Kyoto, known as one of Japan's premier tourist destinations, is not only home to historical buildings but also plenty of Instagram-worthy spots.
In this article, we've picked out recommended Instagram-worthy tourist spots in and around Kyoto City, categorized into shrines and temples, tourist attractions, and culinary delights.
We'll introduce Instagram-worthy spots you should check out when visiting Kyoto, so use this as a reference for your trip.
4 Instagram-Worthy Shrines and Temples in Kyoto City!
Here are 4 recommended Instagram-worthy shrines and temples in Kyoto City.
Colorful "Kukuri-zaru" Monkeys Are a Hit! | Yasaka Koshin-do (Kongoji Temple)
■ Instagram-worthy point
・Colorful Kukuri-zaru monkeys
Yasaka Koshin-do, also known as Kongoji Temple, is dedicated to Koshin-san, who is said to like "good people" and bring blessings to them while punishing bad people. It is said that Koshin-san has a scary face to prevent people from having evil thoughts.
At Yasaka Koshin-do (Kongoji Temple), the densely packed colorful "Kukuri-zaru" monkeys are known as a photogenic spot. Kukuri-zaru are charms to discipline one's selfish heart and are offered by worshippers.
Address: 390 Kinencho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Access: Right in front of Shimizu-michi bus stop on Kyoto City Bus
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: None
Parking: Available nearby
More information: Yasaka Koshin-do (Kongoji Temple)
Make-up on Ema Plaques!? | Kawai Shrine
■ Instagram-worthy point
・Ema plaques with make-up
Kawai Shrine has long been enshrined as a subsidiary shrine of Shimogamo Shrine. It attracts faith for women's protection and offers ema plaques for beauty prayers.
The mirror-shaped ema plaques have face patterns, and you can apply make-up with your usual cosmetics before writing your wish on the back. These ema plaques are very popular among women as they pray for both outer and inner beauty.
Taking a photo with your made-up ema plaque might bring you even more blessings.
Address: 59 Shimogamo Izumigawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Access: Right in front of Shimogamo-jinja-mae bus stop on Kyoto City Bus
Hours: 6:00-17:00
Closed: None
Parking: Available on site
More information: Kawai Shrine
A Classic That Can't Be Missed! | Fushimi Inari Taisha
■ Instagram-worthy points
・Rows of torii gates
・Beautiful vermilion main shrine building
Fushimi Inari Taisha, known to everyone when it comes to Kyoto shrines, remains an unmissable spot as an Instagram-worthy location despite becoming a staple. Affectionately called "Oinari-san," Fushimi Inari Taisha enshrines foxes.
The long rows of vermilion torii gates create a unique otherworldly atmosphere that continues to fascinate many visitors.
If you're taking photos at Fushimi Inari Taisha, wearing a yukata or kimono will help create even more wonderful memories.
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City
Access: 7-minute walk from Inari-taisha-mae bus stop on Kyoto City Bus
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Parking: Available on site (Closed from December 30 to January 5)
More information: Fushimi Inari Taisha
An Adorable Horde of Rabbits!? | Okazaki Shrine
■ Instagram-worthy points
・Large number of rabbit statues
・Rabbit-themed amulets
Okazaki Shrine is dedicated to Susanoo no Mikoto, Kushinada-hime no Mikoto, and the Eight Deities. It's one of the shrines built during Emperor Kanmu's era and has deep connections with subsequent emperors and shogunates.
The grounds are lined with many rabbit statues, which are both cute and impressive. The amulets and fortune slips also feature rabbit motifs, making them popular among those who love cute things.
Address: 51 Okazaki Higashitennocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Access: Right in front of Okazaki-jinja-mae bus stop on Kyoto City Bus
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: None
Parking: Available nearby
More information: Okazaki Shrine
3 Instagram-Worthy Shrines and Temples Outside Kyoto City!
There are many Instagram-worthy shrines and temples outside Kyoto city as well. Here, we introduce three carefully selected locations.
Don't miss the beautiful flower-adorned water basin! | Yanagidani Kannon (Yōkokuji Temple)
■Instagram highlight points
・Colorful flower-adorned water basin
・Autumn foliage
Yanagidani Kannon (Yōkokuji Temple) has been revered since the Heian period as a place to pray for eye disease healing. It was worshipped by the Imperial family and court nobles, and still attracts many visitors today.
