20 Best Photo Spots in Kyoto With Photography Tips

1. Yasaka Pagoda Viewpoint

Yasaka Kamimachi is easily one of the most Instagrammable places in Kyoto. This beautiful stone-paved street is lined with traditional wooden houses, but the real highlight is the iconic view of Hōkan-ji Temple in the background.

The street is super busy throughout the day, and even sunrise attracts a lot of photographers. If you’re quick and have your camera settings ready, though, you can still find a moment to capture that perfect Kyoto postcard shot.

When we first arrived during cherry blossom season, people with tripods were completely blocking the street, so we just took a few photos of the pagoda and moved on to explore other photo spots nearby. We came back after sunrise, and managed to get the street completely empty!

I’ve linked the exact photo spot below so you don’t have to wander around looking for it. If you’re taking a taxi, keep in mind that car access is limited, so you’ll most likely be dropped off somewhere nearby.

📍 Location: Yasaka Pagoda Viewpoint

2. Sannenzaka (Sanneizaka)

Sannenzaka is another iconic photo spot in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district, just around the corner from Yasaka Pagoda. This beautiful sloping street offers some of the most picturesque views in the city.

It gets very busy during the day, but sunrise can be a little quieter, especially as most visitors head straight to Hōkan-ji Temple. My advice is to start with this spot and then explore other photo spots nearby. There are plenty of them!

For photography, try using a 35mm lens from the top of the stairs to capture the traditional houses along the slope. You can also walk down the steps and experiment with your zoom lens to get some interesting compositions.

📍 Location: Sannenzaka (Sanneizaka)

3. Ninenzaka (Ninennzaka)

Ninenzaka is the shortest of the three slopes and is located between Sannenzaka and Hōkan-ji Temple. It’s one of the prettiest streets in Kyoto, and you should definitely add it to your photography list.

Like the other streets in Higashiyama, Ninenzaka gets very busy during the day, but it’s much easier to take photos early in the morning. I’d recommend using a 35mm lens here to capture the beautiful street and its traditional architecture.

At the end of Ninenzaka, you’ll also find the famous Starbucks inside a traditional Japanese house. I’m not particularly impressed by the menu, but the setting is worth seeing! Just keep in mind that there can be a long queue when it opens.

📍 Location: Ninenzaka (Ninennzaka)

4. Alternative Yasaka Pagoda view

If you’re looking for a less crowded photo spot in Kyoto, you’ll love this street (exact location below!). It offers a beautiful alternative view of Yasaka Pagoda, yet most people simply walk past without stopping to take pictures.

We actually managed to take these photos during the busiest time of the day, so this is a great spot to save for later when exploring Kyoto’s old town. If you visit before 9 am, you’ll have an even easier time getting a clear shot.

The street is quite long, so you can walk around and find the angle that works best for your composition. I’d definitely recommend bringing a zoom lens here. My favorite viewpoint was from a distance, near Kyo Yuba Kobo restaurant.

📍 Location: Kyo Yuba Kobo

5. Seiryu-en

Located in the heart of Kyoto’s old town, Seiryu-en Garden is one of the best hidden photo spots in the area. And the best part? There was hardly anyone around, even during peak season and the busiest time of the day!

The garden looks particularly beautiful during fall, but it’s worth a visit throughout the year, especially if you want to escape the crowds in Higashiyama.

We also rented a kimono, which I think is a must-have experience when visiting Kyoto. The only downside is that most rental shops open quite late, meaning you’ll probably be out exploring when the streets are already packed.

That’s why I recommend looking for hidden spots in central Kyoto. We also decided to visit Toji Temple, which turned out to be a great choice as it was surprisingly empty. More about that later in this guide!

6. Yasaka Kōshin-dō Temple

The last stop in Kyoto’s old town is Yasaka Kōshin-dō, a small temple that stands out thanks to its colorful decorations. You’ll find bright kukurizaru, little fabric balls representing the wishes of worshippers, hanging all around the temple.

It’s such a fun place to photograph, and definitely one of the more unusual photo spots in Kyoto. Just remember that it opens at 9 am, so you’ll have to save this one for later in the morning.

All the locations mentioned above are close to each other and can easily be covered in one morning. Depending on how long you spend at each spot, Yasaka Kōshin-dō can be your final stop before heading out for breakfast or continuing to explore the city.

7. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

If you’re looking for the most popular Instagram spots in Kyoto, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is probably already on your list.

This famous bamboo grove is filled with thousands of bamboo plants, creating a beautiful green tunnel that looks quite different from anywhere else in the city.

However, getting a good photo here is not easy. The path is packed with people from sunrise to sunset, so you’ll need a little patience. I’d recommend bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the height of the bamboo and make the crowds less noticeable in your photos.

Finding the exact entrance can also be a little tricky, so I’ve added the location below. Make sure you start from this point and follow the bamboo path from there to get the views you’re looking for.

But if you don’t want to deal with the crowds at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, I will share a great alternative located in the heart of Kyoto that you will most likely find empty any time of the day.

📍 Location: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

8. Kinkaku-ji

Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of the most beautiful temples in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple gets its nickname from the gold leaf covering its upper two floors.

Although you can’t enter the temple itself, you can walk around the grounds and admire it from several different angles. The reflection of the golden pavilion in the pond makes it one of the most beautiful photo spots in Kyoto.

Keep in mind that this is one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions, so expect crowds and queues, especially during peak season. However, the temple is visible from the surrounding paths, so you can get a great photo at pretty much any time of the day.

9. Fushimi Inari Shrine

I’m sure we can all agree that Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most iconic photography spots in Kyoto. It’s one of the most famous shrines in Japan, known for its thousands of red torii gates lining the paths up the mountain.

And, of course, it gets very crowded. However, getting the classic photo is easier than you might expect. When we visited at sunrise, there was a small queue, but the path is quite long, meaning you can find corners with fewer people around.

The shrine complex is actually massive, and most tourists leave after visiting the main area. If you decide to hike further up the mountain, you’ll find much quieter sections where you can enjoy the torii gates without the crowds.

For photography, I found that a 50mm lens worked best and created a beautiful effect. I also tried my telephoto lens, which starts at 75mm, but eventually preferred the results with the 50mm.

10. Keiryu Bridge

I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of photos from Kyoto featuring a cute little boat floating along a canal. If you want to recreate that shot, head to Keiryu Bridge. Even if it’s not on your itinerary, you might find yourself crossing this bridge while exploring the area, so keep an eye out for the boats!

They pass quite frequently, and from what I noticed, boats often arrive from both directions around the same time. This gives you two chances to get the shot you’re after.

And if you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, make sure to stop by the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art. The area alongside the canal is full of beautiful cherry blossoms!

11. Kōdaiji Temple

Kōdai-ji Temple is home to some of the best Instagram spots in Kyoto, so it’s definitely worth adding to your photography list. It’s a well-known temple, but some visitors still choose to skip it. Trust me, they’re missing out!

The temple complex contains several buildings, including the main hall, the mausoleum of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and a traditional tea house. The gardens are just as impressive, with a pond garden, a rock garden, and a beautiful bamboo grove.

If you don’t have time to visit Kyoto’s famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, the one at Kōdai-ji is a great alternative. It’s usually quiet and looks stunning in photos. And don’t leave without exploring the Zen garden, either. It’s another highlight of the temple grounds.

12. Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine is one of the most photogenic places in Kyoto. Its bright red buildings, colorful details, and traditional architecture make it a great stop if you enjoy photography.

The shrine complex includes several buildings, with the main hall being one of the highlights. It is recognized as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and features traditional carvings, paintings, and Shinto objects.

The entrance area gets quite busy, especially during the day, so I recommend visiting early in the morning. And don’t forget to bring your 35mm lens for the best photos!

13. Gion district

Gion is one of Kyoto’s best-known traditional neighborhoods, famous for its wooden teahouses, narrow streets, and traditional architecture. Gion is also associated with geisha and maiko, who entertain guests at traditional teahouses called ochaya.

One of the prettiest areas for photography is along Shirakawa Canal, especially around Yamato-bashi Bridge. The canal is lined with traditional buildings and trees, and it’s particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season.

Gion is also worth exploring beyond these main spots. You’ll find plenty of small streets and traditional buildings along the way. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a maiko (but always ask if they are okay with photos!).

