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Kyoto is home to some of the oldest temples and shrines in Japan. Some of them have been around for over 2,000 years. But Kyoto isn’t only blessed with millennia-old religious architecture and traditions, Kyoto is an ancient city that has preserved its natural beauty over the centuries. This makes for a perfect opportunity for tourists to experience such as a charming and splendid city where the new meets the old, unlike any other in the world.
From atmospheric temples and teahouses to well-manicured gardens, river views and cobblestone streets, Kyoto can all visitors a run for their money.
And the best way to explore them smooth and stress-free? Free walking tours in Kyoto. Joining free walking tours in Kyoto is an incredible way to see the city. These tours would take you to some of the best places in Kyoto. Here are the top places you can see on free walking tours in Kyoto.
1. Yasaka Pagoda
Kyoto free walking tours that take you around Higashiyama surely has Yasaka Pagoda in their itinerary. Yasaka Pagoda is a five-story structure and the last remaining leftover of Hokanji Temple. Yasaka Pagoda stands tall in the midst of traditional old Japanese homes, making it the most remarkable landmark of Higashiyama and a photographer’s dream location. If you want to get a picture-perfect view of Yasaka Pagoda, position anywhere along Yasaka Street and you’re guaranteed a frame-ready still.
2. Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu Temple is another gem of Higashiyama and is one of Japan’s most visited temples. Standing high upon the hills east of Kyoto, Kiyomizu Temple offers a panoramic view of the city right from its iconic wooden terrace that serves as the lookout point. Going to the temple, you will see dozens of shops and restaurants selling local delicacies and souvenirs. Droves of tourists flock the historic temple later in the morning until the late afternoon, most especially on weekends. So if you want to enjoy the place with fewer people, make sure to be around the site early in the morning.
3. Gion Shirakawa
Shirakawa is a street in the district of Gion and is deemed to be the most attractive street in Kyoto. It’s not a surprise though that a lot of tourists and locals alike favor visiting Gion Shirakawa because the street resembles a lot like how it looked in ancient Kyoto. Unlike most streets in Kyoto today, Shirakawa, which means “white river,” looks old and tidy and feels really refreshing. You get the atmosphere of the old Kyoto, making your strolls in the area more sentimental and pleasurable at the same time. It’s a great dating spot at night too.
4. Ninen-zaka and Sannei-zaka
Ninen-zaka and Sannei-zaka are iconic cobblestone streets in Higashiyama that both represent the old Kyoto very well. They are also two of the most charming streets in Kyoto that exude with nostalgia and meditative sceneries. Both Ninen-zaka and Sannei-zaka are lined with traditional Japanese homes, restaurants, bars, inns, and cafes. Ninen-zaka and Sannei-zaka are actually sloping lanes going up to the gate of Kiyomizu Temple, so it’s a pretty touristy area too. They’re also surrounded by tourist spots like Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, Yasaka Pagoda, and Kodaiji Temple.
5. Chionin Sanmon Gate
The Chionin Sanmon Gate is the main entrance gate of Chionin, the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism in Japan. The Chionin Sanmon Gate was first erected in the 1600s and it still remains as the largest wooden gate in Japan. Standing 24 meters tall and 50 meters wide, the Chionin Sanmon Gate sits beside the road between Maruyama Park and Shorenin Temple. Leading to the main temple grounds are flights of steps.
Free Walking Tours in Kyoto
If you want to experience the best places around, Kyoto Localized has free walking tours in Kyoto that you can take so won’t have to worry about which ones should you visit. All you need is your presence, and our tour guides will take care of you.
Ready to get localized? Join our free walking tours in Kyoto now!
Kyoto is the heart of Japan and has rich history and culture. Our walking tours will show you why. On our Walking Tours you will learn about the Old and New Kyoto, tradition, religion, history, food, and culture. Free Walking Tours in Kyoto | Kyoto Walking Tours. Book your free walking tour of Kyoto today.