Unleash Your Inner Otaku at These Top 6 Cosplay Photo Studios in Tokyo

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There’s a natural appeal to cosplay in Tokyo, one so popular that many cosplay photo studios in Tokyo can be found scattered around the city. Each studio is designed for you to dress up as your favorite character, including transforming your hair, make-up, and a photography session. So if cosplaying is your thing, why not visit cosplay studios in Tokyo as a fun way to capture fun moments dressed as your favorite anime character?

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Cosplay Photo Studios in Tokyo

We are almost sure that if you love anime or have been a fan at some point, you may want to become one of your favorite characters in real life. So whether you are a fan of traditional Japanese costumes or anime characters, Tokyo is where you can find the best cosplay studios to make your dreams come true. This list will introduce you to 6 excellent cosplay photo studios in Tokyo where you can have fun and create memorable photo moments.

Cocomo TOKYO

If you are looking for a traditional cosplay studio in Japan, Cocomo is where you can dress in Oiran cosplay, Samurai cosplay, Maiko cosplay, and more. Transform yourself into an Oiran superstar or a Geisha beauty while creating incredible photo moments to keep forever.

Located in the center of Asakusa, the studio is close to the station, the Asakusa Temple, and the Sumida River. The high-ceiling Japanese-style studio can shoot with Japanese gardens, a drum bridge, or tea. The background can also match your chosen Kimono. The shoot can take place outdoors, at the Asakura shrine and the temple.

Cocomo is made up of experienced women who make the process quick and enjoyable. The staff is very attentive to your needs and can help bring your vision into reality. Visitors loved the make-up, selection of costumes, friendly staff, and, more than anything – the fun atmosphere. You also receive your photos the same day.

Whether you choose a Kimono, Orian, Geisha photoshoot, or Samurai experience will depend on the time and price of this experience. The process of dressing up and photo taking can take up to 1 hr. 30 minutes, and the cost varies depending on which plan you choose.

No matter your plans, carve out less than two hours of the day to dress up as your favorite character, snap some photos and keep the memories forever.

Website: https://www.cocomo.tokyo/en/

Phone number: 03-3847-0763

Address: 2nd floor, 1-29-8 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Access information:

Tokyo Metro Ginza Line 2 min by walk from Exit1

Tsukuba Express (TX) 2 min by walk from Exit A1

Tobu Railway Sky Tree Line 3min by walk from Main EXit

Asakusa Line 3min by walk from ExitA4

Opening hours: 10:00～20:00, open all year round

The average cost: 14,000 yen -40,000 yen

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Esperanto Kokoro

At Esperanto Kokoro, all you have to do is select a plan, style, and booth and have your magical moments captured. Then, enjoy a variety of Japanese-style transformations and dress up as your favorite character.

Located in Minami Aoyama, a self-declared fashionable spot, the Esperanto studio is a stunning place to capture your cosplay character. This cosplay studio has created popular plans, including the Oiran photoshoot and retro-modern kimonos. Whether you want to capture a portrait or a makeover, the studio creates your ideal image.

Make reservations as many days in advance as possible, or if you are lucky, a vacancy may pop up on the day. There are six plans to choose from, two of them being the Makeover A course and the Couple A course. For Makeover A course – choose one style, shot in one booth, with 30 shots captured and 3 retouches. The Couple A course also offers one style for each person, one booth, 50 shots, and 5 retouches.

With a primarily female clientele, most women have loved the make-up, selection of costumes, friendly staff, relaxing environment, and the transformative process. For a lot of customers, this experience is a magical one.

So, if you want to capture beautiful photos, celebrate an occasion, or immerse yourself in cosplay photo studios in Tokyo, Esperanto is where the most beautiful photos are created.

Website: https://tokyo.studio-esperanto.com/tag/makeover/

Phone number: 03-3405-1500

Address: 3-4-5 Minami Aoyama, Minato Ward, Tokyo

Access information:

4-minute walk from Exit 1a of Gaienmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line

Opening hours:

Weekdays 11:00 – 20:00 (Last entry 17:00)

Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:00 – 20:00 (Last reception 17:00)

The average cost: 20,000 yen-60,000 yen

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Tips

  • Is there a cancellation fee?

A cancellation fee of 50% of the plan fee will be charged the day before the shooting date, and 100% on the day. The same applies if the date is changed, so please contact them as soon as possible.

  • Is it possible for men to experience it too?

No, they do not allow men to take pictures of transformations, as the make-up room and locker room are for women only. For men, they have a ”couple plan” that allows you to shoot with a woman.

  • I am LGBT. Can I still take pictures?

Currently, in order to prevent misunderstandings and troubles between customers,  only customers who identify as female and who express themselves as a female can be photographed. 

Tokyo Kawaii Studio Harajuku (東京Kawaiiスタジオ原宿)

Harajuku is the place to experience unique kawaii fashion culture. Specializing in Lolita cosplay, this studio includes plans for dress-up and photos with your own smartphone or camera. 

You can find Tokyo Kawaii Studio, a 5-minute walk from Harajuku station, right amid Tokyo’s art and design center. With such a vibrant scene, this is the perfect cosplay photo studio in Tokyo to feel free to create your own cosplay experience.

