
Do you want to be glamorous for a day? Studio Esperanto can help with that!
Studio Esperanto Kokoro Kyoto Okazaki Studio is a photo and makeover studio located in Kyoto, Japan. They offer the full costume, makeup, and photography experience that you’ve always dreamed of.
You can choose from a variety of styles, such as getting your kimono mojo on with the kokohime experience (a cute and modern kimono style emphasized with accessories) or getting an elegant oiran (“courtesan”) makeover.
▼ Its name may be hard to say,
but they make it easy to dress up.
As you know, we here at SoraNews24 aren’t afraid of getting a little makeup on our faces. Whether it’s Japanese rock legends, Donald Trump, or Japanese hosts, we just can’t get enough of playing dress up.
Masami, one of our Japanese writers, decided to try the Studio Esperanto experience for herself, going for a circus show-girl look.
▼ It ended up pretty awesome for her,
so let’s take a look at how she got there.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYSGxijHu2S/
▼ The first thing she did was sift through the costumes. Some had a Japanese feel,
some had a fantasy look, and of course there were the circus-themed items.
▼ That’s something I don’t have in my wardrobe.
Next was makeup. Studio Esperanto has professional staff there to apply makeup for you based on the kind of experience you’re going for. They ask that you bring your own makeup tools though, so don’t show up empty-handed!
▼ You must also provide your own
cute phone cases for taking selfies with.
Then, there’s hair. According to their official website, they recommend you have at least shoulder-length hair for most of the photoshoots. If it’s any shorter, they advise using one of the wigs offered at the store.
▼ You’re welcome to just use a wig if you want to mix things up, though!
▼ Then there are accessories upon accessories upon accessories.
When you’re finished getting dolled up, it’s time to shoot some photos. You can pick from several different sets and backgrounds.
▼ We chose this poppy, colorful set that’s based on a real stage.
▼ And, voila! The magic happens.
Whether you’re going for a cute and modern kimono look, a traditional and glamorous oiran look, or you just want to be someone fabulous for a day, Studio Esperanto is the perfect stop on your visit to Kyoto.
And if you’re looking for a samurai to compliment your courtesan, then be sure to check out the samurai photo studio in Tokyo too.
Studio Information
Studio ESPERANTO Kokoro Kyoto Okazaki Studio
Kyoto-fu, Kyoto-shi, Sakyo-ku, Awataguchi Toriicho 53-37
京都府京都市左京区粟田口鳥居町53-37
Open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. (last entry is at 5 p.m.)
Website
[ Read in Japanese ]









Kyoto’s fox bride wedding kimono makeovers let you indulge in cultural cosplay
Our male reporter transforms into a beautiful Japanese courtesan at Tokyo photo studio
Now you can look like a Japanese courtesan too at specialty photography studio
Asakusa photo studio transforms visitors into courtesans, geisha and samurai
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
We try out the joys of Japan’s kakuuchi wine vending machine
Speed trap camera stolen from Saitama Police while in use
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]