Top 5 Most Instagrammable Places in Kyoto – The finest of the old capital for lasting memories!

Dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, this temple in Higashiyama district was founded by a Buddhist Monk, Enchin, during the eighth century and is a historical monument listed under Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple’s outstanding wooden stage complex with 168 massive pillars offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Kyoto emerging out of a massive sea of maple trees. Irrespective of the season, tourists from Kyoto hotels visit this heritage site to capture the historical features of architecture and the beautiful change of colours surrounding the temple. The enchanting illuminations are equally spectacular at night.

This picturesque path made of stone is about two kilometres in length, stretching from Ginkakuji to the Nanzenji neighbourhood in the Higashimaya District. The attraction is named as such after one of Japan’s famous philosophers, Nishida Kitaro, who used this path for meditation on his daily commute to Kyoto University. The path is along the Lake Biwa canal lined by scores of cherry blossom trees. During the Spring season, the trees sport a vibrant hue of colour, making it one of Kyoto’s most popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots. In Autumn when the leaves turn red, the colours of the trees take on another fascinating charm. This spectacular path is a favourite route of visitors at Park Hotel Kyoto, after all, a great philosopher had trodden on this same path, and is featured on too many Instagram posts to be missed. The many cafes along the path can be as inviting as the Philosopher’s Path, where visitors can enjoy a cuppa and spend a memorable time on their travels there.

Tucked away in the far west of Kyoto, along the base of the Arashiyama Mountains, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a natural forest full of moso bamboo. The dense growth of green bamboo makes an enormous canopy sheltering the visitors to the forest, making it a perfect set-up to capture some outstanding Instagram-worthy shots. With several pathways available for walking, enjoy the gentleness of the breeze creating a rustle of the leaves as you walk offering an unusual and profound experience. During Summer, this lovely forest provides a healing balm to visitors from the heat, perfect for a cooling escape from the hustle and bustle as well.

Providing oodles of pleasure to one’s senses from 1924, visitors and locals love Kyoto’s Botanical Gardens. It provides experiences of nature from many parts of the world in a relaxing, educational, and gorgeous environment. Situated in the north of Kyoto city, the entire area is divided into four sections, a rose garden, bamboo garden, sunken garden, and European Style Garden. Flocks of people visit the gardens in Spring to witness the 500 cherry blossom trees in full bloom, making the area a garden of colour. If you visit during this time, stay on for the cherry blossom illuminations happening in the evenings. Whichever season you visit these gardens, you are sure to feel inspired by the beauty of the various blooms, a site filled with beautiful settings for Instagramming.

Originally founded in the year 711, making this one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, this iconic shrine is the highest-ranking Shinto shrine in Kyoto at present and is well worth a visit to get insights into the country’s rich culture and spirituality. Situated in Fushimi ward, the shrine is famous for its fascinating vermilion red Torii gates that stretching endlessly, drawing many visitors to explore this important shrine in the cultural heart of Japan. Visitors can never resist capturing some images at this holy place of worship to keep memories of their trip.