A Photographer’s Guide to Kyoto, Japan
The true great thing about Japanese tradition involves life within the conventional metropolis of Kyoto.
Wooded forests conceal ornate temples and shrines, Geisha scurry into historic service provider homes on dimly lit alleys and misty mountains reveal their magnificence all through the seasons.
A go to to Kyoto is like experiencing a glimpse into the previous. With over 2000 temples and an enormous variety of UNESCO world heritage websites, town is called Japan’s cultural capital. Those hoping to witness the quirkier aspect of Japan can be saved busy too with Purikura (photograph cubicles) and arcades, animal cafes and markets crammed with bizarre delights. Whether you’re seeking to seize the delicacies, nature, traditions or bustle of Kyoto, there’s one thing photogenic for everybody.
Depending on if you’re visiting Kyoto there’ll at all times be one thing to seize. The atmospheric festivals of summer time, vibrant leaves of autumn, cherry blossom magic in spring after which there’s the prospect of seeing a blanket of snowfall over the area in winter. If you’ll be able to go to 4 occasions a yr, I’d extremely suggest it, you’ll be able to by no means get sufficient of Japan in my view!
In this information I’ve listed a few of the most photogenic sights of Kyoto together with the perfect day journey and locations to remain. If you’re visiting Kyoto and have a query, be at liberty to go away it within the feedback under and I’ll do my finest that can assist you out!
Read extra: Japan Travel Ideas – Visit the official Japan National Tourism Organization web site
Also scroll all the way down to see my suggestions for the perfect day journey from Kyoto and which summer time pageant you don’t need to miss!
To get began, right here’s somewhat map to share the place every location is –
Kyoto Photography Locations –
Kinkaku-ji – Golden Pavilion
Known because the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji dazzles in look and sparkles with the daylight. With the higher storey accomplished lined in gold leaf, this is among the hottest locations for guests in Kyoto, it’s actually a powerful sight to see.
Due to it’s reputation, it’s important to reach early when visiting Kinkaku-ji. Be positive to affix the queue about 30minutes earlier than opening time to make sure you may get in and {photograph} the pavilion with out too many individuals in your method. Another purpose to reach early is to expertise the serenity of the grounds.
The complicated befits the Zen temple of Kinkaku-ji with mossy gardens and a quaint little path main in the direction of the Sekkatei Teahouse and small picket corridor that includes Buddhist statues.
Getting right here: This is a superb alternative to go away comparatively early within the morning and take the general public bus. Looking out the window or simply watching as individuals bounce on and off is an effective way to see town from outdoors the vacationer sights. Bus #12 leaves from the Gion space and takes roughly 50mins in any other case bus #101 or #205 departs Kyoto Station taking round 40minutes.
Photo Tip: If you arrive at opening time, head straight for the pavilion and seize an important vantage level wanting throughout the pond. Keep an eye fixed out for reflections or body the pavilion utilizing the encompassing maple timber, in the event you’re visiting in autumn this can be a good spot for vibrant leaves!
Ginkaku-ji – Silver Pavilion
Hidden within the foothills of the Higashiyama Mountains, Ginkaku-ji is my favorite temple in Kyoto. The serenity and peaceable environment right here is like nothing I’ve ever skilled, even when there’s tons of of individuals round. With raked Zen patterns, moss lined manicured gardens and a forest path winding between maples, big bonsai and bamboo, it’s a tranquil escape.
Don’t count on the pavilion to be all vivid and shining silver. Despite the unique intention to match the golden Kinkakuji and canopy the pavilion in silver, as an alternative it now blends with the environment. You’ll discover Ginkaku-ji nestled among the many timber with koi stuffed ponds and little waterfalls throughout, it’s such a particular place!
Wandering across the backyard path takes you up into the hills somewhat the place you’ll be able to see the pavilion and Kyoto metropolis from above. Be positive to take your time because it’s a a method path so cease and revel in it as you make your method round.
Getting right here: An ideally suited approach to attain Ginkaku-ji is to observe the Philosopher’s Path from Nanzen-ji. This path follows a canal and is called the perfect location to expertise Hanami, cherry blossom viewing in Spring. Otherwise, buses 100, 17 or 5 will get you to Ginkaku-ji from Kyoto Station for 230yen.
