Free Tour of Kyoto

9.30 / 10

1,037 reviews | 53,952 travellers

A 10 tour, Sime taught us and recommended us perfectly.

 10 Eva

See availability

See more photos (107)

A 10 tour, Sime taught us and recommended us perfectly.

  Eva

On this free tour of Kyoto, we'll discover the main monuments of the former capital of Japan and learn about its rich history!

Description

On this free tour of Kyoto, we'll discover the main monuments of the former capital of Japan and learn about its rich history!

Free Tour of Kyoto

At the indicated time, we'll meet at Sanjo Station to start this free tour of Kyoto.

First, we'll take a walk along the banks of the Kamogawa River while we learn about the history of Kyoto, which was the capital of Japan between 794 and 1868. The tour will then continue in Gion, the geisha district. We'll discover who these women are and admire the traditional wooden houses of the district, built in the Machi-Ya architectural style.

The next stop will be at Chion-in Temple, one of the main Buddhist temples in Kyoto. After learning about its history, we'll continue our tour in Hisashi-Yama, one of the most important historical areas of the city. There, we'll discover the fascinating stories of the ancient Japanese emperors and samurai warriors, called shoguns.

After exploring Kyoto for approximately 2.5 hours, we'll conclude our free tour in front of the Pagoda Yasaka.

Groups

This free tour of Kyoto does not accept reservations of more than 6 people. If you wish to get to know the Japanese city in an exclusive group just for you and your partner, family or friends, you can book a private tour of Kyoto.

View complete description
Details
More Information

Duration

2h 30m.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

English–speaking guide

Not included

Tips

When to book?

You can book up to the tour start time subject to availability. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Physical: Not wheelchair accessible. Show more

Visual: Has measures for visual accessibility. Provides signage for wayfinding and orientation. Information in accessible formats.

Show less
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

Provide a safe and satisfying experience.

Reduce, reuse, recycle.

Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.

Uphold fair employment standards.

Foster the growth of local communities.

Preserve the integrity of local culture.

Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.

Ensure ethical treatment of animals.

Operate with honesty and transparency.

Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

No printing of documentation required.
Pets

Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 6 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?

A - Japandas Corporate name: Japandas LLC Registered Office: 18-2-101 higashiotoshicho, Osaka, Japan Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): 5120003026570 Contact information Email: japandasceo@gmail.com Phone: +8108075816440

If you have any other questions please contact us.
Cancellations

Free cancellation
If you are not able to attend the tour, please cancel your reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Meeting point

Meeting point

Sanjo Station

View map
Reviews

Our customers' reviews
These are genuine reviews written by our customers.

5 out of 1,037 review

9.3 / 10

 9.3356991321119 1,037 review | 53,952 travellers

99 traveler-submitted photos

 10

May / 28 / 2025

E

Enric

Girona, Spain

Nuestro guía, Jordi, nos ha ofrecido un excelente resumen de la historia de Japón adecuada para poder entender mejor el origen y la naturaleza de muchos de los monumentos y tipologías que hemos podido ver a lo largo de la visita a diferentes monumentos de Kioto y que son propios de Japón. Ha sido muy receptivo a todo tipo de preguntas relativas a la vida en el Japón actual. Didáctico, amable y con notable sentido del humor. Atento i afable, se ha preocupado mucho por todo el grupo. Translate this opinion into English.

Our guide, Jordi, gave us an excellent overview of Japanese history, enabling us to better understand the origin and nature of many of the monuments and architecture typologies we saw during our visit to various Japanese monuments in Kyoto. He was very responsive to all kinds of questions about life in modern-day Japan. He was informative, friendly, and had a remarkable sense of humor. Attentive and affable, he took great care of the entire group. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

 10

May / 26 / 2025

V

Victor

Barcelona, Spain

Tuvimos una experiencia increíble con nuestro guía, Jordi. Fue muy amable, divertido y con un conocimiento profundo de la historia y cultura japonesa. Nos llevó por un recorrido muy interesante, lleno de datos curiosos y explicaciones claras que hicieron que todo cobrara vida. Gracias a su entusiasmo y buen humor, disfrutamos cada momento. ¡Totalmente recomendable! Translate this opinion into English.

We had an incredible experience with our guide, Jordi. He was very kind, funny, and deeply knowledgeable about Japanese history and culture. He led us on a very interesting tour, full of interesting facts and clear explanations that made everything come alive. Thanks to his enthusiasm and good humor, we enjoyed every moment. Highly recommended! Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with teenagers

 10

May / 25 / 2025

G

Guadalupe Córdoba

Argentina

Hicimos dos tours con Alba, el de Kioto y el de las Geishas. Nos encantó! Ella super clara contó de todo, historia, religión, samurais, geishas, templos. La verdad quedamos muy contentos y nos sirvió mucho para comprender mejor la historia de Japón y porque son asi los japoneses :) Translate this opinion into English.

We took two tours with Alba, the Kyoto tour and the Geisha tour. We loved it! She was incredibly clear and explained everything: history, religion, samurai, geisha, temples. We were truly delighted, and it helped us better understand the history of Japan and why the Japanese are the way they are :) Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

 10

May / 04 / 2025

G

Guillermo Planas

Mar Del Plata, Argentina

Muy bueno el recorrido con Fabian. Fue muy entretenido y educativo. Comentario: nos tomamos vacaciones para dejar de lado nuestras rutinas, como revisar el email. En la madrugada previo al tour me enviaron un email avisando que adelantaban el horario. De casualidad lo revise. Casi no llego al tour. Sugiero que usen como medio de comunicación el WhatsApp ya que, casi todas las personas lo mantenemos a pesar de utilizar otro chip. Además, armen el grupo antes del evento. Muchas gracias. Translate this opinion into English.

The tour with Fabian was very enjoyable. It was very entertaining and educational. A comment: We take a break to break from our routines, like checking email. Early in the morning before the tour, they sent me an email notifying me that they were moving up the schedule. I happened to check it. I almost didn't make it to the tour. I suggest using WhatsApp as a means of communication, since almost all of us still have it despite using another chip. Also, please put together a group before the event. Thank you very much. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled by myself

 8

May / 02 / 2025

A

Anne-claire Liégeois

Clermont, Belgium

Our guide was really interesting and knew a lot of things. I only have 2 regrets : 1) having a foreigner doing the visit (which doesn't account in the fact she was really good) ;and 2) the places we were supposed to visit were listed previously on the web. We based the rest of our days and visits on the fact that we would visit determined places. On that day, we missed 1-2 places, which we really wanted to visit, so we had to insert them in our already-more-than-full planning for the next days.

I travelled with friends

Show all the reviews

See availability

Free Tour of Kyoto

Free Tour of Kyoto

Groups

Free cancellation

Meeting point

You may also be interested in

Complete Tour of Kyoto + Tickets

Nara + Inari Private Tour

Gion Free Walking Tour