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Jikkokubune Canal Cruise

Jikkokubune Canal Cruise

十石舟 遊覧船   click to listen highlighted text 十石舟 遊覧船.

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About Jikkokubune Canal Cruise

Sailing through time: the enchanting jikkokubune canal cruise in fushimi.

Step into a serene world where history gently flows along the water’s edge with the Jikkokubune Canal Cruise in Kyoto’s Fushimi Ward, an area celebrated for its illustrious sake breweries. This enchanting journey on traditional flat-bottomed boats, known as jikkokubune, offers a unique vantage point to relish the beauty of Fushimi, encapsulating a rich tapestry of culture, tradition, and natural splendor.

The origins of these historic vessels date back to the Edo period, serving as a vital link for transporting cargo and passengers between Kyoto and Osaka. These boats, pivotal to the commercial vibrancy of the region, navigated the waterways up until the late Meiji era, ensuring the seamless flow of business and trade between the burgeoning metropolises. In a delightful blend of past and present, these erstwhile cargo carriers have been transformed into charming tourist Jikkokubune Canal Cruise, available from spring to autumn, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the breathtaking vistas of Fushimi’s sake breweries and scenic landscapes from the comfort of a riverboat.

The revival of Fushimi’s canal boats in 1991 as a tourist attraction brought back to life the smaller Jukkoku-bune and the larger Sanjukkoku-bune, named after their cargo capacities, offering a glimpse into the area’s flourishing past. With a seating capacity of 15 for the Jukkoku-bune and 30 for the Sanjukkoku-bune, these cruises embark from historical points, whisking guests away on a tranquil journey along the Uji and Gou rivers, past the willow-lined banks adorned with traditional sake breweries, evoking a sense of time travel through the historic cityscape.

The Jikkokubune Canal Cruise tours, lasting about 40 to 50 minutes, not only provide insightful narrations by the boatmen but also include a stop at the Misukoumon water gate and museum, marking the turning point of this nostalgic voyage. This experience, blending auditory guides with the boatman’s own stories, enriches the journey, making each moment aboard these vessels a treasure trove of cultural heritage.

Fushimi’s significance as a vital water town, established at the confluence of multiple rivers and home to a sprawling network of canals since the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, underscores the historical importance of these waterways. The jikkokubune boats, once the mainstay for transporting essentials like wine and rice, have now transitioned into a mode of sightseeing, offering a unique perspective on the Japanese-style water town ambiance, flanked by old houses and weeping willows.

The Jikkokubune Canal Cruise is more than a mere boat ride; it is a journey through the changing tapestries of the seasons, from the delicate pink of cherry blossoms in spring, the vibrant greens of summer, to the fiery reds of autumn leaves, each season painting the Hori River with its distinct hues. The traditional flat-bottomed design of these boats, essential for navigating shallow waters and the occasional need to be dragged on land, adds an element of adventure to the cruise, as passengers are guided to maintain balance and enjoy the unfolding “Fushimi cityscape” in a leisurely manner.

Embarking on the Jikkokubune Canal Cruise is an invitation to witness the living history of Kyoto, where the legacy of traditional commerce and the tranquil beauty of nature converge. It’s an opportunity to step back in time, soak in the picturesque views, and revel in the enduring charm of Fushimi’s waterways, making it a must-visit destination for anyone captivated by the allure of Japan’s storied past and breathtaking natural beauty.

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Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise

Traditional japanese commercial cargo ship.

Kyoto is home to many traditional aspects of Japanese culture and way of life. One such example is the jikkokubune, a flatbottomed boat that was used to transport cargo such as rice and sake along the waterways between Kyoto and Osaka. The boats were first used during the Edo period all the way until the late Meiji period. The waterways became an active hub for business and trade and as a result, the sake breweries along the banks were built with beautiful white walls, developing an aesthetically pleasing “Fushimi cityscape” for the crewmen to enjoy.

Traditional Japanese Commercial Cargo Ship

A Leisurely Boat Cruise Along Historical Sites

Nowadays, these boats are used as cruises for visitors to enjoy the “Fushimi cityscape” of the sake breweries and changing of the seasons. The main feature of the boat is the flat bottom which was implemented to operate in shallow waters and ease of transport on land when the crew had to drag the boats out. Consequently, the flat bottom also makes the boat unstable meaning it shakes and/or overturns easily. Because of this, the guide will instruct passengers where to sit while maintaining balance of the boat. Passengers are strictly forbidden to stand while the boat is in motion.

A Leisurely Boat Cruise Along Historical Sites

Picturesque Views Throughout the Four Seasons

The boat cruise is run on the Hori River, the outer moat of Fushimi Castle. Various types of trees are lined up all along the moat making for a spectacular view no matter what season it is. During early Spring, the cherry blossoms bloom, creating a tunnel of pink flowers for all visitors to enjoy. The lush willow trees provide beautiful greenery during the Summer and a sense of tranquility as visitors watch the branches sway in the wind. Autumn brings a stunning sea of red as maple leaves change colors making for a picturesque scenery.

Picturesque Views Throughout the Four Seasons

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Pleasant Ride on Fushiimi Canal in... - Fushimi Jikkoku Bune

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  • Fushimi Jikkoku Bune

I stop here as transfer from/to Uji. And notice the Chushojima station and the Fushimi more as i... read more

jikkokubune canal cruise photos

Beautiful area but don’t waste your time for the boat ride. People with reservations are taken... read more

jikkokubune canal cruise photos

Pleasant Ride on Fushiimi Canal in Jikkoku Boat

Fushimi used to be a minor port of Kyoto in the Heian Era. This Jikkoku (10 One koku equals the amount of rice one person can eat in one year X 10) Boat was used to transport goods (like sake). This is the flat boat we rode, while a different Sanjukoku (30-Koku Boat) runs also, but from a different boarding location. The course travels along the canal passing by storage kura, old buildings, Gekkeikan Brewery, and friendly people waving from the shore. A recording in Japanese, English & Chinese explains the sites of Fushimi & the history of the boats and canal. In the middle, to turn around, it stops at the Uji River Water Gate (Takase River flowing from Lake Biwa to the Uji River and down to Osaka Bay). There is a little photo exhibit to explain the history, just in Japanese, but the pictures are interesting to see. (Restrooms located here.) We were traveling to see Kyoto's Momiji the end of Nov. But looking at these photos the Spring Cherry Blossoms looks even more lovely! A change of pace & a fun thing to do. Not so many tourists in the area! About 3 boats/ hour, ¥1,200 for above Middle school, ¥600 for elementary children. Closed last 2 weeks of August.

jikkokubune canal cruise photos

I stop here as transfer from/to Uji. And notice the Chushojima station and the Fushimi more as i read a bit on the Exhibition board at Kyoto station. Since i am waiting for my friend then i spent sometime walk around and found the canal is lovely.

jikkokubune canal cruise photos

Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

Exploring Fushimi – Kyoto’s Sake District

To the south of Kyoto lies Fushimi: a famous center of sake production. Michael Lambe guides us through this picturesque area to sample the delights of sake culture and explore its tree-lined canals, historic sites and beautiful wooden brewery buildings.

