Anyone who is fortunate enough to visit the ancient Japanese city of Kyoto would be amazed at its beauty. Kyoto is situated in a valley in the eastern part of the mountainous region known as the Tamba highlands. It is said that the soul of Japan dwells in Kansai, which is the region that contains Kyoto, Osaka and Nara.

The Imperial family of Japan resided in Kyoto from AD 794 until 1867, as it was then the capital city of Japan. Kyoto has many beautiful gardens, temples and shrines which radiate peace and happiness.

In this rapidly-changing world the Japanese people want to keep their heritage alive. There is a saying in Japanese culture – “The head of the nail shall be pounded down”. This is a part of the Japanese philosophy of old that is very much in existence today. This philosophy is one of the driving factors that keep the mystique of the Japanese culture in the forefront of Japanese people. The beauty of Kyoto is an ingrained part of the soul of the Japanese people, and how they live. Attempting to record this Japanese philosophy through black and white pictures is a unique challenge.

In Kyoto there are many ancient attractions that must be seen. One of the most recognised places in Kyoto is the Kinkaku-ji Temple or Golden Pavillion which is covered in gold-leaf and set in beautiful gardens, which gives it an ethereal look. The building is set against a “mirror pond” which is said to evoke paradise on earth. Imagine the beauty of the Temple when seen in black and white posters showing the reflection in the pond.

One of the most important temples in Kyoto is The Kiyomizu Temple meaning “pure water”, the name coming from a spring that flows at the base of the main hall and then divides into three waterfalls. According to legend the Otowa no taki spring water has purifying properties. Temple monks used to perform rites by standing under the stream of the water.

To drink from the waterfall on the right is said to make a person more intelligent; to drink from the left-hand waterfall will extend life expectancy, and to drink from the center waterfall, will make one more handsome. It is wise not to drink from all three waterfalls, for to drink from all three invites personal misfortune.

For any tourist to Kyoto, in Japan, photography is a must. The stunning scenery can be appreciated and captured as black and white pictures. Any Japanese image looks amazing when printed with giclee onto canvas or as a black and white poster framed with a contrasting or complementing frame.

There are many beautiful shrines such as the Heian Jingu Shrine which replaced the Daigoku-den which was destroyed by fire many years ago. The Heian Jingu Shrine is surrounded by picturesque gardens, and in Kyoto there are numerous Japanese gardens that will take your breath away with their beauty.

Ninna-ji Temple is one of Kyoto’s most interesting temples and was built in AD880. It consists of various buildings and pretty gardens. Over the years, the buildings have been repeatedly destroyed by fire, earthquake and wars, only to be rebuilt again and again. This is the way the Japanese people maintain their cultural heritage. Whether you are taking black and white photographs of temples, shrines or the pretty cherry blossom trees, the images will provide an insight into the culture of Japan. Black and white pictures of Kyoto will provide a fascinating focal point for any home interior.