These 8 spots are amongst Kyoto's most photogenic.
1. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a magical little pathway through a bamboo forest behind Tenryuji Temple. It's immaculate.
2. Fushimi Inari Shrine
There's something about thousands of vermillion gates stacked together.
3. Mount Koya (Koya-san)
Mount Koya isn't in Kyoto. It's about 90 minutes away by train. It's a 800 meter high valley deep in a forest surrounded by 8 mountain peaks. It's a temple town (there are 120 temples in this little community and not much else). It's a bewitching place.
4. Pontocho
The narrow streets of a ancient entertainment district are bound to produce some interesting results. Pontocho has been serving up nightlife for almost 1300 years.
5. Philosopher's Path
The Philosopher's Path is a 2 kilometer stone path along a sakura (cherry tree) lined canal. It's the most popular spot (amongst photographers) during hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season. It's very photogenic any time of year and is surrounded with interesting shops.
6. Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kinkaku-ji Temple is designed to look like heaven and earth reaching out to touch each other. Try to catch a perfect reflection in the garden pond.
7. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera's 13 meter high stage is constructed without nails. In the Edo-era 234 people jumped from the stage in hopes of being granted a wish. The stage is a photographic gem. It's also a good place to get photos of other tourists.
8. Gion
Gion is the best hanamachi (geisha district) to get photographs of maiko and geisha. If you're in Kyoto in July be sure to check out the Gion festival.
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