A Photographer’s Information to Kyoto, Japan
The true fantastic 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, town is named Japan’s cultural capital. These hoping to witness the quirkier aspect of Japan will likely be stored busy too with Purikura (picture cubicles) and arcades, animal cafes and markets full of bizarre delights. Whether or not you’re trying to seize the delicacies, nature, traditions or bustle of Kyoto, there’s one thing photogenic for everybody.
Relying on whenever 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 possibility of seeing a blanket of snowfall over the area in winter. In the event you can go to 4 instances a 12 months, I’d extremely suggest 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 most effective day journey and locations to remain. In the event you’re visiting Kyoto and have a query, be at liberty to depart it within the feedback beneath and I’ll do my finest that will help 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 most effective day journey from Kyoto and which summer time competition you don’t need to miss!
To get began, right here’s somewhat map to share the place every location is –
Kyoto Pictures Places –
Kinkaku-ji – Golden Pavilion
Generally known as the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji dazzles in look and sparkles with the daylight. With the higher storey accomplished coated in gold leaf, this is without doubt one of the hottest locations for guests in Kyoto, it’s actually a formidable sight to see.
Attributable to it’s recognition, it’s important to reach early when visiting Kinkaku-ji. Be sure you 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 manner. One more reason 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 wood corridor that includes Buddhist statues.
Getting right here: It is a nice alternative to depart 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 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.
Picture Tip: In the event you arrive at opening time, head straight for the pavilion and seize an amazing vantage level wanting throughout the pond. Preserve a watch out for reflections or body the pavilion utilizing the encompassing maple bushes, in case 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 ambiance right here is like nothing I’ve ever skilled, even when there’s tons of of individuals round. With raked Zen patterns, moss coated manicured gardens and a forest path winding between maples, large bonsai and bamboo, it’s a tranquil escape.
Don’t anticipate the pavilion to be all vibrant 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 bushes 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 somewhat the place you possibly can see the pavilion and Kyoto metropolis from above. Be sure you take your time because it’s a a technique path so cease and revel in it as you make your manner round.
Getting right here: A perfect option to attain Ginkaku-ji is to observe the Thinker’s Path from Nanzen-ji. This path follows a canal and is named the most effective 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.
Picture tip: The doorway is lined with a tall hedge however peep by 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 the grounds of Ginkaku-ji and preserve your eyes peeled for particulars throughout the gardens. There’s an amazing 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 bushes to border your pictures.
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 complete day simply wandering and photographing all of the little particulars and hidden spots. You would possibly get fortunate and see Geishas strolling by this space however primarily, the streets of Higashiyama are full of native produce, eating places and exercise all main the best way to the “Pure Water Temple” Kiyomizu-dera.
Nestled amongst cherry and maple bushes, 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 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 primary corridor and varied temple buildings are the primary locations you’ll go to nevertheless 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 actually get the total expertise of the Higashiyama District and there are just a few temples to go to alongside the best way. Alternatively you possibly can catch buses 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station and bounce off at Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stops.
Picture tip: Undergo Kiyomizu-dera and {photograph} it from the temple grounds so you’ve gotten town of Kyoto within the background and may showcase the immense wood construction clinging to the hillside. There’s an amazing vantage level about 50m alongside the trail from the temple, simply preserve strolling and looking out again till you see the pagoda just like the {photograph} beneath. Preserve a watch out for the little Jizo statues too, they’re lovable.
Arashiyama
Enterprise to this quaint suburb of Kyoto to {photograph} Japanese surroundings at its most spectacular. A visible feast in each season, Arashiyama is dwelling 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 top 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 the small again streets and visiting locations like Gio-ji Temple or Tenru-ji Temple which is UNESCO listed.
Arashiyama can also be dwelling to Monkey Park Iwatayama which you’ll be able to attain by an uphill hike by wooded forests and on the base of the hill you’ll discover the Cormorant Fishing boats which are an amazing 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 manner is by practice and most traces will ultimately connect with the Arashiyama line. I took the Hankyu Arashiyama Line from Gion however the JR Sagano Line (also called JR Sanin Line) is essentially the most direct and a one-way experience to Saga-Arashiyama Station takes quarter-hour and prices 240 yen.
Picture tip: Spend the day in Arashiyama and enterprise alongside the southern aspect of Katsura River the place little waterfalls and drooping bushes make for pure picture topics. Additionally when photographing the Bamboo Grove, play along with your White Stability settings to showcase the intense greens correctly, cloudy often works finest to carry out the colourful colors.
Learn a extra detailed article on the way to {photograph} the Bamboo Grove right here.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
It was the promise of ruby crimson 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 formidable Shinto Shrine at its entrance, the 1000’s of Torii Gates (donated by people and corporations) are the key drawcard and are so putting it takes a second to sink in that the gates simply preserve going.
