Photo Spots in Kyoto; 10 Best Instagrammable Places
In the six months since updating this article in July, around 1,000 people have visited these Kyoto photo spots based on our recommendations.
I decided to update this article because I wanted to incorporate my findings from visiting and researching many tourist spots in Kyoto between August and October 2024. Let me present these newly updated 2025 recommendations for the best photo spots in Kyoto.
Another reason for the update is the growing interest in tours that offer a deeper Kyoto experience. Magical Trip offers several tours in Kyoto, including the "Kyoto Night Foodie Tour" (ranked #6 on TripAdvisor's 2024 tours) where you can learn about and enjoy Kyoto's food culture, and the "Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour" (ranked #3 on TripAdvisor's 2024 tours) where you can explore the popular Fushimi area with a local guide. (Their "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku" earned the #1 spot.)
For those who would like to check more tour options for Kyoto, please visit the tours listing page.
Including a tour in the first half of your Kyoto visit will help you better understand the culture and traditions, making the rest of your sightseeing even more enjoyable.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, famous for its Senbon-torii, is a must-see sightseeing spot when visiting Kyoto.
In fact, did you know that there are two different courses around Fushimi Inari Taisha: a 30-minute course that allows you to see only the must-see spots, and a 2-hour course that allows you to fully enjoy the attractions of the area?
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・Fushimi Inari Shrine Highlight and History! Discover Hidden Gems Surrounding Fushimi Inari Taisha
Introduction
Kyoto, the imperial capital for over 1,000 years, is known for its numerous shrines and temples with centuries of history. The ancient city is filled with picturesque landscapes, making it rich in photo spots throughout the city.
For example, there are traditional shrines and temples, streets lined with stone pavements and traditional townhouses that have existed for ages, and famous bamboo groves - all unique to Kyoto's cityscape. Visit Kyoto to enjoy quintessentially Japanese scenery and take many special photos.
While it's good to take pictures with everyday scenery as a backdrop, one of the features of Kyoto is that you can enjoy different charms during events. Especially in summer, there are many traditional festivals, so if you visit in summer, be sure to check the event schedule!
Table of Content
・Photo Spots in Gion District
A city filled with traditional streetscapes and quintessential Kyoto atmosphere
・Photo Spots around Kiyomizu Dera Temple
The famous Kiyomizu Temple and its surrounding natural landscape
・Photo Spots in Arashiyama District
Kyoto's premier tourist destination, where majestic nature meets tradition
・Photo Spots of Popular Shrines and Temples
2 foreign tourist favorites: the thousand torii gates of Fushimi Inari and the Golden Pavilion
・3 Points to Enjoy Kyoto's Photo Spots in 2024
3 essential rules for visiting Kyoto that you must know beforehand
・2 Recommended Tours to Fully Experience Kyoto
Insider tips for exploring Kyoto deeply and efficiently
10 Must-Visit Photo Spots in Kyoto for 2025
Gion District
Gion is the entertainment district around Yasaka Shrine. It's famous for its traditional stone-paved streets, and if you're lucky, you might encounter a maiko (a woman in the profession of entertaining guests with traditional Japanese performing arts such as dance and song). Hanamikoji Street, the main street of Gion, is lined with stylish cafes and shops selling Japanese goods.
The Gion area has many photo spots where you can feel the beauty of Japanese culture, so it's also recommended to tour by rickshaw. It's a good idea to ask the rickshaw puller, who knows Kyoto's streets inside out, about recommended photo spots.
Related Article
・The Ultimate Gion Guide: Immersing Yourself in Kyoto's Traditional Neighborhood
If you're planning to visit the Gion district, check out this guide. As someone who knows Kyoto inside and out, Takashi explains how to make the most of your time in Gion and share what makes this area so special.
Yasaka Shrine
source：Official website
Yasaka Shrine is a shrine in Gion's geisha district, enshrining famous deities from Japanese mythology. Locals affectionately call it "Gion-san" or "Yasaka-san".
Among the recommended photo spots at Yasaka Shrine, the West Gate stands out as a trademark. Take a photo from the stone steps in front of the gate with the vibrant West Gate as a backdrop. If you want to participate in a photogenic event, it's recommended to visit Yasaka Shrine in March.