The Okura Kinenkan

The Waters of Fushimi

Fushimi. Say it aloud and the very sound of those soft syllables seems refreshing. This is not inappropriate. The name originally meant “underground water”, and Fushimi is famous for its springs.

A boat cruise on a Fushimi canal

The water from these underground sources is soft, mellow and is held to be particularly delicious – perfect for sake production. Many sake breweries thrive in this area and Fushimi sake is renowned as the perfect complement for Kyoto cuisine.

Fushimi Yume Hyakushu Café

Historically the waters of Fushimi also made this area an important hub of transport and trade. Here the confluence of three rivers, the Uji, Katsura and Kamo, and an intricate network of canals were put to good use, sending rice, sake and other goods between the cities of Kyoto and Osaka.

A diorama of Fushimi’s waterways

However, before we cruise Fushimi’s waterways, or sample its famous rice wine, let us first pay our respects to the deity of rice!

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Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine

Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine

Fushimi is a big district but its most famous and popular location is Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine . Tourists flock to visit this site dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. Climb through the endless corridors of vermilion torii gates that line the paths of Inari Mountain and you will be rewarded with spectacular views over the city. In 2014, TripAdvisor users ranked Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Japan’s top tourist attraction .

The view from Inari Mountain

Fushimi-Inari-Taisha can be accessed via JR Inari Station or Keihan Fushimi Inari Station. If you go, be prepared for crowds. However, if we follow the train lines south and venture deeper into Fushimi, we can discover a quieter, but no less fascinating area of quaint back streets and tree-lined canals, steeped in history and sake culture.

Choken-ji Temple

Take the Keihan line south from Fushimi-Inari Station and get off at Chushojima. You are now at the heart of Fushimi’s sake-brewing district. Walk north till you reach a canal and Choken-ji Temple. You will recognize it by its red walls and massive gingko trees.

The entrance to Choken-ji.

The temple is dedicated to Benzaiten, the only female member of Japan’s seven lucky gods. Originally an Indian river deity, her Japanese incarnation is primarily a patron of water courses and those who ply their trade on the river.

Choken-ji Temple grounds

However, by extension she is also held to be a deity of everything that flows: words, music, knowledge and, of course, sake. Artists and musicians pray at this shrine to keep their inspiration flowing and local businesses pray here that their profits keep flowing too.

This temple is open from 8am until 5pm daily.

The Maria Lantern – A Relic of the Hidden Christians

In a corner of Choken-ji’s grounds is a lantern. If you look closely at its base you can see a figure which represents Mary, the mother of Jesus.

The Maria Lantern at Choken-ji

During the Edo period (1603 – 1868), Christianity was outlawed by the shogunate under pain of death. However, here and there some pockets of hidden Christians kept their beliefs alive. Many Christian families would hide Christian religious images within outwardly Buddhist statues, or as we see here they would carve a religious image at the base of a simple garden lantern where it could be easily concealed. A wooden sign by the lantern gives some information about the lantern’s origins.

Christian image at Choken-ji temple

Apparently, the lantern was found in the garden of a 19th century tea-house, named Beni-ya. This was a high class business in the local pleasure quarter, whose girls would entertain members of the Imperial Court, and local hero Sakamoto Ryoma was also a customer. Beni-ya had a special hidden room for secret assignations, and attached to it a small garden in which they kept this lantern. How this religious item ended up in the secret garden of a tea-house is not explained. However, before being made illegal in 1614, Christianity had flourished in Fushimi. There was a church here (now the site of an elementary school), and Takayama Ukon (1552 – 1615), a powerful Christian samurai lord, had a home here. Doubtless some Christian families in Fushimi continued to keep their faith in secret.

Jikkokubune Canal Cruise

The boat launch for Jikkokubune canal cruises

There is a bridge over the canal directly outside the entrance of Choken-ji temple that will take you to the boat launch for jikkobune canal cruises. The jikkobune are the flat-bottomed boats that once carried rice and sake to and from Fushimi. Now they are fitted out with seats for a very enjoyable 15 passenger cruise down to the harbor and lock gate that joins the canal to the Uji-gawa River.

The Misukomon harbor and lock gate

Here there is a small museum where passengers can take a short break. The information here is all in Japanese but the dioramas depicting Fushimi as it was in times gone by are still worth a look.

A diorama of Fushimi at the Misukomon Museum

Another boat will then arrive and pick up the passengers for the return journey. The canals are lined with willows and cherry trees, so at times you feel as if you are floating through a green tunnel. It is a delightfully relaxing experience that I would highly recommend.

Spring green along the canal

These tours last for 55 minutes and cost 1000 yen (500 yen for children under 12). When you buy a ticket for the next available tour, you will be asked to come back at least ten minutes before the tour departs as it takes time for everyone to board the boat and get ready. There is also another tour in a larger 30-seat boat that starts at a launch point near the Teradaya Inn, and that lasts 40 minutes. Jikkokubune canal cruises are only available from April 1st until November 30th and the schedule changes according to the season. Check the website for availability and have someone Japanese interpret the finer details.

At float on Fushimi’s waters

Sake Tasting at the Gekkeikan Okura Kinenkan

Gekkeikan is the most famous of Fushimi’s breweries, and is also one of the world’s oldest companies having been founded here by Jiemon Okura in 1637. The Okura Kinenkan is a former sake warehouse that has been converted into a museum. It is a beautiful old building situated conveniently, right behind the launch for the Jikkokubune.

The Gekkeikan Okura Kinenkan

Whichever way you look at it, the 300 yen entry fee for this museum is an absolute bargain. The admission fee not only includes entry to the museum but also includes a free tasting of sake and plum wine. You also receive with your ticket a small plastic bottle of sake to take away with you. It’s excellent marketing of course. I enjoyed all the sake I sampled there and I liked the plum wine so much, I bought a bottle to take home with me.

The Okura Kinenkan entrance

The museum features tools and artifacts that explain traditional sake making methods as well as items related to the history of the company. English explanations accompany the displays and as you wander about the exhibits you can listen to recorded folk songs from the pre-Industrial era that workers in the breweries would sing to accompany their labors.

Displays explain the traditional sake brewing process

Check the museum website for details of its opening hours and an access map.

The museum gives a real taste of sake culture

You can pick up a free English pamphlet here which contains a detailed map of the local area. This will prove particularly useful in finding our way to the next location on our tour – The Teradaya Inn.

The Teradaya Inn

The Teradaya Inn

Following the map you received at the Okura Kinenkan, go north and then west to reach the Teradaya. In the 19th century Fushimi was a thriving river port and people would stay at this inn when traveling by boat between Osaka and Kyoto. It is still a working inn today as well as being a museum dedicated to its most famous guest: the legendary samurai, Sakamoto Ryoma.

A statue of the famed revolutionary Sakamoto Ryoma and his wife, Oryo

Ryoma is a hugely popular figure in Japan. In a time when Japan was still ruled by a feudal military government, he was working with other revolutionaries for his vision of modern democracy. In March 1866, Ryoma was staying at the Teradaya Inn when it was suddenly attacked by pro-government forces. A girl, named Oryo, who was having a bath on the ground floor, ran naked up the stairs to warn Ryoma that he was under attack – and only just in time. Ryoma received sword cuts on his hands but with another comrade he managed to fight off superior numbers with his revolver and made his escape. Later Ryoma and Oryo were married and departed on their honeymoon from this very Inn. This was the first honeymoon ever taken in Japan.

