
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
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Ramen restaurant in top Tokyo tourist neighborhood skips price gouging, but how does it taste?
Can you make butter by running with a pouch filled with cream? Let’s find out[Taste test]
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Public restrooms in Osaka to get in-stall video screens with ads
An overnight trip on the Sunrise Izumo, Japan’s awesome Tokyo-Shimane sleeper train【Photos】
Peko-chan Milky Time Cafe opens in Chiba and we go to check out all of the pastries and merch
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says