Location Ideas:

Too many location ideas, too little time!!

Gion District (Shirakawa & Shimbashi) Explore the scenic heart of Gion, featuring the beautiful Shirakawa bridge, willow-lined canals, and historic wooden teahouses. A classic and elegant Kyoto setting.
• 💡 Photography here is strictly limited to 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. I hold the required permit, so we have authorized access to this beautiful preservation area.
Maruyama Park Explore Kyoto’s oldest park, famous for its weeping cherry trees and traditional garden design. The grounds feature a lovely stone bridge and a small waterfall that looks especially beautiful after rain.
• 💡 Highly recommended for a relaxed, stress-free shoot. It suits any group size and remains beautiful and accessible throughout the day.
Kodai-ji Temple Explore the serene and scenic gardens, featuring the main temple, cozy old cottages, and a beautiful bamboo path. A perfect spot for a peaceful photo journey.
• 💡 Usually free of crowds. It is a temple so quietness is of the essence, this location is limited to groups of 6 or fewer. A 50-minute session here is usually sufficient. (Entry fee required).
Gyoja-bashi Bridge Test your balance on this traditional narrow stone bridge that crosses the Shirakawa River. It creates a unique and charming setting for portraits.
• 💡 A quick and easy location (10-mins) suitable for groups of all sizes. Best visited as a short stopover rather than a main destination.
Yasaka Pagoda The striking pagoda stands as a timeless symbol of Higashiyama district, perfectly framed by the historic narrow street below.
• 💡 Extremely popular. To avoid heavy crowds in the background, a start time of 6:00 am or 7:00 am is essential. By 8:00 am it is already difficult to get clear photos. (Early morning fee applies).
Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka Step back in time on these iconic stone-paved streets, capturing the preserved beauty and historic atmosphere of ancient Kyoto.
• 💡 To avoid heavy crowds, a start time of 6:00 am or 7:00 am is essential. By 8:00 am it is already difficult to get clear photos. (Early morning fee applies).
Jojakko-ji Temple Nestled on the hillside, Jojakko-ji offers lush greenery and a sense of seclusion, with views of Kyoto in the distance. (Entrance fee required.)
• 💡 Usually free of crowds. It is a temple so quietness is of the essence, this location is limited to groups of 6 or fewer. A 50-minute session here is usually sufficient. (Entry fee required).
Okochi Sanso Garden Visit the exquisite private garden of Okochi Sanso, offering breathtaking views of the city and well-preserved garden with some traditional architecture. There is also a yoga room with view over one of the traditional gardens. (Entrance fee required.)
• 💡 Usually free of crowds. Because the garden’s pathways are very narrow, this location is limited to groups of 4 or fewer. A 50-minute session here is usually sufficient. (Entry fee required).
Gio-ji Temple Discover the small and serene Gio-ji, surrounded by a moss garden and a small bamboo grove, providing a cozy setting for photos. (Entrance fee required.)
• 💡 Usually free of crowds. Because the garden is intimate/small, this location is limited to groups of 4 or fewer. A quick 15-minute session here is usually sufficient. (Entry fee required).
Kimono Forest A path lined with poles dressed in Kyo-yuzen traditional kimono fabrics, creates a colorful and unique photographic setting known as the Kimono Forest.
• 💡 Perfect for a quick stop and a few snaps!
Bamboo Grove Wander through the soaring stalks of the Bamboo Grove, an iconic natural wonder that defines the landscape of Arashiyama.
• 💡 Extremely popular! To avoid heavy crowds, an early start (6am or 7am) is essential. (+Fee applies).
Togetsukyo Bridge Capture the historic elegance of Togetsukyo Bridge, with the Katsura River beneath and mountains beyond creating a classic Kyoto panorama.
• 💡 Perfect for a quick stop and a few snaps!
Kameyama Park Enjoy the tranquility of Kameyama Park, offering scenic views and a peaceful retreat amidst the changing seasons.
• 💡 A good choice any time a day, it even got a building that looks similar to a garden house.
Katsura River The flowing waters of the Katsura River provide a serene backdrop, could also be used for reflective photography along its banks if the water is not too high.
• 💡 Perfect for a quick stop and a few snaps!
Fushimi Inari Shrine Walk through the famous tunnel of thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up the sacred Mount Inari. This iconic Shinto shrine offers one of the most mystical and recognizable views in Japan.
• 💡 Extremely popular! To avoid heavy crowds, a start time of 6:00 am or 7:00 am is essential. We will need to hike up further (approx. 20–30 mins) to find empty gates. (Early morning fee applies).
Philosopher’s Path A scenic stone path following a quiet canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees. A peaceful walking route in the Higashiyama district, perfect for capturing the changing seasons and nature.
• 💡 Generally a quiet and relaxing route suitable for any time of day. However, during Cherry Blossom season, an early start (7:00 am or 8:00 am) is strictly required to avoid the crowds.
Nanzen-ji Aqueduct A striking Western-style brick aqueduct featuring retro arches and red brickwork. This unique photogenic spot offers a dramatic contrast to the traditional temple grounds surrounding it.
• 💡 A popular photo spot that fills up quickly. To ensure clear shots of the arches without other people, a start time around 8:00 am is recommended.
Other locations also possible! Just ask me for recommendations or if you got a specific place in mind.

Note: Any entrance fees or travel expenses within the districts are not included and should be covered for the photographer.

Sample Photos: