Planning a Kyoto Photoshoot? Best Family-Friendly Photo Spots in the City
Planning where to take family photos in Kyoto can feel like choosing a traditional kyogashi sweet from a display. This city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with layers of serene temples, beautiful gardens, and tree-lined streets waiting to be framed. It’s difficult to choose the best location for a Kyoto photoshoot, but we’re going to help you out!
If you are planning a family trip to Kyoto, the city offers an abundance of gorgeous photo spots. Many suit toddlers, teens, and multigenerational families. I’ve selected a mixture of notable landmarks and hidden gems ideal for family photography that accentuate Kyoto’s natural beauty (top tip: visiting in spring or fall is a great time for photos!).
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!
15 Best Places to Take Family Photos in Kyoto
1. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The bamboo groves in Arashiyama have an otherworldly atmosphere as sunlight sifts through tall stalks. Early morning is the best time to avoid the ton of people that descend to the bamboo forest on a day trip.
It’s a great spot for sunrise photo sessions anyway, with shafts of light filtering through the stalks. You’ll love the vertical lines for portrait sessions that emphasize height and movement.
Stand back a little to make the bamboo stalks look denser and more dramatic. The cool shade is flattering, and the quiet mood makes it ideal for natural, candid portraits of young kids.
The district of Arashiyama also has gentle side paths where the whole family can stroll together. Bring comfortable shoes and be mindful that some paths are narrow.
2. Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari’s endless torii tunnels are iconic landmarks for a reason! The repetition of the vermilion gates creates compelling leading lines for a photoshoot. For a natural shot that includes everyone, pause between gates, and keep the background soft.
This shrine works well for families who want a dramatic, immediately recognisable, cultural backdrop. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter for family sessions here.
Fushimi Inari is also a popular spot for engagement and anniversary shoots because of its dramatic symmetry. If you want the whole family involved in your surprise proposal, this is a great place!
3. Ninen Zaka Path
Ninen Zaka in the Higashiyama district offers traditional wooden buildings and quaint, sloping lanes that feel timeless. It’s a charming area for candid family portraits with textured, interesting facades and stone steps.
Small side alleys provide quieter pockets for photos without the crowds. Take advantage of soft afternoon light for warm tones after the day trippers have headed back to Kyoto Station.
The path’s gentle slope is perfect for arranged, stepped family group photos. The Ninen Zaka Path works well for families who want an old-town aesthetic without venturing far from central Kyoto.
4. Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine is a popular Shinto shrine to visit in Kyoto, and for good reason. The shrine’s lantern-lined approaches are intimate and great for close family shots. Although it’s tempting to sit on the steps outside the gate for a casual family portrait, this is considered disrespectful at any shrine. Quick photo sessions before moving elsewhere are key.
Don’t be discouraged from taking family photos at the Yasaka Shrine. It’s a special place that is an ideal backdrop to create images that reflect Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.
Every spring, the cherry trees in Maruyama Park provide a soft pink canopy for quintessential portraits. Yasaka Shrine’s evening lanterns add warmth to twilight portraits, turning ordinary snaps into magical images. The shrine’s proximity to Maruyama Park makes it easy to move between both settings during one photo session.
5. Tatsumi Bridge
Tatsumi Bridge stretches over the Kamo River and Shirakawa Canal in the historic Gion district. It mixes urban street scenes with tranquil water views, and during spring, the cherry blossoms frame the wooden bridge beautifully. Sunset and early evening offer gentle backlight for romantic silhouettes, but it’s a great location at any time.
Tatsumi Bridge is great for mixed-age families because it’s small, easy to access, and has safe spots nearby to sit. For moving shots, use a slightly faster shutter speed to freeze playful kids in motion.
6. Vermilion Torii at Nagata Shrine
Nagata Shrine’s vermilion torii gates are a quieter alternative to the more popular gates. This hidden gem gives similar graphic lines with fewer crowds and a less cluttered backdrop. It’s an excellent place for portrait sessions that you won’t have to rush. The vivid color contrasts beautifully with neutral clothing palettes.
Nagata Shrine is the kind of spot local Kyoto photographers suggest when clients want a quieter, more relaxed photoshoot. It’s a fantastic place if you are happy to swap ‘famous’ places for just as beautiful dupes!