Photo tip: The entrance is lined with a tall hedge however peep by way of the hedge and also you’ll see thick bamboo. It’s price a peek to seize a shot of the bamboo utilizing the hedge as a mysterious inexperienced foreground blue. Once inside, meander slowly by way of the grounds of Ginkaku-ji and preserve your eyes peeled for particulars throughout the gardens. There’s an important angle on the north-eastern nook in entrance of The Hondo which lets you {photograph} the gardens and Togudo Hall. The backyard path nonetheless provides so many lovely vantage factors to seize each Ginkaku-ji and Kyoto utilizing the timber to border your photographs.
Kiyomizu-dera + Higashiyama District
Quaint conventional streets dot the hillside on the best way to Kiyomizu-dera. The Higashiyama District is so image good that you would be able to simply spend the whole day simply wandering and photographing all of the little particulars and hidden spots. You would possibly get fortunate and see Geishas strolling by way of this space however primarily, the streets of Higashiyama are crammed with native produce, eating places and exercise all main the best way to the “Pure Water Temple” Kiyomizu-dera.
Nestled amongst cherry and maple timber, this ornate picket temple is listed on the UNESCO world heritage record and it solely takes one go to to see why. The balcony of the principle corridor was really constructed with out nails, when you see how tall and intricately it’s constructed, you’ll see how spectacular this actually is. The predominant corridor and numerous temple buildings are the primary locations you’ll go to nonetheless I used to be personally taken by the temple grounds that function round 200 small stone statues of Jizo, the protector of kids and travellers. The little statues are clothed in small apron like attire making them additional cute!
Getting right here: I like to recommend strolling right here from Gion to essentially get the complete expertise of the Higashiyama District and there are a couple of temples to go to alongside the best way. Alternatively you’ll be able to catch buses 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station and bounce off at Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stops.
Photo tip: Go by way of Kiyomizu-dera and {photograph} it from the temple grounds so you might have town of Kyoto within the background and may showcase the immense picket construction clinging to the hillside. There’s an important vantage level about 50m alongside the trail from the temple, simply preserve strolling and searching again till you see the pagoda just like the {photograph} under. Keep an eye fixed out for the little Jizo statues too, they’re lovely.
Arashiyama
Venture to this quaint suburb of Kyoto to {photograph} Japanese surroundings at its most spectacular. A visible feast in each season, Arashiyama is residence to the notorious lush Bamboo Forest and it doesn’t disappoint with a peaceable path that winds beneath a towering cover of bamboo. For photographers it’s an inspirational backyard of alternatives, my tip is to lookup and seize the immense top of the bamboo by leaning proper up towards them.
There’s quite a few temples and shrines all through Arashiyama so take your time strolling by way of the small again streets and visiting locations like Gio-ji Temple or Tenru-ji Temple which is UNESCO listed.
Arashiyama can also be residence to Monkey Park Iwatayama which you’ll attain by an uphill hike by way of wooded forests and on the base of the hill you’ll discover the Cormorant Fishing boats which are an important cultural expertise as soon as the solar units…I’ll be posting extra particulars about this quickly in an in depth Arashiyama location information.
Getting right here: The most dependable and quickest method is by practice and most strains will ultimately hook up with the Arashiyama line. I took the Hankyu Arashiyama Line from Gion however the JR Sagano Line (also referred to as JR Sanin Line) is essentially the most direct and a one-way journey to Saga-Arashiyama Station takes quarter-hour and prices 240 yen.
Photo tip: Spend the day in Arashiyama and enterprise alongside the southern aspect of Katsura River the place little waterfalls and drooping timber make for pure photograph topics. Also when photographing the Bamboo Grove, play along with your White Balance settings to showcase the intense greens correctly, cloudy normally works finest to convey out the colourful colors.
Read a extra detailed article on how one can {photograph} the Bamboo Grove right here.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
It was the promise of ruby purple Torii Gates that had me dreaming of visiting this gem that lies on the sacred Mount Inari in southern Kyoto. While Fushimi Inari Shrine boasts a powerful Shinto Shrine at its entrance, the hundreds of Torii Gates (donated by people and firms) are the main drawcard and are so hanging it takes a second to sink in that the gates simply preserve going.
You can hike the whole route of hillside trails that result in a clearing with an important view over town or simply wander slowly in awe of this distinctive tunnel of color. Along the best way you’ll want to get one other perspective by stepping outdoors the gates and examine the snake like path of purple because it weaves by way of the woods.
Arriving at dawn, and even 45minutes earlier than will guarantee you might have the shrine to your self and may {photograph} these prized photos with out crowds. To be photographing and wandering amongst the torii gates because the solar rises is a very unimaginable expertise.
