A Photographer’s Information to Kyoto, Japan
The true great thing about Japanese tradition involves life within the conventional metropolis of Kyoto.
Wooded forests disguise 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, the town is called Japan’s cultural capital. These hoping to witness the quirkier facet of Japan will likely be saved busy too with Purikura (photograph cubicles) and arcades, animal cafes and markets full of strange delights. Whether or not you’re seeking to seize the delicacies, nature, traditions or bustle of Kyoto, there’s one thing photogenic for everybody.
Relying on once you’re visiting Kyoto there’ll all the time 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 possibility of seeing a blanket of blizzard over the area in winter. Should you can go to 4 instances a 12 months, I’d extremely advocate it, you’ll be able to by no means get sufficient of Japan for my part!
On this information I’ve listed a number of the most photogenic sights of Kyoto together with the perfect day journey and locations to remain. Should you’re visiting Kyoto and have a query, be happy to go away it within the feedback beneath and I’ll do my greatest that will help you out!
Learn extra: Japan Journey Concepts – Go to the official Japan Nationwide Tourism Group web site
Additionally scroll all the way down to see my suggestions for the perfect day journey from Kyoto and which summer time competition you don’t wish to miss!
To get began, right here’s somewhat map to share the place every location is –
Kyoto Pictures Places –
Kinkaku-ji – Golden Pavilion
Often called the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji dazzles in look and sparkles with the daylight. With the higher storey accomplished lined in gold leaf, this is likely one of the hottest locations for guests in Kyoto, it’s really a powerful sight to see.
Attributable to it’s recognition, it’s important to reach early when visiting Kinkaku-ji. Remember to be part of the queue about 30minutes earlier than opening time to make sure you will get in and {photograph} the pavilion with out too many individuals in your method. One more reason to reach early is to expertise the serenity of the grounds.
The advanced 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 can be a nice alternative to go away comparatively early within the morning and take the general public bus. Searching the window or simply watching as individuals bounce on and off is an effective way to see the town from exterior 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.
Photograph Tip: Should you arrive at opening time, head straight for the pavilion and seize an incredible vantage level trying throughout the pond. Hold a watch out for reflections or body the pavilion utilizing the encircling maple timber, for those who’re visiting in autumn it is a great 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 ambiance 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, large bonsai and bamboo, it’s a tranquil escape.
Don’t count on the pavilion to be all shiny and shining silver. Regardless of 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. Remember to take your time because it’s a a technique path so cease and revel in it as you make your method round.
Getting right here: An excellent option to attain Ginkaku-ji is to observe the Thinker’s Path from Nanzen-ji. This path follows a canal and is called the perfect location to expertise Hanami, cherry blossom viewing in Spring. In any other case, buses 100, 17 or 5 will get you to Ginkaku-ji from Kyoto Station for 230yen.
Photograph tip: The doorway 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. As soon as inside, meander slowly by way of the grounds of Ginkaku-ji and maintain your eyes peeled for particulars inside the gardens. There’s an incredible angle on the north-eastern nook in entrance of The Hondo which lets you {photograph} the gardens and Togudo Corridor. The backyard path nevertheless gives so many lovely vantage factors to seize each Ginkaku-ji and Kyoto utilizing the timber to border your pictures.
Kiyomizu-dera + Higashiyama District
Quaint conventional streets dot the hillside on the way in which to Kiyomizu-dera. The Higashiyama District is so image good that you may simply spend the complete 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 full of native produce, eating places and exercise all main the way in which to the “Pure Water Temple” Kiyomizu-dera.
Nestled amongst cherry and maple timber, this ornate picket temple is listed on the UNESCO world heritage listing and it solely takes one go to to see why. The balcony of the primary corridor was really constructed with out nails, when you see how tall and intricately it’s constructed, you’ll see how spectacular this really is. The principle corridor and numerous temple buildings are the primary locations you’ll go to nevertheless I used to be personally taken by the temple grounds that characteristic round 200 small stone statues of Jizo, the protector of youngsters and travellers. The little statues are clothed in small apron like clothes making them further cute!
Getting right here: I like to recommend strolling right here from Gion to actually get the complete expertise of the Higashiyama District and there are just a few temples to go to alongside the way in which. 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.
