The second most visited city in Japan is Kyoto. After the capital, Tokyo, most travellers choose to take the Shinkansen and get to the Temple’s city. Famous for its toriis, geishas and pagodas, Kyoto is heaven for photographers. But what are the best Kyoto photography spots?
Creating a top places list to photograph in Kyoto was very difficult. I spent almost a whole week in Kyoto, and every single day I found something worth being on this list. However, only 7 can make it to this list. If you have any doubt or comment, tell me in the comments, or find me on Instagram as @aniolvisuals.
To photograph Kyoto I recommend both a wide-angle lens and a good zoom (something between 35-200mm ideally). As you will see in the list below, there are some nice viewpoints and to take photos from there you will need to use a zoom. Here you have the top 7 places to photograph in Kyoto, Japan.
1. Fushimi Inari Taisha
A must in any Kyoto list. The famous corridor of red torii gates (vermillion, to be precise) is probably the most iconic spot in Kyoto. Not an easy place to photograph, mostly due to the hordes of tourists and the complexity of the location. Compositing in this beautiful location can be very hard, and to overcome this difficulty I visited the area without any intention to take any photos, just to observe and find locations.
With this initial scout, I realized that I needed quite a lot of time to take a good photo and that I needed the area to be empty. Therefore, I woke up at 4:30 am and went to Fushimi Inari for the sunrise. Don’t expect colours or any special light, but you will have all the area for yourself.
Don’t get stuck at the initial row of torii. There are more than 4 km of Toriis, and good photos can be taken at any point (if you know the area a bit or if you are a master of composition).
2. Yasaka Pagoda
Another of the most well-known locations, and famous among typical Kyoto photography spots. Like in #1, lots of locals and tourists occupy the area during daytime. Again, the best time to visit is either at night or at sunrise. I chose a Saturday sunset which meant that it was impossible to get a clean shot.
However, I found a unique location for a distant view of the pagoda, from this exact spot. I met a local guy that recommended to wait for the sunset from there, and later on, get closer to the pagoda to get the most common image. Wise advice, as I could get two amazing pictures that otherwise I would not have been able to get.
3. Golden and Silver pavilion
Both the Kinkaku-ji and the Ginkaku-ji are two of the most well-known temples in Kyoto. Included in this list, those were not my favourite Kyoto temples, but have to be here. Due to the touristy way of visiting both temples it is not possible to get there for the sunrise or sunset, plant a tripod or just enjoy it alone.
Get there before the opening time (especially at the Golden one) because unlike the previous spots, you can’t avoid the tourists here. Therefore, get creative and try to find different views. I tried something different at each of them, here you have the results.
4. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Another world-famous area. Thus, another massified spot. Getting there early is only possible if: 1. You have your own car 2. You are sleeping in the area. I highly recommend sleeping in the Arashyiama area. I wasn’t sure whether or not to do it, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I took in Kyoto.
This area is full of Onsens, the japanese thermal baths. I loved the experience of a traditional japanese bath, relaxing and unique. Try to find a non-touristic Onsen, and read a bit what to expect before visiting it. Etiquette is important in Onsens, and you don’t want to look like the disrespecting tourist.
After the Onsen and a short night, wake up as early as possible and get to the bamboo forest. The time window between sunrise and tourists arriving is small, and you won’t be alone unless it is raining (like it happened when I was there). Check the weather, and use a wide angle lense. The wider, the better in this case.
5. Secret Kyoto Bamboo Forest
Arashiyama is not only a 200mts bamboo forest. The area is full of small (and not so small) temples, some of them worth visiting. Among those, there is a very special one. The secret Kyoto bamboo grove is in the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple (here), at a walking distance from the most popular Arashiyama spots.
Walking to the temple is a very interesting experience, as the tourists disappear and small houses with beautiful gardens dominate the streets. The temple itself is special, as it commemorates the souls of those who died without kin.
Inside the temple area (you have to pay around 500 yen) there is the hidden bamboo forest. Smaller and shorter than the big one, but in my opinion, better. The sense of discovery and uniqueness you feel when taking the photo can’t be compared with anything.
6. Kiyomizu-dera
Another must-visit spot in Kyoto. Unlike the previous ones, the result of your photo there will depend a LOT on the season. Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to visit Kiyomizu-dera. However, if you are not visiting during these months, it is still worth visiting it. Note that you have to pay to enter and that the temple closes early, making a good sunrise/sunset photography almost impossible.
Don’t get stuck taking the typical photo. There are at least another worthy photo spots. One is the Taisanji temple. If you are a street photographer, there are lots of people with kimono walking in the area, creating excellent Japanese vibes.
7. Gion district
The last of my recommended Kyoto photography spots. This is not an exact spot, it is the whole Kyoto geisha area. Maybe the most beautiful and peaceful neighbourhood I visited in Japan, although this was during the 2020 COVID pandemic, so don’t expect empty streets.
Highly recommended to visit both during day and night, as the contrast is worth experiencing. If you spot a Geisha, please remember it is someone working, not there to entertain you or to stop because you want a close-up of her face. Be respectful. It is possible to see Geishas, and if you want to take photos of them (there is a risk of being fined if you do it), at least use a zoom lens and take them from some distance.
Visit Kyoto, and explore the listed Kyoto photography spots, you will not regret it! If you want to see more of my work in Japan or any other of my trips, visit my Instagram! If you have any question, or you want to use my photos, contact me via the contact form or aniolvisuals@gmail.com.
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