You’ll be able to hike the complete route of hillside trails that result in a clearing with an amazing view over town or simply wander slowly in awe of this distinctive tunnel of color. Alongside the best way make sure to get one other perspective by stepping exterior the gates and look at the snake like path of crimson because it weaves by the woods.
Arriving at dawn, and even 45minutes earlier than will guarantee you’ve gotten 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 Principal Line to Fushimi Inari Station. Each are roughly 5-10mins from Kyoto.
Picture tip: In the event 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 sporting conventional Kimono to actually good the shot. The outcome can flip an everyday picture right into a transferring 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 a variety of nice locations to {photograph} the torii gates as they weave by the forest.
Learn extra – ‘Views: Photographing Fushimi Inari Shrine – How + When’
Gion District
Generally known as the most effective place to see the attractive Geisha, the Gion District is made up of conventional wood machiya service provider homes which line streets similar to Hanami-koji Avenue. It’s value visiting at varied instances 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. Through the day it’s bustling and alive with vacationers however in case you head in the direction of Yasaka Shrine you’ll break free from the crowds and get an amazing view again over Shijo Avenue, the principle 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 bushes that appear to be large bonsai, a small bamboo fence and wood teahouses.
Getting right here: Ask anybody in Kyoto and so they can level you within the path of Gion however in case you’re travelling by practice search for the Gion Shijo Station on the Keihan Line.
Picture 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 preserve your distance. For the most effective picture 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 gives you an amazing view over town or at night time it would permit you to mess around with a sluggish 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 whenever you’re within the Gion area. Positioned 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 a two-story rōmon gate the place some evenings you’ll discover market stalls lining the trail promoting all types of yummy Japanese snack meals.
All through 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 a fantastic place to wander round watching as individuals carry out rituals and in addition write on want plaques and participate in luck readings.
In the event you proceed strolling up by the Yasaka Shrine you’ll enterprise into Maruyama Park which is a calming space full of ponds, blossom bushes and maples. There’s additional temples hidden all through the park so preserve your digicam able to seize the smaller particulars and surroundings round every nook.
Getting right here: In the event you’re in Gion, merely wander to the tip of Shijo Dori (the principle avenue) and also you’ll see the crimson gates on the finish when going through east. In any other case take buses 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station and bounce off on the Gion cease, it takes roughly 20minutes.
Picture 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 hues, 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 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 the market and whereas there are tons of of individuals, take just a few pit stops on the varied little stalls and pattern one thing weirdly fantastic. The market is a good place for photographing particulars from the meals by to the signage with Japanese characters.
Getting right here: Nishiki Market is one block north of Shijo Avenue and runs parallel for 5 blocks west from Teramachi Buying Arcade, additionally value a peek for its oodles of arcade video games!
Picture tip: Whereas the meals is distracting, preserve 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 generally is 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 out there. In the event you’re visiting in the course of the widespread Sakura season (cherry blossoms) make sure to guide your lodging properly upfront as a result of it’s not solely widespread 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 positioned, properly 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 assessment of the 4 Seasons Kyoto for extra photos, however in case you’re searching for someplace particular to remain in Kyoto, that is the place.
Expertise someplace actually 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 proper resolution. With motels in Gion, Higashiyama and different suburbs of Kyoto, they’re small residence type rooms with the whole lot you’ll want to remain for just a few days. Don’t anticipate something fancy, simply clear, comfy rooms positioned completely all through Kyoto. They’ve bought little kitchens and laundries plus function the flamboyant Japanese bathrooms that everybody must expertise not less than as soon as!
The Gion Matsuri – A summer time competition to not miss!
There are solely so many phrases you need to use to explain a Japanese competition and that’s as a result of they’re merely one in every 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 an enormous celebration with essentially the most well-known competition of all of them, Gion Matsuri.
Massive wood floats as much as 25m excessive generally known as Yamaboko roll by town centre. At round 12 tonnes in weight, these spectacular constructions are pulled by teams of males wearing conventional Yukatas as crowds line the trail and cheer in delight. In the event 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
In the event you’ve bought just a few days in Kyoto, spend one in every 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 foremost 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 and so they’re even thought of to be pure treasures.
Visiting throughout cherry blossom season means the park will likely be coated in pastel pink Sakura, a fantastic 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 formidable wood constructing and really photogenic each in and out.
Getting Right here: From Kyoto the quickest option to get to Nara is on the JR Nara Line Specific (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 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 preserve any photographer blissful. 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.
In the event you fancy an in a single day expertise, you possibly can keep on the L’Lodge de Hiei and revel in wine tasting, advantageous 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 website.
This peaceable expertise is simply half-hour from downtown Kyoto and I’d think about it a should do in case 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 suggest? Be happy to depart a message within the feedback beneath!
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Whats up! 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 street. I hope it’s helpful to your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences world wide.