Photograph tip: Undergo Kiyomizu-dera and {photograph} it from the temple grounds so you could have the town of Kyoto within the background and might showcase the immense picket construction clinging to the hillside. There’s an incredible vantage level about 50m alongside the trail from the temple, simply maintain strolling and looking out again till you see the pagoda just like the {photograph} beneath. Hold a watch out for the little Jizo statues too, they’re cute.
Arashiyama
Enterprise 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 search for and seize the immense peak of the bamboo by leaning proper up in opposition to 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 be able to 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 incredible 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: Essentially the most dependable and quickest method is by prepare and most traces will finally 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 probably the most direct and a one-way trip to Saga-Arashiyama Station takes quarter-hour and prices 240 yen.
Photograph tip: Spend the day in Arashiyama and enterprise alongside the southern facet of Katsura River the place little waterfalls and drooping timber make for pure photograph topics. Additionally when photographing the Bamboo Grove, play along with your White Steadiness settings to showcase the intense greens correctly, cloudy often works greatest to carry out the colourful colors.
Learn a extra detailed article on {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. Whereas Fushimi Inari Shrine boasts a powerful Shinto Shrine at its entrance, the hundreds of Torii Gates (donated by people and firms) are the most important drawcard and are so hanging it takes a second to sink in that the gates simply maintain going.
You possibly can hike the complete route of hillside trails that result in a clearing with an incredible view over the town or simply wander slowly in awe of this distinctive tunnel of color. Alongside the way in which you should definitely get one other perspective by stepping exterior 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 could have the shrine to your self and might {photograph} these prized photos with out crowds. To be photographing and wandering amongst the torii gates because the solar rises is a very unbelievable expertise.
Getting right here: Take both the JR Nara Line to Inari station or the Keihan Most important Line to Fushimi Inari Station. Each are roughly 5-10mins from Kyoto.
Photograph tip: Should you’re feeling artistic, it may be enjoyable to blur individuals as they’re strolling alongside the trail, cross your fingers for a Japanese lady sporting conventional Kimono to actually good the shot. The outcome can flip an everyday photograph right into a shifting picture that offers an actual sense of place. Main traces work wonders right here additionally, proceed to observe the path up into the hillside and also you’ll discover quite a few nice locations to {photograph} the torii gates as they weave by way of the forest.
Learn extra – ‘Views: Photographing Fushimi Inari Shrine – How + When’
Gion District
Often called the perfect place to see the attractive Geisha, the Gion District is made up of conventional picket machiya service provider homes which line streets resembling Hanami-koji Road. It’s price visiting at numerous instances 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. In the course of the day it’s bustling and alive with vacationers however for those who head in the direction of Yasaka Shrine you’ll break free from the crowds and get an incredible view again over Shijo Avenue, the primary road of Gion.
My favorite place is the Shirakawa Space simply to the north of Shijo Ave, it’s a shocking little path that runs alongside Shirakawa Canal and takes you again just a few centuries with attractive willow timber that appear like large bonsai, a small bamboo fence and picket teahouses.
Getting right here: Ask anybody in Kyoto they usually can level you within the route of Gion however for those who’re travelling by prepare search for the Gion Shijo Station on the Keihan Line.
Photograph 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 maintain 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. Additionally climbing the steps to Yasaka Shrine at sundown offers you an incredible view over the town or at night time it would let you mess around with a sluggish shutter and blur the site visitors beneath.
Yasaka Shrine + Maruyama Park
As probably the most well-known shrine within the space, it’s important to pop by the Yasaka Shrine for a peek once you’re within the Gion area. Situated proper on the finish of Shijo Dori you’ll discover this lovely shrine advanced sitting fairly trying over the 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.
All through the advanced there’s a collection of halls, lanterns and bells that are rung when worshipers notify the gods of their presence and prayers. It’s a lovely place to wander round watching as individuals carry out rituals and likewise write on want plaques and participate in luck readings.
Should you proceed strolling up by way of the Yasaka Shrine you’ll enterprise into Maruyama Park which is a calming space full of ponds, blossom timber and maples. There’s additional temples hidden all through the park so maintain your digital camera able to seize the smaller particulars and surroundings round every nook.
Getting right here: Should you’re in Gion, merely wander to the tip of Shijo Dori (the primary road) and also you’ll see the purple gates on the finish when dealing with east. In any other case take buses 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station and bounce off on the Gion cease, it takes roughly 20minutes.
