Kyoto Birthday Surprise

At Hagoromoya, many guests visit us to celebrate special moments or simply as a gift to themselves.
This young lady from Romania had just arrived in Japan the day before—still sleepy and a little unhappy when she was brought to our studio as a surprise.

It was her very first trip to Japan and a special celebration of her 14th birthday.
Despite the tiredness, she stepped into the world of kimono right here in the heart of Gion, the district she had always dreamed of. Watching her gradually brighten up during the experience was truly heartwarming.

All ready to go!

While we dressed her in the kimono, her parents waited excitedly outside — and when everything was finished, she made her big “ta‑da!” entrance just for them.

Studio Session

First, we started with studio photos.
She chose this outfit after a lot of thought — a black kimono with colorful floral patterns.
It has the perfect balance of elegance and cuteness, and she looked amazing in both styles.

Gion Shirakawa Location photo

After the studio session, we headed to her dream spot—Gion—for an outdoor photoshoot.
By then, all the sleepiness had completely disappeared, and she posed with confidence and grace. The warm light that appeared from time to time made the whole session even more magical.

We also took some commemorative photos with her parents, who had been gently watching over her the entire time.
Her solo shots looked beautifully mature, yet the moment she stood next to her parents, her expression softened into the sweetest, childlike smile.
Such a lovely contrast—and such a precious memory for all of them.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

After returning from the location shoot, we celebrated her birthday.
Her parents had told us in advance that the photoshoot was meant to be a birthday surprise, but she had no idea.

It was a small celebration, but we truly hope it becomes a special memory for her — a sweet moment added to her first trip to Japan.

Additional Info

■ Take a look their experience at Hagoromoya’s Instagram: Instagram Reel
■ Review：Google Review