. Girls are sisters and younger sister was proposed by her fiance. So this tour was engagement photoshooting tour in Kyoto for them. Actually older sisiter took my tour in Osaka before a week and we already made friends. younger sister and her fiance were very nice couple and very friendly, So we was able to get closer easily.

We visited in Yasui Kompira shrine where has big power of relationship. I explained them about this shrine and why many Japanese girls came here. I would like my guests to know some Japanese culture, Not only taking pictures. After this place, we went to Yasaka tower and Kongoji temple has many colorful wish balls and explained about it too. I was very happy because they were very interested in Japanese cultures. I got many engagement pictures at these places and they were very beautiful. Ninenzaka has many souvenir shops and one of them is Starbucks. This Starbucks looks traditional Japanese house but you can have coffee and some drinks and snacks like other Starbucks. They were interested in it and I took some photos with this Starbucks. Around this shop, they found Studio GHIBLI shop and actually I am big fun of this and they are too. We were very excited and took pictures with big TOTORO. We walked around Ishibekoji and Maruyama park and I took some pictures of engagement ring. It was so beautiful and became one of my favorite picture.

It was very fun time and I would like to see them again!! Thank you for taking my tour!!!

Family photoshoot tour with professional photographer in Arashiyama, Kyoto

Posted Manu AkamatsuPosted in KYOTO

It has just began autumn rainy season in Japan. It was rain in Osaka and Kyoto many time last a week. We were supposed to hold the photoshooting tour in Arashiyama but it was heavy rain, So we changed date and time to next day. We met at JR Saga Arashiyama station and it was sunny day rather than hot day. They are very nice family, Mom, Dad and 2 kids. They were very easy to communicate and got closer easily.

I took them to Bamboo grove first. It took about 10 min walk from JR Saga Arashiyama station. There aren’t crowded so much because we went go there in the morning. It was nice weather to walk and take pictures. I took a lot of pictures of family, only parents, only kids and Jump shots. I was very glad because they liked the pictures. After that, we were heading to Seiryoji temple. This is my favorite place because we can see beautiful buildings such as traditional tower, large temple, gate. Not only that, Many autumn leaves in November and December, large hanging Cherry blossoms in March and April. These trees were right green when we visited and they were so beautiful too.

We walked for long time and kids looked tired a little. So Mom and Dad got some smoothes for them and they got energy for photoshooting a more hour. Kimono forest, along river with Arashiyama mountains, Togetsukyo bridge, We were able to take pictures many places after that. I was so happy because they looked enjoying my tour and liked the pictures. Thank you for taking my tour and see you again!!

Surprised proposal photoshoot in Osaka castle park

Posted Manu AkamatsuPosted in OSAKA

It was great day and very big day for them and me. A girl planed to surprise proposal her boyfriend and we made a plan to do it during photoshooting tour in Osaka castle park. I was supposed to capture the moments but they already finished proposal in Tokyo Disney land. Because he had a plan to propose her as well and he did there. That’s awesome!! So I was not able to capture the moment but we had great time in Osaka castle park and got many great shots.

It was very hot day even though it is almost end of summer. It has been raining last sew days and I was worrying about it but it was great sunny day on that day. I saw them at Morinomiya station and started photoshooting tour from there and I took their photos at many spots. They were very very natural in front of the camera and it was easy to capture some moments. They did everything I got some ideas and it was so fun. We got many nice photos like jump shot, she did propose posing, wall of Osaka castle, piggy back and many style.

They looked so happy and made me happy while we talked. We kept talking when we walk to next photo spots and I felt like it isn’t first time to see them. We will be able to see in Osaka or LA for sure. I am very happy to take their pictures and became good friends. Thank you so much for taking my tour and giving me great time!!

Family Photoshooting in Osaka

Posted Manu AkamatsuPosted in OSAKA

Nice family photoshooting in Osaka castle park in the daytime and Namba area at night.

That was awesome day. I had a reservation for family photoshooting in Osaka and I was so excited for this booking. Because they joined the photoshooting tour in Kyoto last summer and I was so happy to see them in Osaka again!! They were so friendly and nice family and it was very very easy to have communication if my English was not natural. A girl was so cute and I remember that we played with bubble at park in Kyoto during Kyoto tour. I took many good pictures of her and I was so happy because she liked the pictures. After the tour, we had lunch together at Tenka Ippin has good Tonkotsu Ramen and talked about each other more. They came from Hawaii and I love Hawaii soooooo much!! The story they told me about Hawaii life was very interesting for me and it made me want to live there. The girl was learned Hula at school and she showed me it. It was amazing and she was great at dancing!! She made us smile and it was so happy lunch time and Photoshooting day.That’s why I was so excited for Photoshooting in Osaka with them!!!

