I recently had the honor of capturing a truly magical surprise proposal at Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari Taisha. We had planned to start the photo session early in the morning, but even at sunrise the shrine was filled with visitors. To make sure the moment was as intimate as possible, I suggested the best timing and spots to avoid the crowds, and the groom-to-be followed the plan perfectly. We moved to a quieter area where he got down on one knee, and his partner, completely surprised, couldn’t hold back her tears. It was such an emotional and beautiful moment that I couldn’t stop pressing the shutter.

Being able to capture these once-in-a-lifetime memories makes me feel truly grateful. This couple was especially wonderful to work with, as he had lived in Japan before and could communicate with me in Japanese. We shared great conversations during the shoot, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I’m deeply thankful that they chose me as their photographer in Kyoto, and I hope they will come back to Japan again someday.

If you are planning a proposal in Kyoto, whether at Fushimi Inari, Yasaka Pagoda, Maruyama Park, or another iconic location, I’d love to help you capture your engagement photos in a natural and meaningful way. Choosing the right timing and location makes all the difference, and I’ll be there to guide you through it so you can simply enjoy the moment.