A Family Kimono Photoshoot Experience in Ho Chi Minh City

May 5, 2024

Hello from our family of four in Ho Chi Minh City! With our daughter turning three this year, we recently had her Shichi-Go-San photos taken.

Originally, we planned to return to Japan in November for the shoot, but traveling back with two young children is not only costly but also exhausting. So, we set our hearts on finding a solution right here in Ho Chi Minh!

After some searching, we discovered Soshakan studio in District 7, renowned for their exquisite kimono dressing skills.

Please check out our vlog for detailed photos and videos of the actual kimonos.

Reservations and Preparation

Finding the studio was just the beginning of our challenge. They had no website, making contact details elusive. Their Facebook page hadn't been updated in years, casting doubt on their operation. My messages went unanswered for days.

Just when we were about to give up, we met someone who knew the studio staff. "They are excellent at kimono dressing but notoriously slow in communication," they said, assuring us that the studio was still operational and even had staff who spoke Japanese.

Armed with this info, I tried again. This time, I sent messages in Romanized Japanese, which finally got a response.

The Day of the Shoot

We had our appointment at 9:30 AM and finished around 12:30 PM, totaling about three hours, excluding travel time.

The studio was located on the third floor of a villa with no sign, making it hard to identify. At the time of our visit, the first floor hosted a Trung Nguyen Legend cafe.

We didn't need to bring much since the studio provided the kimonos. However, my husband brought a suit, and we took some snacks and toys to keep the kids happy.

Choosing Kimonos and Makeup

First, we picked out kimonos and hairstyles. The makeup was quick and aimed for photogenic results.

The selection included around ten options for adult kimonos and twenty for children.

Photography Session

The shoot started well but quickly turned chaotic with the kids. My daughter refused to wear the geta (wooden sandals) or hold any props, and soon both kids were in tears.

Despite the challenges, we managed a few good shots before concluding the session.

Choosing Photos

We quickly selected our favorite photos while the kids were calm, choosing six to keep as digital files, with four to print.

Costs

Family photos with retouch and print: 1,445,000 VND
Kimono rental and makeup for mom: 870,000 VND
Kimono rental and makeup for daughter: 570,000 VND
Two digital photos of the whole family: 500,000 VND
Two digital photos of just my daughter: 200,000 VND

Total: 3,585,000 VND (about $140)

Considering the cost of kimono rental and makeup in Japan, this was quite a bargain.

I hope our experience helps anyone planning a Shichi-Go-San photoshoot in Ho Chi Minh.

And remember, this studio also offers Ao Dai sessions, perfect for those wanting to try the Vietnamese national costume during their visit!

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