Getting right here: Take both the JR Nara Line to Inari station or the Keihan Main Line to Fushimi Inari Station. Both are roughly 5-10mins from Kyoto.
Photo tip: If you’re feeling inventive, it may be enjoyable to blur individuals as they’re strolling alongside the trail, cross your fingers for a Japanese lady carrying conventional Kimono to essentially good the shot. The consequence can flip a daily photograph right into a shifting picture that provides an actual sense of place. Leading strains work wonders right here additionally, proceed to observe the path up into the hillside and also you’ll discover numerous nice locations to {photograph} the torii gates as they weave by way of the forest.
Read extra – ‘Perspectives: Photographing Fushimi Inari Shrine – How + When’
Gion District
Known as the perfect place to see the gorgeous Geisha, the Gion District is made up of conventional picket machiya service provider homes which line streets reminiscent of Hanami-koji Street. It’s price visiting at numerous occasions of the day as a result of the scene modifications significantly as soon as the lights start to dimly showcase teahouses and gently reveal slender alleyways. During the day it’s bustling and alive with vacationers however in the event you head in the direction of Yasaka Shrine you’ll break free from the crowds and get an important view again over Shijo Avenue, the principle avenue of Gion.
My favorite place is the Shirakawa Area simply to the north of Shijo Ave, it’s a surprising little path that runs alongside Shirakawa Canal and takes you again a couple of centuries with attractive willow timber that appear to be big bonsai, a small bamboo fence and picket teahouses.
Getting right here: Ask anybody in Kyoto and so they can level you within the path of Gion however in the event you’re travelling by practice search for the Gion Shijo Station on the Keihan Line.
Photo tip: Don’t pester the Geishas by being their private paparazzi, they’re working and who desires flash bulbs of their face whereas strolling to work!? Observe respectfully and preserve your distance. For the perfect photograph alternatives go to after darkish and wander alongside Hanami-koji Dori or Shirakawa Canal capturing the calm night vibe. Also climbing the steps to Yasaka Shrine at sundown gives you an important view over town or at night time it is going to permit you to mess around with a gradual shutter and blur the site visitors under.
Yasaka Shrine + Maruyama Park
As essentially the most well-known shrine within the space, it’s important to pop by the Yasaka Shrine for a peek if you’re within the Gion area. Located proper on the finish of Shijo Dori you’ll discover this lovely shrine complicated sitting fairly wanting over town. A staircase leads as much as the shrine entrance by way of a two-story rōmon gate the place some evenings you’ll discover market stalls lining the trail promoting every kind of yummy Japanese snack meals.
Throughout the complicated there’s a sequence of halls, lanterns and bells that are rung when worshipers notify the gods of their presence and prayers. It’s an exquisite place to wander round watching as individuals carry out rituals and likewise write on want plaques and participate in luck readings.
If you proceed strolling up by way of the Yasaka Shrine you’ll enterprise into Maruyama Park which is a soothing space crammed with ponds, blossom timber and maples. There’s additional temples hidden all through the park so preserve your digital camera able to seize the smaller particulars and surroundings round every nook.
Getting right here: If you’re in Gion, merely wander to the tip of Shijo Dori (the principle avenue) and also you’ll see the purple gates on the finish when dealing with east. Otherwise take buses 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station and bounce off on the Gion cease, it takes roughly 20minutes.
Photo tip: Visit round sundown so you’ll be able to watch the colors change over Gion from beneath the rōmon gate then wander up into Yasaka Shrine round nightfall when the lanterns start to glow.
Nishiki Market
The smells, the tradition, tastes and hues, it’s all below the roof of Nishiki Market, fondly dubbed ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’. Here your eyes can be opened to the world of Japanese delicacies with candy Octopus skewers, soy ice cream and fish of all types on show prepared for munching. Oh and donuts, the donuts are good!
There is such a buzz within the air as you wander by way of the market and whereas there are tons of of individuals, take a couple of pit stops on the numerous little stalls and pattern one thing weirdly fantastic. The market is a superb place for photographing particulars from the meals by way of to the signage with Japanese characters.
Getting right here: Nishiki Market is one block north of Shijo Street and runs parallel for 5 blocks west from Teramachi Shopping Arcade, additionally price a peek for its oodles of arcade video games!
Photo tip: While the meals is distracting, preserve an eye fixed out for the stall holders that sit patiently ready for individuals to pattern their merchandise. They are nice pictures topics and in the midst of all of the chaos a peaceful face could be a nice distinction.
