5 Photogenic Power Spots in Kyoto

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.

(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: Keep to the side of the Senbon Torii and emphasize depth with an ultra-wide angle. Including a person small in the frame makes the sense of scale stand out (avoid the center of the approach, called seichu, which is considered the path of the deities), and do not block worshippers coming up behind you.

Access: Right by JR Nara Line "Inari Station"

(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

(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"

(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: Keep to the side of the path and shoot facing straight up to complete a dynamic "bamboo dome" photo! This is an ordinary public lane used by rickshaws and bicycles, so do not stop in the middle of it.

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

(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"

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.

\ By all means use these for social media posts /

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Opening and worship hours / closed days: the grounds of Fushimi Inari Taisha can be visited freely at any time / Toji opens at 5:00 and closes at 17:00, with the Kondo (Golden Hall) and Kodo (Lecture Hall) open 8:00-17:00 (reception closes at 16:30) and Kanchiin open 9:00-17:00 (reception closes at 16:30) / Yasaka Koshindo (Daikokusan Kongoji Koshindo) is open 9:00-17:00
• Fees: Fushimi Inari Taisha, the Bamboo Grove Path and Yasaka Koshindo are free of charge / the Kondo and Kodo at Toji cost 800 yen for adults, and the evening cherry blossom illumination (the special night viewing of the Kondo and Kodo) costs 1,000 yen for adults
• Access: Fushimi Inari Taisha = right by Inari Station on the JR Nara Line / Kifune Shrine = about 30 minutes on foot from Kibuneguchi Station on the Eizan Electric Railway (a bus is also available) / Toji = about 10 minutes on foot from Toji Station on the Kintetsu line (about 0.6 km), or about 15 minutes on foot from the Hachijo exit of JR Kyoto Station (about 1.1 km) / the Bamboo Grove Path = about 5 minutes on foot from Arashiyama Station on the Randen tram / Yasaka Koshindo = about 3 minutes on foot from the Higashiyama Yasui city bus stop
• Parking: at Toji, private cars and taxis pay 600 yen for 2 hours (then 300 yen for each additional hour), motorcycles 200 yen for 2 hours and large buses 2,000 yen for 2 hours. The car park cannot be used on the 21st of each month, the day of the Kobo-ichi market
• Etiquette for worship: every one of these places is a living place of faith. Keep quiet inside the halls and in front of the shrine buildings, and avoid walking down the center of the approach path (the seichu). Yasaka Koshindo is a very small hall, so take care not to obstruct the queue of people waiting their turn or the flow of passers-by
• Photography rules: the Senbon Torii, the Bamboo Grove Path and Yasaka Koshindo are all crowded passageways. Avoid setting up a tripod and occupying a spot for a long time. Commercial or professional shoots may require an application to each shrine or temple in advance
• Safety notes: the "Oyama-meguri" circuit around Mount Inari at Fushimi Inari Taisha is a genuine mountain path with long flights of stone steps. There is little lighting after sunset, so bring shoes that are easy to walk in and a light. The Bamboo Grove Path is an ordinary public thoroughfare used by rickshaws and bicycles too, so do not step out into the roadway to take photographs

* The evening cherry blossom illumination at Toji is a special night viewing held only during the cherry blossom season; daytime tickets are not valid for it.

(Sources: Toji official website, "Visiting Information" and "Access" / Kyoto City official Kyoto Kanko Navi, "Kongoji (Yasaka Koshindo)")