Capture the timeless beauty of Japan's ancient capital with our comprehensive production support across Kyoto's historic temples, geisha districts, and traditional neighborhoods.
17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari Shrine available for filming.
Authentic cultural heritage through active geisha districts, traditional tea ceremonies, and time-honored crafts.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, seasonal cherry blossoms, and autumn foliage create stunning natural backdrops.
Our team helps you access Kyoto's famous locations, from vermillion shrine gates to peaceful rock gardens and everything in between.
Historic geisha district with traditional machiya townhouses, lantern-lit streets, and authentic teahouses.
Stone-paved lanes, traditional shops, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and preserved Edo-period architecture.
Famous bamboo grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, scenic river valley, and temples nestled in mountains.
Thousands of vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine and historic sake brewery district.
Tranquil canal-side walking path lined with cherry trees connecting Ginkaku-ji to Nanzen-ji.
Traditional food market and surrounding shopping streets with authentic Kyoto atmosphere.
Our local fixers know these Kyoto locations inside out, helping you navigate permits, logistics, and timing for the best results.
Thousands of vermillion torii gates winding up Mount Inari. Most photographed spot in Kyoto with otherworldly atmosphere.
Shrine office handles all permissions. 24-hour access to trails. Commercial shoots need advance approval.
Towering bamboo stalks creating an ethereal tunnel effect. Iconic Kyoto imagery adjacent to Tenryu-ji Temple.
Public path - Kyoto city permit for commercial use. Tenryu-ji Temple grounds separate permission.
Gold-leaf covered Zen temple reflected in mirror pond. One of Japan's most iconic buildings.
Temple extremely protective of image rights. Commercial filming rarely permitted. Exterior from designated viewing areas possible.
Traditional geisha district with machiya townhouses, teahouses, and chance encounters with geiko and maiko.
Street filming through Kyoto city. Private teahouse interiors require establishment permission. Geisha photography has strict etiquette.
Iconic wooden terrace overlooking Kyoto. UNESCO World Heritage site with spectacular seasonal views.
Temple office handles all permissions. Major productions need significant advance planning.
Shogun's residence with 'nightingale floors,' ornate chambers, and traditional gardens. Excellent for period productions.
City of Kyoto manages the castle. Interior filming possible with advance arrangements. UNESCO site regulations apply.
2km stone path along canal lined with cherry trees. Connects several temples including Ginkaku-ji.
Public path - standard city permit for commercial use. Adjacent temples have separate permissions.
400-year-old covered market known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen.' Traditional foods, crafts, and local atmosphere.
Market association coordinates shoots. Individual shop permissions needed. Narrow covered street.
Essential logistics information for planning your Kyoto production.
75km / 75-90 min
50km / 55-70 min
City buses are essential in Kyoto - more comprehensive than the limited subway. Day passes available.
Crew tip: Bus 100 and 101 cover major tourist sites. Buses can be slow during peak tourist seasons. Raku Bus loops popular areas.
Two subway lines (Karasuma and Tozai) form a cross pattern. Limited coverage - buses fill gaps.
Crew tip: Subway useful for north-south or east-west spine routes. Filming requires city authorization.
JR, Hankyu, and Keihan railways connect suburbs and other cities. Keihan for Fushimi Inari.
Crew tip: Shinkansen at Kyoto Station (2h15m to Tokyo). Keihan line from Gion to Fushimi area.
Readily available at stations and hotels. Drivers know major sites but may not speak English.
Crew tip: MK Taxi offers English-speaking drivers and crew transport. Book jumbo taxis in advance for equipment.
Historic districts have very limited parking. Major temples have small lots that fill early. Street parking nearly impossible.
Kyoto is spread out - allow more travel time than Tokyo or Osaka. Gion to Arashiyama: 40 min by train/bus. Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji: 40 min by bus. Consider bicycle rental for nearby locations. Spring and autumn peak seasons significantly slow bus travel.
Our team handles temple permission acquisition, crew, equipment, and logistics so you can focus on documenting Japan's historic capital city.