Photograph tip: Go to 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 colors, it’s all beneath the roof of Nishiki Market, fondly dubbed ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’. Right here your eyes will likely be opened to the world of Japanese delicacies with candy Octopus skewers, soy ice cream and fish of all kinds on show prepared for munching. Oh and donuts, the donuts are good!
There’s such a buzz within the air as you wander by way of the market and whereas there are tons of of individuals, take just a few pit stops on the numerous little stalls and pattern one thing weirdly great. 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 Road and runs parallel for 5 blocks west from Teramachi Purchasing Arcade, additionally price a peek for its oodles of arcade video games!
Photograph tip: Whereas the meals is distracting, maintain a watch out for the stall holders that sit patiently ready for individuals to pattern their merchandise. They’re nice images topics and in the midst of all of the chaos a relaxed face is usually a nice distinction.
The place to Keep in Kyoto?
Kyoto has many areas to decide on between and all have a wide range of lodging choices obtainable. Should you’re visiting through the fashionable Sakura season (cherry blossoms) you should definitely e book your lodging nicely upfront as a result of it’s not solely fashionable for overseas guests, however home travellers too.
Having visited Kyoto 4 instances now, my favorite place to remain is within the Gion or Higashiyama Districts. They’re centrally situated, nicely accessed by public transport and are proper within the midst of the temples, shrines and historic streets.
4 Seasons Kyoto is a model new resort and a haven for all issues culturally luxurious. The resort options it’s personal non-public gardens, an 800 12 months previous ikeniwa, a pond backyard that completely shines throughout autumn. Take a peek at my visible resort overview of the 4 Seasons Kyoto for extra photos, however for those who’re on the lookout for someplace particular to remain in Kyoto, that is the place.
Expertise someplace really particular and keep at Hoshinoya Kyoto, a tradtional resort nestled amongst the attractive landscapes of Arashiyama. Examine my keep right here.
In case your funds is somewhat tighter, the Japaning Lodge chain are the right answer. With inns in Gion, Higashiyama and different suburbs of Kyoto, they’re small condominium type rooms with the whole lot you’ll want to remain for just a few days. Don’t count on something fancy, simply clear, snug rooms situated completely all through Kyoto. They’ve received little kitchens and laundries plus characteristic the flamboyant Japanese bathrooms that everybody must expertise a minimum of as soon as!
The Gion Matsuri – A summer time competition to not miss!
There are solely so many phrases you should utilize to explain a Japanese competition 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. Each July the streets of Kyoto flip into a large celebration with probably the most well-known competition of all of them, Gion Matsuri.
Massive picket floats as much as 25m excessive generally known as Yamaboko roll by way of the 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. Should you’re visiting in July be ready to be wowed by the Gion Matsuri!
Take a peek at some photos beneath…
Finest Day Journey from Kyoto – Nara
Should you’ve received just a few 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 right place for a day journey from Kyoto.
One of many principal causes guests flock to Nara are the furry and pleasant deer. Regarded as messengers of the gods, there’s over 1200 deer that roam all through Nara Park they usually’re even thought of to be pure treasures.
Visiting throughout cherry blossom season means the park will likely be lined in pastel pink Sakura, a lovely 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 Right here: From Kyoto the quickest option to get to Nara is on the JR Nara Line Categorical (Kaisoku) which takes roughly 45mins. Alternatively there’s the native line which takes simply over an hour. Trains run repeatedly all through the day and there’s a couple of 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 trip to the highest of Mt Hiei the place expansive views over Lake Biwa will maintain any photographer pleased. In autumn, the colors in surrounding forests are a rainbow of heat hues with sundown offering the right alternative to {photograph} over Kyoto in the direction of the Arashiyama district.
Should you fancy an in a single day expertise, you’ll be able to keep on the L’Lodge de Hiei and revel in wine tasting, fantastic 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 contemplate it a should do for those who’ve received just a few further days spare in your itinerary to see one other facet of this fascinating metropolis.
Have you ever been to Kyoto and have someplace photogenic to advocate? Be happy to go away a message within the feedback beneath!
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Hi there! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as an expert journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this website is from my private expertise on the street. I hope it’s helpful in your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences world wide.