A Photographer’s Information 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, the town is named Japan’s cultural capital. These hoping to witness the quirkier aspect of Japan will likely be stored 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 while you’re visiting Kyoto there’ll at all times be one thing to seize. The atmospheric festivals of summer season, 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. When you can go to 4 occasions a 12 months, I’d extremely advocate it, you possibly can by no means get sufficient of Japan in my view!
On this information I’ve listed among the most photogenic sights of Kyoto together with the perfect day journey and locations to remain. When you’re visiting Kyoto and have a query, be at liberty to go away it within the feedback beneath and I’ll do my finest that can assist you out!
Learn extra: Japan Journey Concepts – Go to the official Japan Nationwide Tourism Group web site
Additionally scroll right down to see my suggestions for the perfect day journey from Kyoto and which summer season pageant you don’t wish to miss!
To get began, right here’s slightly map to share the place every location is –
Kyoto Pictures Areas –
Kinkaku-ji – Golden Pavilion
Referred to as the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji dazzles in look and sparkles with the daylight. With the higher storey accomplished lined in gold leaf, this is without doubt one of the hottest locations for guests in Kyoto, it’s really a powerful sight to see.
Resulting from it’s reputation, it’s important to reach early when visiting Kinkaku-ji. Remember to be a part of 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 means. Another excuse 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 direction of the Sekkatei Teahouse and small wood 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 soar on and off is an effective way to see the 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.
Photograph Tip: When you arrive at opening time, head straight for the pavilion and seize a terrific vantage level trying throughout the pond. Hold a watch out for reflections or body the pavilion utilizing the encompassing maple timber, should you’re visiting in autumn it is a excellent place 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, big bonsai and bamboo, it’s a tranquil escape.
Don’t count on the pavilion to be all brilliant and shining silver. Regardless of the unique intention to match the golden Kinkakuji and canopy the pavilion in silver, as a substitute it now blends with the environment. You’ll discover Ginkaku-ji nestled among the many timber with koi crammed ponds and little waterfalls throughout, it’s such a particular place!
Wandering across the backyard path takes you up into the hills slightly the place you possibly can see the pavilion and Kyoto metropolis from above. Remember to take your time because it’s a a method path so cease and revel in it as you make your means round.
Getting right here: An excellent solution to attain Ginkaku-ji is to observe the Thinker’s Path from Nanzen-ji. This path follows a canal and is named 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 means of the hedge and also you’ll see thick bamboo. It’s value 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 means of the grounds of Ginkaku-ji and maintain your eyes peeled for particulars inside the gardens. There’s a terrific angle on the north-eastern nook in entrance of The Hondo which lets you {photograph} the gardens and Togudo Corridor. The backyard path nonetheless provides so many stunning 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 way in which to Kiyomizu-dera. The Higashiyama District is so image excellent which you could simply spend your entire day simply wandering and photographing all of the little particulars and hidden spots. You may get fortunate and see Geishas strolling by means 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 wood temple is listed on the UNESCO world heritage checklist 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 primary 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 characteristic round 200 small stone statues of Jizo, the protector of youngsters 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 just a few temples to go to alongside the way in which. Alternatively you possibly can catch buses 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station and soar off at Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stops.
Photograph tip: Undergo Kiyomizu-dera and {photograph} it from the temple grounds so you have got the town of Kyoto within the background and may showcase the immense wood construction clinging to the hillside. There’s a terrific vantage level about 50m alongside the trail from the temple, simply maintain strolling and looking out again till you see the pagoda much like the {photograph} beneath. Hold a watch out for the little Jizo statues too, they’re lovely.
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 lookup and seize the immense peak 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 means of the small again streets and visiting locations like Gio-ji Temple or Tenru-ji Temple which is UNESCO listed.
Arashiyama can be residence to Monkey Park Iwatayama which you’ll attain by an uphill hike by means of wooded forests and on the base of the hill you’ll discover the Cormorant Fishing boats which are a terrific 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: Probably the most dependable and quickest means is by practice 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 essentially the most direct and a one-way experience to Saga-Arashiyama Station takes quarter-hour and prices 240 yen.
Photograph 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. Additionally when photographing the Bamboo Grove, play along with your White Steadiness settings to showcase the brilliant greens correctly, cloudy normally works finest 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 pink 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 1000’s of Torii Gates (donated by people and corporations) are the main drawcard and are so placing it takes a second to sink in that the gates simply maintain going.
You possibly can hike your entire route of hillside trails that result in a clearing with a terrific view over the town or simply wander slowly in awe of this distinctive tunnel of color. Alongside the way in which you’ll want to get one other perspective by stepping outdoors the gates and look at the snake like path of pink because it weaves by means of the woods.
Arriving at dawn, and even 45minutes earlier than will guarantee you have got the shrine to your self and may {photograph} these prized photographs with out crowds. To be photographing and wandering amongst the torii gates because the solar rises is a really unimaginable expertise.
