Top 15 Instagrammable Places in Kyoto (Kyoto photo spots)
If you’re looking for Instagrammable places in Kyoto, Japan, I’ve got you covered.
Of course, this list contains the most popular places such as Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu dera, Philosopher’s Path, Arashiyama, Gion, and Kinkaku-ji.
But I’ve added some of the more unique places that we visited on our trip to Kyoto – Yasaka-jinja shrine, Ginkakuji, Iwatayama Monkey Park, Honen-in and Chion-in.
These are not all 15 that I have on my list of best Kyoto photo spots. So let’s dive in!
Instagrammable places in Kyoto
When we visited Kyoto, we managed to see the best of it in pretty much 2 days. And most of the locations that we visited were Instagram-worthy! Here are my favourites of the best Kyoto photo spots.
1. Ginkaku-ji – the Silver Pavillion
Ginkakuji is known also as the Silver Pavillion. But unlike the name suggests, it’s actually not covered in silver – unlike the Kinkakuji, or Golden Pavillion, which actually is golden.
Nevertheless, Ginkakuji is magnificent. The temple buildings are almost hidden in the green moss and trees.
Definitely make sure to stroll through the garden, finding different special parts of it. We found a nice little “waterfall” which splashed nicely over the mossy rocks. And the pond, for example, has the trees reflecting nicely in it.
Ginshadan in Ginkaku-ji
I’m adding this Zen Garden separately because it really can be Instagrammed from all sides. It’s also known as the “Silver Sea of Sand”.
The rock garden is huge, so make sure to walk all around it – and get a bit higher to take in more of it.
2. Fushimi Inari Taisha – the Torii gates
You’ve definitely seen the Fushimi Inari Torii gates if you’ve looked Kyoto up before. It’s hundreds and hundreds of brightly coloured Torii gates going up a mountain. I think everyone who’s been to Kyoto has at least one picture on Instagram of these gates – and for a good reason! The sight really is unique.
If you’d like to get a picture without other people in it, make sure to hike higher up the hill. Or go to one of the “side” tunnels like we did. The torii gates are smaller there, but they are closer together and there are fewer people here.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Don’t miss the Fushimi Inari Shrine, as well! The buildings and statues that you’d find there are very unique – definitely one of the more Instagrammable spots in Kyoto.
For example, we found this really interesting statue standing high about the people. Plus the bright temple buildings will catch everyone’s eye. And there are torii gates for sale if you’re looking for a cute little souvenir.
3. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu Dera is one of the many temples in Higashiyama, and it’s actually one of the most impressive temples in Japan. Actually, it was one of the 21 finalists for the new seven wonders of the world! And, of course, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We spent many hours wandering around the temple grounds, as it’s magnificent from so many spots. Of course, the most famous image is of the Kiyomizu-dera stage, which is supported by massive pillars and supposedly was made without using any nails.
Kiyomizu-dera photo spots
Kiyomizu dera is one of the most beautiful Kyoto photo spots and the territory is remarkably big. So, there are quite a few places to take images:
The entrance gate
From the stage
Of the stage:
if you walk on a trail that goes away from the main stage, there are many interesting angles, like this one.
From under the main stage
4. Higashiyama District
Honestly, the whole Higashiyama District is one of the most Instagrammable places in Kyoto, as every single street that you walk around on is picture-perfect. Some of the streets that are most famous on Instagram are Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, but of course, those are not the only ones.
Higashiyama does get very crowded, though. Shockingly, we actually had to stay in a pedestrian traffic jam! It was the first time something like that happened to me – I was in shock, honestly. So be prepared for the district to get crowded.
Still, it’s worth visiting. The wooden houses are reminiscent of the samurai era, the cute little souvenir shops, and little stalls and restaurants… if you’re looking for Instagrammable spots, you’re definitely going to find many of them in Higashiyama.
5. Philosopher’s Path
The Philosopher’s Path is a 2km long walking path next to the Lake Biwa canal, from Jodoji Bridge in the north to Nyakuoji Bridge in the south. It was named after a famous Japanese philosopher – Kitaro Nishida who took this path to Kyoto University.
It’s a perfect place for taking tranquil pictures, especially in the spring when the cherry blossom season is and, in the autumn during the fall foliage season.
There are many photo spots along the path – people have decorated their cafes or put little cute sculptures on the side of the canal. And along Philosopher’s Path, you can find many quiet temples and shrines that are not known to most tourists – such as the Honen-in which I mention further in this article.
6. Yasaka Pagoda
Yasaka pagoda is one of the 5-storied pagodas in Kyoto, located in the Hokan-ji temple in the Higashiyama district. And interestingly, there’s a Yasaka shrine in Kyoto which is almost 10 minutes’ walk away from the Yasaka pagoda.
It’s that quintessential image of Kyoto, and if you check Instagram, you’ll see a lot of it in the Kyoto tag.