I recommend coming early in the morning, especially if you want to take photos without too many people around. It is a very popular area with multiple kimono rentals around, so during the day it really gets packed.

14. Chionin Temple

Chionin Temple is known for its impressive wooden architecture. Its main hall is one of the largest wooden buildings in Japan, while the Sanmon Gate is the largest surviving gate of its kind in the country. Both are worth seeing when exploring this part of Kyoto.

If you’re looking for a different perspective, cross the street directly in front of the temple and walk to the end of the park. From there, you can capture a fantastic view of the temple with a zoom lens.

Chion-in is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season and fall, when the surrounding trees add spectacular colors to the scenery. If you’re visiting Kyoto during either season, make sure to bring your camera!

15. Pontocho Alley

If you’re wondering where to take photos in Kyoto, Pontocho Alley is definitely worth adding to your list. This narrow street is lined with traditional wooden buildings, many of which house restaurants, bars, and teahouses.

Pontocho is particularly photogenic in the evening, when the lanterns outside the restaurants and bars light up, giving the alley a lovely atmosphere. It’s one of those places that looks completely different after dark.

If you’re not happy with your evening photos, try coming back in the late morning. The street is still beautiful in daylight, and you’ll have a much easier time taking pictures without the crowds.

16. Eikandō Temple

Planning to visit Kyoto in the fall? Eikandō Temple should definitely be on your photography list. It’s particularly famous for its fall foliage, and every year, people come to see the temple grounds covered in shades of red, orange, and yellow.

However, Eikandō is worth visiting in other seasons too. The temple complex is quite large, with several buildings, stone paths, small bridges, and gardens to explore. Take your time walking around, as there are plenty of photo opportunities.

One of the highlights is the brown pagoda perched on the hillside and you can get a lovely view of it from the main pond. If you’re visiting during fall, explore different parts of the grounds to capture the changing colors from different angles.

17. Nanzen-ji and Tenjuan Garden

Nanzen-ji is known for its beautiful gardens, traditional architecture, and several smaller temples within its grounds. My personal highlight was Tenjuan Garden, a peaceful spot away from the busy streets and one of my favorite photography locations in Kyoto.

The garden is particularly worth visiting if you’re looking for quieter photo spots without the usual crowds. It has a lovely pond, stone paths, and carefully maintained greenery. It’s easy to spend some time here simply walking around and enjoying the surroundings.

Once you’re done exploring Tenjuan Garden, make sure to visit Nanzen-ji Temple itself. The grounds are quite large, so take some time to explore the different buildings and the impressive Sanmon Gate.

18. Fushimi Jukoku-bune Boats

The Fushimi Jukoku-bune boats are a lovely sight in the Fushimi district of Kyoto. These traditional wooden boats cruise along the historic canal, passing old storehouses and traditional buildings along the riverbanks.

The area is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season, when sakura trees line the canal. If you visit in spring, you might even see petals floating on the water. However, the boats are worth seeing throughout the year.

You can take a cruise to enjoy the scenery from the water or simply walk along the canal and photograph the boats. Or both!

The area is further away from Kyoto’s main sightseeing spots, so it’s generally quieter. During cherry blossom season, however, it attracts plenty of local visitors who come to see the flowers.

19. To-ji Temple

To-ji Temple is one of the lesser-known photography spots in Kyoto, and I absolutely loved it. The main attraction is the five-story wooden pagoda, but there is more to explore around the temple grounds.

One of my favorite photo spots is the pond in front of the pagoda. On a calm day, you can capture its reflection in the water, with the pagoda in the background. There are usually some tour groups around, but they don’t stay for long.

We actually visited To-ji Temple while wearing rented kimonos, and I’m glad we did. It was a great place to take photos, and we could even use our tripod without getting in anyone’s way.

20. Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

If you’re looking for the best views in Kyoto, make sure to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple. One of its main highlights is the Main Hall, a wooden structure built on a hillside with a large veranda overlooking the city.

The veranda stands on wooden pillars and offers beautiful views of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains. The Main Hall is also designated as a National Treasure of Japan and is one of the most recognizable sights in the city.

Keep in mind that Kiyomizu-dera is one of the busiest photography spots in Kyoto. It gets crowded throughout the day, so I recommend visiting early in the morning, ideally around sunrise, if you want to take photos with fewer people around.