Getting right here: Take both the JR Nara Line to Inari station or the Keihan Predominant Line to Fushimi Inari Station. Each are roughly 5-10mins from Kyoto.
Photograph tip: When you’re feeling inventive, it may be enjoyable to blur individuals as they’re strolling alongside the trail, cross your fingers for a Japanese girl sporting conventional Kimono to essentially excellent the shot. The end result can flip a daily photograph right into a shifting picture that provides 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 numerous nice locations to {photograph} the torii gates as they weave by means of the forest.
Learn extra – ‘Views: Photographing Fushimi Inari Shrine – How + When’
Gion District
Referred to as the perfect place to see the attractive Geisha, the Gion District is made up of conventional wood machiya service provider homes which line streets equivalent to Hanami-koji Road. It’s value visiting at numerous occasions of the day as a result of the scene modifications drastically as soon as the lights start to dimly showcase teahouses and gently reveal slim alleyways. In the course of the day it’s bustling and alive with vacationers however should you head in direction of Yasaka Shrine you’ll break free from the crowds and get a terrific view again over Shijo Avenue, the primary avenue 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 beautiful willow timber that appear like big bonsai, a small bamboo fence and wood teahouses.
Getting right here: Ask anybody in Kyoto they usually can level you within the path of Gion however should you’re travelling by practice 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 needs 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 will provide you with a terrific view over the town or at night time it can permit you to mess around with a gradual shutter and blur the visitors beneath.
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 while you’re within the Gion area. Positioned proper on the finish of Shijo Dori you’ll discover this stunning shrine advanced sitting fairly trying over the town. A staircase leads as much as the shrine entrance by means 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 sequence of halls, lanterns and bells that are rung when worshipers notify the gods of their presence and prayers. It’s an attractive place to wander round watching as individuals carry out rituals and likewise write on want plaques and participate in luck readings.
When you proceed strolling up by means of the Yasaka Shrine you’ll enterprise into Maruyama Park which is a soothing 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: When you’re in Gion, merely wander to the top of Shijo Dori (the primary avenue) and also you’ll see the pink gates on the finish when dealing with east. In any other case take buses 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station and soar off on the Gion cease, it takes roughly 20minutes.
Photograph tip: Go to round sundown so you possibly can 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 below 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 types on show prepared for munching. Oh and donuts, the donuts are good!
There’s such a buzz within the air as you wander by means 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 fantastic. The market is a superb place for photographing particulars from the meals by means 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 Procuring Arcade, additionally value 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 pictures topics and in the midst of all of the chaos a peaceful face could be a nice distinction.
The place to Keep in Kyoto?
Kyoto has many areas to decide on between and all have quite a lot of lodging choices obtainable. When you’re visiting throughout the widespread Sakura season (cherry blossoms) you’ll want to ebook your lodging nicely upfront as a result of it’s not solely widespread for international 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 positioned, 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 outdated ikeniwa, a pond backyard that completely shines throughout autumn. Take a peek at my visible resort evaluate of the 4 Seasons Kyoto for extra photographs, however should you’re in search of 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 finances is slightly tighter, the Japaning Resort chain are the proper resolution. With accommodations in Gion, Higashiyama and different suburbs of Kyoto, they’re small house type rooms with every thing you’ll want to remain for just a few days. Don’t count on something fancy, simply clear, snug rooms positioned completely all through Kyoto. They’ve bought little kitchens and laundries plus characteristic the flamboyant Japanese bogs that everybody must expertise at the very least as soon as!
The Gion Matsuri – A summer season 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 considered one of a sort. 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 essentially the most well-known pageant of all of them, Gion Matsuri.
Giant wood floats as much as 25m excessive often called Yamaboko roll by means 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. When you’re visiting in July be ready to be wowed by the Gion Matsuri!
Take a peek at some photographs beneath…
Greatest Day Journey from Kyoto – Nara
When you’ve bought just a few days in Kyoto, spend considered one of 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 many principal causes guests flock to Nara are the furry and pleasant deer. Considered 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, an attractive 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 wood constructing and really photogenic each inside and outside.
Getting Right here: From Kyoto the quickest solution 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 recurrently 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 experience to the highest of Mt Hiei the place expansive views over Lake Biwa will maintain any photographer comfortable. In autumn, the colors in surrounding forests are a rainbow of heat hues with sundown offering the proper alternative to {photograph} over Kyoto in direction of the Arashiyama district.
When you fancy an in a single day expertise, you possibly can keep on the L’Resort de Hiei and revel in wine tasting, fantastic eating, an opulent 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 web site.
This peaceable expertise is simply half-hour from downtown Kyoto and I’d take into account it a should do should you’ve bought just a few additional days spare in your itinerary to see one other aspect of this fascinating metropolis.
Have you ever been to Kyoto and have someplace photogenic to advocate? Be at liberty to go away a message within the feedback beneath!
Hi there! 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 web site is from my private expertise on the street. I hope it’s helpful on your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences world wide.
