3 recommended historical spots allowing you to take a snazzy picture in Kyoto’s popular sightseeing areas

As you know, Kyoto is a city filled with rich nature and historical temples and shrines. No matter where you visit, picturesque scenery is sure to catch your eyes. Some people may have an image in their heads that most of Kyoto’s sightseeing spots have a solemn atmosphere, but there are also a variety of spots with a poppy view that excites you or making you feel like they’re in a different world.

This time, we’re going to introduce 3 spots allowing you to take a snazzy picture from among ones located in Kyoto’s popular sightseeing areas.

The hot topic in Instagram! “Kongoji Temple” decorated with multi-colored lucky charms

Commonly called ‘Yasaka Koshindo,’ “Kongoji Temple” is said to be a place from which Japan’s Koshin belief started. It’s also one of Japan’s three greatest Koshin temples along with Shitennoji Temple (Osaka) and Sensoji Temple (Tokyo). When you step into the precinct, a vivid wonderland created by colorful little balls is laid out before your eyes. These balls are lucky charms called ‘Kukurizaru’ unique to Kongoji Temple -a fabric in the shape of good faith monkey. To persuade people not to act as desired, the monkeys’ feet and hands are tied together. Let’s write down the date of the visit and your name and wish on it! It is believed that if you give up with one of your greeds, one of your wishes may come true. Besides, you can meet wooden carvings of the well known three monkeys ‘hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil’ and get an adorable lucky charm in the shape of monkey.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 5:00PM
Address	390 Kinen-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Kyoto: A 10-min bus drive from Kawaramachisanjo which is 4 mins’ walk from Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo. It takes 4 mins on foot from Higashiyama Yasui bus stop. Hotel Tavinos Kyoto: Get on a bus at Kawaramachi Gojo Bus Stop, get off at Kiyomizumichi and walk for 4 minutes
URL	https://ja.kyoto.travel/tourism/single02.php?category_id=7&tourism_id=2007

The world’s longest inclined train track “Keage Incline” surrounded by seasonal scenery

Located near the prestigious temple ‘Nanzenji Temple,’ “Keage Incline” is the world’s longest inclined train track with a total length of 582 meters. It was used to transport ships from the Meiji period to the early Showa period. There are lots of trees on both sides of the track, and Yoshino cherry tree and Yamazakura in spring, lush fresh green around May and autumn leaves in fall produce nostalgic scenery. The track is currently not used, so it’s one of the best charms that you can freely walk on the track and take a photo. In addition, “Nejirimampo (Keage Tunnel)” is also must-see, which is made with bricks diagonally built up to increase durability. The wall inside the tunnel is twisted in a spiral, so you will feel as if you’re pulled into a different world.

Opening Hours	24 hours
Address	From Yamashita-cho, Kuwata, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City to Kusakawa-cho, Nanzenji
Access	Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo: A 3-min walk from Keage Station which is 3 stations away from Kyotoshiyakushomae Station on the Tozai line Hotel Tavinos Kyoto: Get on a bus at Kawaramachi Gojo Bus Stop, get off at Okazaki Hojojicho and walk for 6 minutes
URL	https://ja.kyoto.travel/tourism/single02.php?category_id=8&tourism_id=719

“Kimono Forest” like an art museum of Kyo-Yuzen spreading around Arashiyama Station

Visiting Arashiyama Station, you can find “Kimono Forest” where there are approximately 600 pillars made with fabric dyed using the traditional Kyo-Yuzen technique along the rail tracks and around the station. 32 types of Kyo-Yuzen are covered with 2-meter tall cylindrical poles. During the day, you will be glued to Kyo-Yuzen’s original beautiful colors, and at night, the pillars give off the gentle light and fantastic light forest appears. Moreover, you’re also sure to have butterflies in your stomach by seeing the reflection on the surface of ‘Atago Pond of Dragon.’ By the way, the water of the pond is springing from a depth of 50 meters underground of Mt. Atago. It’s said that happiness comes if you soak your hands. Moreover, at the platform of the station, you can sometimes see a quaint view created by Kimono Forest and a retro train.

Address	11-1 Kurumamichi-cho, Saga Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo: Hop on the Tozai line at Kyotoshiyakushomae Station, transfer to the Keifuku Ramden Tram line at Uzumasatenjingawa Station and get off at Arashiyama Station Hotel Tavinos Kyoto: Get on a bus at Shijo Kawaramachi, get off at Arashiyama Tenryujimae
URL	https://www.kyotoarashiyama.jp/about/en