Ryoma memorabilia

Unfortunately, the displays at the Teradaya do not have accompanying English explanations. However if you are a history buff then a visit to this site is a must, if only to see the notch on a wooden pillar that is said to be a sword cut from that death-defying skirmish! Local business has done much to capitalize on the association with Ryoma, and his image is everywhere about Fushimi. A life size cutout figure of the burly samurai greets you as you step off the train at Chushojima, and a nearby shopping street has been renamed Ryoma-dori Street in his honour.

Ryoma Beer

Address: 263 Minamihama-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City Telephone: 075-622-0243 Opening hours: 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m. (entry until 3:30p.m.). Closed on Mondays.

Entry to the Teradaya Inn is 400 yen. To read more about Sakamoto Ryoma and the history of those times read my Kyoto Samurai article .

Fushimi Yume Hyakushu Café

Inside the Fushimi Yume Hyakushu Café

Head back eastward from the Teradaya and then turn right to find the black walls of the Fushimi Yume Hyakushu Café. This is another converted Gekkeikan building dating from 1919. The café inside makes for a pleasant rest stop, and there is also a souvenir shop selling sake and various sake related products.

Treat yourself to some sake flavored sponge cake – delicious!

Address: 247 Minami Hama-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City Tel: 075-623-1360 Opening hours: Weekdays from 10:30am to 5pm Closed on Mondays (except National Holidays)

The Fushimi Sake Festival

Fushimi Yume Hyakushu Café

Each spring a sake festival is held in Fushimi. The main events at the festival are sake tastings at two separate locations in which you can sample over 30 different varieties.

Sake tasting at the Fushimi Sake Festival

This is an annual event, but the date (usually in March) is not fixed and tickets for the main sake tastings, which are sold in advance, are limited to just 800 people. Naturally these sell out quickly. If you can’t speak or read Japanese and you don’t live locally, then this makes the event very difficult to plan for. However, unless you are a real sake connoisseur, you don’t really need to taste over 30 different varieties! Many local shops and breweries hold smaller sake tastings on the same day that you don’t need special tickets for.

Gekkeikan Okura Kinenkan

The streets are also lively with stalls selling food, ceramics, and other sake related goods. In recent years Fushimi has also held a Jazz festival on the same day at several locations around the town. So if you happen to be in Fushimi on the right day in March, you can still take part and enjoy this cheerful local festival.

Local jazz band, Fujiya Mountain

For news of the sake festival and other sake related events, check the Fushimi Brewers’ Association website in Japanese and their very useful and informative English language website .

Kizakura Kappa Country

After a hard day’s touring you deserve a good meal. Head north from the Fushimi Yume Hyakushu Café and then turn left on Aburakake-dori Street. A little further to the west is Kizakura Kappa Country, another converted sake brewery. This building houses a museum, souvenir shop and restaurant. It is the restaurant that we are interested in. This is actually one of my favorite places to bring guests to Kyoto, as it is so much fun.

Kizakura Kappa Country at night

The Kizakura company makes a range craft beers as well as sakes, and you can try them both out here in little taster sets.

A sake taster set

Once you have found the drink that suits you, you can then order that particular tipple and quaff it to your heart’s content.

A craft beer taster set” which is made with sake yeast

The food here is pretty good too. They have the usual izakaya style pub-restaurant fare, but also some unique dishes made with the local brews. Beef stewed in beer with mashed potatoes for example, or sake flavored cheesecake.

Sake flavored cheesecake and a locally brewed beer

And if you really like any of these drinks you can purchase them at the souvenir shop on your way out. Cheers!

Address: 228 Shioya-machi, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City Tel: 075-611-9919 Opening hours: Open seven days a week. Check the official website for opening hours, access details and a coupon!

About Michael Lambe Michael Lambe is the author of the Deep Kyoto blog and chief editor of the Deep Kyoto: Walks anthology . Text and original photographs are all by Michael Lambe.

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Fushimi jikkokubune Boat

jikkokubune canal cruise photos

The perfect place to enjoy cherry blossoms in Kyoto is in Fushimi Shishizhou. The most beautiful cherry blossoms are taking a slow boat tour in Fushimi Shishizhou. The scenery along the coast is full of cherry blossoms. This cherry rain is really beautiful.

jikkokubune canal cruise photos

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Fushimi jikkokubune Boat Highlights: Must-See Features and Attractions

Explore near fushimi jikkokubune boat: where to stay, eat, and visit, fushimi jikkokubune boat reviews: insider insights and visitor experiences.

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The cherry blossoms are super beautiful when they are blooming. Looking at the pictures of other people's po, I feel that I don't go to the same place. There are not many people. The scenery is really beautiful. There are fewer people nearby, but it is enough to take beautiful photos here. ~

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The jikkokubune canal cruise will be open only during cherry blossom season. The service fee is 1,500 yen per person. The boat goes around. Yes, you may have to go early because sometimes there are a lot of tour groups. It takes about 40 minutes to take a cruise each round. If traveling by yourself, take the keihan train to chushojima station and walk a little longer.

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The scenery is good, the fun is strong, and the price is relatively high.

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Fushimi is also a famous water town. At that time, the traffic was not developed. Ten stone boats were used to transport rice, wine and other items. It was the main transportation at that time.

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Japan Fushimi Shishizhou, you need tickets to come here to play, the scenery here is very beautiful, the air is particularly fresh, and you can also enjoy the cherry blossoms here, friends who like you can come and visit

Trip Moments

Fushimi Ju-rokushiko, a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing 🌸 The cherry blossoms along the river are stunning!

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jikkokubune canal cruise photos

4 Must-Visit Spots in Kyoto's Fushimi Sake District: Sake Tasting Tour and More

Since old times, the Fushimi Sake District in Kyoto has been known as one of Japan’s major sake production sites. The town has many old-fashioned breweries as well as historical inns like Teradaya. Let’s sample some delicious sake while taking a tour of the town, which has deep connections to historical figures, including Sakamoto Ryoma and Shinsengumi.

Gokonomiya Shrine: First Stop on our Fushimi Sake District Tour!

Teradaya: feel the presence of samurai sakamoto ryoma, jikkokubune: boat cruise around fushimi, fushimi sakagura koji: enjoy 120 labels of sake from 18 breweries and delicious food.

Gokonomiya Shrine: First Stop on our Fushimi Sake District Tour!

