Japan Photography Guide: Top 10 Spots for Capturing Japan’s Beauty
Being a solo traveler who enjoys photography and visiting Japan, this was a dream come true for me.
With its beautiful mix of contemporary architecture, historical landmarks, and stunning natural landscapes, the country is a photographer’s dream.
Whether your interests lie in the vibrant streets of Tokyo or serene temples of Kyoto, the Land of the Rising Sun is filled with perfect photo-worthy opportunities to really tell a story through your lens.
As an amateur photographer, the beauty of Japan will make you want to use your best camera and shoot.
In this guide, I’ll outline my top 10 places to capture the beauty of Japan.
From historical sites to unexpected attractions, each destination provides a unique glimpse into Japan’s rich tapestry.
So, grab your camera gear, and let’s check out the best places to take pictures in Japan.
1. Fuji: Japan’s Emblematic Peak
Indeed, Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s most iconic and photographed landmarks.
At 3,776 m (12,389 ft) this majestic volcano dominates the views, and wherever you are, you will have a different view of its snow-capped top.
Best photography spots to photograph Mount Fuji:
>> Chureito Pagoda: This five-story pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park provides a postcard-perfect view of Mount Fuji, framed by cherry blossoms in spring.
The traditional pagoda, blooming sakura, and the mountains are quintessentially Japanese scenes.
>> Lake Kawaguchi: The Fuji Five Lakes group includes Lake Kawaguchi, which is famed for stunning reflections of Mount Fuji in its waters, especially at sunrise and sunset.
There are spots along the lake’s edge where nothing obstructs the view of the mountain.
>> Oshino Hakkai: With its crystalline ponds, this quaint village offers uniquely beautiful views of Mount Fuji.
The traditional thatched-roof houses, and serene ponds make for a peaceful setting, a stark contrast to the towering peak rising behind.
2. Fushimi Inari: In the Midst of a Thousand Torii Gates
Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Japan’s most famous shrines and is famed for its near-endless path of bright red torii gates.
Photographers must visit this iconic place to experience Japanese spirituality and tradition in one place.
How to Photograph Fushimi Inari Shrine:
>> Timing: The shrine can be very busy, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
To photograph the gates without crowds, come early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
This is also when the soft lighting makes the vibrant colors of the torii gates pop.
> >Composition: Try leading lines by placing the torii gates in the center of your frame.
This will lead the viewer’s eye around the image, adding an element of dimensionality and movement.
And don’t forget to take close-ups of the details on the gates, like the inscriptions and textures.
3. Kyoto Is Wonderfully Weird — Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Kyoto also features the well known Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene landscape of high bamboo stalks that provides a stunning backdrop for photography.
The grove’s otherworldly vibe has made it a popular destination among photographers hoping to capture Japan’s natural beauty at its most serene.
Best way to take photos in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove:
>> Lighting: The bamboo grove is most magical in the early morning with sunlight coming through the bamboo stalks, casting long shadows and creating a magical ambiance.
Do not go during noon, when harsh light can wash out the colors.
>> Angles: Make sure you photograph them with the camera in portrait (vertical) format to capture the height and majesty of the thin bamboo stalks — shooting from a low angle and pointing the camera up.
This viewpoint highlights the height of bamboo while also adding an element of scale.
For a more artistic shot, get a wide-angle lens to include the expanse of the grove.
4. Gion District: The Historical Core of Kyoto
Gion is Kyoto’s famed geisha district, which is home to well-preserved wooden machiya houses, cramped streets, and traditional tea houses.
The vibe of Gion, as you walk through, feels straight out of an old Japanese movie, a perfect location for capturing Japan of the past!
Photographing Gion:
>> Golden Hour: The warm light of the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or just before sunset) further highlights the beautiful wooden textures of the machiya houses and casts a gentle light onto the narrow streets.
Such is the moment to seize the nostalgic feel of Gion.
>> Street Photography: Gion is an excellent area to do candid street photography; if you are lucky enough to catch a geisha or a maiko (a geisha apprentice) strolling through the streets, you’ll find that this street will not disappoint.
They’re often en route to appointments, so be respectful and discreet when photographing them.
5. Shirakwa-Go – A Winter Wonderland
Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its steep-roofed gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
This village surrounded by lofty mountains (the Japanese Alps) is even more beautiful in winter when the farmhouses are blanketed with snow, giving it an enchanted feel.
Photographed Shirakawa-go in Winter:
>>Winter Magic: Experience Shirakawa-go in winter (December to February) when the village is covered in snow.
The recipe for these clear draws is good white snow and very black wood of the farm side.
