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Photo Shoot Locations in Kyoto

This page shows pictures taken at various photo shoot locations is use around Kyoto City.

The locations are listed geographically starting in the southeast from Fushimi Inari Shrine and moving counterclockwise around city, finishing with the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
Southeast Kyoto
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • Tofukuji Temple
Eastern Kyoto
  • Ishibei Koji Street
  • Yasaka Pagoda
  • Heian Jingu Shrine
  • Nanzenji Temple
  • Koinchi-in Temple (Nanzeji)
  • Kurodani Temple 
  • Honen-in Temple
  • The Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku-no-michi)
  • Manshuin Temple
Central Kyoto
  • Gion-Shirakawa
  • Ponto-cho
Northern Kyoto
  • Shimogamo Shrine
  • Kawai Shrine (Shimogamo)
  • Zuiho-in Temple (Daitokuji)
  • Koto-in Temple (Daitokuji)
  • Shokokuji Temple
Western Kyoto - Myoshinji/Sagano/Arashiyama (These locations are far from Central Kyoto)
  • Myoshiji Temple
  • Otagi Nembutuji Temple
  • Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Avoiding the Crowds

You'll notice that many the most famous sites in Kyoto are NOT listed, like Kiyomizu Dera area (Ninenzaka/Sanenzaka), Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji, Ginkakuji (The Silver Pavilion) and Nijo Castle. These locations are almost always very crowded with tourists. They are horrible for taking good photos. If it is on the top of Trip Advisor, it will be crowded.

Fushimi Inari is the one famous location that I will still go to (depending on the day or the season), but it can be horribly crowded. It is a truly unique place, so I still go there. Getting photos in the torii gate tunnel without other people is becoming very difficult because of the massive influx of visitors. 

Arashiyama is also horribly crowded, but I know a route that works, but we will avoid the main part of Arashiyama.

Most of my competition, especially the photographers working for the kimono shops, will take you very crowded locations in the busy tourist areas.

I take my clients to quieter locations that are just as beautiful -- or more so. Let's talk and I will help you find the right locations.

I'll put some photos of the crowds at the bottom of this list.

Southeast Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine

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Tofukuji Temple

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Eastern Kyoto

Ishibei Koji Street

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Yasaka Pagoda

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Heian Jingu Shrine

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Nanzenji Temple

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Konchi-in Temple (Nanzenji)

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Kurodani Temple

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Honen-in Temple

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The Philosopher's Path (Tetsukaku-no-michi)

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Manshuin Temple

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Central Kyoto

Gion-Shirakawa

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Ponto Cho

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Northern Kyoto

Shimogamo Shrine

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Kawai Shrine (Shimogamo)

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Zuiho-in Temple (Daitokuji)

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Koto-in Temple (Daitokuji)

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Shokokuji Temple

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Western Kyoto - Arashiyama/Sagano & Myoshinji

Myoshinji Temple

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Otagi Nembutsuji Temple

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Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street

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Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

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Crowds

Here are some pictures of crowded locations around Kyoto. These were taken on average days.

The road to Kiyomizu Dera

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Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

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Nishiki Market on a Sunday

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Fushimi Inari Shrine on New Years

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This is a poster showing Fushimi Inari Shrine during the New Year's holidays. About 3 million people visit the shrine over the course of the 4 day holiday. The population of Kyoto is only 1.5 million. It is not fun at all.
Kyoto Photo Shoots & Tours / Paul Crouse Photography

TEL:  +81-90-9276-3668 

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It's OK to call me at the last minute. Sometimes I am available.

Email: Paul@PaulCrousePhoto.com

Website and photographs ©2021 Paul Wade Crouse. All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Photographer & Guide
  • Photo Tours
  • Photo Lessons
  • Pricing & Logistics
  • About
  • Testimonials
  • Example Photos
    • Current Portfolio
    • Couples
    • Individuals
    • Families
    • Kathy and Andre
    • Vivian
    • Bala Family
    • Faith and Natan
    • Diane & Gilbert
    • Mar & Agustin
    • Sarah & Eric
    • Katya & Dami
    • Autumn in Kyoto
  • Blog
  • Paul Crouse Photography
  • Kyoto Walks Tours