Historically, Fushimi prospered as a shipping and brewing town. It is also the site of numerous historical events undertaken by the patriots of the late Tokugawa period. You can reach Fushimi via the Kintetsu or Keihan line in about 10 minutes from Kyoto Station . Only a few stations away from Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine , it’s a popular tourist location. The first thing you’ll see after exiting the Kintetsu Line’s Momoyamagoyryo-mae Station and Keihan Line’s Fushimi -Momoyama Station is a large torii shrine gate. This is the gateway to Gokonomiya Jinja ( shrine ). This ancient place has a deep connection with Fushimi ’s brewing and is a perfect place to worship before exploring the town.

jikkokubune canal cruise photos

After passing through the torii, you will see the front gate, which is rare for shrines . This used to be the main gate for Fushimi Castle , which no longer exists. It was later transferred to the shrine and has been designated as an important national cultural property. The heavy wall has quite a presence.

jikkokubune canal cruise photos

Gokonomiya Shrine has existed since the Heian period and is dedicated to the deity of safe childbirth, Jingu-kogo. According to legend, in 862, good-smelling water sprang from the shrine grounds. When Emperor Seiwa took a drink and was cured of a disease, he named the shrine Gokomiya. Good quality water is necessary to produce excellent sake, and Fushimi has been known as a source of great water since ancient times. Gokomiya’s Gokosui water is one of the Seven Great Waters of Fushimi .

▲Gokossui water in front for the main hall. Many visitors come here for this miraculous water

There are many other subordinate shrines within the large shrine property, including Tenmangu, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane (a deity of learning). There’s also a stone garden made by the famous gardener Kobori Masakazu during the Edo period. Before entering the town of Fushimi itself, please be sure to visit the shrine and offer a prayer.

  • Address 174 Gookogumonzen-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
  • Phone Number 075-611-0559

・Free Visitation ・Stone Garden Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM ・Closed: Irregularly

Teradaya: Feel the Presence of Samurai Sakamoto Ryoma

Our next stop is Teradaya. From Gokonomiya Shrine , it is about a 15-minute walk along Fushimi Otesuji Shopping Street. This famous historic site is known for events, including the Teradaya Incident caused by pro-imperial loyalists from Satsuma and the Attack on Sakamoto Ryoma by the Fushimi magistrate. The inn was burned down in 1868 but was rebuilt in its original design during the Meiji period. In the room where Ryoma stayed, there is a picture and a painting of him. Also, you can see the famous stairs where his wife Oryo, who was bathing at the time, ran up naked to warn Ryoma about the attack.

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The building’s former location is now a garden , and there are tombstones for the historical site Teradaya and the anti-bakufu Satsuma warriors.

▲A statue of Sakamoto Ryoma in the garden

There is much information and many exhibits concerning the warriors of the Bakumatsu period - and you can literally walk in the same footsteps as these heroes of Japan who made history during a chaotic era.

  • Address 263 Minamihama-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
  • Phone Number 075-622-0243

Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:40 PM Entrance Fee: Adult 400 yen, junior high school – university students 300 yen, elementary school student 200 yen (tax included) Closed: January 1st – 3rd, irregularly closed on Mondays

Jikkokubune: Boat Cruise around Fushimi!

Next, we will take a look at Jikkokubune. You can reach the boarding area by walking about 10-minutes along the river from Teradaya. It is said that Fushimi 's sake became famous nationwide because it was located at the base of the Yodogawa Water Transportation system connecting Kyoto and Osaka. The waterway that connected Fushimi and Uji to transport rice and sake, is now used for sightseeing thanks to Jikkokubune.

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You can get a great view of the brewery town that has maintained its rustic appearance as the boat quietly cruises down the river surrounded by willow trees. The ride takes about 50 minutes. Unfortunately, when we went in December, the tour season had already ended. However, you can enjoy the iconic cherry blossoms if you visit in spring , or the vibrant greenery should you visit during summer .

  • Address Motozaimoku-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
  • Phone Number 075-623-1030

Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:20 PM (may change depending on the season) Operation season: usually late March to early December Fee: Junior high school student and above 1,200 yen, elementary student and below 600 yen (tax included) Closed: Monody (may change depending on the season)

Fushimi Sakagura Koji: Enjoy 120 Labels of Sake from 18 Breweries and Delicious Food!

After walking through the town of Fushimi and feeling its rich history, we will head to our main objective! Walking away from the station and through Fushimi Otesuji Shopping Street for about 10 minutes, you will bring you to Fushimi Sakagura Koji. This is a complex facility where you can enjoy sake from 18 member breweries of the Fushimi Sake Brewers Association and a variety of Japanese and Western foods.

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Upon entering the main entrance on the east side, the first thing that will come into view is the Sakagura Counter. This 23m long counter offers an impressive display of Fushimi Sake District brand sake bottles. The display changes slightly depending on the season , but you will be able to sample 120 labels of seasonal sake. They offer 70ml small glasses, so you can try many types to find your favorite label.

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The special feature of this facility is the delivery order system. At typical food courts, you go to each vendor and take the food to your seat. However, at Fushimi Sakagura Koji, you can order food from any vendor from any seat, and it will be brought directly to your table. In other words, you don’t have to leave your seat to enjoy a wide variety of food and sake! For example, you could be seated at the charcoal grill shop but order sushi or pizza . There are a few items you can’t order for delivery, but in that case, you can still hop from vendor to vendor. Some vendors also serve wine, beer, and sake from places other than Fushimi Sake District. At Fushimi Sakagura Koji, everyone can enjoy their food and drink the way they want to.

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At the Sakagura Counter, they sell ochoko (sake drinking cups). Repeat customers can have the store keep your ochoko, for use the next time you visit!

This Tester Set Includes Sake from 18 Breweries and Popular Cuisine

It is human nature to want to try sake from all 18 breweries. Kissui (2,430 yen) is a sake-tasting set that will make any sake lover’s dream come true. With this set, you can partake from 18 brands of sake that each local sake brewer boasts. The wonderful thing about this set is that each sake is considered, and the set is laid out in a recommended drinking order. With this set, you can enjoy various flavors, temperatures, and drink at your own pace with your preferred meal. According to the store staff, they spent a full day consulting with a sake taster to create the lineup. If you are unsure about which sake to try, this is the perfect set with the perfect lineup. The total amount of sake is about 2 go or about 360ml, so if you are drinking the set by yourself, don’t forget to drink some water and take some breaks. Here are some popular dishes that match the specially selected sake!

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First up, from the charcoal grill shop Fushimi 89 Chome Shokudo’s delivery menu is Kumamoto Basashi Moriawase (assorted horse sashimi ), which is 980 yen, tax included. The basashi delivered directly from the farm is fresh, doesn’t have a strong smell, and is easy to eat. Dipping the basashi into sweet shoyu with garlic or ginger, it pairs well with firm-flavored such as yamahai style junmai sake (sake made without added alcohol or sugar) or jukuseishu (aged sake).

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Next up, from Sakagura Counter’s menu, is the Otameshi Kaisen Aburi Goshumori (5 Dried Seafood Grill Sampler) for 1,280 yen, tax included. The dish includes saketoba (dried salmon skin), tatami iwashi (dried baby sardines in a single layer), Shishamo mirin (smelt fish with seasoning sweet sake), firefly squid, and ray fin. These dried foods are then grilled on a small hibachi (brazier). With an appetizing aroma, the more you chew, the more umami you get, and it is the perfect side dish for sake! I personally think that it matches well with dry ginjo sake (high-quality sake brewed with low temperature).

