Free Walking Tour of Higashiyama & Kyoto Old Town
Free walking tour
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Departure point
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Destination
Kiyomizu-dera, Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
1N (Participation Duration)
Walking (Transportation)
English, Japanese, Chinese, French (Language)
Number of participants 0/25
0 booked
Tour description
Discover the charm of old Japan on a free walking tour around Kyoto's historic Higashiyama district. Together with a local guide, you will walk along the path leading up to hillside Kiyomizu-dera Temple, wander the well-preserved stone-paved lanes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, and admire the iconic Yasaka Pagoda. Visit the lantern-lined Yasaka Shrine, stroll past wooden teahouses in the Gion geisha district, and walk along the willow-draped Shirakawa Canal. Listen to tales of samurai, geisha, and centuries-old traditions of Japan's ancient capital, while picking up helpful tips on matcha, kaiseki, and the best spots to view cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. Free to join — simply tip your guide at the end based on your satisfaction. Note: admission inside Kiyomizu-dera Temple requires a small fee.
Meeting point:
View on map
Near the Kiyomizu-dera approach (Gojo-zaka bus stop)
Look for your guide holding a yellow "FREE WALKING TOUR" sign. Please arrive 10 minutes before departure. No deposit required.
Detailed itinerary
Stop 1 – Meet on the atmospheric approach to the hillside temple of Kiyomizu-dera.
Stop 2 – The preserved stone-paved streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.
Stop 3 – The iconic Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji).
Stop 4 – Yasaka Shrine with its lantern-lined walkways.
Stop 5 – The wooden teahouses of the Gion geisha district.
Stop 6 – The willow-shaded Shirakawa Canal.
Final Stop – Conclude with recommendations for matcha, kaiseki, and the best cherry blossom and autumn foliage viewing spots (a small fee applies to the inner grounds of Kiyomizu-dera).
Stop 2 – The preserved stone-paved streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.
Stop 3 – The iconic Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji).
Stop 4 – Yasaka Shrine with its lantern-lined walkways.
Stop 5 – The wooden teahouses of the Gion geisha district.
Stop 6 – The willow-shaded Shirakawa Canal.
Final Stop – Conclude with recommendations for matcha, kaiseki, and the best cherry blossom and autumn foliage viewing spots (a small fee applies to the inner grounds of Kiyomizu-dera).
Tour price includes
• Professional local guide (languages as listed above, subject to availability)
• Approximately 3-hour guided walking tour
• Commentary on history, local culture, and hidden gems
• Insider tips on food, cafés, and what to see next
• Small, friendly group with plenty of photo stops
• Approximately 3-hour guided walking tour
• Commentary on history, local culture, and hidden gems
• Insider tips on food, cafés, and what to see next
• Small, friendly group with plenty of photo stops
Tour price excludes
• Food and drinks\n• Hotel pickup and drop-off\n• Public transportation and entrance fees to monuments or museums\n• Gratuities / tips for the guide (this is a tip-based tour)\n• Personal expenses
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation anytime — this is a tip-based free walking tour, so there is never a cancellation fee. Please message your guide in advance if your plans change. The tour runs rain or shine; in bad weather, the guide may adjust the route for greater comfort.
Other notes
Daily departures with multiple start times. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and dress appropriately for the weather. Suitable for all ages.
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Departure schedule
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Weekly on CN,T2,T3,T4,T5,T6,T7
Month10,2026
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
CN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
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11
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Month11,2026
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
CN
Month12,2026
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
CN
Month01,2027
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
CN
Month02,2027
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
CN
Month03,2027
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
CN
Month04,2027
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
CN
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
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30
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