You can remove the bottom cushion by pulling straight up at the front 2 corners (brute force). Once the bottom cushion removed, it's quite easy to remove the side cushion. Strut upper mount nuts/bolts are accessible without touching anything else, no need to remove the deck.

 

Should mention that although the above is true, it is easier to work on with the deck removed.

 

Hello,

I replaced all four struts/shocks on my 1999 Camry a few months after I got it... now, me being a somewhat mechanically inclined new Camry owner, I took to the interwebs to search out an answer to your same question. I couldn't find where/how to access the top mounts for the rear set.

Anyway.... this YouTube video helped me get out the rear seat and side cusions and made it easier for me to get to the top mounts:

Sorry, I'm still "new" to this board... I don't know how to direct-link a YT video...

Incidentally, this video was based off of some thread here on TN... in fact, it was this vid that first lead me here to TN two years ago... I've since learned an awful lot about my Camry.

Hope this helps,
'99Probs

 

Check out this thread in the stickies:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/107-camry-solara-lounge/276024-diy-rear-strut-r-r.html

 

"If i remove them, i'm cutting that panel in half and re attaching them with some cabinet latches just above the seat so i dont have to remove the whole rear seat sides just to have access to the top of the strut."

Haaaaa, that's awesome!!

Although the struts are accessible without removing the rear deck, I found the access to be MUCH easier with the rear deck out of the way.

 

Your gonna have to show me how to do that because the deck covers the bolts and it conveniently is hiding behind the side cushions. Although the removal of them im not too terribly worried about, its the reinstalling of them is what i remember being a pain.

Because if im gonna go back in there i want to make it so i dont have to remove those last cushions, because eventually ill replace these struts (maybe) again down the road.... KYB's arent as good as tokicos