Hōkan-ji Temple, or Yasaka Pagoda, is a beautiful five-story pagoda in Kyoto's Higashiyama district. At 46 meters tall, it’s hard to miss, and its elegant, sloping roofs make it a favorite photo spot. Legend has it that it was built in 589 by Imperial Prince Shotoku after a dream inspired him - how cool is that?

Just a heads-up: this is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, so it can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. If you want to enjoy it without the hustle, try coming early in the morning

Below are the locations for the two most iconic photo spots of the pagoda:

Photo spot 1

Photo spot 2