Planning a trip to Tokyo and want to get awesome Tokyo family photos? Keep scrolling to find out how to book a Tokyo family photography session at an affordable price!
This post about how to book an epic Tokyo family photography session was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I’m obsessed with doing Flytographer shoots every place I travel in the world. I’ve done 26 Flytographer photo shoots (including our recent Tokyo one).
As a mom traveling with kids, most of my photos end up being selfies where at least one kid tries to do something silly. It’s SO hard for me to get “good” photos. Plus, I really hate begging my kids to stand still so I can get photos of them.
For me, Flytographer is such a great investment because I sort of feel glamorous in famous travel destinations (like Tokyo) and local photographers always know the best spots for the coolest shots.
Keep scrolling to see my photos and get my tips!
Are Tokyo Family Photos Worth It?
As soon as we booked our spring break trip to Tokyo, Japan I knew I wanted to book a Tokyo family photo shoot.
It was a great excuse to get cute family photos in the city. Plus, the temple was a fantastic backdrop!
Our Tokyo, Japan Photoshoot
Our hotel was in the Asakasa neighborhood but our photo shoot was in the Asakusa neighborhood so we had to walk and take a train to get there.
We met up with our photographer Kyo at the main gate and chatted a bit to get to know each other before starting the shoot.
Why You Should Hire a Tokyo Photographer Through Flytographer
1. SECRET INSIDER TIPS
We’ve used Flytographer all over the world and they ALWAYS know the best photo spots. It’s often someplace that I wouldn’t have found myself but the photos turn out awesome.
2. POSING HELP
I really enjoy snapping fun pictures of my kids when we’re on vacation, but I’ll be honest, I’m not great at posing for photos myself.
It feels like I just can’t look natural, and I end up doing the same thing with my hands, standing the same way, and even smiling the same in every shot.
Luckily, the photographers at Flytographer really know their stuff. They come up with easy poses that make us all look relaxed and natural, even though we’re in front of a camera. This even helps my kids loosen up.
For instance, we did some piggyback rides and silly poses during our photo shoot in Tokyo.
Seeing the photos from our first session with Flytographer, I was amazed at the difference their tips made. My favorite shots are the ones where they had us do little activities. We ended up looking so spontaneous and genuine!
3. CAN LEAVE YOUR GEAR AT HOME
Every time we go on a trip, my husband wrestles with whether to lug his big camera bag around. It’s packed with his heavy camera and several lenses, though he ends up using it just a little bit during our vacations.
It’s really a relief knowing we’ll definitely get some great family photos, so he doesn’t feel bad about leaving his camera gear behind. Plus, he doesn’t have to stress about losing it or having it stolen while we’re away.
4. THEY ARE FUN + EASY!
We did a lot of tickle fights, piggyback rides, shoulder back rides, and other fun arrangements. But, we still managed shots of each family, group shots, etc.
Top Tokyo Photography Spots
Asakusa
Capture your special moments at the stunning Kaminarimon gate and explore the historic charm of Asakusa, where Tokyo’s most iconic sights come to life! This is where we picked to do our Tokyo photography session.
Shibuya
Snap unforgettable photos at Shibuya’s bustling “Shibuya Scramble” and the quaint Nonbei Yokocho, where Tokyo’s trendiest vibes meet timeless charm!
Shinjuku Gyoen Park
Step into the serene Shinjuku Gyoen Park, a peaceful oasis away from Tokyo’s buzz, perfect for capturing the stunning cherry blossoms in spring—just remember to bring cash for the 500 yen entrance fee for everyone, including your photographer, and book ahead on busy weekends!
Kagurazaka
Discover the chic charm of Kagurazaka, where narrow stone alleys whisper tales of its Geisha past, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for your photos!
Harajuku
Hit the vibrant streets of Harajuku for a fun photo shoot filled with shops and cool urban vibes, and if you’re up for a longer adventure, don’t miss the historic Meiji Shrine or the bustling “Shibuya Scramble”!
Shinjuku
Wander through the lively maze of Shinjuku, where trendy shops, countless ramen spots, and buzzing Izakaya alleys offer a taste of Tokyo’s vibrant local life, perfect for fun photo ops!
Hibiya and Yurakucho
Explore the tranquil Hibiya Park, a serene spot in bustling Tokyo, where pristine lawns, ancient ginkgo trees, and colorful flower beds create stunning photo settings—make sure to catch the majestic crane fountain and the city’s glittering skyline at dusk for magical shots!
How to Book Affordable Tokyo Photographers
While we’ve used a lot of different vacation photographers throughout the years, some of my most memorable experiences have been through Flytographer.
Basically, it’s a concierge vacation photography website where you can find photographers almost anywhere in the world, including Tokyo. That’s how we found Kyo. Find the best prices here.
Flytographer makes it super easy to find the perfect family photographer for your trip to Tokyo. You can check out each photographer’s style, discover hidden spots they know for great photos, and even browse their online portfolios before you decide to book!