Choose from three different plans (princess plan, couple plan, and memorial plan) and spend time getting creative with your character. This cosplay photo studio allows a minimum of 1 hour and 20 min for one session for one person and up to 2 hours and 10 min for three people.

Keep in mind that this experience is for adults only, and primarily for a female clientele. The costume sizes are labelled free sizes, meaning some items can be adjusted on the spot.

Since Harajuku is considered Tokyo’s fashion district, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself into the cosplay culture, more specifically into this Lolita cosplay experience, and snap photos that you can treasure.

Website: https://kawaii-studio.com/

Address: 1-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Access information: 5 minutes walk from Harajuku station

Opening hours:11:00-18:00

The average cost : 10,000 yen -40,000 yen

Map

Tips

  • Can children experience it?

Basically, they do not allow children to participate in the experience. Lolita fashion is a fashion genre born out of a desire for adult women to be cute all the time, so there are no small sizes available. Recommended for those over 140 cm tall and junior high school students or older.

  • Can men experience it?

For now, this is not possible. However, in the future, they will set up a day where one can enjoy the Lolita experience regardless of gender.

  • Can a companion enter the store as an attendant?

If you let them know in advance, it is possible to accompany those who do not participate in the experience. Men can enter even during regular business hours if they are accompanied only. In principle, the number of companions is limited to 1 person. Also, the space is very narrow, and there are stairs.

Minina (変身写真館ミニーナ）

Minina is the place to count on if you want to experience cosplay photo studios in Tokyo for the first time. Transform into your favorite character and leave all the details to the stylist, make-up artist, and photographers. Just bring yourself.

Easily accessible by foot from any nearby station, Minina cosplay studio has 200 sets of costumes to choose from and a movie-like set in the studio. This cosplay studio is fully equipped with everything you need to get a makeover and capture it in a fabulous photo.

Minina offers different plans, including a Solo Package and a Couple Package. The Solo Package is a 3-hour experience where you will receive a costume, accessories, glam, two edited photos, a mini album, and a CD-ROM with data. The Couples Package is a special photography experience for chartering the whole museum. You also receive costume, glam, as well as 15 edited photos, an insert album, a special album, CD-ROM with data.

Those who have visited this cosplay studio have loved the wonderfully designed dresses, and the friendly staff. I also found the studio set to be a wonderful fantasy world, one where you can become anything you wish.

Minina is a fabulous new experience to try and one where you can try any cosplay outfit. This is your chance to become a model or actress for a day and see how glamorous your transformation can be.

Website: https://www.minina.me/

Phone number: 03-6801-8766

Address: 2-10-1 Koishikawa, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Access information:

5 minutes walk from Exit 4b of Korakuen Station on the Tokyo Metro

5-minute walk from Toei Subway Kasuga Station Exit 6

9 minutes on foot from JR Sobu Line “Suidobashi Station”

Opening hours: 10:00 AM-7:00 PM, regular holiday: Tuesday

The average cost: 25,000 yen-176,000 yen

Map

Samurai Armor Photo Studio

Moving onto a cosplay studio in Japan that men can also experience, the Samurai Armor Photo Studio is where you can step into the world of being a samurai. So, wear armor and snap a photo of your best heroic self.

Located in the Shibuya area, with a short walk from nearby stations, this cosplay studio is great for those who are fans of Japanese history. If you are roaming in the Shibuya area, why not stop by and take part in this fun photo shoot opportunity?

Take your pick from the 7 suits of Kacchu & helmet, and be dressed by a professional Kacchu dresser. Why not try the Shibuya Street Shooting Course, where you can walk the streets and shoot as many photos as you wish? Who knows, you may even get cheers or photo requests from the crowd.

Customers have loved the feeling of wearing armor. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and through this experience, you will be able to have your photo taken using various weapons and tools.

Visiting the Samurai Armor Photo Studio is such a unique experience and perfect if you are looking for a way to immerse your spirit with Japanese culture.

Website: http://samurai.bz/experience.html?id=experience

Phone number:03-4330-7200

Address: 5-6 Maruyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo King Building 7F

Access information:

-10 minutes walk from JR Shibuya Station

-3 minutes walk from Keio Line Shinsen Station

Opening hours:10:00AM-9:00PM

The average cost :13,000 yen-40,000 yen

Map

Cospedia studio (コスペディアスタジオ)

Become the character you envision at Cospedia, a private cosplay studio in Japan with free costume rental and an opportunity to bring your own props. The creative process at this cosplay studio can be entirely up to you.

Cospedia’s character wigs are one of the largest wig companies in Japan and highly rated compared to other manufacturers. This studio is in Asakusabashi, known for its traditional Japanese doll shops. To reach the studio, it’s an 8-minute walk from the Asakusabashi Station.

Whether you want to try cosplay photo studios in Tokyo for the first time or create your unique vision to come to life, choose your own background, and favorite anime character, and make a reservation for your photo session. Depending on your chosen packages, you can spend between 5 to 8 hours in this photo studio.

Cospedia is not only a photography studio but one of the best cosplay wig manufacturers. So, if you are looking for a wig that you can use repeatedly, and a selection of costumes, this cosplay studio is your go-to!

