Togetsukyo Bridge spans 155 meters across the Katsura River connecting Saga Arashiyama. What makes it a picture-perfect spot is the scenic footpath and lush hills projecting in the background. Can you imagine how magnificent this spot transforms each season?

Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama is one of the most famous and iconic scenery in Japan. The view of the path through the bamboo grove is simply breathtaking. As it’s a top photography site in Kyoto for the past years, the Bamboo Forest tends to get extremely crowded during day, so if you wish to take pictures with the empty path, it’s better to hit the place before anybody else in early morning!

Kiyomizudera is one of the most stunning temples in Kyoto. The temple is conveniently located at the center of scenic greenery. But right from its large open-air wooden terrace is another experience as you will be treated with a wonderful view of Kyoto in all its glory. Kyoto Localized offers a free walking tour in Kyoto where English-speaking local tour guides will bring you to Kiyomizudera and few other landmarks in the city.

One of the most iconic sites in Kyoto is Yasaka Pagoda, a 5-story, 46-meter structure standing tall inside Buddhist Hokanji Temple (now gone) in Higashiyama. Yasaka Pagoda is hard to miss if you are strolling around Gion and Higashiyama. Anywhere around the area where Yasaka Pagoda can be seen makes for a great Instagram photo.

Gion District in Kyoto is known as the home ground of Geisha and Maiko girls as the area developed as the city’s entertainment district for many years ago. Gion is also famous for the beautifully preserved historical streetscape with traditional wooden merchant houses. It’s highly recommended to visit at day and night as you can see more bustling atmosphere during the day, and at night the streets of Gion is much more quiet in dimmed lights.

Of course, we are not wrapping this roundup up without Fushimi Inari Shrine — one of Kyoto’s most tagged places on Instagram. This iconic Shinto shrine is home to more than 1,000 vermillion torii gates — something that you’ve probably seen all over Instagram.

Kenninji Temple (建仁寺) locates very close to the bustle of Hanamikoji and Shijo streets, the grounds of Kenninji Temple are expansive and pleasant to walk, and the two karesansui (dry landscape gardens) here offer the visitor an oasis of tranquility. It is thought to be the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto.

Byodoin Temple(平等院) is known for its Phoenix Hall, which is a National Treasure of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Extra travel time is expected as it is located in Uji city in Kyoto prefecture