Top 10 Instagrammable Locations in Kyoto
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Facts & Figures
There are moments you would like to share with friends, family and the world. The following top ten list of the best Instagrammable locations in Kyoto should give you inspiration for your own photo tour. Many tourists have only a short amount of time and these suggestions are a pretty good start to capture the essence and beauty of the city.
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- Overview of the Top 10 Instagrammable Locations in Kyoto:
- 1. Fushimi Inari-Taisha
- 2. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 3. Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
- 4. Gion District
- 5. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 6. Philosopher's Walk
- 7. Yasaka Pagoda (Hokanji Temple)
- 8. Tofukuji Temple
- 9. Maruyama Park
- 10. Nijo Castle
1. Fushimi Inari-Taisha
The shrine is famous for its endless arcades of thousands of vermilion torii gates along the 4km pathway up the sacred mountain Inari (233 meters). To avoid the crowds go there in the early morning and capture the amazing scenery.
Address: 68 Fukakusa, Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, 612-0882
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2. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The tall thick green moso bamboo stalks (5 to 10 m high) create a unique and mystic atmosphere. Narrow paths lead through this fairy-tale bamboo forest and offer the perfect picture opportunity on every corner. The early morning is the best time to come here.
Address: 6 Sagakamenoocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8386
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3. Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Kinkaku-ji officially named Rokuonji Temple is a three-story building with a height of 12.5 meters. The two upper stories are completely covered in gold leaf. It is one of the most popular buildings in Japan and a perfect example of the construction style during the Muromachi period (1337 - 1573). A special photo highlight is to capture the reflection of the golden building in the water of the pond.
Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361
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4. Gion District
Gion near the Yasaka Shrine is the largest and most popular Geisha district in Kyoto. The historical area with many traditional wooden teahouses and machiya houses stretches from the south side of Shijo Street to the north side of Hanamikoji Street. The number of Geisha in this area is the highest in Kyoto. Walk here in the early evening and enjoy the lantern-lit streets. The most beautiful spots are the Shirakawa Canal and the Hanamikoji Street.
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5. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera or "Pure Water Temple" is one of the most famous and popular Buddhist temples in Japan. The main hall with its wooden stage hovering 13 meters above ground is a masterpiece of Japanese temple architecture and a tourist photo hotspot. My tip: The scenery gets especially beautiful with the Spring Illumination (27th of March till 5th of April) of the Kiyomizu-dera temple complex during the cherry blossom season from 6:30 pm till 9:30 pm.
Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0862
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6. Philosopher's Walk
The approx. 2km long pedestrian stone path along the scenic canal, especially during cherry blossom season (late March or early April), is a must see for every Kyoto visitor. You can take lovely pictures of the overhanging sakura or autumn leaves reflecting in the water below.
Address: Start at Ginkaku-ji - 2 Ginakuji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8402
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7. Yasaka Pagoda (Hokanji Temple)
Yasaka Pagoda (Yasaka-no-to) is with a height of 46m the most prominent landmark sign and symbol of the Higashiyama District in Kyoto. The five-story pagoda with the temple treasure (Yasakato-ezu), a designated Important Cultural Property, belongs to the last remaining parts of the Hokanji Temple. The existing structure was rebuilt in 1440 by the 6th Shogun of Muromachi government Yoshinori Ashikaga. The best lighting and atmosphere for an amazing picture is at dawn or dusk
Address: 388 Yasakakamimachi, Kiyomizu Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0862
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8. Tofukuji Temple
People visit the Tofukuji Temple for its famous Zen gardens and the 100m long Tsutenkyo Bridge, which offers amazing views of vibrant autumn leaves or lush greenery of the approx. 2000 maple trees (momiji). The Tofukuji complex consists of 24 sub-temples and covers an area of 240000 square meters, which makes it the largest in Kyoto.
Address: 15 Chome-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0981
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9. Maruyama Park
The park is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Kyoto. Especially the 12m tall and over 80 years old Shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree) is the main photo attraction during the cherry blossom season. I came here at night when the tree was illuminated. It was an unforgettable experience.
Address: 473 Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0071
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10. Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, was the former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543 - 1616), founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. It is the oldest existing palace building in Japan. The massive stone walls, the wide moat, and the huge gates of the castle are an impressive sight and offer endless photo opportunities.
Address: 541 Nijo-jo-cho, Horikawa-nishi-iru, Nijo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8301
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My tips for local activities
How about exploring the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 2 - 8 hours. For more details check out this page >
Where to stay in Kyoto?
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