Website: https://www.cospediawig.jp/

Phone number: 03-5846-9107

Address:3 Chome-10-9 Asakusabashi, Taito City, Tokyo

Access information: 8 minute walk from Asakusabashi Station West Exit

Opening hours:9:30AM–9 PM, no regular holiday

The average cost : 4,400 yen to 32,000 yen

Map

Tips

  • If you wish to rent, please specify the costume, wig, and size you want to rent when making a reservation.
  • If you wish to rent a wig, please make a reservation 5 business days in advance. (Saturdays and Sundays are not included in business days, so please make a reservation before that.) *There may be cases where character wigs cannot be rented depending on the inventory status.
  • Regarding cancellation after reservation, a cancellation fee will be charged 1 week before the reservation date.
    • 7-3 days before: 30%
    • 2 days before: 50%
    • The day before: 80%
    • On the day: 100%
  • To make a reservation, please send them an email with the following information.
    • The color of the wallpaper, desired date and time, name, and e-mail address.
    • Their E-mail address is shop@janet.co.jp

Where to buy cosplay in Tokyo

ACOS

ACOS offers everything you need for cosplay, including shoes, colored contact lenses, and cosmetics. They have many anime outfits, which are all very well-made! The cosplay store in Tokyo store is fun to explore due to its size, and even if you don’t buy anything, it could be exciting to see the outfits of all your favorite anime characters!

https://youtu.be/UR2HmSAmWQw

Website: https://www.acos.me/

Phone number: 03-5979-7471

Address: Animate Annex 2-3F, 3-2-1 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Access information: 7 minutes walk from Ikebukuro station

Opening hours:

Weekdays 13:00-20:00

Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 12:00-19:00

Map

ConCielge (コスプレウィッグ専門店コンシェルジュ)

ConCielge cosplay store in Tokyo specializes in wigs. With over 400 colors, you are sure to find the perfect wig to go with your outfit. The wigs are also designed with length and bangs so that you can easily adjust them to your needs. If you are an intermediate or advanced user of wigs, these are perfect for you!

Website: http://xn--tckm4gsdz489c9ke.jp/

Address:6F Kyoei Building, 3-2-4 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Access information: 6 minutes walk from Higashi-ikebukuro station

Opening hours: 11:00-20:00, Irregular holidays

Map

Assist Wig (アシストウィッグ池袋店）

Assist Wig is where you can find various accessories, including contact lenses, cosmetics, and wigs. There are also the basics, such as t-shirts, that are commonly used in cosplay costumes. With lots of equipment for basic cosplay needs, the Assist Wig cosplay store in Tokyo is a good place to start.

https://youtu.be/ET9DISBQs7A

Website: https://www.assist-wig.com/page/shop-info/shop-ikebukuro

Phone number:03-6907-0707

Address: Second Asahi Building 1F, 3-4-1 Higashi-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Access information: 4minitues walk from Higashi-ikebukuro station

Opening hours:

11:30-21:00 Closed: 3rd Wednesday of odd-numbered months (*If the 3rd Wednesday is a holiday, the next day will be closed)

open all year round

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Is it okay for a foreigner to cosplay in Tokyo?

For Japanese cosplayers, the culture of cosplay is a fun experience. But you are wondering how they feel about foreign cosplayers? Well, it turns out that foreigners are super welcome. No matter where you are from, if you are a fan of cosplay or the anime culture, Japanese cosplayers embrace new and foreign cosplayers to join.

Conclusion

  • You can find a traditional cosplay experience at Cocomo Tokyo. Ranging from Oiran cosplay, Samurai cosplay, Maiko cosplay and more. You can even transform yourself into a Geisha beauty and capture the most beautiful photo moments.
  • Whether you want to capture a portrait or a makeover, at Esperanto Kokoro you can enjoy a variety of Japanese-style transformations. Be sure to book in advance and relax knowing that the staff will help you transform into what you have envisioned.
  • Unique kawaii fashion culture can be found at Tokyo Kawaii Studio in Harajuku. Specializing in Lolita cosplay, this studio allows you to choose from different plans and even shoot with your own camera.
  • The Minina cosplay studio is filled with 200 costumes to choose from. With a fully equipped studio and a movie-like set, you can get a complete makeover and capture it in a fabulous photo!
  • There are cosplay studios that men can freely enjoy as well, and Samurai Armor Photo Studio is one of them. Dress in your favorite armor snapshots out on the streets, or try a pose with the various weapons available.
  • Cospedia is a popular cosplay studio and a wig manufacturer. With so many wigs and costumes to choose from, you can customize your character, set up your own scene, and have complete control of the character you wish to create.

Uncover More Wonders of Japan

After a day of embracing your inner otaku at Tokyo’s top cosplay photo studios, you might be ready for a new adventure:

  • Affordable Buffets in Tokyo: These buffets offer a wide range of Japanese cuisine that won’t break the bank. You can satisfy your hunger without emptying your wallet, from sushi to desserts. After all, who said that a delicious and affordable feast couldn’t follow a day of cosplay?
Hienadz Vardanyan
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