Early morning at the Hokan-ji Temple, Kyoto - what price do we pay to be a popular destination?
Is there anything that can enhance and preserve the historical sites that are cherished in our towns and cities?
It was an experience to photograph the Hokan-ji Temple when I was in Kyoto, and I have to hold my hand up and admit I misjudged my planning, timing and most importantly, the length other people will make to photograph this very same scene.
First off, a self-criticism of the photograph. I was hoping to capture the Temple under the morning blue hour, where the sky will be in blue, and the Temple will be lit up. However, as with a lot of planned photography project, what you are hoping to capture is very different to what you managed to get when you are in location. The Temple was not lit up as I was hoping that it will do, and I misread how long the morning blue hour will be during April, as I was too optimistic on the window that I have, I ended up missed that window completely, as you can see in the photo.
Back to the planning of this shot, I was researching for weeks on potential locations of my trip to Kyoto, there were far too many locations that I want to capture, and narrowing the list, with the time I have in Kyoto, was the hardest part of the planning process. I have been warned about the level of tourists in the city, as Japan is becoming a very popular destination after the pandemic. While I have visited the city previously, and have visited a lot of the top destinations, but I didn’t have the time back then to photograph these locations. This returned trip has offered me a chance to capture the memories I had with some of these locations, with the time it deserved and the equipment that I have this time around.
I realised that Hokan-ji Temple is a highly sought-after destination, and I went to great lengths to ensure I had the best opportunity to capture it before the crowds arrived. I consider this dedication to my craft. Setting my alarm for 4am, I took a taxi to arrive before anyone else. It was a surreal experience to be the sole person at the temple, enjoying the serene atmosphere while the city still slumbered. I felt like an intruder walking among the quiet neighbourhood, being careful not to disturb the tranquillity of the moment.
Instead of immediately setting up my tripod and focusing on composition, I chose to take a leisurely stroll around the surrounding streets. I wanted to fully immerse myself in this rare moment. Having travelled thousands of miles from London to this enchanting destination, rich in history, culture, and tradition, I felt it would be a missed opportunity not to explore and appreciate the environment.
Upon returning to the photoshoot location, I realised I may have indulged in my wandering a bit too much. The morning blue hour had transitioned into a grey dawn sky before the sunrise. Although it was still relatively dark, I had missed the optimal window for the shoot. Thankfully, the street lanterns remained illuminated, casting strong leading lines that guided the eye towards the temple in the distance. As daylight slowly crept in, illuminating the temple and bringing out its intricate details, I felt I had captured the essence of what I aimed to achieve - a historic and traditional tranquil street framing the iconic temple in Kyoto. While I may never know if capturing the scene during the blue hour would have resulted in a better composition, I am satisfied with the outcome.
I found myself alone on the quiet neighbourhood streets for a mere 20 minutes before the first photographer arrived with his partner. They were busy capturing videos and images for their content creation objectives, focusing on the partner walking through the empty streets. Taking this as my cue, I decided to explore other parts of the neighbourhood in search of new photo opportunities.
As the morning light began to break through, I realised that the optimal lighting for morning photography had passed. It was time to wrap up and head back to my apartment. Retracing my steps to catch a bus, I was surprised to see a multitude of photographers and Instagram influencers at the location where I had been just 20 minutes earlier, before dawn.
The sight of so many individuals, armed cameras and mobile phones, eager to capture their own compositions, highlighted the widespread popularity of photography as a means of documenting our lives. The rise of smartphones has made it easier and more accessible for people to record everyday moments and capture precious memories.
Gone are the days of dedicated cameras, film rolls, and tripods. Now, a small device that fits in the palm of your hand and pocket is all that is needed. This shift in technology has allowed more individuals to seek out serene moments, avoiding the crowds that typically occupy spaces during the day, in order to share their images on social media platforms.
In today's highly connected digital world, the prevalence of social media platforms has made it easier than ever for individuals to share images of their travels with the click of a button. This constant engagement on social media has led to a breakdown of cultural and social barriers, as well as an increase in the ease of travel through online booking platforms and real-time language translation apps.
This shift has given rise to a new generation of travellers who seek to immerse themselves in different cultures, languages, and cuisines. While mass tourism is undoubtedly here to stay, the question remains: how will it impact the way we interact with and use our towns and cities?
Historically rich destinations like Kyoto, with its centuries-old traditions and charm, are at risk of losing their character as mass tourism continues to grow. As an urbanist, I am intrigued by the potential changes that lie ahead and wonder how we can contribute to ensuring these changes are positive.
What are your thoughts on the intersection of mass tourism, social media engagement, and the potential for positive change in our beloved towns and cities?
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide any comments or feedback you may have. If you are finding this content enjoyable, why not share it with someone you know who may also find it interesting? Your support is truly valued.
My photographs are published on Instagram and online. Additionally, I am available for private commissions and collaborations with other organisations. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me for further inquiries or opportunities.