7. The Philosopher’s Path
The Philosopher’s Path is a reflective, short walk lined with maple trees through several serene gardens. If you’re wondering where to take family photos in Kyoto, this is one of the most peaceful options. In the fall, the maples produce breathtaking colors that make high-quality photos almost effortless.
The path works well for mixed-age groups because it’s mostly flat and shaded. Use a professional photographer who knows where the quiet corners are. The Philosopher’s Path links temples and quiet shrines, which lets you combine multiple backdrops within one walk.
It’s a recommended place for golden-hour portraits when light slips through the trees. The atmosphere can feel like a zen temple for quiet portraits.
8. Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion
The Golden Pavilion glints over its mirror-like pond and offers incredible scenic views of the surrounding park. Wide shot family portraits that include the pavilion and its reflection are particularly striking. Mornings can be crowded, so it’s not the best place with young children, but the symmetry is worth braving the hordes with teens!
At Kinkaku-ji, compose the pavilion with foreground foliage for dramatic framing around your family. If the midday crowd is too dense, ask your photographer to work with tighter, head-and-shoulders compositions. Keep in mind that some ancient temples, like Kinkaku-ji, have restrictions on photography; follow the rules and signs.
9. Okazaki Sakura Corridor
Okazaki Park and the Heian Jingu approach bloom explosively during cherry season. Boat rides on the nearby canal provide motion and playful opportunities for candid family shots.
Note that photographing inside Heian Jingu is prohibited; capture its majestic facade from the outside instead.
This park is home to cultural venues, museums, art galleries, and Kyoto Zoo, so you will have many backdrops in one place!
The corridor is a beautiful place for group portraits during peak blossom weeks. Ask local photographers for a specific date when the cherry blossoms will be in full display.
10. Higashi Ōtemon Gate
The Ōtemon Gate is a huge torii gate that creates a bold, simple frame for a family photo shoot. Its scale makes every family member look connected in the same composition. This works especially well for large family portraits!
Don’t linger too long, as there will likely be other families waiting to take pictures! Discuss how you want to pose and stand before assuming your position.
It’s within the Nijō Castle complex, which is well worth visiting and a great spot for amazing photos. The moat, gardens, and paths near the castle also offer great photo spots. Angles from the side of the Ōtemon Gate let you include nearby city streets and temple rooftops.
11. Kyoto Maikoya Tea Ceremony
Tea rooms and traditional tea ceremonies are favorite places for a family photo shoot session. One tea room, in particular, that’s great is Kyoto Maikoya.
They have locations in the Gion, Nishiki, and Karasuma districts of Kyoto city. The tea room setting is intimate, with soft indoor light perfect for portraits where older family members can remain seated.
At this tea room, you can even add traditional attire (kimonos) for an additional cost. You don’t have to worry about the weather when booking a Kyoto photography session in this beautiful location.
This tea room, and many other tea rooms, offer photographs as an add-on to a tea ceremony. It’s much more convenient when everything is included, so you can focus on the precious moments without thinking about capturing them too!
12. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
This whimsical temple stands in the middle of grounds filled with hand-carved stone figures that lend personality to family snaps. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji’s playful statues create unique compositions that will make the shoot more fun for children and older family members. It’s situated in one of the more remote locations in Kyoto and rewards families who enjoy off-the-beaten-path finds.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is wonderfully cinematic during late afternoon when the stone figures throw long shadows. Paths are uneven and can be slippery after rainfall, so bring comfortable and sturdy footwear!
13. Shosei-en Garden
Shosei-en Garden is a compact, classic Japanese garden with small ponds and winding paths. Its diverse plants, many paths, and distant temple architecture as backdrops make it ideal for traditional family portraits.
The garden offers soft, changeable light that gives a gentle, natural glow. Adventurous kids can use the stepping stones and small bridges as natural places to pose.
The garden’s modest size means you can explore several distinct looks in one short session. It’s where a local photographer would take your family if you wanted a park setting without the crowds!
14. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Sometimes, famous landmarks are famous landmarks for a reason! If they are as picturesque and have breathtaking views like the Kiyomizu-dera temple, they’re worth braving the crowds.
Kiyomizu-dera sits on Mount Otowa, and its wrap-around wooden veranda lends itself to wide, panoramic family portraits. It also offers candid opportunities as families look out together.
