Formal — to staff
Museum · Garden · Photography
You
すみません、ここで三脚を使って写真を撮っても大丈夫ですか？
すみません、ここでさんきゃくをつかってしゃしんをとってもだいじょうぶですか？
Excuse me, is it okay to use a tripod for taking photos here?
Romaji: Sumimasen, koko de sankyaku o tsukatte shashin o totte mo daijōbu desu ka? / Reply Romaji: Mōshiwake gozaimasen, sankyaku no goshayō wa goenryo itadaite orimasu.
Reply
申し訳ございません、三脚のご使用はご遠慮いただいております。
もうしわけございません、さんきゃくのごしようはごえんりょいただいております。
We apologize, but the use of tripods is prohibited here.
Gesture & etiquette
Hold up a hand as if holding a camera, then make a gesture with three fingers pointing downwards for the tripod. Slight bow.
Many popular attractions, museums, gardens, and temple/shrine grounds (especially indoors) prohibit tripods due to space constraints, safety concerns, or to protect artifacts/privacy. Always ask for permission before setting up a tripod, even if you see others taking photos.