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Lastly, Sushidai Dai Chan’s Nigiri Hakkan (8 sushi ) for 1,200 yen, tax included. This authentic sushi is made by chefs with large, fresh ingredients. The variety of sushi changes daily, and seasonal items are selected. A large portion of sushi is a perfect dish to finish your night. I think that the all-mighty tanrei sake (smooth and refreshing) matches anything and would be perfect with sushi . As we finished the delicious sake and food, they served us some specialty sake!

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These two labels can only be tasted at Fushimi Sakagura Koji. The Masuda Tokubee Shoten ‘Yanagi Junmai Ginjo’ (70ml, 830 yen, tax included) is on the right. This was given during a brewery event and had a fresh melon-like aroma. If you are a sake connoisseur, this is certainly worth the visit. Shotoku Shuzo’s ‘Jikagumi Mochigome Yondan Shikomi Junmai Genshu’ (70ml, 470 yen, tax included) is on the left. It’s a rare sake made with mochigome (glutinous rice). It has a clear taste with a distinct sweetness and umami -- an excellent sake. Both of these sake varieties are very rare, and we were lucky that they were in stock, so please keep in mind that they may be sold out. Feel free to ask the knowledgeable staff and the sake tasters to help you find the right sake.

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We hope you enjoyed our guide. Walking through the Fushimi Sake District and drinking sake from this wonderful brewery town greatly represents Japan’s rich history. We highly recommend heading a little south of central Kyoto to Fushimi and having a relaxing time with amazing sake.

  • Address 115 Nayamachi Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu --- 82-2 Hirano-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
  • Phone Number 075-748-8831

Hours: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM *may be different depending on the vendors Closed: Tuesday

Text by:Myogaya Nobuhisa

  • Area Fushimi, Uji
  • Category Other Japanese Food

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Lasma Plone

25 Best Photo Spots in Kyoto That You Must Visit

25 Best Photo Spots in Kyoto That You Must Visit

Looking for the best photo spots in Kyoto? You are in the right place! I will help you discover the most beautiful places in Kyoto and make sure you get some wonderful postcards from your trip.

Kyoto is one of the most photogenic cities in Japan with old wooden houses, unique temples, hidden gardens, and some breathtaking locations that you won’t find anywhere else. This is why you want to bring your camera and take some epic photos during your trip.

My guide of the best photo spots in Kyoto is going to ensure that you don’t miss a single photo opportunity! I will share additional photography tips, the best time to see these places without crowds, and help you with picking out the right lens. Let’s get started!

*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The overview of the most beautiful places in Kyoto

Yasaka kamimachi, hoshinocho and tamamizucho, yasaka kōshin-dō, arashiyama bamboo forest, fushimi inari shrine.

  • Keiryu Bridge

Kodaiji Temple

Yasaka shrine, gion district, chionin temple, heian shrine, pontocho alley, okazaki-jinja shrine, eikan-dō (zenrin-ji) temple.

  • Nanzen-ji 
  • Tenjuan Garden
  • Jikkokubune Canal Cruise

Nijō Castle

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple

The list of best photo spots in Kyoto and photography tips

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No doubt that Yasaka Kamimachi is one of the most Instagrammable places in Kyoto. This stone-paved street is located in the historical area of Kyoto and it is surrounded by typical wooden houses. The cherry on top is the mystical view of Hōkan-ji Temple.

You can take some of the best Kyoto photos at Yasaka Kamimachi, however, the place is packed all day long. If you are planning to wake up for sunrise to avoid crowds, that is not going to save you. However, if you are quick and prepared, you can steal a couple of minutes to yourself and get a fantastic result.

When it comes to equipment, a 50 mm lens looks the best. When I visited Yasaka Kamimachi there were multiple people with tripods completely blocking the street (cherry blossom season at its best!), so I had to give up some space and use a 35 mm lens instead.

I will add the exact photo spot below, so you don’t have to wander around. Even if you choose to take a taxi, the car most probably will leave you somewhere nearby as car access is limited.

Location: Yasaka Kamimachi

RELATED : Complete Kyoto Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Kyoto

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Sanneizaka is another Kyoto attraction in the historical part of the town and is just around the corner from Yasaka Kamimachi. This slope is steep and covered with stairs and it creates some of the best picturesque views of Kyoto.

This place is still very busy during the day, however, it might be easier to capture at sunrise since everyone else is busy with Hōkan-ji Temple. I suggest you take a quick snap at the Yasaka Kamimachi and then focus on other spots in the area because there are so many!

You can try to use a 35 mm lens from the top of the stairs and capture the wooden houses surrounding the slope or you can go down the stairs and play with your zoom lens for some epic angles.

If you are visiting Kyoto during cherry blossom season, don’t miss the park surrounding the Koushou-ji Branch Temple Priest’s Kitchen and Living Room Wards. The cherry blossom alley is just the perfect eye candy for your zoom lens.

Location : Sanneizaka

RELATED : Best Kyoto Tours: Unique Experiences in Kyoto That You Don’t Want to Miss

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Ninenzaka is the shortest slope and it is located between Sanneizaka and Hōkan-ji Temple. It is one of the prettiest places in Kyoto and you don’t want to miss it. This slope is on the corner of a cute historical shop with traditional umbrellas and it creates a wonderful backdrop for a photo.

Super busy during the day, but quite easy to take photos early in the morning. A 35 mm lens is an absolute sweet spot to capture the beauty of this slope.

Also, at the end of Ninenzaka, you will find the famous Starbucks coffee shop – not a fan of the menu at Starbucks, but this is your chance to visit a traditional Japanese house. There is a massive line at the opening time, but later in the afternoon, it is basically empty.

Don’t get confused! If you look up the photos of Ninenzaka, you will see the famous view of Hōkan-ji Temple, however, if you follow the maps, you will see that this is not the same location, and the viewpoint is located further away.

Location : Ninenzaka

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If you are looking for the most underrated places in Kyoto for photos, you will love this street. It has a fantastic view of Hōkan-ji Temple and everyone around is just passing by without taking a photo.

In fact, we were able to take these photos at the busiest time of the day, so this can be your last stop while visiting the old town of Kyoto. If you are around before 9, you won’t even have to worry about people passing by.

It is a long street and you can find the sweet spot that suits your vision and your lens, but I can tell you already that the zoom lens is the absolute best. I loved the distance from Kyo Yuba Kobo restaurant.

Location : Hoshinocho and Tamamizucho

RELATED : How to Rent a Kimono in Kyoto: Detailed Process with Prices

Seiryu-en Garden

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Located in the heart of the old town, you will find one of the best hidden photo spots in Kyoto – Seiryu-en Garden. And yes, there is no one around! Even during the peak season at the busiest time of the day.

From what I have seen, it looks absolutely amazing during the fall, however, it is worth a stop all year round. Especially if you want to escape the crowds in the old town of Kyoto. There is a sign that says no commercial photo shoots, but we were there taking photos with a tripod and no one said anything about that.

We rented a kimono, which is an absolute must when visiting Kyoto and you can do it here . But the rentals open late which means that you will be hunting for photo spots at the peak hours.

So for this reason, you simply have to visit spots like Seiryu-en Garden, Hoshinocho, and Tamamizucho. We also chose to head to Toji and it was a great decision since it was pretty empty, but you will read about it further in this article.

Keep in mind that the opening time is from 9 am to 6 pm, but the entrance is completely free.