During the "Hanatouro" event held every March, the entire Higashiyama area is illuminated, allowing you to take photos in an atmosphere that feels like you've time-slipped to old Kyoto. I visited Kyoto during the Hanatouro period, and the sight was so moving that I almost forgot to take pictures.
Related Article
・Yasaka Jinja Shrine: A Comprehensive Guide
Yasaka Shrine is one of Kyoto's most historically significant shrines. In this article, Sena highlights the shrine's unique appeal and notable attractions that make it a must-visit destination when traveling to Kyoto.
Yasaka Pagoda (Hokanji Temple)
The Yasaka Pagoda at Hokanji Temple is popular for photos taken from Yasaka Street. As there are no tall buildings in the Higashiyama area, the five-story pagoda of Yasaka stands out even from a distance. The current tower was rebuilt in 1440. If you take a photo from a distance from Yasaka Pagoda, you can capture Japanese architecture and the pagoda together, resulting in a photo with a Kyoto-like atmosphere.
The view of Yasaka Pagoda from the direction of Ninenzaka or Sannenzaka is quintessentially Kyoto. If you capture Kyoto's good old townscape and Yasaka Pagoda on camera, you'll get a tasteful photo. When a rickshaw passes by, it's a photo opportunity. It results in a shot that feels like you've time-slipped to old Japan.
Note that the roads around Yasaka Pagoda are narrow, so be careful when taking photos by the roadside. By the way, you can visit the second floor of Yasaka Pagoda. Enjoy sightseeing along with taking photos.
Yasaka Koshindo
Yasaka Koshindo is a temple famous as the birthplace of the Koushin faith. Koushin faith is a combination of Taoist ideas imported from China and traditional Japanese folk beliefs. The colorful wishing charms called "kukurizaru" are impactful and popular as a photogenic spot.
It's said that if you write one wish on a Kukurizaru and attach it, that wish will come true, and it's popular among young women for its benefits in matchmaking. There are statues of the three wise monkeys decorated in various places on the temple grounds, so it might be interesting to search for and photograph the monkey statues.
Every 60 days on Koushin Day, an event called Konnyaku-taki is held. It's said that if you eat the prayed-over konjac served to visitors silently facing north, you'll stay healthy for a year. This is a traditional event said to have started when Yasaka Koshindo was built, so why not participate while taking photos?
Related Article
・Kyoto Traditional Fashion: Where to Dress Up in Kimono!
・Best Sightseeing Spots for Kimono Photography & Rental Shops
Yasaka Koshindo is a perfect spot for sightseeing in kimono.If you're interested in kimono culture, be sure to check this out. By researching Kyoto's kimono culture and kimono-appropriate tourist spots in advance, you can gain a deeper appreciation of Kyoto's traditions and culture.
Kodaiji Temple
source：Kyoto Travel Navi
Kodaiji Temple was founded in 1606 by Nene, the lifelong supporting wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a famous Japanese warlord, in his memory. Kodaiji tends to have many excellent photo spots, including the Kaizando surrounded by greenery and the Kodaiji Garden where you can enjoy Japan's four seasons. A recommended photo spot is the ethereal bamboo grove, which is rarely seen in the Higashiyama area. It's a relatively calm bamboo grove to stroll through, making it easy to take photos.
The Kodaiji Ungoan teahouse on the grounds is also one of the recommended photo spots. Try capturing yourself drinking delicious matcha in Japan. If you're going to Kodaiji surrounded by nature, the best times are when you can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage.
When the cherry blossom season arrives, the single cherry tree in Hashin Garden reaches its peak. In autumn, the autumn foliage is reflected on the surface of Garyuike Pond, offering a beautiful scenery that's highly praised.
Gion Shirakawa
Gion Shirakawa is a river flowing through Kyoto. Buildings with atmosphere line up along the stone-paved road, allowing you to experience old Japan. It's a popular tourist spot even among Japanese people, so there are many women walking in Kimono, making it Instagram-worthy just by capturing the street scenery.