Where to Stay in Kyoto?
Kyoto has many areas to decide on between and all have a wide range of lodging choices out there. If you’re visiting throughout the well-liked Sakura season (cherry blossoms) you’ll want to ebook your lodging properly upfront as a result of it’s not solely well-liked for overseas guests, however home travellers too.
Having visited Kyoto 4 occasions now, my favorite place to remain is within the Gion or Higashiyama Districts. They’re centrally situated, properly accessed by public transport and are proper within the midst of the temples, shrines and historic streets.
Four Seasons Kyoto is a model new lodge and a haven for all issues culturally luxurious. The lodge options it’s personal non-public gardens, an 800 yr previous ikeniwa, a pond backyard that completely shines throughout autumn. Take a peek at my visible lodge assessment of the Four Seasons Kyoto for extra photos, however in the event you’re in search of someplace particular to remain in Kyoto, that is the place.
Experience someplace actually particular and keep at Hoshinoya Kyoto, a tradtional lodge nestled amongst the gorgeous landscapes of Arashiyama. Read about my keep right here.
If your finances is somewhat tighter, the Japaning Hotel chain are the proper answer. With lodges in Gion, Higashiyama and different suburbs of Kyoto, they’re small condo type rooms with every part you’ll want to remain for a couple of days. Don’t count on something fancy, simply clear, snug rooms situated completely all through Kyoto. They’ve received little kitchens and laundries plus function the flowery Japanese bogs that everybody must expertise no less than as soon as!
The Gion Matsuri – A summer time pageant to not miss!
There are solely so many phrases you should utilize to explain a Japanese pageant and that’s as a result of they’re merely one among a form. They’re loud, vibrant, loopy and entertaining however so very conventional and weirdly calming. Every July the streets of Kyoto flip into an enormous celebration with essentially the most well-known pageant of all of them, Gion Matsuri.
Large picket floats as much as 25m excessive often called Yamaboko roll by way of town centre. At round 12 tonnes in weight, these spectacular buildings are pulled by teams of males wearing conventional Yukatas as crowds line the trail and cheer in delight. If you’re visiting in July be ready to be wowed by the Gion Matsuri!
Take a peek at some photos under…
Best Day Trip from Kyoto – Nara
If you’ve received a couple of days in Kyoto, spend one among them exploring the close by historic city of Nara. With 8 UNESCO world heritage sights and the sprawling Nara Park dotted with temples and museums, it’s the proper place for a day journey from Kyoto.
One of the principle causes guests flock to Nara are the furry and pleasant deer. Thought to be messengers of the gods, there’s over 1200 deer that roam all through Nara Park and so they’re even thought of to be pure treasures.
Visiting throughout cherry blossom season means the park can be lined in pastel pink Sakura, an exquisite time to expertise this space of Japan.
No go to to Nara is full with out seeing Toda-ji Temple. Housing Daibutsu, the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, it’s a powerful picket constructing and really photogenic each inside and outside.
Getting Here: From Kyoto the quickest approach to get to Nara is on the JR Nara Line Express (Kaisoku) which takes roughly 45mins. Alternatively there’s the native line which takes simply over an hour. Trains run frequently all through the day and there’s a few 20minute stroll from the station to Nara Park.
Escape the Crowds on Mount Hiei
Take a break from downtown Kyoto and enterprise on a brief bus journey to the highest of Mt Hiei the place expansive views over Lake Biwa will preserve any photographer completely satisfied. In autumn, the colors in surrounding forests are a rainbow of heat hues with sundown offering the proper alternative to {photograph} over Kyoto in the direction of the Arashiyama district.
If you fancy an in a single day expertise, you’ll be able to keep on the L’Hotel de Hiei and revel in wine tasting, high quality eating, a luxurious room then get up at dawn for a particular cultural expertise. Designed across the French ‘auberge’ idea the place a restaurant has lodging services, a keep at this Hoshino property is additional enhanced by witnessing the morning prayer on the Enryakuji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage website.
This peaceable expertise is simply half-hour from downtown Kyoto and I’d take into account it a should do in the event you’ve received a couple of additional days spare in your itinerary to see one other aspect of this fascinating metropolis.
Have you been to Kyoto and have someplace photogenic to suggest? Feel free to go away a message within the feedback under!
Hello! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as knowledgeable journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this website is from my private expertise on the highway. I hope it’s helpful to your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences all over the world.