Location : Seiryu-en Garden

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And the last location in the old Kyoto is Yasaka Kōshin-dō. What makes it special is the colorful kukurizaru, which are small colorful balls containing the wishes of worshippers and the typical orange shrine waiting for you at the entrance.

These balls are all over the temple which makes it one of the best photo spots in Kyoto and it’s not to be missed. If you are visiting early in the morning, please remember that it opens at 9 am.

All the locations above are located in the old town of Kyoto and can be covered in one early morning. Depending on the time that you spend in each location, Yasaka Kōshin-dō can be your last stop considering the opening time. And you might even have the time for breakfast.

Location : Yasaka Kōshin-dō

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If you are looking for popular Instagram spots in Kyoto, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is at the top of the list. This natural bamboo forest covers an area of roughly 16 square kilometers and contains thousands of bamboo plants that tower over visitors, creating a sense of tranquility.

When it comes to photography, this is not going to be an easy task as the place is packed from sunrise to sunset. However, if you have a wide-angle lens and a lot of patience, you can make the crowds look smaller than they actually are.

It can be a bit tricky to find, however, I will leave the exact location below, so you don’t have to wander around. Also, make sure you start with the indicated location and walk the path from there.

Location : Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

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Kinkaku-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Japan. It is also known as the Golden Pavilion due to the gold leaf covering the upper two floors of the temple.

While visitors are not allowed to enter the temple itself, they can walk around the grounds and take in the views from various angles. I believe we can safely agree that it is one of the top places in Kyoto to take pictures at sunset. 

It is open from 9 am to 5 pm and the entrance fee is 500 JPY. If you are visiting during the summer and sunset is after pm, I still suggest you go to the Golden Pavilion before closing time.

Location : Kinkaku-ji

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I am sure that we all can agree that Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the epic Kyoto photography spots. It is one of the most famous and iconic shrines in Japan, known for its thousands of torii gates that line the paths leading up the mountain.

And obviously, it is another super crowded spot. However, it was quite easy to get the shot as people create queues and let you snap a quick photo. Also, the path is very long so you can find some corners with not many people around.

The Shrine is actually massive and most of the tourists leave after visiting the main spot, so if you decide to hike up, you can find a place all to yourself. 

From what I have seen 50 mm lens is the sweet spot and creates an amazing effect. I did try the zoom lens but eventually didn’t like the result. But feel free to play around and find what you like the best.

Location : Fushimi Inari Shrine

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I am sure you have seen a lot of pictures from Kyoto with a cute boat floating around the channel. Well, if you want to recreate the same photo, head to Keiryu Bridge. Even if you don’t have it on your itinerary, but might end up on this bridge, so don’t miss out.

The boats are frequent and from what I have seen, it comes almost at the same time from both sides, which means that you have 2 chances to take the right shot. And if you are visiting during cherry blossom season, head to Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art – the area next to the channel is full of blooms!

Location : Keiryu Bridge

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Kodaiji Temple hosts some of the best Kyoto Instagram spots, so it is a must when hunting for photo locations. It is a well-known temple in Kyoto, however, some tourists choose to skip it and trust me, they are missing out.

The temple complex includes several buildings, including the main hall, the mausoleum of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and the tea house. Kodaiji Temple’s gardens are equally impressive, with a pond garden, a rock garden, and a bamboo grove.

Actually, if you cannot manage to visit the famous bamboo forest in Kyoto, this can be a great alternative. The bamboo grove is practically empty and looks stunning in the photos. A zen garden is an absolute must as well!

It is open from 9 am to 5 pm and the entrance fee is 600 JPY.

Location : Kodaiji Temple

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Yasaka Shrine is one of the Insta-worthy places in Kyoto, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural history and providing a beautiful and serene setting for contemplation and reflection. The colors of the Yasaka Shrine are fantastic and will give a nice pop to your photos.

The shrine complex includes several buildings, including the main hall, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The main hall is decorated with intricate carvings and paintings, and it contains several important Shinto artifacts.

It does get pretty crowded, especially around the entrance, so early morning is the best time to avoid the crowds. And bring your 35 mm lens with you.

Location : Yasaka Shrine

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And while visiting Yasaka Shrine, you will have the opportunity to explore the famous Gion district. Gion is known for its traditional teahouses, called ochaya, where geisha and maiko entertain guests with traditional music, dance, and conversation.

Shimbashi Street is probably the highlight of Gion for photography lovers, especially during cherry blossom season. However, it will require another early wake-up call as it stays busy during the day.

Apart from Shimbashi Street, there are no other photo locations, but it is filled with cute corners and geishas around. If you are lucky, you might even see a maiko. So simply forget about location hunting and get lost in Gion. Let the beauty find you.

Location : Shimbashi Street

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The main hall of Chionin Temple is one of the largest wooden structures in Japan and Chionin Temple is also known for its impressive Sanmon gate, which is the largest surviving structure of its kind in Japan. Without a doubt, it is one of the top-rated sights in Kyoto.

If you are looking for a unique perspective, you can cross the street located right in front of Chionin Temple and walk until the end of the park. With a zoom lens, you will get a fantastic shot.

And just like many other epic Kyoto photography spots, Chionin Temple is unmissable during cherry blossom season and fall. The colors around the temple get spectacular.

Location : Chionin Temple

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Heian Shrine is an important cultural and religious site in Kyoto and attracts visitors from around the world. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese history, architecture, and culture.

The main buildings of the shrine are painted in vibrant vermilion and are surrounded by beautiful gardens and ponds. One of the most notable features of Heian Shrine is its massive torii gate, which stands over 24 meters tall and is made of steel. Daigoku-den is also impressive, with its ornate decorations and intricate woodwork.

Considering other famous landmarks in Kyoto, this one is easy to implement in your Kyoto itinerary, and with a bit of patience, you can certainly take some photos on the way.

Location : Heian Shrine

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If you are wondering where to take photos in Kyoto, Pontocho Alley is an absolute must!  The street is lined with traditional wooden buildings, many of which house restaurants, bars, and teahouses.

Pontocho Alley is known for its lively atmosphere, especially in the evening when the lanterns hanging outside the restaurants and bars are lit up, creating a charming and romantic ambiance.

If you can’t take a good photo after the sun went down, you can always try late morning instead. It is still beautiful, but you can forget about the crowds.

Location : Pontocho Alley

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And if you are getting tired of visiting the traditional and historical temples of Kyoto, head to Okazaki-jinja Shrine. This temple has a rabbit theme, so you will find rabbit sculptures all over the place, which makes it one of the secret photography spots in Kyoto.

The temple is quite small so it gets filled up with locals very early, but don’t get discouraged, because everyone has a packed Itinerary and they are busy moving to their next Kyoto attractions.

Location : Okazaki-jinja Shrine

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Planning to visit Kyoto in the fall? Eikan-dō (Zenrin-ji) Temple, then Eikan-dō (Zenrin-ji) Temple is one of the best places to take photos in Kyoto.  The temple is known for its stunning fall foliage, which draws visitors from around the world each year.

Even if you are visiting Kyoto during other seasons, it is worth seeing. The complex is big and the highlight is definitely the red pagoda located on the top of the temple. From the main pond, you can take some wonderful photos.

