Kai, Localgrapher in Kyoto

Style:

Natural, cinematic.

Likes:

Observing people’s faces – I love facial expressions, they describe their personalities a lot.

Racoons – I had an encounter with a wild one inside a house in NYC. I gave him an apple.

I love them ever since. Cheese – I use to doodle a triangle with a face (cheese) on doors in my house when I was a kid. I love it that much.

Recommended places:

Gion area – Pontocho alley, Hanami koji street, Kenninji Temple, Shirakawakoji street, Yasaka shrine, Ninen-zaka. Gion are has lots of photo spots that have traditional Kyoto looks and they are all within the walking distance. There are old houses and shops, you might have a chance to see Geisha! Arashiyama – Bamboo forest, Togetsu Bridge, Arashiyama park, Nonomiya Shrine. Bamboo forest is no doubt a great spot to shoot at as the bamboos are very unique and you cannot find anything like that in any other places in Kyoto. If you want to experience a shoot in nature, Arashiyama is a good spot for it. Fushimi Inari area – Fushimi Inari shrine, Tofukuji temple. The famous red gates are of course the spot to get pictures done, but the shrine itself has a long history and many little stories to every part of the shrine. They are in a small mountain that you can hike up, and also there is a little bamboo forest as well. Tofukuji temple is a hidden spot where not many people go except the autumn season, but the little bridge that you can view the beautiful Japanese garden is as awesome place to feel the art of Kyoto culture. Fushimi Momoyama area – This area is a hidden gem, as most tourists do no visit. It is a birth place of famous Sake in Kyoto with rich history. There are so many cherry blossom trees along a river, trust me, you have to come here for a photoshoot if you are in Kyoto in Spring season! This area also has a tomb of Emperor Meiji. The tomb is located in a huge property with pine trees. It is majestic, and so quiet. It can be a very intimate setting for a photoshoot.

Languages spoken:

English, Japanese.