We had a plan to meet at Morinomiya station is the nearest station to visit Osaka castle and I took subway to Morinomiya station. Someone sat next to me before a few stations from Morinomiya station. I was super surprised because they it was them!! It was miracle!! We were able to see before meeting point and so surprised and glad to see each other again!! They looked very good and the girl has grown up!! It has began great day already in the subway. We walked in Osaka castle park and took a lot of pictures. Cherry blossoms season had done before a month already but we was able to see many Azaleas. Osaka castle park has many Azaleas everywhere and we got many pictures with them. It was so beautiful Japanese scenery in May. After an hour from we arrived in Osaka castle park, we moved to Namba area for Night photoshooting and having dinner together.

I wanted them to eat great foods in Osaka and thought which one is the best for them. I have many recommendations restaurants in Osaka because I LOVE to eat. I decided on what to eat and it was Tempura restaurant Daikichi in Namba. This restaurant is not expensive but they serve us fresh off the kitchen and it is sooooooo delicious. Many Japanese people go there but I haven’t seen tourists so much because it is a little a way from a central of Nmaba I guess. That’s why I thought this restaurant is the best. We were supposed to enjoy and have fresh Tempra together but this restaurant was closed on that day. I was terribly about this for them. And I was thinking 2nd choice and we went Udon restaurant where close from Tempra restaurant. I have been this Udon restaurant very often with my friends. Daddy have never had Udon before and it was good opportunity for him and the girl said she likes Udon. We ordered many Udon and I was glad because we were able to order Tempura as well!! Hahaha!! Please try Tempura Daikichi in Namba if you have time and want to have real fresh tempura.

After having dinner, We were going to Namba area for taking pictures with night sceneries. The city has become changing from a day time and was beautiful. I took them to some nice photo spots and took many photos like family, solo and only parents pictures. It was very crowded in Dotonbori area but they looked enjoy and it made me very happy. Especially they liked bright buildings and I got nice photos with them. It was great time and we enjoyed together.

I really had awesome time with them for Photoshooting. But not only taking pictures, we talked about a lot of things which life in Hawaii, my works, school life of her and more. I was enjoying while I was together with them and they made me want to go to Hawaii. I really want even writing about this tour now hahaha. I will stay their house when I visit Hawaii next time and take their picture with beautiful ocean and sky of Hawaii. I am looking forward to seeing them so much. Thank you very much for giving me great memories!!!:)

Surprised proposal Photoshooting in Kyoto

Posted Manu AkamatsuPosted in KYOTO

Surprised proposal Photoshooting in Kyoto, 2019!!

I have taken surprised proposal photos many times. Please check these blog if you want to see my works of it. I will write the surprised proposal photoshooting tour in Spring, 2019. It was cherry blossoms season in Kyoto and very comfortable weather and many people came to Japan to see beautiful full blooming Cherry blossoms. A nice guy contacted me about surprised proposal photoshooting for his partner. I thought it is great time to propose her with Cherry blossoms and pictures must be beautiful and awesome. We talked about how to make her surprise and I checked where is the best place for proposal. The place I chose is Maruyama park because it has big Cherry blossom tree in the park and there are not usually so many people. We prepared and made a route and schedule together. And the day has come…

We met at Inari station is the nearest station to Fushimiinari shrine. They wore Japanese Kimono for this Photoshooting and It looked good on them. First impression of them was very happy and both of them have nice smile. We walked to inside of the shrine and I explained them about Fushimiinari. This shrine has power of business and the most popular shrine for tourists. Many companies in Japan donated to this shrine and made Torii gate to get the power of business and grow it. You can see some sentences on the gate and they are donated date and name of company or people donated. I was very glad because they were interested in everything which I explained about Fushimiinari shrine. They were very nice my students Hahaha. I took their pictures with many Torii gates but many tourists visited there and took pictures with gates too, So We needed to wait to get to take pictures are nobody on background. The pictures are very beautiful and great because they were so natural in front of camera. Red gates and their kimonos are good for Photoshooting too!!

After Fushimiinari shrine, We moved to Gion area by Keihan train. It took about 7-10 mins and not so far. I recommend this route to everyone who have a plan to visit in good places of Kyoto. Gion area had many Cherry blossoms then and we could see them as soon as got at Gion Shijyo station. It was very crowded there because of Cherry blossoms but was very beautiful scene. We walked Gion Shirakawa and get to Yasui Kompira shrine. This shrine has defferent power as Fushimiinari shrine and it is power of relationship. I have seen a long line is made by Japanese girls because the shrine is very popular to pray to get good relationship and without bad relationship. Especially on weekend, A lot of girls (not only girls) came this place and prayed. My customers didn’t need to pray because they already had great relationship. After this place, We visited many spots like the tower of Yasaka and Kongoji temple has many colorful balls which were written wishes on it, Ishibekoji street where is very traditional and narrow one and Yasaka shrine. Finally we were at Maruyama park where he propose her…

