Best Photography Spots in Kyoto

Thousands of vermilion torii gates climbing the mountain.

Best light

Sunrise — the shrine is open 24 hours and nearly empty at dawn.

Tip

Walk 15 minutes uphill past the first dense section for gates without people.

The towering green bamboo corridor.

Best light

Just after sunrise for soft, even light and no crowds.

Tip

By mid-morning it's shoulder-to-shoulder; first light is the only clean window.

The five-story pagoda framed down the sloping Yasaka-dori lane.

Best light

Blue hour, when the street lamps glow and the pagoda is lit.

Tip

The classic angle is from partway up the hill on Yasaka-dori looking down.

The wooden stage over the hillside and the city beyond.

Best light

Sunset for warm light on the temple and valley.

Tip

Pair it with the Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets just below at first light.

The Golden Pavilion mirrored in its pond.

Best light

Morning, when the low sun lights the gold and the water is still.

Tip

Arrive at opening — still water before the wind gives the cleanest reflection.

Maples seen from the Tsutenkyo bridge.

Best light

Autumn, mid-morning, for backlit red leaves.

Tip

Peak color is mid to late November; go early, it's a famous spot.