Kyoto travel guide
Best Selfie & Photo Spots in Kyoto
The most photographed place in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari Shrine’s Senbon Torii — tunnels of 10,000 vermilion gates climbing Mount Inari. Arrive before 7am to shoot the gates crowd-free; the upper trails stay quiet all day. Arashiyama’s bamboo grove is the close second.
Photographing Kyoto
Kyoto is Japan’s most photographed city after Tokyo — but the famous shots require early alarms. Arrive at dawn and you’ll have vermilion tunnels and bamboo groves almost to yourself.
The best photo & selfie spots in Kyoto
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Fushimi Inari thousand torii gates
10,000 vermilion gates tunnel up the mountain.
Best time to shoot: 6–7am, before tour groups
Pro tip: The crowds thin dramatically after the first junction — keep climbing
Coordinates: 34.9671, 135.7727
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Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Towering bamboo corridor with filtered light.
Best time to shoot: Sunrise
Pro tip: Shoot from the path’s centre line for the symmetric tunnel effect
Coordinates: 35.0094, 135.6668
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Kiyomizu-dera stage
Wooden terrace over a sea of maples or blossoms.
Best time to shoot: Opening time, 6am
Pro tip: The classic shot is from Okunoin Hall looking back at the main stage
Coordinates: 34.9949, 135.7850
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Gion’s Hanamikoji street
Machiya facades and passing geiko at dusk.
Best time to shoot: Dusk as lanterns light
Pro tip: Photography is banned on private side streets — respect the signs
Coordinates: 35.0037, 135.7752
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best selfie spots in Kyoto — FAQs
What is the most photographed place in Kyoto?
The most photographed place in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari Shrine’s Senbon Torii — tunnels of 10,000 vermilion gates climbing Mount Inari. Arrive before 7am to shoot the gates crowd-free; the upper trails stay quiet all day. Arashiyama’s bamboo grove is the close second.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.