川上裕介
- Apr 24
- 3 min read

Kyoto photo shoot in Gion Shirakawa

Updated: 4 days ago

Hello.

I am Yusuke Kawakami, a photographer from Kansai Musubu Photo, who does location photography in Kyoto and other Kansai regions.

This time, I will write an article about Gion Shirakawa.

Please read this if you are considering photo shoots in Kyoto.

There are several places in Kyoto where location photography is permitted, including parks, temples, shrines, and Japanese gardens.

I'm sure there are some customers who are wondering, "Where on earth would I be most satisfied with taking pictures?"

This time, I would like to introduce the Gion Shirakawa area that I recommend.

-Gion Shirakawa location-

Gion Shirakawa refers to the area near Shirakawa that flows through Gion.

Some photo studios or photo studios may write Gion Shinbashi instead of Gion Shirakawa.

Search for "Tatsumibashi" on Google Maps, and the area is roughly around that area.

It is easily accessible, about a 3-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line.

-Why shooting in the Gion Shirakawa area is recommended-

I will explain why we recommend shooting in this area.

1. Streetscape unique to Kyoto

Gion Shirakawa is a place filled with many wonderful elements such as beautiful townhouses, Shirakawa rivers, stone pavements, cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and willows.

I think there are some people who are interested in the beautiful scenery.

Currently, a council has been formed to maintain, preserve, and inherit the building, and we can now see the beautiful scenery.

2. The cherry blossoms are beautiful in spring, the greenery is beautiful in summer, the autumn leaves are beautiful in autumn, and you can take leisurely photos in winter.

Gion Shirakawa is close to the center of Kyoto, about a 3-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line.

Although it is such a place, trees such as cherry blossoms and willows are planted along the Shirakawa River, and you can feel the change of seasons every time you visit.

In particular, I recommend visiting during the spring cherry blossom season.

Also, once the cherry blossoms are finished, the yellow-green willows and fresh greenery are beautiful.

3. Possible to shoot at low cost

When shooting at a temple, etc., the facility usage fee can be expensive, exceeding 50,000 yen.

When you get a quote, you may be surprised at the price.

In most cases, not only my photo shoot plans but also other companies' photo shoots in Gion Shirakawa have lower prices or no additional charges.

-Points to note when photographing in Gion Shirakawa-

Now, Gion Shirakawa is wonderful, but I would like to tell you some points that you should be careful about.

1. Shooting only in the morning

You can only photo shoots with a photographer in the morning.

2. Crowded in spring and autumn

Gion Shirakawa is a wonderful place.

As expected, there are many customers who want to take photos in such places, and the time available for photos is limited, so it is very crowded during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn leaves season.

3. Shooting in Kimono

In accordance with the agreement with the council, it is standard practice to wear Japanese clothing that matches the atmosphere.

4. No kissing scenes allowed

5. You cannot sit on the railing of the bridge.

-Example-

Introducing examples from Gion Shirakawa.