Walking along the Shirakawa from Gion-Shijo Station or Higashiyama Station, you'll reach famous photo spots. Near Tatsumi Bridge, there are vermilion railings, and near Ipponbashi Bridge, there are willow street trees planted, allowing you to capture Kyoto-like scenery.
Especially in spring, the cherry blossoms bloom along the road, allowing you to enjoy the most beautiful scenery of the year. About 40 cherry trees line up along the Shirakawa, making it famous as a spot for beautiful cherry blossom photos. The cherry blossoms bloom in full glory amidst the emotional townscape unique to Gion, making the town even more vibrant.
Related Article
・Hanamikoji Street in Kyoto: Geisha District Guide
Hanamikoji Street is one of Kyoto's most traditional areas. There are several important things to keep in mind when visiting. Here's what you should check before going to Hanamikoji Street.
Around Kiyomizu Dera Temple
Kiyomizudera Temple is essential for Kyoto sightseeing. It's one of the buildings with high historical value registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The appearance of the trees changes with each season, so the atmosphere of the photos changes greatly depending on the time of visit.
The night viewing, which is held for a limited time several times a year, is recommended for taking fantastical photos different from daytime. Also, the area around Kiyomizu Dera is surrounded by townscapes where you can feel the atmosphere of good old Kyoto. It's about a 20-minute walk from Yasaka Shrine to Kiyomizudera. "Nene no Michi'', which connects the two, is a photo spot where you can enjoy Japanese-like scenery.
Okunoin
source：Official website
The most famous scenery at Kiyomizu Dera is the stage protruding from the main hall. If you want to take a photo of this "Kiyomizu Stage '', Okunoin, located a little away from the main hall, is recommended. As you proceed to the back of the main hall, you'll see Okunoin on the right.
It's an angle with beautiful trees in the foreground, Kiyomizu Stage on the right, and Kyoto city visible in the distance. The view of Kiyomizudera from Okunoin is so famous in Japan that it's featured in history textbooks. It's a scenery you'd want to photograph when visiting Japan.
The recommended time for taking photos is in the evening. If you go during sunset, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. However, depending on the season, you may not be able to see the sunset due to the balance between visiting hours and sunset time, so be careful. If you want to take photos while the sun is setting, check the sunset time in advance.
Otowa Waterfall
Otowa Waterfall, where purifying water that gave Kiyomizudera its name flows. You can see Otowa Waterfall by going down the slope on the left side of Okunoin or the stairs on the right side. Although it's called a waterfall, it's just a small amount of water flowing, but it's popular among tourists as it's the origin of Kiyomizudera's name.
Clear water falls from a height of about 4 meters. The three streams of water are said to have three benefits: academic achievement, success in love, and longevity. Visitors should choose one of the three streams and drink water using a ladle called a hishaku. It's believed that your wish will come true if you take just one sip without being greedy.
Taking a photo of yourself drinking water would make a good memory of your trip. The visiting hours start from 6:00, so if you want to take photos when there are fewer tourists, it's recommended to go early.
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・Enjoy Kiyomizu Dera Temple! Highlights, Best Photo Spots, and More...
Kiyomizu Temple is one of Kyoto's most beloved tourist attractions, filled with captivating features. If you're interested in exploring this temple where nature and tradition intertwine, check out this article to learn about its unique appeal before your visit.
Kyoto is home to countless captivating tourist destinations filled with Japan's time-honored traditions and culture. The number of attractions rivals any other city in Japan, with so much to explore that even several weeks wouldn't be enough to see everything.
Moreover, since these sites are deeply rooted in Japan's intricate culture and history, it can be challenging for tourists to fully appreciate their significance. That's why we recommend joining a Magical Trip tour led by local guides who are experts in Kyoto's attractions, traditions, and culture.
If you want to experience Kyoto efficiently and deeply while learning from local guides' explanations, we especially recommend these 3 tours.
・4.5-hour Kyoto Historical Highlights Bike Tour with UNESCO Zen Temples
・Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
・Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour
Arashiyama District
The Arashiyama district, a standard for Kyoto sightseeing, is an area where you can enjoy lush green scenery. With its world-famous bamboo grove and many shrines and temples, it's full of photogenic spots where you can feel the atmosphere of Kyoto.
