Everything you
need to know

Not at all. Koji is fluent in English and handles all communication in English from start to finish — including the session itself. You don't need to worry about language at any point.

Koji is a Tokyo-based photographer and private guide. Born in Osaka, he has lived and worked in the United States, Canada, and Australia, and is fluent in English. He has worked with the Board of Education, an international law firm, and a global technology company before dedicating himself fully to photography and guiding. Read more about Koji →

Most photographers take your photos and say goodbye. With Koji, the session is just the beginning. Many guests have met again in different cities, gone out for drinks, and stayed in touch long after returning home. Koji isn't just a service — he's a genuinely good person to spend time with in Japan.

Absolutely. Many of Koji's guests are solo travelers. In fact, solo sessions are often the most memorable — it's just you and Koji exploring a neighbourhood together, with no pressure and plenty of time to talk.

Use the contact form on this site, or send a message on Instagram. Koji will reply within 24 hours to start planning your session together.

Payment details will be confirmed during the booking process. Please ask Koji directly when you get in touch.

For Local Walk sessions, a few days notice is usually fine. For Proposal sessions, the earlier the better — Koji needs time to scout locations and coordinate the logistics properly. 2–4 weeks ahead is ideal, but don't hesitate to reach out even if your trip is soon.

Please contact Koji directly to discuss cancellation or rescheduling. He will do his best to accommodate changes, especially when weather or unforeseen circumstances are involved.

Whatever makes you feel comfortable and like yourself. Koji's style is natural and documentary — he's not looking for fashion shoots. That said, solid colours tend to photograph better than very busy patterns, and layers work well for the varying light in Japan.

Light rain can actually make for beautiful photographs. Koji will assess the conditions and discuss options with you — whether that's continuing as planned, adjusting the location, or rescheduling if necessary.

No. Koji doesn't do stiff, posed photographs. He'll guide you naturally through the session — most of the best shots happen when you're just walking, talking, and forgetting the camera is there.

Yes, absolutely. If you have a place in mind, mention it when you get in touch. Koji knows Tokyo well and can advise on the best spots, timing, and angles within any neighbourhood.

Local Walk sessions: within 3 days. All other sessions: within 5 days. Photos are delivered privately via a download link sent to your email.

Because 5 great photographs are worth more than 200 similar ones. Koji shoots throughout the walk and then selects and edits 5 images that each tell a different part of your day. Many guests have said the same thing: "I don't need 100 photos. I just need a few really good ones."

All photos are delivered in full high resolution — suitable for printing, framing, or sharing at any size.

Yes — the photos are yours to use freely for personal purposes including social media. For commercial use, please discuss with Koji first.

Completely. Koji stays hidden from the moment you arrive until after the proposal happens. Your partner will have no idea there is a photographer anywhere nearby — until the photos arrive.

All communication and planning happens between you and Koji only. There are no emails or messages sent to your partner at any point. Koji will also meet with you briefly before the session to walk through the plan in person — she won't be there for this meeting.

Real moments are often the best ones. Koji is experienced enough to adapt and capture whatever happens — including the unexpected. Some of the most beautiful proposal photographs come from moments that didn't go quite according to plan.

Yes — this is part of the service. If you have an idea, Koji will refine it. If you have no idea at all, he'll suggest several options based on the time of year, your preferences, and what will photograph beautifully. Location scouting is included.

Yes. Koji is based in Tokyo but available anywhere in Japan — Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hokkaido, and beyond. For sessions outside Tokyo, travel costs are discussed and agreed upon before booking. There are no surprises.

Availability and pricing for sessions outside Tokyo depends on timing and scheduling. Please get in touch to discuss — Koji will let you know what's possible.

It depends on what you're drawn to. Asakusa for traditional atmosphere, Shinjuku or Shibuya for the energy of modern Tokyo, Yanaka for quiet old-city backstreets, Odaiba for waterfront views. Koji knows all of them well and can advise based on your interests and the time of day.