At Yanagidani Kannon, there is a beautiful flower-adorned water basin that changes with the seasons. A flower-adorned water basin is one with flowers floating in it, and its beauty has captivated many people.
Also, around autumn, the surrounding area is enveloped by beautifully colored autumn leaves, allowing visitors to enjoy scenery unique to the season.
Address: 2 Jodotani Dono-tani, Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: By shuttle bus to the premises
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: None
Parking: Available on-site and nearby
More information: Yanagidani Kannon
Cute heart-shaped window! | Shojuin Temple
■Instagram highlight points
・Heart-shaped window
・Ceiling paintings
・Summer wind chime festival
Shojuin Temple was founded about 800 years ago and is said to have been built as a sub-temple of Iio-san Io-kyoji Temple (now defunct).
The heart-shaped window in the guest hall is often counted as an Instagram-worthy spot. While the shape is a traditional Japanese design called "inome," it's often perceived as a heart shape in modern sensibilities.
The heart-shaped window is not only Instagram-worthy but also believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune, so it may offer spiritual benefits as well.
Through the heart-shaped window, you can enjoy different scenery throughout the four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, autumn foliage, and snow in winter.
Address: 149 Okuyamadagawa, Ujitawara-cho, Tsuzuki-gun, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Direct taxi available from Kyoto Station (MK Taxi / reservation required)
Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM from November to March)
Closed: Varies depending on events
Parking: Available on-site
More information: Shojuin Temple
Literally National Treasure-level beauty... | Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine
■Instagram highlight points
・Vibrant vermilion-colored main shrine
・Illumination after sunset
Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine is a National Treasure and one of Japan's three great Hachiman shrines. Its main shrine, built in the Hachiman style, is the oldest and largest of its kind still in existence.
All the buildings, starting with the main shrine, are painted in vibrant vermilion and other colorful hues, making for impressive photographs. The grounds are extensive, so it's recommended to take your time exploring and taking photos.
Address: 30 Takaboko, Yawata City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 5-minute walk from Hachimangusan-jo Station on the Sando Cable Car
Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (may vary during New Year's holidays)
Closed: None
Parking: Available on-site
More information: Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine
4 Recommended Instagram-worthy Tourist Spots in Kyoto
When aiming for Instagram-worthy shots in Kyoto, it's worth checking out tourist spots in addition to shrines and temples.
Here, we introduce four tourist spots.
Take a unique photo on a railway line not usually accessible | Keage Incline
■Instagram highlight points
・Cherry blossom-lined path in spring
・Snowy landscape in winter
The Keage Incline is a former railway site in Kyoto City. It was originally a 582-meter-long inclined railway connecting the upstream Keage boat pool to the downstream Nanzenji boat pool of the canal, but it's no longer in use and is now popular as a photography spot.
The railway, preserved in its original form, is known as a tourist attraction, and visitors can freely walk along the incline.
If you visit in spring, cherry blossom trees lining both sides of the incline create a fantastical scenery.
Address: 339 Higashi-komonoza-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 5-minute walk from Hossoji bus stop (Kyoto City Bus)
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Parking: Available nearby
More information: Keage Incline
Summer-only riverside dining | Kibune Kawadoko
■Instagram highlight points
・Dining platforms over a flowing river
■ Instagram-worthy points
Riverbed with flowing water and seating area
Kibune's kawadoko is a summer-only seating area available from May to September. The riverbed, which preserves natural rocks, creates a cool atmosphere with flowing water.
The seating area, which seems to be integrated with nature, is filled with unique charm and allows for great photos from any angle.
Why not enjoy a meal or take photos while relaxing in this traditional-style seating area?
Address: 50 Kurama Kibune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Access: 2-minute walk from Kibune bus stop (Kyoto City Bus)
Hours: 11:00-21:30
Closed: Irregular
Parking: Available nearby
More details: Kawadoko
Capture an atmospheric photo surrounded by tall bamboo | Bamboo Grove Path
■ Instagram-worthy points
Bamboo forest towering on both sides
Path where rickshaws also pass
The Bamboo Grove Path, true to its name, is a walkway through a bamboo forest. It's popular not only among domestic and international tourists but also as a local walking spot.
Surrounded by tall bamboo, you're sure to feel calm in both body and mind. Visiting in a yukata or kimono that contrasts with the green will result in beautiful portrait photos.
While walking is great, riding in a rickshaw is also recommended.
