patandhank

I’m trying to locate a guide to do a night photography tour of Kyoto for our group of 4 in November. Anyone have any recommendations?

Can easily find for Tokyo but not Kyoto. Thoughts?

Thanks all

kja

You might check with the Japanese National Tourism Organization, which coordinates free volunteer guides – “Goodwill guides” – who are generally knowledgeable and happy to guide you in return for practicing their English – which can be excellent, but it is a bit of a luck-of-the-draw.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/tr...deservice.html
You pay any entrance fees and his/her meal if your time with the guide includes one. Do NOT tip these guides, or anyone else in Japan.

patandhank

Thanks for the suggestion. We are finding that night photography is apparently not as popular in Kyoto as Tokyo. May have to rethink our plans.

Guenmai

What is your price range for a driver/guide?

Happy Travels!

kja

If a goodwill guide isn't available, why not just go on your own?

Adastra2200

A lot depends on what you want to shoot. Are you hoping to spot a maiko or geiko in Pontocho in the evening? Or the autumn colors? You'd be a bit early for that, but if you are in Kyoto for a few days, you could get the start of the season. There are several famous places for the autumn leaves that are open at night. You can see a listing of them here. The exact dates for 2018 are not in yet, but you could get some time for good night shooting.

If you want some form of night life, you'd do better in Osaka - Dotonbori at night is great, plus the night views over the city atop the Umeda Sky Bldg and Abeno Harukas Bldg are excellent.

If you know where to go, you don't need any guide.

lcuy

Bostonharbor did a photo tour in Japan. Maybe you can PM her and ask if she knows anyone?

patandhank

I appreciate all the information and suggestions. We’re still kicking around what we might do and have had a couple of responses from inquiries I put out. Will let you know what happens!