Hello ! I am Lee, in-charge of the Chinese edition of YOKOSO Shinjuku. I along with my chief editor and Ms. Sunita Waiba (in-charge of English) visited Sengoku Photo Studio (戦国フォトスタジオ SAMURAI) for the interview.

This is a photo studio where you can experience the Japanese Samurai. It is very popular amongst foreigners. When I heard about the interview, I was very excited.

Once you entered inside, you will see various types of Armor illuminated by downlights as they line up on both sides of a long hallway. It feels like the warriors of the Sengoku are waiting for us.

We are warmly welcomed by the staff and Ms.Yamate who provide us a guide of the armor. The armor of this studio is almost the same style that which was worn by the warriors of the Sengoku Period. Among them, “Iseyasu Tokugawa” and “Yukimura Sanada” are the popular ones. Kamon (family crest) of Yukimura Sanada is in the form of old money which is very interesting.

Entrance

Hallway

There are various courses of photo shooting. This time we choose number 1 as recommended “TAKE PLAN (Bamboo plan)”. After choosing this course, we need to pick the armor and the background of the photo. My chief editor chooses the black based Ieyasu Tokugawa armor. Ms.Waiba and I choose the red colored Yakimura Sanada armor.

First, we change into white underclothes which is worn underneath a kimono and next we wear a Hakama. After a, “Dou (Copper)”, “Kote (Gauntlet)”, “Haidate (Thigh armor)” and “Suneate (Greaves)” are tied by string. Studio staff helped us to dress very politely and it feels like I have transformed into a great person. Now the preparation to wear armor is complete!

Selecting Armor

Preparation before wearing armor

The Armor weighs around 20kg in total and It gets heavier when I wear Kabuto (a warrior’s Helmet). The shoulder part especially felt heavy. The pre-preparation avoiding the chances of being stabbed by the sword of the old day’s had surprised me. After wearing armor, I felt amazed that the warriors fight with such a heavy armor!

While the staff attached the armor, the photographer also took my picture wearing the outfit.

Finally, the real shooting began. At the time of shooting, Samurai Sword Artist Mr. Achiwa was dressed in a smart and manly Hakama, who gave me pose guidance. With that spirit and photographer’s shutter, I felt like a Hollywood star!

Standby wearing armor

Posing Guide

The most interesting scene in the shoot is a riding horse. For a horse scene, I ride on a green colored table which was the same color as the background. The table seems to become a real horse after the CG editing complete. When I saw the edited CG photo, I was surprised by the amazing technique which was used!

As it said, fun times always pass by quickly, and already 90 minutes had past. Now, it’s time for the last and final shoot which was a group shot (3people).

Horse Scene

Group Picture

After changing my clothes and returning to the waiting room, the postcard was all ready. While I was watching the process the, mug and posters were getting finished. I was surprised by its speed. It felt great to receive so many goods in such a short space of time!

Take Course” I experienced took about 2 hours in total. It includes photography of 4 poses and comes with postcards, a mug, and a poster, all for 38,280 yen per person (tax included). Considering the top-notch service and quality of the final product, this price is reasonable.

Pricing

– UME Course: 32,780 yen (tax included)
– TAKE Course: 38,280 yen (tax included)
– MATSU Course: 43,780 yen (tax included)
– Parent-Child Plan [2 persons]: 54,780 yen (tax included)

All photography data will be provided to you.

I have lived in Japan for 7 years but it was my first and best experience. Not only the photography but also the chance to learn about the history of Samurai.
Please try it at least once!

CG Photo

Goods

★YOKOSO Shinjuku Special Information★
If you show this site to the shop person, you will get 500 yen discount in the payment!
(valid only once for one payment, it cannot be combined with any other coupons and discounts)

For Reservation, please fill the following inquiry form with the desire date, time, number of people and other preferences.

Information

NOTE: Shops information such as price, opening hours, closing time or additional details may be subject to change, so please be sure to check the latest information directly at the shop.

Access Map