In the fall, this is one of the best spots for spectacularly colorful trees along the hillside. Expect crowds at midday, whereas early morning gives calmer framing. But patient families will be able to snag a space next to the barrier at any time! This busy space with a somewhat precarious wooden safety rail is ideal with older kids and teens.
15. Togetsukyō Bridge
Togetsukyō Bridge spans the river in the Arashiyama district and offers unobstructed views towards the mountains. It’s one of the favorite spots for local photographers to take groups seeking interesting photo settings with stunning natural scenery.
River reflections, spring cherry blossoms, and fall maple leaves make the transitional seasons the perfect time to take beautiful pictures here. The bridge’s low parapet is useful for seated family groupings.
For balanced compositions, position your family near the center. Symmetrical framing is the best way to take more formal shots for a special occasion and candid, laughing snaps, too.
Essential Tips for Planning a Kyoto Family Photoshoot
Invest in Professional Photography Services
Hiring a professional photographer is the best way to guarantee frame-worthy photos. Consider photography services that specialize in family portraits.
Booking through Flytographer is a convenient option for families who want vetted Kyoto photographers. Discuss photography packages and shooting time in advance to ensure your expectations are met.
A pro can advise on permits, local etiquette, and the best locations for portraits. In the winter, don’t forget to ask about contingency plans for rain!
Research Poses and Inspiration Before Your Session
Collect examples of poses that fit your whole family’s energy. Simple prompts can produce more natural smiles and genuine joy. Show these ideas to your photographer and mix in candid prompts as well as posed setups for a varied photo album.
Many families choose to combine a landmark and a garden within one photo session, as variety is essential!
Coordinate Outfits for Cohesive Results
Pick a cohesive palette to flatter Kyoto’s ornate temples and seasonal scenery. Avoid bright logos and busy patterns when possible. Layers are practical, especially during spring and fall.
For formal portraits, consider an elegant, smart casual dress code rather than rigid formal getups. Coordinated outfits give a gallery of images that hang well together. Traditional kimonos are a fun experience and great for a few snaps, but not every single one!
Bring Backup Clothing Options for Kids
Kyoto walks involve cobbles, steps, and sometimes muddy paths. They also seem to want the messiest snacks at every inopportune time!
Pack a spare outfit and wipes for quick changes and cleanups. Check with your photographer beforehand if they can store small items in their backpack during the shoot.
Be Respectful of People and Historical Sites
Japanese culture values quiet and respectful behavior, especially at sacred sites. Avoid loud voices, and keep props minimal near shrines and temples. Be mindful of worshippers and local visitors when staging poses.
Always follow signage, as some areas prohibit photography. Even if there isn’t an English translation, it’s usually pretty clear where cameras are and aren’t allowed!
Schedule Around Meal Times and Energy Levels
Plan shoots right after breakfast or head for lunch right after a photo shoot to keep young kids happy. Shorter sessions work better for toddlers with limited patience. A mid-afternoon snack break is often a great reset.
Ending with a treat makes taking photos feel like another fun vacation activity rather than a chore. They’re more likely to want to take part in other family vacation shoots in the future.
Optimize Timing for Best Light and Fewer Crowds
Early morning golden hour is the best time for soft, even natural light and smaller crowds. Golden hour is often the perfect time for family portraits. Late afternoon is the second-best window for warmer hues and comfortable temperatures.
For tourist-heavy spots, aim for the first two hours after sunrise. If you have a specific date in mind for peak cherry blossoms, book well in advance. Use sunrise and early morning slots for popular locations like the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Kiyomizu-dera.
Plan According to Seasonal Considerations
Kyoto’s seasons shape the best times for portraits. Cherry blossom season usually peaks between late March and early April. Fall colors are strongest from mid-November to early December.
Summers can be hot and humid, and the rainy season arrives in June, so pack accordingly and consider indoor locations. Snow is possible in winter, offering idyllic, quiet images. Choose the season that matches your desired aesthetic.
Final Thoughts on a Kyoto Photoshoot
Kyoto’s combination of serene temples, beautiful gardens, and historic streets makes it easy to figure out where to take family photos in Kyoto. Whether you hire a professional photographer or DIY, planning will help you capture the best shots. It’s a city that rewards careful timing with picturesque, seasonal beauty and memorable family photographs.