It's also nice that tourist spots in Arashiyama are concentrated around Arashiyama Station and Saga-Arashiyama Station, so you can visit various photo spots in a short time. Many popular tourist spots have illumination events, allowing you to enjoy fantastical scenery.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
source：Kyoto Travel Navi
The Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama is a tourist spot with beautiful scenery where sunlight shines through the bamboo. Well-maintained bamboo groves tower on both sides of the road from Nonomiya Shrine to Okochi Sanso. The bamboo grove covering overhead like a green tunnel continues for about 400 meters.
You'll feel like you've wandered into another world. It's attractive that you can enjoy it for free at any time as it's open 24 hours. If you're aiming for a typically Japanese photogenic shot, it's also recommended to visit the bamboo grove in a kimono by rickshaw.
You can take photos that make you feel like you've time-slipped to old Japan. Every December, there's an illumination event called Arashiyama Hanatouro, so it's also good to visit the bamboo grove in winter.
Arashiyama Kimono Forest
Kimono Forest is a popular Instagram spot, especially among young people. Located at Randen Arashiyama Station, it features colorful poles using "Kyo-yuzen" fabric, a traditional craft made using age-old techniques. It's a place bustling with people searching for their favorite patterns and taking commemorative photos.
It's good to take photos during the day, but if you go after dark, it's lit up and results in atmospheric photos. As daytime and nighttime illumination each have their own charm, it might be good to visit at both times of day while touring other sightseeing spots.
The recommended photo spot is a small pond called Ryu no Atago Pond. The patterns of Kyo-yuzen dyed in vivid colors are reflected on the surface of the pond, allowing you to take wonderful photos. I've been to Kimono Forest both during the day and at night, and I felt that nighttime was more photogenic.
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・Kyoto Arashiyama Perfect Guide: Famous Spots, Hidden Gems, and Restaurants
Arashiyama, one of Kyoto's most popular tourist destinations, is a captivating area where nature meets tradition. If you're interested in Arashiyama, check out this article written by Takashi, who knows Kyoto inside and out.
Other Districts
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of Inari shrines throughout Japan. It enshrines deities that bring prosperity in business and abundant harvests. Particularly popular at Fushimi Inari Taisha is the Senbon Torii (1,000 Torii Gates). If you want to take photos of the vivid vermilion Senbon Torii, it's best to visit early in the morning when there are fewer tourists. Unlike during the day, there are fewer people, so you can take Instagram-worthy photos at your leisure.
It's also good to challenge the "Mountain Walk" which involves walking about 4km of mountain path after passing through the Senbon Torii. It's recommended to take beautiful photos with torii gates or majestic nature as a backdrop while walking through the Japanese mountains.
Also, many people take photos with fox statues scattered throughout the shrine grounds as a backdrop. There are foxes with various poses and expressions, so it's fun just to look around.
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・Fushimi Inari Shrine Highlight and History! Discover Hidden Gems Surrounding Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates, is a popular photo spot for tourists visiting Kyoto. Did you know that beyond the iconic torii gates, there are hidden spots of interest waiting to be discovered? This article reveals the secrets of Fushimi Inari Shrine.
The Fushimi area is also one of Japan's top three sake-producing regions. When visiting Fushimi, be sure to try some of its exceptional sake.
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・Fushimi Sake Guide: A Comprehensive Introduction to Kyoto's Famous Sake District
Kinkakuji
source:Official website
Kinkakuji, originally built as a villa by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, one of Japan's famous shoguns, is a popular spot that attracts tourists from all over the world. In 1994, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto".
For the golden shining Kinkakuji, the classic "angle with the pond in front" is recommended. If you go on a sunny day, you can take a wonderful photo with Kinkakuji reflected on the surface of the pond.
While Kinkakuji is beautiful in any season, the recommended time is winter. Especially when snow accumulates, Kinkakuji presents a fantastical and photogenic scene. The atmosphere changes greatly depending on the season, which is a big attraction of Kinkakuji, making it worth visiting multiple times.
