How to ask the permission to take photos in Japanese?

Are you wondering if you should know how to ask the permission to take photos in Japanese? When you are in Japan, you will find yourself reaching for your camera more than once. Whether you are facing an interesting scenery, an incredible building, an old town or people, you will want to seize the moment.

Although Japanese people are strongly associated with cameras — to the extent that every caricature of a Japanese person features glasses and a camera, they are in fact very concerned about privacy and image right. Yes, it might comes as a surprise, but Japanese people care greatly for manners when it comes to take picture and rules regarding personal information.

In Japan, you might think twice before taking a picture as you might be scolded for breaking the rule. Let’s review the DOs & DON’Ts for cameras.

The kanji for prohibited are 「禁止」「きんし」”kinshi” and photography prohibited would be indicated with 「撮影禁止」「さつえいきんし」”satsuei kinshi”.

At the restaurant

If you do not notice any signs prohibiting photography, it is perfectly acceptable to take pictures. That being said, as it is the convention in Japan to eat hot food while it is still hot and cold food while it is still cold, avoid the temptation to do a photoshoot. The chef might not be far!

Publics places

The least we can say is to be discret and careful. Try not to point your cameras to obviously as it may cause concerns regarding privacy. The exception would probably be all the popular touristic spots.

In trains and public baths

Although you may try your shot in a Japanese train, do not take picture in a public baths. As beautiful and interesting as it may be, it causes more than concerns for image right. Except if you have the chance to visit a public bath outside opening hours.

Temples and shrines

Photography is often prohibited in temples or shrines. There are usually signs denoting this, but if not, it is best to check with someone. It is probably fine to include a priest as part of the scenery, but they may not appreciate having the camera pointed directly at them; not necessarily for religious reasons, but they may consider it bad manners.

So, let’s learn how to ask the permission to take photos in Japanese.

例１観光地
観光客：すみません。ここは、写真は大丈夫ですか。
ガイドさん：はい、大丈夫ですよ。
いいえ、ここはダメです。でも外はＯＫです。

Rei 1 Kankouchi
Kankoukaku: Sumimasen. Kokowa shashin wa daijyoubu desuka?
Gaidosan: Hai, daijyoubu desuyo.
Iie, Koko wa dame desune. Demo soto wa OK desu.

Example 1: Sight seeing area
Tourist: Excuse me. Is photography all right in here?
Guide: Yes, it is fine.
It is prohibited in here, but it is OK outside.

例２道
観光客：すみません。着物、きれいですね。写真を撮っても良いですか。
着物を着ている人：ええ、どうぞ。
あ、いや、ちょっと・・・

Rei 2 Michi
Kankoukaku: Sumimasen. Kimono, kirei desune. Shashin o tottemo iidesuka?
Kimono wo kite iru hito: Ee. douzo.
A, iya, chotto…

Example 2 On the street
Tourist: Excuse me. Your kimono is beautiful! May I take a picture?
Person in kimono: Yes, go ahead.
Oh, um, that’s a little…

Let’s check the essential vocabulary to ask if you can take photos in Japanese:

…wa daijyoubu deska? → Is ~ all right?
…temo iidesuka? → May I ~?
Douzo. → Go ahead.
Chotto… → That’s a little…, Not really.
Dame. → Not allowed.

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