5 Photogenic Power Spots in Kyoto: Recommended Instagrammable Shrines and Temples

The ancient capital of Kyoto is dotted with breathtaking scenery that makes your heart tremble just by looking. This time, we carefully introduce five power spots sure to be Instagrammable. While feeling the gods' energy, head out to shoot an extra-special shot.

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(1) Fushimi Inari Taisha | The Dreamlike Tunnel Created by the Vermilion Senbon Torii

The "Senbon Torii" (Thousand Torii Gates), where countless vermilion torii continue in succession, is a photogenic spot representing Kyoto. The depth created by the overlapping torii and the contrast of vermilion and shadow radiate an overwhelming presence.

Shooting tips

• Best time of day: Early morning, 6-7 a.m. There are few tourists, and the soft morning light illuminates the torii more mysteriously.
• Season: The autumn foliage season, or a calm day after rain, is especially recommended.
• Angle: Stand right in the middle of the torii and emphasize depth with an ultra-wide angle. Including a person small in the frame makes the sense of scale stand out.

Access: Right by JR Nara Line "Inari Station"

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(2) Kifune Shrine | The Mystical Approach Woven by a Green Tunnel and Stone Steps

The approach covered with moss-covered stone steps and green maples is just like an entrance to another world. In summer, the lush green trees softly let the light through, and the entire approach is dyed green.

Shooting tips

• Best time of day: Early morning hours. The moment when dappled sunlight falls on the stone steps is breathtaking.
• Season: The fresh-greenery period of June to July. On summer nights, illumination is also held, for a dreamlike atmosphere.
• Angle: Shooting from a low position on the stone steps captures the lanterns and the depth of the approach in a single shot.

Access: About a 30-minute walk from Eizan Railway "Kibuneguchi Station," or use the bus

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(3) Toji Temple | A Springtime Spectacle, Kyoto-Like, Played by the Five-Story Pagoda and Cherry Blossoms

The five-story pagoda of the World Heritage Toji Temple is also famous as Japan's tallest wooden pagoda. In spring, about 200 cherry trees bloom in full glory around the pagoda, and Japanese beauty explodes.

Shooting tips

• Best time of day: Dusk to illumination hours. Aim for the reflection of the five-story pagoda and cherry blossoms mirrored on the water surface.
• Season: The full-bloom period from late March to early April is the peak.
• Angle: Shooting across Hyotan Pond makes for a beautiful reflection shot with the mirroring on the water surface.

Access: About a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu "Toji Station"

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(4) Bamboo Grove Path (Arashiyama) | A World of Silence and Green Where Green Bamboo Stretches to the Sky

The Bamboo Grove Path, a spot representing Arashiyama. The green bamboo, grown so tall it covers the sky, rustles each time it sways in the wind—a place to enjoy with all five senses.

Shooting tips

• Best time of day: Early morning right after opening is a must. Aim for the divine moment when light streams in between the bamboo.
• Season: Enjoyable year-round, but the snowy scenery of winter is especially rare.
• Angle: Stand in the middle of the bamboo grove and shoot facing straight up to complete a dynamic "bamboo dome" photo!

Access: About a 5-minute walk from Randen "Arashiyama Station"

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(5) Yasaka Koshindo | A Photogenic Kyoto Temple Where Colorful Kukurizaru Dance Wildly

The sight of colorful "kukurizaru" (bound monkey charms) in blue, red, yellow, green, purple, and more filling the precincts is a one-of-a-kind scene fusing Kyoto-ness with pop colors. It's also a perfect match with kimono attire.

Shooting tips

• Best time of day: The bright morning hours. Natural light brings out the vivid colors of the kukurizaru.
• Season: OK year-round. Combining with a kimono rental dramatically boosts the photogenic level.
• Angle: A composition placing the kukurizaru in the foreground with a blurred person, or one where the kukurizaru fill the background, is suited for social media.

Access: About a 3-minute walk from the city bus "Higashiyama Yasui"

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Kyoto's power spots show completely different expressions depending on a single shooting moment. Rising early to aim for the hours with few people is the greatest secret to having the breathtaking scenery all to yourself. By all means, find your favorite shot.

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\ By all means use these for social media posts /

`#KyotoTravel` `#InstagrammableKyoto` `#FushimiInariTaisha` `#KifuneShrine` `#TojiCherryBlossoms` `#ArashiyamaBambooGrove` `#YasakaKoshindo` `#Kukurizaru` `#PowerSpotTour` `#KyotoShrines` `#KimonoGirls` `#PhotogenicKyoto` `#TabitabiJAPAN`