Film Lab Experience in Kyoto
Shoot • Develop • Scan
Duration: Approximately 3.5–4 hours
(The total time may vary depending on pace and conditions.)
Languages: English
Host: MOMO
About Your Host
Hi, I’m Momo. I’m a photographic artist born and raised in Kyoto.
My father founded Yasui Camera, and I’ve been helping in the lab since I was 16. After graduating from art college, I worked as a photographer in Europe before returning home.
My family has deep roots in this area, and I love guiding people to Kyoto’s quiet, hidden corners—places where the city’s true spirit lives.
This experience is not about strict lessons, but about slowing down, shooting film together, and enjoying the process.I truly look forward to meeting you.
What You’ll Experience
Visit quiet, hidden photo spots in Kyoto and shoot with 35mm color film (C-41).
After the walk, we return to our film lab, where your film is carefully developed on Fujifilm machines and scanned using our Noritsu system. You’ll get to witness the moment your film negatives emerge from the developing machine—a quiet, satisfying part of the film photography process.
While your film is being processed, you’re welcome to enjoy a short walk to a historic local temple founded about 1,380 years ago, just a few minutes from the lab, or relax nearby.
Who This Experience Is For
This experience is open to everyone—from complete beginners to those who have been shooting film for many years. No matter your level, you’re welcome to join, take photos at your own pace, and enjoy the process together.
If you’re curious about film photography, art, and quiet moments in Kyoto, this experience is for you.
Price
12,000 JPY (tax included)
The experience fee includes : One roll of 35mm color film
Developing and scanning of that roll at our lab
If you have your own 35mm film camera, please bring it with you. If you don’t have a camera, disposable cameras are available for purchase with an additional fee.
Transportation costs (trains, buses, taxis) and meals are not included.
Because public transit is limited in this area, a taxi may be used after the photo session.
Meeting Point
Hankyu Kyoto Line Rakusaiguchi Station
A petite Japanese woman will be waiting at the ticket gate and smiling at you.
Reservation
Please fill out the reservation form below.
A 50% deposit payment is required to confirm your booking.
Payment details will be provided in the form, and your reservation will be confirmed once the deposit is completed.
You will receive a reply within 24 hours after submitting your request.
Film Lab Experience Timeline
(Approx. 3.5–4 hours total)
Meet at the station
We meet at Hankyu Rakusaiguchi Station and head together to the starting point of the bamboo grove.
Start shooting in the quiet bamboo grove
You will begin shooting your 35mm film at your own pace. We spend about one hour exploring soft light, quiet paths, and the gentle sounds of the bamboo.
There is also a small Bamboo Museum nearby (free entrance), where you can learn more about the culture and history of Kyoto’s bamboo forests.
Move to the film lab / Check-in
After the photo session, we move to the film lab and check in.
Film developing begins
Your film is developed on-site.
Processing takes approximately 45–60 minutes.
Free time during development
During this time, you are free to enjoy the neighborhood:
Visit a historic temple located just two minutes away on foot
Relax in the quiet room on the second floor
Each participant (up to 3 people) may spend this time as they wish.
Scanning
Your negatives are scanned using our Noritsu system. Watching your images appear for the first time brings a special kind of excitement and joy—like welcoming something new and precious into the world.
We hope you’ll share this moment with us and create an unforgettable memory of Kyoto together.
Additional Notes
Group Size
Maximum of 3
participants.
If you wish to join with more people, please contact us in advance.
Film & Delivery Details
Developed negatives will be handed to you on the same day. Scanned image data will be shared via a download link after the experience.
This experience is designed for 35mm color film (C-41 process) only, which can be developed in our lab.
Black & white film, reversal (slide) film, and medium format (120) film require outside processing and are not included in this experience.
Schedule Flexibility & Film Pickup
If you need to leave before film processing is finished, we can ship your negatives to your hotel in Japan or to your home country (shipping fee not included). Please let us know in advance if you would like this option.
Photography in the Lab
We’re happy if you share your experience on social media and help spread the joy of film photography.
However, this is an active working lab that handles other customers’ precious film. If you’d like to take photos or videos inside the lab, please let us know beforehand so we can ensure privacy and safety for everyone.
Weather Policy
This experience is held rain or shine, including light rain, so please come prepared with appropriate clothing.
For safety reasons, the experience may be canceled only in cases of severe weather warnings or major transportation disruptions. In such cases, we will contact you as soon as possible.
Accessibility
This experience includes walking on uneven natural paths and is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Children
If you plan to join with children, please contact us in advance. For safety reasons and because our lab handles important film data, prior consultation is required. I’m a mother of two myself and truly understand.
Contact
If you have any questions before booking, please feel free to contact us by email:
momoyo.yasuicamera@gmail.com
(We usually reply within 24 hours.)
For guests with confirmed reservations, we will share a direct contact (WhatsApp or phone number) after booking, in case of urgent matters on the day of the experience.
