The 12 Most Photogenic Temples & Shrines In Kyoto

When you see tourist spots as beautiful as the ones in Kyoto, how can you resist the urge to take lots of photos everywhere? The same applies to the oldest Japanese city’s diverse list of temples and shrines.

You might think every temple and shrine in Kyoto has the same features and interiors. That’s where you’re wrong. These historical yet attractive sites scream authenticity in each selection, making you truly appreciate these establishments’ architecture and unique design. Are you curious to learn more? Check out this guide.

Here’s our take on the most photogenic temples and shrines in Kyoto as we talk about their features, decor, and what makes them unique.

1. Fushimi Inari Taisha

As the crowd favorite, Fushimi Inari Taisha deserves to be on the top of our list. You can easily recognize this with its iconic and photogenic red torii gates tunnel, which makes it one of the most Instagrammable Kyoto shrines.

Fushimi Inari Taisha was built to honor the inari or the fox, the sacred animal believed to protect their harvests. To make your experience more memorable, hike up to reach the peak of Mount Inari. You might need around 2 hours to reach the summit, but the view from the top is undeniably worth it!

If you want to get stunning pictures here, make sure you hire a local photographer with Photo Trips and join this awesome Fushimi Inari photoshoot. You can even rent a kimono to level up your shots and make them more traditional!

2. Kinkaku-ji

Next in line is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kinkaku-ji, which means Temple of the Golden Pavilion, is an Instagrammable Zen Buddhist shrine with a remarkable design. Tourists flock to this location to witness the authentic Japanese garden, traditional architectural styling, and gold-leaf-coated exteriors.

Kinkaku-ji has three storeys, each featuring its own unique style. To take advantage of all the stunning spots, visit the temple in the morning. It’s quieter and more peaceful! After getting the perfect shot, enjoy tea time with green tea and wagashi sweets in the tearooms.

3. Shojuin Temple

Shojuin Temple is perfect for those who prefer remote areas and quieter tourist attractions. Despite its more secluded location, it has still become one of the most famous Kyoto temples because of its inome or heart-shaped window in the guest hall.

Visit Shojuin Temple around 3 to 4 p.m. to capture the picture-perfect heart-shaped sunlight from the window. Another reason this temple easily became photogenic is the colorful ceiling paintings. The artwork features 160 vibrant patterns, catching more lady visitors’ attention!

4. Kiyomizu Temple

Looking for temples that feature traditional and historical Japanese architecture? Kiyomizu Temple, situated on the eastern hills of Kyoto, is precisely where you must go. Also known as the Pure Water Temple, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been a celebrated temple because of the beautiful mountain views, especially during fall.

The view from outside the temple’s main hall is just breathtaking! Admire excellent views of Kyoto’s cherry blossom and maple trees with vibrant leaves. Inside the main hall is the eleven-faced Kannon, Kiyomizu’s primest object of worship.

5. Yasaka Koshindo Temple

Hailed as Kyoto’s most colorful temple, it’s no wonder Yasaka Koshindo Temple is popular among photographers and Instagram users. This temple is located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama area near Kiyomizu Dera Temple.

What makes Yasaka Koshindo a sight to behold are the kukurizaru, or the colorful balls filled with the worshippers’ wishes. These balls are made of cloth and represent good-faith monkeys. From afar, the colorful balls make this temple look like a wonderland, drawing more visitors in!

Join this photoshoot in Higashiyama and take pictures at this temple! You can also browse our list of the best photographers to hire in Kyoto here.

6. Ginkakuji

If we have the Golden Pavilion, Kyoto also has its silver counterpart. Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion, is also called the Jishoji Temple. From being a mountain retreat, it has become a touristy Zen temple.

The most photogenic spot in this temple is the massive Japanese garden with an observatory deck. Head to this area and view stunning panoramic views of the temple. In front of the chamber is Ginshadan, a white-sand stairlike structure. Ginkakuji may look simpler and more minimalist than the Golden Pavilion, but it also boasts its own subtle beauty that attracts more tourists.

7. Rurikoin Temple

If you’re heading to Kyoto during spring or autumn, include Rurikoin Temple in your itinerary. Located in Kyoto’s eastern region, this temple is near the foot of Mt. Hiei and has the best views of the vibrant red and orange leaves in the fall season.

Rurikoin Temple has a vast Japanese garden filled with green maple trees that are best viewed during spring. For this reason, it’s only open twice a year around June. Inside the temple are lacquered and well-maintained desks. Landmarks worth taking photos of include two Japanese gardens, Garyo no Niwa ans Ruri no Niwa, a drawing room, and the teahouse.

8. Kifune Shrine

A shrine most popular during the winter season is Kifune Shrine, thanks to its red lanterns that line the stairs of approach. This tourist spot has also been a favorite place for weddings, thanks to its love knots.

The stone stairs are definitely picture-worthy, especially when the red lanterns are lit up. Head to this shrine in the winter to join the lighting-up event at night between January and February.

9. Yokokuji Temple

Aren’t flowers instagrammable, as well? Yokokuji Temple or the Yanagidani Kannon creates a rare yet beautiful outdoor scene because of the diverse collection of flowers. From the springtime cherry blossoms to the November fall foliage, you’ll love the splendid display of flowers surrounding this temple.

Yokokuji Temple consists of more than 1 building and are connected by alleys, passageways, and staircases. There’s also a tea ceremony room where you can catch a panoramic view of the temple.

10. Daigo-ji

Another temple with a stunning backdrop is Daigo-ji in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto. This historical site sits beside a lush Japanese garden and a small lake. Autumn would be the best time to visit Daigo-ji because of the stunning mixture of red and orange colors. Plus, it rarely gets crowded during the fall season, so you don’t have to hurry up in taking the best shots.

If you happen to come across the bridge outside the temple, capture the tranquil waterfall that makes the scene look more relaxing and peaceful.

You May Also Like: The Best Autumn Leaves Spots in Kyoto

11. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji

 

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Another quiet temple located in Arashiyama is Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and features 1200 unique status with different facial expressions. They are exactly why tourists flock to this place! You can take different angles and photos because each statue portrays a different style.

Aside from the statues, lush plants and stairs surround Otagi Nenbutsu-ji. The temple has traditional Japanese style roofs that make it look like you’re entering a magical palace!

You May Also Like: The 10 Best Photo Spots in Arashiyama

12. Toji Temple

If you’re staying in central Kyoto, Toji Temple might be the most accessible historical site. You only need to walk for a few minutes from the Kyoto station, and it’s easily recognizable with its vast garden and red lanterns. Experience the temple being illuminated at night every autumn.

Additionally, because Toji Temple is right in the heart of Kyoto, crowds frequent this location. If you want to take the perfect shot with no people, we highly suggest visiting early morning. Queues are less and it’s faster to get inside the temple.

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Are you now convinced that Kyoto is worth-visiting because of its beautiful temples and shrines? Don’t forget to share your experience if you’ve been to any of our recommendations above! Plus, let us know in the comments below if there are other photogenic shrines and temples that deserve to be included on our list.

Want to discover more photo spots in Kyoto? Make sure you read our guides on the most Instagrammable locations in Kyoto, the best proposal spots in Kyoto and the most romantic locations in Kyoto!