Booking is really straightforward, too. Just click to pick your preferred dates. Flytographer will handle checking the photographers’ availability and get back to you with the best options for your schedule, so you don’t have to worry about fitting it into your trip plans!
What I love most about Flytographer is that they are FAST! We sometimes receive our photos before the end of our trip! I love looking at them on our flight home.
What to Wear for Tokyo Family Pictures
Of course, you can totally wear whatever you want for your Tokyo family photos. But, I know some people like to get ideas, so I’m listing a few options to add to your Japan packing list to make your photos look cohesive.
Neutrals
One option is to stick with neutral colors. This works well if people wear a combination of white, tan/khaki, and blue. They’re great for not clashing with the often colorful Tokyo background and work well in nature-centric locations like Shinjuku Gyoen Park.
I dressed my boys and my husband in grey/blue neutrals but I wore a bright purple dress to pop.
Traditional Japanese Wear
Dressing in kimonos or yukatas (a lighter, summer kimono) adds a beautiful traditional touch to your photos, especially if you’re shooting in historic areas like Asakusa or near temples and shrines.
Urban Chic
For areas like Shibuya or Harajuku, you might opt for more contemporary, trendy fashion to match the urban, youthful vibe. Think bold colors, modern cuts, and even streetwear.
Accessories
Consider incorporating fun accessories, whether it’s a fashionable hat, statement jewelry, or a colorful scarf. These can add a pop of personality and style to your shots.
5 Tips for Getting Awesome Tokyo Family Pictures Every Time
1. DO YOUR HAIR AND MAKEUP
It’s really great to plan your photo shoot for first thing in the morning. This way, you can get ready at your hotel and feel fresh and at your best. However, sometimes that just isn’t possible.
I know it can be hard to look your best after a day of sightseeing or shopping, but taking a little time to tidy up can make a big difference.
If you can’t go back to your hotel, try finding a nearby restroom where you can fix your hair and touch up your makeup. That way, you’ll look and feel great for your photos!
2. WATCH POSING VIDEOS
Even though I’ve already talked about how great Flytographer is at helping with poses, I think it’s always good to have a few tricks up your sleeve. That way, you have some go-to poses ready if you want to switch things up a bit.
A friend of mine suggested checking out YouTube for videos on posing. They really help you learn some simple, natural-looking poses that still make you look confident!
Watching those how-to pose videos really helped me figure out what to do with my hands, where to look, and how to show off my best side.
Plus, I picked up some fun ideas on how to interact with my kids during our photo shoots so everything looks natural and carefree.
3. GET PHOTOS WITH YOUR PARTNER
Tokyo isn’t just a family spot—it’s super romantic too! So, don’t miss out on snapping some photos with just you and your partner.
I always remind our vacation photographer to get a couple of shots of just me and my husband. These often turn out to be some of my favorites.
Plus, think about it, this might be the best shot at getting some great pictures with your partner during the whole trip.
4. COME UP WITH A SHOT LIST
When you’re planning a photo shoot in Tokyo, it really helps to be clear about what you want with your photographer.
This means sharing your ideas about the style of photos you like, and who you want in them, especially if it’s a big family shoot. For example, you might want pictures of just the grandkids, or shots of the grandkids with their grandparents.
Flytographer is great because they ask you a bunch of questions before the shoot. This helps you think about what you’re looking for, so your photographer knows exactly what you want.
Think about where you want your photos taken too. Maybe you imagine walking along the street, or snapping a fun moment with a Japanese snack.
If you’re someone who finds inspiration visually, try looking through Instagram. You can save a collection of your favorite family photo ideas to show your photographer. This way, they can help you capture similar moments.
5. USE PROPS
One last tip for getting the best Tokyo family photos is to include props.
Kids usually feel more relaxed when they have something to hold or an activity to do during photo shoots. This helps them avoid that awkward “cheese” face that older kids often make. Plus, it lets them add a bit of their own flair to the pictures.
You can try giving them things like musical instruments, toys, parasols, fans, or a cool souvenir they found during the trip. And honestly, food is always a hit!
We often promise our kids a special treat for the end of the photo session. Then, we actually give it to them during the last few shots.
You could go for mochi, ice cream cones, taiyaki, or whatever fits the scene where you’re taking the photos. Those end up being some of my favorite pictures of my kids!
Tokyo Family Photography Wrap-Up
Get your Tokyo family photos taken by one of the best photographers in the area.
Check out our list of recommended photographers in Tokyo and book a shoot with them today! Plus you can save $25 on your first Flytographer photo shoot!
Remember to wear something you feel confident in so you can have an awesome photo session in Tokyo. Make sure to follow these tips for getting perfect pictures, too!
Looking for more Tokyo travel content? Check out How to Spend 5 Days in Tokyo with Kids and How We Spent 3 Days at Tokyo Disney with Kids!
