Luxury, Authentic, Heartfelt Photography in Kyoto
Cinematic photography in Kyoto, guided by a team who makes it effortless. We help you plan it, shoot it and relive it beautifully.
✓ Proposals, weddings, family shoots and more
✓ Local Kyoto photographers
✓ Multilingual team fluent in English, Japanese, Spanish & Portuguese
You’re not just hiring a photographer. You’re capturing a moment in Kyoto that will stay with you for life.
From quiet paths lined with bamboo to the timeless beauty of Gion’s streets or a peaceful shrine hidden in the hills, Kyoto has a way of making ordinary moments feel sacred. Whether you’re here for a proposal, honeymoon, or a meaningful solo adventure, the experience should feel effortless, natural, and deeply personal.
That’s why every shoot is planned with intention, around the light, the season, and the pace of the city. I’ll guide you through the best spots, help you feel at ease, and document your story with honesty and warmth.
No awkward poses. No rush. Just the real you in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Photography Services
Weddings
Elopements
Solo Portraits
Proposals
Family Portraits
Pre-Wedding Portraits
Why Choose Sofia Hiramatsu Photography?
Signature Artistic Style - Our distinctive, film-inspired and editorial aesthetic has been carefully crafted over the years, every photo is designed to feel timeless, cinematic, and full of emotion.
Nationwide Coverage - No matter where your story unfolds, we’ll be there—capturing moments across Japan and beyond.
English-Speaking Support - Seamless communication from inquiry to delivery, with full English support for international clients and travellers.
Trusted by Hundreds - With over 50 five-star reviews, we’re proud to be the choice of couples, families, and travellers from around the globe
Fast Turnaround Times - Receive beautifully edited sneak peeks within 72 hours, and your full gallery delivered in just 12 business days.
Kind Words
★★★★★
“Absolutely stellar experience with Sofia! She is a professional’s professional! My fiancé is also a professional photographer and just raves about all of the detail and the artistic flourishes in our engagement photos.
From my side, I was blown away by how smoothly and effortlessly she handled everything. We spoke on video chat and she suggested the perfect location, hid beforehand to keep it a surprise, and did a great job helping us pose and set up shots. I just showed up with the ring and she handled everything else! Thank you, Sofia!”
- Tom Schwarzkopf
★★★★★
“I had the absolute pleasure of working with Sofia for one of the most important moments of my life, my surprise engagement to Hayley, and I cannot recommend her enough! From start to finish, Sofia’s communication was impeccable. She took the time to understand exactly what I wanted, offered creative suggestions, and was always quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had leading up to the big day.
Sofia truly has a gift for storytelling through her lens, and I am so grateful she was part of this life-changing moment. If you’re looking for a photographer who is not only talented but also a joy to work with, Sofia is the one!”
- Zeid Abussuud
★★★★★
“My fiance and I had the most wonderful experience working with Sofia and her team. From the very beginning there was constant communication which helped put my mind at ease as this was our first shoot internationally. Shooting with Sofia directly was a joy. Despite the early wake up and the frigid temperatures, Sofia made the experience warm and welcoming. To top off the experience, the photos came out absolutely perfect. We are blown away by the quality and our family and friends can’t stop talking about how beautiful they are. If you are looking for a unique, once in a lifetime photoshoot, I highly recommend Sofia!”
- Reilly Eager
Born in Birmingham, England Sofia Hiramatsu is a British-Pakistani portrait and wedding photographer. Since 2014, her lens has transcended the realm of wedding photography, blossoming into a wide collection of timeless portraits for couples, families, and individuals across the globe. Through her use of high contrast and warm colours, she portrays her subjects as both strong and soft, whilst also capturing their authenticity. Self-taught, she explored professional photography whilst studying in medical school. After working in the NHS for 4 years, she left feeling unfulfilled, so she quit her job in London and moved to Japan, to pursue her true ikigai ‘life purpose’ in the world of photography. Currently based in Nagoya, but available for commissions across Japan and internationally.
About Sofia
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! We assist with location selection, timing, coordination, and even discreet communication with your partner to keep the surprise.
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Absolutely. Our whole team is English-speaking and experienced working with international clients from around the world.
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Yes – all sessions include professionally edited, high-resolution images with Sofia’s signature aesthetic
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You’ll typically receive your gallery within 12 business days after photos are selected, so you can relive your experience while it’s still fresh.Item description
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We always plan for backup options and can adjust the schedule or location based on conditions.
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Yes! We offer nationwide coverage, including Mount Fuji, Osaka, Nagoya, Okinawa and more
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Yes – we’re happy to offer guidance on what to wear based on location and session style.
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Definitely – just let us know in advance so we can tailor the session accordingly.
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You’ll receive a tailored message from our assistant to guide you through next steps within 72 hours
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Yes – a deposit confirms your booking and reserves your session date and location.
Your story deserves to be told beautifully.
Our calendar typically books out 3–6 months in advance, with Spring and Autumn being our busiest seasons. To secure your preferred date, we recommend getting in touch with us as early as possible.