Recently, I had the honor of photographing a deeply emotional and beautifully planned surprise proposal in a bamboo grove in Kyoto’s Arashiyama area.

As photo regulations in the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove have become stricter in recent years, I recommended a quieter bamboo grove where photography is still allowed without a permit. The groom-to-be and I planned everything in advance, and to avoid crowds, we met early in the morning. He arrived perfectly on time, which allowed us to begin the session smoothly.

When the moment came, he got down on one knee, and it was pure magic. His girlfriend was completely surprised — her reaction was so genuine and emotional that she began to cry. Even the people nearby, who had no idea what was happening, stopped in their tracks and cheered them on with warm congratulations. His proposal didn’t just touch her heart — it brought smiles to everyone around.

Both of them were incredibly polite, kind, and full of warmth. As I guided them to several beautiful photo spots, they showed genuine interest in each location and treated me with such respect and friendliness. Thanks to their positive energy and bright smiles, the entire shoot felt natural and joyful from beginning to end.

I’m so grateful they chose me to capture this important milestone in their lives.
Congratulations again, and I truly hope to see you in Japan again someday.