Through shades of light and shadow, Kyoto’s essence emerges more clearly when freed from color. Each monochrome frame becomes a window into the city’s timeless beauty, where silence and simplicity speak louder than words. As you move through these images, let your eyes wander along quiet streets, across temple gardens, and beneath bamboo groves, discovering details that color alone could never reveal. In this collection, light and shadow guide your gaze, inviting you to experience Kyoto in a new and intimate way.
1. 水掛不動明王 – Mizukake Fudōmyōō, 仁和寺 (Ninna-ji), Kyoto
Standing quietly within the grounds of Ninna-ji, the Mizukake Fudōmyōō is a powerful figure where water is poured over the stone to purify the mind and wash away worldly worries. In monochrome, the stillness and strength of the deity come alive, with every droplet on the rock and the textures of the stone vividly captured, offering visitors a moment of serene contemplation.
2. 金戒光明寺 – Kōkai-ji Temple, Kyoto
As one of Kyoto’s historic temples of the Jōdo sect, Kōkai-ji impresses with its stately architecture and gardens. In monochrome, the deep contrasts of light and shadow highlight the temple’s forms and textures, emphasizing centuries of history and the tranquil atmosphere that has drawn worshippers seeking academic success and good fortune.
3. 京都御苑・九条邸跡 厳島神社 – Kyoto Gyoen, Kujo Residence Site, Itsukushima Shrine, Ancient Floating Island Style
Nestled in a quiet corner of Kyoto Gyoen, the ancient floating-island style shrine reflects elegantly on the water. Monochrome photography accentuates the structural beauty and delicate contrasts of the reflections, allowing the harmony of architecture and nature to emerge. Itsukushima Shrine is also revered as a guardian of safe travels and waterborne journeys.
4. 平安神宮の大鳥居 – Heian Jingu Grand Torii, Kyoto
The towering torii gate of Heian Jingu marks the entrance to one of Kyoto’s most iconic shrines. In monochrome, the sheer scale of the gate and the contrast against the sky emphasize its architectural elegance and the solemnity of the space it guards. Standing beneath the gate, visitors can feel a sense of awe and reverence, a threshold between the everyday world and sacred Kyoto.
5. 釘抜地蔵 – Kuginuki Jizō, 石像寺 (Sekizō-ji), Kyoto
Believed to bring relief from illness and sever bad ties, the Kuginuki Jizō stands quietly, absorbing the prayers of visitors. Monochrome photography enhances the textures of the stone and the solemnity of devotion, creating a space where time seems to pause and a moment of quiet reflection is possible.
6. 北野天満宮の花手水 – Flower Chōzu, Kitano Tenmangū, Kyoto
At Kitano Tenmangū, the shrine dedicated to the deity of learning, seasonal flowers float in the water of the chōzuya. Monochrome accentuates the shadows and reflections on the water, highlighting the delicate arrangement of flowers and creating a tranquil moment of elegance. The shrine continues to attract those seeking academic success and passing examinations.
7. 鴨川 – Kamogawa River, Kyoto
Flowing through the heart of Kyoto, the Kamogawa River reflects the natural beauty and daily life along its banks. Monochrome photography captures the patterns of light and shadow on the water and along the riverside, conveying the gentle passage of time.
8. 京北の北山杉 – Kitayama Sugi, Keihoku, Kyoto
Keihoku, in the northern mountains of Kyoto, is renowned for its tall, straight Kitayama cedar trees. In monochrome, the vertical trunks and the interplay of light filtering through the canopy create a sacred and serene atmosphere throughout the forest. Standing among these dense cedars, one can feel the solemnity of nature and the weight of time, while appreciating the enduring majesty and refined beauty of these trees, long cherished for use in traditional temples and architecture.
9. 伊根の舟屋 – Ine no Funaya, Kyoto, Marine Kyoto
Along the Sea of Japan lies the quiet harbor town of Ine, far from the city center, yet part of what is known as “Marine Kyoto.” In monochrome, the rows of boathouses and their reflections on the water are vividly emphasized, evoking the serene passage of time and the unique atmosphere of this coastal town, where the life of a fishing community has endured for generations.
The nine photographs presented here may feature somewhat lesser-known, locally cherished corners of Kyoto. Yet, through the monochrome lens, I hope you have been able to sense the serenity, history, and subtle life of each place. Should you have the opportunity to visit Kyoto, I encourage you to explore these sites in person and see their vibrant colors and intricate details for yourself. There is a different kind of beauty awaiting you, beyond the monochrome.