Even though we visited in spring, some trees were red and gave fall vibes already. It is open from 9 am to 4 pm and the entrance fee is 600 JPY (1000 JPY during fall).

Location : Eikan-dō (Zenrin-ji) Temple

Nanzen-ji and Tenjuan Garden

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Nanzen-ji is known for its beautiful gardens, traditional architecture, and numerous sub-temples. My personal highlight was Tenjuan Garden, which was a perfect escape in the busy city and one of the best hidden photography spots in Kyoto.

While visiting the temple is free, Tenjuan Garden has a 300 JPY entrance fee. It is a true hidden gem of Kyoto and such a peaceful oasis – you don’t want to miss it. Especially if you are looking for cute photo spots in Kyoto without crowds.

Once you are done with the garden, make sure you visit Nanzen-ji temple itself as well. It is open from 9 am to 4.30 pm every day.

Location : Tenjuan Garden

RELATED : How to Plan a Day Trip to Himeji: Travel Tips and Things to Know Before Visiting

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The Jikkokubune Canal Cruise is a popular tourist activity in Kyoto, Japan. The cruise takes visitors along the Hori River, which runs through Fushimi Shishizhou. And while it is an absolute must during cherry blossom season, you can see the beauty all year round.

You certainly want to take photos of the boat itself and then join the cruise to see the beauty of the river as well. You can jump on the boat every 20 minutes starting from 10 am and the adult price is 1200 JPY while children pay 600 JPY.

Considering that Jikkokubune Canal Cruise is located further away from famous landmarks in Kyoto, there are not many tourists around, however, locals line up to see sakura rain at the end of cherry blossom season.

Location : Jikkokubune Canal Cruise

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Nijō Castle is a historic castle built in the 17th century as the residence of the Tokugawa when they visited Kyoto. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

If you are looking for the best photo spots of the castle itself, you don’t even need to enter the castle. Just wander around the canals surrounding the castle and find some of the best angles. If you have enough time, visiting the castle will take you a couple of hours.

Location : Nijō Castle

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Toji is one of the lesser-known Kyoto Instagram spots and I absolutely loved it, so I can safely say it is a true gem of Kyoto. The main attraction is the tall wooden pagoda, but there is so much more to see.

The water pond in front of the pagoda creates a picture-perfect setting and is one of the best places where to take photos in Kyoto. There are few tour groups around, but they make a quick stop at the Toji, which means that you can take photos any time of the time.

As I mentioned earlier, we visited Toji when we rented a kimono and it was the best decision. We could take photos with our tripod without bothering anyone else.

It is open from 8 am to 5 pm and the entrance fee is 500 JPY.

Location : Toji

  • Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

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Looking for the best views in Kyoto? Then Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is the perfect solution for your Kyoto photography. One of the most impressive features of Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is its Main Hall, which was built in the 17th century and is designated as a National Treasure of Japan.

The Main Hall features a large veranda that juts out from the cliff, offering stunning views of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains. I have to warn you that this is one of the famous Kyoto Instagram spots, so it is packed all day long. If you can make it for sunrise, it is the best time to visit Kiyomizu-Dera Temple.

It is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm; closing time is extended to 6:30 pm on certain days during the summer, and until 9 pm during the night illumination. The admission fee is 400 JPY.

Location : Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

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Bonus! Best Kyoto cherry blossom spots

Bonus! Best Kyoto cherry blossom spots

  • Shimbashi Street
  • Keage Incline
  • Philosopher’s Path
  • Kawazu-Zakura Cherry Trees in Yodo
  • Yawaragi no Michi
  • Kyoto Botanical Garden
  • Sagano Sight-Seeing Tram
  • Maruyama Park

RELATED : 15 Best Places to Photograph Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

Recommended gear for photography spots in Kyoto

  • Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR
  • Nikon Nikkor AF-S 14-24 mm f/2.8G ED
  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G
  • Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D
  • Tamr on SP 70 – 200 mm f/2.8 di VC G2 

Further reading for the best photo spots in Kyoto

14 DAYS IN JAPAN: JAPAN GOLDEN ROUTE ITINERARY FOR FIRST TIMERS

14 Days in Japan: Japan Golden Route Itinerary For First Timers

jikkokubune canal cruise photos

150+ Best Japan Quotes and Japan Instagram Captions + Beautiful Sharable Photos

BEST KYOTO TOURS: UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN KYOTO THAT YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

Best Kyoto Tours: Unique Experiences in Kyoto That You Don’t Want to Miss

Complete Kyoto Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Kyoto

Complete Kyoto Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Kyoto

18 Best Free Things to Do in Kyoto + Kyoto Budget Tips

18 Best Free Things to Do in Kyoto + Kyoto Budget Tips

13 Best Ryokan in Kyoto with Private Onsen

13 Best Ryokan in Kyoto with Private Onsen That Will Blow Your Mind

Travel tips for Kyoto:

  • How to Rent a Kimono in Kyoto: Detailed Process with Prices
  • Where to stay in Kyoto? Hotel Review of Mimaru Kyoto Nijo Castle
  • 15 Best Places to Photograph Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

Travel tips for Osaka:

  • 15 Best Photo Spots in Osaka That You Can’t Miss
  • 12 Best Ryokans in Osaka with a Private Onsen
  • Osaka Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Osaka
  • 10 Best Food Tours in Osaka for Foodies
  • How to Plan a Day Trip to Himeji: Travel Tips and Things to Know Before Visiting

Travel tips for Tokyo:

  • 13 Best Tokyo Tours: Fun and Unique Experiences in Tokyo
  • 13 Incredible Hotels With Tokyo Tower View In Tokyo
  • 15 Epic Hotels with a Mount Fuji View in Japan

Or read more about Kyoto | Osaka | Tokyo | Himeji | Nara | Uji | Japan

Other useful tips for visiting Japan

🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or Agoda 💃 How about fun experiences? GetYourGuide , Viator , and Klook have it all 🚗 Considering renting a car in Japan? Use Rentalcars 🚂 If you need transfers, bus or train tickets, check 12Go 🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from HeyMondo

In conclusion…

25 Best Photo Spots in Kyoto That You Must Visit

This is the end of the best photo spots in Kyoto and I’m sure that after reading this article you are impatient to get to Kyoto and create some unforgettable postcards. I believe these photography tips will help you take epic photos and find the locations of the best photo spots in Kyoto. 

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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25 Best Photo Spots in Kyoto That You Must Visit

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IMAGES

  1. Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise

    jikkokubune canal cruise photos

  2. Kyoto Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise

    jikkokubune canal cruise photos

  3. Story & Recommendation

    jikkokubune canal cruise photos

  4. Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise Canal with Spring Cherry Blossoms in

    jikkokubune canal cruise photos

  5. 31 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In Kyoto (Japan)

    jikkokubune canal cruise photos

  6. Boating in early summer in Kyoto! Half a day in Fushimi with a boat

    jikkokubune canal cruise photos

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COMMENTS

  1. Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise

    Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise. - 伏見十石舟 -. Fushimi Chusyojima Cultural Experience. Period March 18th, 2023 - December 3rd, 2023 ※However, the August service will be available only on the following dates. August 1st - 13th (closed on Mondays) ※Closed on Mondays (except for national holidays, but Mondays are also available in April ...