>> Panoramic views: For the best views of the village, hike up to the Shiroyama Viewpoint.
You can also take panoramic shots of the whole village with the snow-covered mountains in the background from here.
Bring a tripod for stability in long-exposure shots, especially the blue hour when the village is lit up.
6. Nara Park: Deer, Temples and Natural Beauty
Nara Park in the city of Nara, known for its friendly free-roaming deer, and which is also close to a number of historic temples and shrines.
With wildlife, natural beauty, and ancient architecture, Nara Park is an excellent photography spot.
Tips for the perfect shot at Nara Park:
>>Deer Portraits: The deer in Nara Park are used to humans so you can easily get close shots of them.
For a greater variety of compositions, try to shoot the deer with the temples or the park’s natural backdrop.
>> Todaiji Temple: This enormous wooden temple is home to the Great Buddha statue, one of the largest bronze statues in the world.
Feel free to shoot ‘long’ while shooting Todaiji Temple; being far away from the temple allows you to get both the temple itself in addition to some of the surrounding area in the same photo.
7. Miyajima’s Floating Torii: The Face of Japan
Japan’s most iconic landmark is the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island.
During high tide, the gate seems to float on the water, creating an image that has been captured thousands of times.
How to Photograph the Floating Torii:
>> Tidal Timing: The floating torii’s appearance shifts with the tides.
High tide gives you the iconic sight of the Torii gate appearing to float above the water, while low tide enables you to walk right up to the gate and shoot it in greater detail.
>> Sunset Shots: The Torii gate looks especially beautiful at sunset when the sky is lit up with shades of orange, pink, and purple.
You should get there early to find a good spot and you can bring a tripod to help with long-exposure shots that will smooth out the water at the bottom and increase the reflection of the torii gate.
8. Himeji Castle: Japan’s Most Spectacular Feudal Castle
Himeji Castle, or White Heron Castle, is Japan’s most beautiful and best-preserved feudal castle.
The beautiful white facade and complex architecture are highly photogenic, making this a must-see spot for shutterbugs.
Photographing Himeji Castle:
>> Framing the castle: Himeji Castle is best viewed from the entrance, where you can frame the whole majesty of the castle’s main keep.
Frame your shot with surrounding trees or the walls of the castle to add depth to your picture.
>> Seasonal Splendor: Himeji Castle is stunning no matter what time of year you visit, but it’s especially photogenic during cherry blossom season when the castle grounds are carpeted in pink petals.
Fall is also a wonderful time to visit, with the fall foliage adding a pop of color to the panorama.
9. Discovering the Natural Beauty of Takachiho Gorge in Kyushu
Located in Miyazaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Takachiho Gorge is an awe-inspiring natural sight as tall cliffs, greenery, and a clear river cut through the gorge.
This place is perfect for capturing dramatic, serene landscape photography.
Tips on photographing Takachiho Gorge:
>> Boat Shots: The best way to photograph Takachiho Gorge is from a boat on one of the rivers.
Rent a rowboat and take shots of the steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls from the water.
From the boat, you can get up close to the rock formations and make dynamic compositions.
>> Long Exposures: If you can bring a tripod, use a long exposure to slow down the movement of the water as it flows through the gorge.
That produces a smooth, silky effect made to counter all against the rugged cliffs and growth.
10. Tottori Sand Dunes : A Desert-Like Landscape in Japan
In Tottori Prefecture you will find the Tottori Sand Dunes, a unique and unexpected landscape in Japan.
The miles upon miles of sand dunes form a desert-theme that is a stark difference to the greenery found throughout the rest of the country.
Photographing the Sand Dunes:
>> Golden Hour: The ideal time for photographing the Tottori Sand Dunes is at golden hour when low sunlight casts long shadows and accentuates the textures of the sand.
If you time it right, you can take advantage of the changing colors and patterns on the dunes at this time of the day, which really add depth and interest to your images.
>> Sand Patterns: Photograph the wind’s work on the surface of the dunes. Seek out abstract designs and textures that highlight the beauty of the sand.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the dunes and a telephoto lens to isolate details.
Conclusion
Japan is a land of diversity, something that people should never forget.
Jased is also full of beautiful places to take photographs — from the famous mountains at the peak of Mount Fuji to the calm sanddunes at Tottori.
Whether you’re photographing the serene beauty of a traditional temple or the vibrant energy of a busy cityscape, these locations each offer a unique view of Japan’s rich and stunning scenery.
So, pick up your camera and strut — Japan has rare and beautiful beauty waiting for you.
