Tatsumi Bridge, Kyoto

Before it merges with the Kamo River, the small Shirakawa canal crosses the historic Gion district. Among the several bridges spanning the canal, Tatsumi Bashi stands out as the largest and most picturesque. You'll find it near the Tatsumi Shrine, in a lovely neighborhood that, until recently, remained hidden from busy streets and well-trodden tourist paths. However, due to a scene from the Hollywood film "Memoirs of a Geisha", shot on a set near Los Angeles but featuring Tatsumi Bashi, the bridge has gained considerable fame, attracting many visitors eager to capture its beauty in photographs.

Despite this newfound popularity, the bridge sees moderate foot traffic and takes on a truly magical allure on slightly rainy days (or at night, when adorned with glowing red lanterns). Surrounding streets are lined with an array of shops, bars, and restaurants overlooking the tranquil river, and the whole area is impeccably clean – a pure joy to walk around. With the presence of newlywed couples, it's clear that Tatsumi Bashi has also become a popular spot for wedding photography.