If you are interested in Kinkakuji, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
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・Visiting Kinkakuji Temple: The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji Temple is one of Kyoto's most famous temples, alongside Kiyomizu-dera. This article provides specific details about Kinkaku-ji's highlights, how to best enjoy your visit, and tips for avoiding crowds.
3 Points to Enjoy Kyoto's Photo Spots in 2025
For Taking Photos, Go Out in Kimono
When taking photos in Kyoto's townscape, going out in Kimono makes your photos more attractive. Especially if you're going to Yasaka Koshindo or Kimono Forest, choose a colorful kimono to match the scenery. There are kimono rental shops all over Kyoto, so it's recommended to make a reservation in advance at a shop near the tourist spots you plan to visit or near your hotel.
There are various kimono rental plans, such as those where you can rent kimono and accessories as a set, or those where you can also request hairstyling. Some plans even include a professional photographer taking photos at your desired tourist spot.
When I went on a Kyoto trip, I chose a rental plan that included hairstyling. You can freely choose from many kimono patterns, so it was fun from the stage of choosing the kimono.
Enjoy Kyoto's Charm Along the Way
Enjoy Kyoto's charm along the way to tourist spots. Especially the area
The area from Gion district to Kiyomizudera has a Kyoto-like atmospheric townscape, making everywhere along the way a potential photo spot. When visiting the 10 spots introduced here, it's recommended to take photos while moving between them.
When I went to Gion, I strolled around the city without any specific purpose, finding Kyoto-like places and taking photos. When going to Kyoto's tourist spots, it's recommended to secure time to explore the city. Many restaurants and cafes have exteriors that match the atmosphere of the city, offering plenty of photogenic dining options.
When entering a shop while walking around the city, choose one with a Kyoto-like atmosphere and take photos.
Pay Attention to Illumination and Event Schedules
It's also important to check the schedules for illuminations and events before going to Kyoto. For example, Kiyomizudera has nighttime illuminations three times a year - in spring, summer, and autumn. During these specific periods, the closing time is extended to 21:30 (reception until 9:00), allowing you to capture the beautiful Kiyomizu Dera at night in your photos.
Limited-time illuminations are held at various places in Kyoto such as Kodaiji Temple, Kifune Shrine, and Toji Temple, so it's recommended to decide your schedule after checking in advance.
Also, many popular photo spots in Kyoto often become festival venues, so going during events can result in Instagram-worthy photos. For example, the Gion Festival is held at Yasaka Shrine in July. During the Gion Festival period, there are days when food stalls, essential to Japanese festivals, are set up, so it's worth checking out.
2 Recommended Tours to Fully Experience Kyoto
Let me introduce two highly-rated experiential tours that maximize the appeal of Kyoto sightseeing. Through night food culture and hidden tourist spots, you can experience the essence of Kyoto.
Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
A 3-hour gourmet tour of the Pontocho and Gion areas, ranked 6th on TripAdvisor.
For $136.80 (approximately ¥20,000), you can enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine at three carefully selected restaurants. Each establishment serves drinks (local sake or soft drinks), and an English-speaking guide helps you deeply understand Kyoto's food culture.
While strolling through the atmospheric townhouses and teahouse districts, you might be lucky enough to encounter maiko (apprentice geisha). Vegetarian menus are available, but vegan and gluten-free options are not accommodated. Photos taken during the tour will be emailed later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
For more details: Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
This popular tour, ranked 3rd on TripAdvisor, is available for $64.84 (approximately ¥9,500). The 3-hour course starting from Tofukuji Station takes you through bamboo forests and nature-rich mountain paths that regular tourists rarely visit.
The approximately 7km course can be enjoyed by anyone with average fitness, though it's not recommended for pregnant women or children under 8 years old. The small-group format creates a friendly atmosphere, with numerous photo opportunities away from the crowds.
In summer, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeve shirts and pants is recommended. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, with full refunds available in case of disasters like typhoons.
For more details: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
These two tours offer different perspectives on Kyoto's appeal through food culture and nature. With small group sizes and attentive guides, foreign travelers can participate with peace of mind, making these tours valuable opportunities to deepen their understanding of Kyoto.
