The best photo spot in Kyoto you never thought of

It's only natural that photographers visiting Kyoto prioritize temples and shrines such as Kiyomizu, Fushimi Inari and Nanzenji. After all, they're partly what the city is famous for.

For those looking for something different however, you need look no further than the Kyoto Station building.

FUJIFILM X-T3 1/34 second F/8.0 ISO 320 35 mm (35mm equiv.)

Completed in 1997, it was built to commemorate Kyoto's 1,200th anniversary. At 70 metres tall and 450 metres from east to west it is the second largest station building in Japan after Nagoya. With its futuristic styling it is also a place that no photographer should miss.

FUJIFILM X-T3 1/105 second F/8.0 ISO 320 84 mm (35mm equiv.)

You'll find a host of interesting architectural features throughout the 17 floors.

FUJIFILM X-T20 1/30 second F/4.0 ISO 400 83 mm (35mm equiv.)

I've assembled a small collection here of shots taken in, from and around the building. It could take you a couple of hours to fully explore the building and surrounds.

FUJIFILM X-T3 1/60 second F/5.6 ISO 320 35 mm (35mm equiv.)

The cavernous interior with glossy marble and glass make for some great reflections.

FUJIFILM X-T20 1/30 second F/6.4 ISO 500 26 mm

The gigantic futuristic structure is like nothing else in the city. Locals were divided with many saying it was out of keeping with Kyoto’s traditional cityscape.

FUJIFILM X-T3 1/105 second F/4.0 ISO 320 35 mm

25 years on it still attracts criticism, but I've come to really appreciate it.

Apple iPhone 7 1/350 second F/1.8 ISO 20 28 mm (35mm equiv.)

The giant, 60-metre atrium inside the main exit alone is worth the visit, with most visitors being totally awe-struck.

Canon PowerShot S95 1/60 second F/4.0 ISO 80 10 mm

Even the platforms are a target rich environment.

FUJIFILM X-T3 1/34 second F/2.8 ISO 320 35 mm (35mm equiv.)

Two salary men back to back.

FUJIFILM X100S 1/40 second F/2.0 ISO 800 33 mm

This is the Kyoto Kintetsu line platform. Looking south from the Hachijo side.

FUJIFILM X-T3 1/100 second F/11.0 ISO 320 84 mm (35mm equiv.)

Going down one of the many escalators.

FUJIFILM X-T3 1/52 second F/2.0 ISO 320 53 mm (35mm equiv.)

The view south.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II 1/200 second F/2.2 ISO 100 85 mm

Can't resist a reflection selfie.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II 1/80 second F/3.5 ISO 640 85 mm

Leaving the station. x100s pressed against the glass and resting on a handle.

FUJIFILM X100S 4 seconds F/11.0 ISO 200 23 mm

The flip screen on the x-t20 is handy for shots like this.

FUJIFILM X-T20 1/30 second F/4.5 ISO 1000 55 mm

A barrier doubles as a handy tripod for this half-second exposure.

FUJIFILM X-T20 1/2 second F/13.0 ISO 400 23 mm

Low winter sun...

FUJIFILM X-T3 1/300 second F/8.0 ISO 320 56 mm

...and afternoon shadows.

FUJIFILM X100S 1/60 second F/4.0 ISO 400 33 mm

With the sun on my back.

FUJIFILM X-T20 1/220 second F/5.6 ISO 400 47 mm (35mm equiv.)

Kyoto Tower, another controversial part of the Kyoto skyline.

FUJIFILM X-Pro1 1/180 second F/8.0 ISO 800 27 mm (35mm equiv.)

And finally in to sci-fi world.

FUJIFILM X-Pro1 1/40 second F/7.1 ISO 800 27 mm (35mm equiv.)

I'm going to leave it at that but there are plenty more. I'm sure you get the picture. If you're heading to Kyoto, make sure to save an afternoon to explore this unique building.

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