Maruyama park has many cherry blossoms and we saw many people around every Cherry blossoms trees. I took them to a place away from the entrance of the park. A big hanging cherry blossom tree waited for us. I think he was very nervous then. I took some picture of them and told her ‘I will take your back solo photos’ and then he prepared a ring while a moment. I made her to turn around and then she saw him has the ring. She looked very surprised and cried and said ‘Yes’ after he asked her ‘Could you marry me?’. It was awesome moment and I could take many pictures and they looked super happy on every pictures. They hugged many time and other people looked this proposal celebrated them. Everybody was very happy around the hanging Cherry blossoms tree. We got many pictures with the ring and their happy pictures with Cherry blossoms. After that went to Yasaka shrine and took pictures a little more.

The day was big day for them and it was great memories for me too. I am checking their instagram and they look so happy in their home. Surprise proposal is very important because a time in life. I would be happy to help people have a plan to surprise propose in Japan. I love taking pictures of the moment. Please check tour page and contact me if you are interested in it.

Thank you and Congratulation!!!!

Night Photoshooting in Namba, Osaka in 2019

Posted Manu AkamatsuPosted in OSAKA

Photoguider-Japan has been birthed to create unforgettable memories and capturing beautiful moments to travelers of Japan!!

It is so hot and humid in Japan and it is easy to get tired if we walk outside in daytime. I can take your pictures with sunshine and photos must be beautiful but I recommend you Night Photoshooting tour in Namba, Osaka. Namba area has many good sightseeing spots like Shinsaibashi shopping street, America-Mura, Dotonbori and Hozenji temple. You can go to Kuromon market where is very popular place to eat fresh Sushi, Sashimi, Japanese beef and more Japanese food in 10mins on your foot from Namaba station. The night photoshooting tour was born for taking pictures wth bright bill boards in Namba and show you good restaurants I recommend. Night time photoshooting is fit for people prefer cooler and darker photos. Usually I take pictures on the street has some shops and lights, riverside, narrow street has Japanese atmosphere and temple. You can join with your friends, partner, family and Of course very welcome solo traveler.

After the tour, You can have nice dinner which you want because Namba area has a lot of restaurants. I will show you some my recommendations restaurants where good price, nice foods and local one. I really love eating and I would like you to enjoy Osaka foods!! Please try this Night Photoshooting tour if you didn’t decide what you do in Osaka at night time. I will take your beautiful pictures and help you to have great foods after the tour!!

Happy big family photoshooting in Osaka castle park!!

Posted adminPosted in OSAKA

It’s already been a month since I wrote a blog last time. I have many photoshooting diaries I want to update and will write about the end of June.

I have taken family pictures in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. Sometimes they are big family like 7 or 8 people (Actually I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers and we’re big family too) and it was so good experiences for me. But the biggest family I have ever taken joined my tour the end of June. They are 15 people!!!! I was so excited to see and take their pictures. We started the tour from Morinomiya station one of the nearest station to get to Osaka castle. It was Saturday but less people than every usual because the G20 was holding in Osaka and Osaka castle was closed before a day and many polices regulated around Osaka castle park. It was good chance to take pictures without other people in the background.

This family is made from 4 families and Grand mother and father have 7 grandchildren. They look so happy and very closed and made me happy too. I could try to make them some positions and taking unique photos because they are big group. The pictures look so beautiful and fun. I love them and hope they like too. I am looking forward to seeing them again!!:)

It is getting hot and humid in Japan. Summer is coming soon. I can’t wait to see many tourists in Japan!!

Hydrensias season is coming in June!!

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Many Hydrensias are waiting for you in June!!

It will be rainy season and getting hot in Japan soon. This season is not good for tourists but we have beautiful flowers which we can see only this season. Hydrensias will full bloom from the beginning of June to the end of June. We can see them at some parks, gardens, some temples and shrines in Kyoto. They are very big flowers if compare with other flowers and look so good to take pictures. Look gorgeous, lovely and colorful. Hydrangeas change color depend on soil. Blue, pink, purple, red, so many colors and you must say beautiful and get great pictures if you take my photoshooting tour.

I can arrange my schedule if it seems rain on our original date and I will check weather report many time and find the best day for Photoshooting. Don’t worry about rain and I hope I can take beautiful pictures of many tourists with Hydrensias in June!!

Surprised proposal Photoshooting in Gion area and Kyoto Imperial palace!!