Address: Ogurayama Tabuchiyama-cho, Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
Access: 3-minute walk from Torokko Arashiyama Station on the Sagano Scenic Railway
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: None
Parking: Available nearby
More details: Government Public Relations Online: Two paths through the bamboo forest in Kyoto's Sagano
Soothed by plants of all seasons | Kyoto Botanical Gardens
■ Instagram-worthy points
Colorful flowers and trees spread out
Different flowers in bloom depending on the season
The Kyoto Botanical Gardens, known as a "living plant museum," offers various sceneries throughout the seasons. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023 with commemorative events.
Plum, camellia, apricot, tulip, rose, osmanthus, and more - the flowers in bloom change with the seasons, so check the official website in advance. Events are also held, making it easy to take Instagram-worthy photos.
Address: Shimogamo Hangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Access: 5-minute walk from Shokubutsuen-mae bus stop (Kyoto City Bus)
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: December 28 - January 4
Parking: Available on-site
More details: Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Kyoto's cafes are stylish too! 4 recommended Instagram-worthy gourmet spots
When exploring Kyoto, you'll want to aim for Instagram-worthy spots even during rest stops.
Here, we've picked four dining establishments from Kyoto's recommended Instagram-worthy spots.
Delicious Japanese parfaits | Kissho Karyo Gion Main Store
■ Instagram-worthy points
Cute roasted kinako and seasonal parfaits!
Kissho Karyo Gion Main Store is a traditional house café located on the north side of Gion. You can spend a relaxing, healing time in the calm atmosphere. The café space is on the second floor of the building, with 24 spacious seats perfect for taking a break.
There are two types of Instagram-famous Japanese parfaits to choose from: roasted kinako parfait and seasonal parfait. If you're going with two or more people, try ordering different parfaits and arranging them together for a photogenic shot.
Even without the parfaits, you can still capture great photos by including the café's ambiance with drinks like Uji matcha latte or warabi mochi kinako latte.
Address: 306 Ishibashi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Access: 5-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line
Hours: Shop 11:00-18:00 / Café 11:00-17:30
Closed: New Year's Day
Parking: Available nearby
More details: Kissho Karyo Gion Main Store
Matcha drink in an ink bottle? | Matcha Republic
■ Instagram-worthy points
Matcha drink served in an ink bottle
At Matcha Republic, you can enjoy matcha drinks served in ink bottles. They operate with the concept of using high-quality matcha while conveying new charms of matcha.
They offer various drinks and sweets using Uji matcha, with the drinks served in ink bottles being extremely popular.
Capturing these unique and cute drinks in a photo is sure to be Instagram-worthy.
Why not enjoy some sweets and drinks while taking a break in the store?
Address: 26-2 Uji Myoraku, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 4-minute walk from JR Uji Station South Exit
Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Closed: None
Parking: Available nearby
More details: Matcha Republic
Great Location is the Charm | Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama
■Instagram-worthy points
・Exceptional view from inside the store
Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama is a cafe where you can enjoy delicious coffee while taking in the scenery.
The menu printed on craft paper creates a nice atmosphere, with various drink options including coffee and cafe latte. Even those who don't like coffee can choose from options like matcha latte or lemonade, making it easy for anyone to visit.
Why not take a seat by the large windows or on the outdoor benches and capture the beautiful scenery and a delicious drink in a photo for a break during your trip?
Address: 3-47 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 5-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on the Randen Line
Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Closed: Irregular
Parking: Available nearby
More details: Tabelog Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama
Too Photogenic!? | Cafe Soiree
■Instagram-worthy points
・Colorful jelly punch
・Nostalgic interior
Cafe Soiree is a popular cafe that tugs at the heartstrings with its nostalgic atmosphere of an old-fashioned coffee shop. It opened in 1948, shortly after the war, and has been loved for a long time.
There is no background music in the store, only the sounds of people and the outside. You can spend a relaxing time in an atmosphere that feels like you've traveled back in time.
While the drinks like coffee and cocktails are delicious, the jelly punch is a must-try for those aiming for Instagram-worthy photos. The five colors of jelly and fruits are adorably cute, and when they sparkle in the light, you'll want to take a photo immediately.
Address: 95 Shin-cho, Nishikiyamachi-dori Shijo-agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Access:
Hours: Weekdays 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM / Weekends and Holidays 1:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Closed: Mondays
Parking: Available nearby
More details: Cafe Soiree