Welcome to the traditional heart of Japan, the beautiful and charming city of Kyoto.
Kyoto is the kind of city that feels like a dream, so it’s inevitably crowded with tourists. Capturing that dreamy vibe on camera might be difficult because of that, but here you will find how to manage the crowds and visit all the beautiful places this city has to offer.
Keep reading for the best photography spots in Kyoto with survival tips!
Fushimi Inari Taisha: the torii gates
With over 10,000 orange gates snaking up the mountain, this is a color-lover’s dream. The light filters through the gaps in the gates, creating a spiritual and visual journey that feels like a labyrinth.
Make sure to visit in the early morning before the crowds.
Kiyomizu-dera temple
This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its massive wooden stage that was built without a single nail. It offers a panoramic view of Kyoto and is surrounded by hundreds of cherry and maple trees that change color with the seasons.
The best time to visit is right before sunset, when the sun hits the wooden complex. It’s magical!
Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
These preserved pedestrian streets are the heart of old Kyoto and it feels like traveling back in time, walking along the traditional wooden machine houses… if it wasn’t for the hordes of tourists. They are probably the most famous streets in Japan so it will probably the busiest streets you will find during your trip.
To capture the serene, moody vibe of the Edo period, you need to be there before sunrise… and you won’t be the only one.
Yasaka-jinja Shrine
Located at the intersection of Gion and Higashiyama, this shrine is the social hub of Kyoto. It is famous for the hundreds of paper lanterns hanging in its central pavilion, each inscribed with the name of a local business.
To be honest, this is a place I’d rather visit at night when the vibe is 10000% nicer. The lanterns make it really magical.
Arashiyama bamboo forest
Walking through the bamboo path in Arashiyama is a sensory experience. But again, it’s very famous, it’s quite a short path and it’s always busy with tourists. In the early morning there is not enough light but it’s still the best moment to visit if you’d like to take photos without the crowds.
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji: the alternative bamboo path
This temple is famous for its stone Buddhist statues and stupas. These statues were originally scattered around the Adashino area to memorialize souls who died without kin, and they were later gathered here at the turn of the 20th century. Beyond the field of statues, the temple also has its own private bamboo grove, which is much quieter and more peaceful than the main Arashiyama bamboo forest.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji: the whimsical temple
Located just a 10 minute walk uphill from Adashino, this temple is home to 1,200 unique Rakan statues(disciples of Buddha). Unlike older temples, these were carved by amateurs in the 1980s and 90s, giving them a very quirky and modern vibe. You’ll find statues holding tennis rackets, drinking sake, or even carrying portable cassette players! The moss-covered statues climbing the hillside create a magical, “fairytale” atmosphere that is absolute gold for photos.
Kinkaku-Ji: the golden pavilion
Also known as the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji is arguably Kyoto’s most famous landmark and a must-see for any photography focused itinerary. This Zen Buddhist temple is unique because it’s completely covered in pure gold leaf, which creates a beautiful reflection in the pond.
It’s also a crowded location to visit, and my recommendation is to go here a couple of hours before sunset.
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
If you’re staying near Kyoto station, this massive temple complex is well worth a visit. It features one of the largest wooden structures in the world. The scale of this place is hard to describe until you’re standing there.
