Shogun’s Lookout (Shogun-zuka) is a point on a mountain over Kyoto. Legend has it that the first emperor in Kyoto, Emperor Kammu, buried a statue of a general here in order to protect the city. More importantly though, if Japan was a 1950s American teen-comedy Shogun’s lookout could quite easily have been called “Get It On Point” famed, as it is, for being one of the most romantic views in Kyoto.

It is also the gravesite of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro (坂上田村麻呂 758 - 811) who was a general and shogun of the early Heian Period of Japan. He was the son of Sakanoue no Karitamaro. Given the number of times Kyoto was ravaged by civil war and it’s most famous buildings were raized to the ground, it was also no doubt a great spot from which to watch the pyrotechnics unfold. It’s also safe to say that burying statues about the place is no replacement for basic fire safety precautions.

Nowadays, however, it is far more often used for more amorous purposes. If one is lucky enough to be in possession of a car, or acquainted with a friend who is, Shogun’s Lookout is a beautiful, peaceful spot with a must-see view. On any given evening at sunset one can come here to catch what is hands down one of Kyoto’s most scenic views. All of Kyoto is laid out before you, with a small orientation-plaque at knee level to help you get your bearings.

The plateau offers great views of central and southern Kyoto, as well as a tantalising peak towards the north. If, God forbid, you get tired of surveying your imaginary kingdom and spotting famous temples from this amazing vantage point, you could conceivably turn your attention to the visitors themselves. More often than not they are families enjoying a kodak moment, or perhaps young lovers slipping away from the cramped conditions of home to share a brief embrace in the presence of a majestic and effortlessly romantic vista.

In the summer you can expect to find couples watching the sun go down and sharing a warming embrace to fend off the cold. As the evenings draw in lovers pull up in the parking lot and spend time in their cars, enjoying the atmosphere, if not the view - which sadly isn’t visible from the car park.

If you’re a photographer you will need the highest quality of camera and lens to make the most of this incredible panorama. Stitch photos together, invest in an incredibly wide-angled lens. Whatever you do, rest assured that no photo you can take will ever take your breath away as much as a visit to this magical spot.

If you’re a Kyoto resident who has a hankering for an all-encompassing look at your surrogate home town, and you haven’t been to Shogun’s Lookout yet, you should know that Kyoto judges you. Similarly, if you have a loved one that you haven’t brought here yet it would pay to remember that your Kyoto experience is not yet complete and that you owe it to love to put this pilgrimage on your to-do list. You can walk from Keage station, but buy a car if you have to.