  2. Jikkokubune Canal Cruise

    The Jikkokubune Canal Cruise is more than a mere boat ride; it is a journey through the changing tapestries of the seasons, from the delicate pink of cherry blossoms in spring, the vibrant greens of summer, to the fiery reds of autumn leaves, each season painting the Hori River with its distinct hues. The traditional flat-bottomed design of ...

  3. Kyoto Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise

    Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise Thursday, August 5, 2021 Updated. Traditional Japanese Commercial Cargo Ship. ... One such example is the jikkokubune, a flatbottomed boat that was used to transport cargo such as rice and sake along the waterways between Kyoto and Osaka. The boats were first used during the Edo period all the way until the late ...

  4. Fushimi Jikkoku Bune

    Pleasant Ride on Fushiimi Canal in Jikkoku Boat. A recording in Japanese, English & Chinese explains the sites of Fushimi & the history of the boats and canal. In the middle, to turn around, it stops at the Uji River Water Gate (Takase River flowing from Lake Biwa to the Uji River and down to Osaka Bay). There is a little photo exhibit to ...

  5. Boating in early summer in Kyoto! Half a day in Fushimi with a boat

    When I took the cruise, the summer was just beginning in Kyoto, and the willows on both sides of the canal were brilliant green and the wind felt comfortable. On the way, I saw Terada-ya, Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, and the conflux of the Takase River and Biwako Canal. After a 20-minute boat ride, we got to the lock gates of Mito Komon.

  6. Pleasant Ride on Fushiimi Canal in Jikkoku Boat

    There is a little photo exhibit to explain the history, just in Japanese, but the pictures are interesting to see. (Restrooms located here.) We were traveling to see Kyoto's Momiji the end of Nov. But looking at these photos the Spring Cherry Blossoms looks even more lovely! A change of pace & a fun thing to do. Not so many tourists in the area!

  7. Fushimi

    There is also another tour in a larger 30-seat boat that starts at a launch point near the Teradaya Inn, and that lasts 40 minutes. Jikkokubune canal cruises are only available from April 1st until November 30th and the schedule changes according to the season. Check the website for availability and have someone Japanese interpret the finer ...

  8. Fushimi jikkokubune Boat: Photos, Map & Reviews [2024]

    The jikkokubune canal cruise will be open only during cherry blossom season. The service fee is 1,500 yen per person. The boat goes around. Yes, you may have to go early because sometimes there are a lot of tour groups. It takes about 40 minutes to take a cruise each round.

  9. Perfect One-Day Fushimi Itinerary

    The Uji River and the connecting Horigawa River canal host scenic cruise boats called "jikkokubune." During the Edo Period, these boats played an important role in transporting goods and people, contributing greatly to the development of Fushimi. Numerous cherry blossoms are planted along the riversides, making them equally famous for flower viewing.

  10. This is the Jikkokubune Canal Cruise in Kyoto during cherry ...

    The Jikkokubune Canal Cruise in Kyoto offers a unique way to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms in the city. During the cherry blossom season, typically in late March to early April, the canal cruise takes visitors on a scenic journey through the Higashiyama district, known for its historic streets and stunning views.

  11. Dusit Hotels & Resorts

    Jikkokubune Canal Cruise: Set sail on a journey through Kyoto with the Jikkokubune Canal Cruise, navigating historic waterways that have been part of Kyoto's fabric for centuries. Glide along...

  12. Okazaki Canal Boat Rides: A Must-Experience Attraction in Kyoto

    Furnished with traditional-style boats named jikkokubune during "ohanami," these boats depart every fifteen minutes from Nanzenji Boat Pier for a twenty-five minute round-trip canal cruise. Such is their popularity, they've become one integral way Kyoto celebrates hanami displaying mesmerizing springtime hues beneath a blanket of blooming ...

  13. Photos

    Sharing Kyoto hosts photos of Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise. Search. Tourist Information. ... Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise - 伏見十石舟 - Traveler Friendly. Staff may not be able to speak English, but the scenery more than makes up for it! Information. Japanese. Languages spoken.

  14. Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise with spring cherry blossoms in ...

    Download this stock image: Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise with spring cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Japan - 2AJDKG2 from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. Save up to 30% when you upgrade to an image pack. Stock photos, 360° images, vectors and videos. Enterprise. Lightboxes. Cart. Hi there!

  15. Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise

    As you head down the canal, you'll be treated to a tunnel of beautiful greenery on both sides of the river. In spring, the riverside turns a breath-taking pastel color as the area fills with cherry blossoms, in summer, the petals fall away to make way for freshly grown green leaves, and in autumn, those leaves begin to wilt and lose their color, creating an astonishing scene of fiery red ...

  16. Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise Canal with Spring Cherry ...

    Photo about Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise canal with spring cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Japan. Asia. Image of city, petal, outdoor - 168334510

  17. 4 Must-Visit Spots in Kyoto's Fushimi Sake District: Sake Tasting Tour

    Jikkokubune: Boat Cruise around Fushimi! Next, we will take a look at Jikkokubune. You can reach the boarding area by walking about 10-minutes along the river from Teradaya. It is said that Fushimi's sake became famous nationwide because it was located at the base of the Yodogawa Water Transportation system connecting Kyoto and Osaka.

  18. Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise is a Sightseeing Boat Located in

    Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise is a sightseeing boat located in Fushimi Ward, as if a trip back to. Photo about cruise, hanami, asia, canal, boat, garden, jikkokubune - 304068177

  19. Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise with Spring Cherry ...

    Photo about Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise with spring cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Japan. Asia. Image of landscape, asia, fushimi - 168334480 ... The cherry blossoms around the Uji Canal in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto. Fuji Mountain and Shibazakura Garden Festival in Spring,Japan cherry blossom.

  20. 25 Best Photo Spots in Kyoto That You Must Visit

    The Jikkokubune Canal Cruise is a popular tourist activity in Kyoto, Japan. The cruise takes visitors along the Hori River, which runs through Fushimi Shishizhou. And while it is an absolute must during cherry blossom season, you can see the beauty all year round.

  21. Fushimi in Kyoto

    Many of the wooden warehouses are situated next to a flourishing, green canal-way. After your sake education, you can wander the neighbouring pathway or join a relaxing Jikkokubune Canal Cruise. Jikkokubune are flat-bottomed boats that formerly carried rice and sake to and from the old Fushimi river port. Today, they're equipped with passenger ...

  22. Visiting Japan: Top 43 Things to Do in Kyoto

    28 Take Wonderful Photos at the Picture-perfect Canal of the Nanzenji Temple; ... You can also take the Jikkokubune Canal Cruise, which is an hour cruise through the Horikawa River on a quaint wooden boat with a stop by the Misunokomon Sake Museum. Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. 4.0.

  23. Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise is a Sightseeing Boat Located in

    Fushimi Jikkokubune Boat Cruise is a sightseeing boat located in Fushimi Ward, as if a trip back to. Photo about asian, sakura, canal, landscape, boat, hanami, japan - 304308877