Posted adminPosted in KYOTO

This tour was held in Cherry blossoms season 2019. Actually it was a bit easier than Cherry blossoms season but I checked where we cloud see them in Kyoto and we visited some places. It is so crowded in Gion area every time but we met early morning and started the tour. A lot of tourist hang out around Hanamikoji main street of Gion area at daytime but nobody walked. We could to take pictures at the middle of the street easily. It was getting more people when we got some photo spots in Gion area but even it, it was much better than daytime. I recommend everybody easily morning photoshooting if you can wake up earlier. I like Gion area and it is great place after all.

We went to Demachiyanagi station from Gionshijyo station by Keihan line. It took just 5-10 min and good place to take pictures too. I saw we may see Cherry blossoms near Demachiyanagi station on the web, So we tried to go. As expected, Cherry blossoms were blooming and they were so beautiful. When I was about to take pictures, he suddenly proposed her under the Cherry blossoms. I didn’t know about that and of course she didn’t either. I took pictures a lot at the moment and was so surprised because I have taken surprised proposal pictures many time but I knew about it every time. His proposal was succeeded and they looked so happy, It was awesome moment.

We got some pictures with Cherry blossoms and greens at Kyoto Imperial palace after that. Totally it was great day and I was so happy to help them to make memories in Kyoto Japan. Thank you and see you again!

Cherry blossoms season we’ve been waiting for!!

Posted adminPosted in KYOTO

It was the end of March, we visited in Arashiyama area for photoshooting with cherry blossoms. The girl has wanted to see cherry blossoms in Japan for long time and came to Japan finally. We talked where the best place, which day the best day for photoshooting and seeing Cherry blossoms many times because it was a little earlier than Cherry blossoms season. It was worth it, Because we could see some cherry blossoms tree in Kyoto. She was so excited and her husband was looking at her looked so happy. Not to mention, They made me happy too. Their outfits were so nice because her scarf and his shirts look like Cherry blossoms color. It was the best color combination.

Not only Cherry blossoms, we enjoyed at Bamboo forest, and main street of Arashiyama area, Sairyoji temple. She got ice cream of Cherry blossoms flavor. It sounds wired but this ice cream is very popular around Arashiyama area in Spring and Summer. I have seen some people eating it even in winter. Actually I have never tried but she said it’ good, So I will try it this summer for sure.

We had happy time because they were so cheerful and we had talked about a lot of things like Japanese foods and our different cultures. I really like the pictures and they make me to remember that day. I hope see you again and thank you for great day!!

Wedding photoshooting with the ocean in Kyoto!!!

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I have taken great pictures with my student I really like. I met her around 10 years ago and she was one of my first students. I remember she was so cheerful and friendly to teachers especially me, sometimes too much. Hahaha. I was a high school teacher 10 years ago and she helped me when I have some problems and I helped her when she was worrying about something too. We have been keeping in touch after she graduated but we didn’t meet for about 8 years. I have heard from her about getting married in June and asked me Pre-wedding photos at the beach in Kyoto. This place is the most important place for them and they really wanted to be taken pictures here. It was long way to get there but I decided to photoshoot this place for them.

I have taken great pictures with my student I really like. I met her around 10 years ago and she was one of my first students. I remember she was so cheerful and friendly to teachers especially me, sometimes too much. Hahaha. I was a high school teacher 10 years ago and she helped me when I have some problems and I helped her when she was worrying about something too. We have been keeping in touch after she graduated but we didn’t meet for about 8 years. I have heard from her about getting married in June and asked me Pre-wedding photos at the beach in Kyoto. This place is the most important place for them and they really wanted to be taken pictures here. It was long way to get there but I decided to photoshoot this place for them.

I felt I have very happy life because I have many students I really like and I am loved by them too even now I have left school. I have been loving to teach, my student and school but I love to pictures and help and meet tourists who come to Japan now. I appreciate everything and everybody I have met in my life and I will keep on doing my best!!

Family Photoshooting tour in Kyoto Arashiyama with SAKURA

Posted adminPosted in KYOTO

I met great family from Australia in JR Saga Arashiyama station, Kyoto. They have super cute kids were so friendly and became my friends at the end of the Arashiyama photo tour. They were a little shy when we have just met but they opened their mind to me soon after that. I could get many good pictures with their smiles and it was so easy to take pictures because they had natural smile and didn’t aware the camera. This tour was held the middle of March and It was a bit earlier for Cherry blossoms season but I checked where we can see them before this tour and found good place. We visited at Seiryoji temple and this place is my favorite place because less people than other places in Arashiyama and it’s very beautiful and peaceful place. It has full blooming Cherry blossoms and we could take many pictures with them. Kids were so excited to see Cherry blossoms and they were very cute like that. The tour was 2 hours tour but they didn’t cry, on the contrary they were happy during Photoshooting tour especially with Green tea ice cream.

I had awesome time with them and I want to see them again. Thank you for great day and I am looking forward to seeing you next time!!!