If you stroll around Higashiyama or Gion, there are quite a few spots that are great for photography. We were lucky to catch a view of it during the golden hour in Higashiyama, and it made for this great shot.
If you’re looking for the best Yasaka pagoda photo spot, it’s marked on Google Maps. Keep in mind, though, that it really is one of the most famous photo spots in Kyoto so you’re not going to be alone, not even during sunrise.
7. Iwatayama Monkey Park
Iwatayama Monkey Park is, well, a Monkey Park in the Arashiyama district, so if you’re going to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, consider stopping here, too.
What makes the monkey park so special is that the monkeys actually roam around freely! So you can get great shots. The park is located on a hill, so you get a great panorama of Kyoto – and maybe even a monkey, like we did!
8. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
I’m pretty sure the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the most crowded places in Kyoto, and that’s saying something. Whichever hour you arrive, there’s gonna be loads of people here – and the fact that the bamboo grove is quite sure doesn’t help.
So it’s really not easy to get that perfect Instagram shot here. My suggestion would be to try an upward angle – or maybe come really really early or late.
When in Arashiyama, make sure to check out some of the temples and shrines that are there!
9. Kinkaku-ji Temple – the Golden Pavillion
The Golden Pavillion is named very properly – it really is golden in colour. And so shiny that you might require sunglasses on sunny days!
When we visited Kinkakuji, it was a nice and sunny November day. That meant, of course, that there were tons of people. But still, we managed to get that quintessential shot of the Golden Pavillion reflected in the pond just by it.
When you go, make sure to walk around and enjoy the gardens, too. That way, you can get some unique photo angles of the Pavillion and find some hidden treasures, too.
10. Gion District
Gion district is also known as the Geisha district. It’s actually a residential district so you’ll see many signs saying not to take pictures. And please, do not photograph or touch Geishas – they are just people doing their job, not there (on the street, I mean) for your entertainment.
Some streets of the Gion district, though, can be photographed. Hanamikoji is one of them, as well as some of the side streets. But look out for signs – don’t be rude!
We pretty much didn’t take pictures in Gion, as we didn’t want to offend anyone.
11. Togetsu-kyo Bridge
Togetsu-kyo bridge is one of the oldest wooden bridges in the world – it’s over 400 years old. It’s located in the Arashiyama district, not far from the Arashiyama bamboo grove.
Funnily, we took pictures from the bridge, not of it. But still, I think the view from it is Instagram-worthy, too. The Togetsukyo bridge spans the Katsura River, and if you visit during spring or autumn, you can enjoy the spectacular view of Fall foliage or the Cherry blossoms on the Arashiyama mountain.
12. Ryoan-ji
Ryoan-ji temple has one of the most famous rock gardens in Japan. It’s 15 rocks scattered around tiny stones, and no plants there. Sit, breathe, and let your imagination run wild to find the meaning of the art. And interesting thing about the rock garden is that no matter where you look from, one of the rocks will always stay hidden.
When we visited, it was amazing to see quite many people just sit and quietly contemplate the garden. No loud talking, no scrolling on phones – just sitting and watching.
And there’s more than just the rock garden, of course. The temple grounds house a big pond, walking trails among beautiful trees (we loved how they looked in November!), and so much more. Walk around and enjoy the lack of people, as this is not the most famous temple in Kyoto!
13. Honen in
Honen-in is a small, independent Buddhist temple located just off the Philosopher’s Path. When we visited Honenin, it was almost empty.
We walked around, enjoying the art, buildings, statues, and the pond. It was quiet and peaceful, just like the zen temples should be.
14. Chion-in Temple
Unfortunately, we arrived at Chion-in temple just when it closed, but still, the Sanmon gate that you get to see from the street is incredible!
It’s actually the biggest temple gate in Japan, and it kind of hints at what you can see inside – which is a number of huge buildings, including the largest temple bell in Japan. It’s 5.4m high and weighs 74 tons – and it was made in 1633!
15. Yasaka-jinja shrine
Again, the Yasaka pagoda is not located in the Yasaka shrine!
Yasaka shrine is also known as the Gion shrine, and it’s located just between the Higashiyama and Goin districts. We visited this shrine after missing the Chion-in temple, and honestly, it’s really cool.
It was dark already, and many of the lanterns that you find on the grounds were illuminated. And we saw some stalls selling interesting titbits.
Yasaka shrine is, in my opinion, perfect for Instagram – it’s coloured in bright colours and easily accessible. Even at night, because it’s lit up so the contrast of the colours is just perfect.
5 extra tips for Kyoto photo spots
Honestly, pretty much the whole of Kyoto is one big Insta spot.
But these are some of the Kyoto photo spots we didn’t get to visit, but you can consider:
- Kyoto Tower
- Arashiyama Kimono forest
- Nishiki market
- Nijo Castle
- Toji temple
In conclusion: Kyoto Photo spots
There are quite a few places to take amazing, Instagram-worthy images of Kyoto Japan, right?
Which of these Kyoto photo spots is your favourite? Let me know!
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