Ten of the best free activities in Kyoto

Japan on a budget: Visit Kyoto for free

Like many other cities, it's possible to enjoy Kyoto through various free tours and activities. Discover which shrines, parks, side streets and famous sites are free to explore in Kyoto...

7. The Imperial Palace and park

A green sanctuary in the middle of the city, the huge park of the former imperial palace of Kyoto draws tourists and Kyoto locals alike. Impressive white gravel paths run through the park, and large Japanese pines cover the lawns, offering welcome shade in the summer.

It's now possible to visit the outside of the imperial palace for free, without prior reservation, by going directly to Seishomon Gate (in the north of the park).

The Imperial Palace, Kyoto-Gosho, secondary residence of the emperor.

The imperial palace, Kyoto-gosho, secondary residence of the emperor.

Luca Mascaro

8. Philosopher's Path

The Philosopher's Path, along with Fushimi Inari shrine, is a very well-known place in the city. Enjoy a stroll along this small channel of Lake Biwa, where the seasons mark their passage, and the changing light give different views of the landscape. The path is especially popular during the hanami, when many cherry trees scatter their petals in the water, and it's a popular spot during the koyo too. The banks of the canal are lined with small shops, cafes, craft stalls and tea rooms, making it possible to stop for a snack anytime.

The cherry blossoms along the Philosophers Path in spring

The cherry blossoms along the Philosophers Path in spring

Victor Lee flickr

Our houses in Kyoto

Nijo Castle, Kyoto

  • 51m²
  • 4 travelers
  • WIFI

Demachiyanagi, Kyoto

  • 51m²
  • 3 travelers
  • WIFI

Demachiyanagi, Kyoto

  • 51m²
  • 3 travelers
  • WIFI

Gion, Kyoto

  • 31m²
  • 3 travelers
  • WIFI

Gion, Kyoto

  • 31m²
  • 3 travelers
  • WIFI

Demachiyanagi, Kyoto

  • 48m²
  • 2 travelers
  • WIFI
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Our activities in Kyoto

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Our tours in Kyoto

  • Duration : 13 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima
  • Included : Visits & meals, English-speaking tour leader, Hotel temple, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan
  • Duration : 14 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Osaka
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Hotel temple, Visits & meals
  • Duration : 12 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Mt Fuji (Kawaguchiko), Osaka, Himeji, Kyoto, Nara
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Visits & meals
  • Duration : 12 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kawaguchiko, Tokyo
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Visits & meals
  • Duration : 21 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Osaka, Kobe, Takachiho, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Miyajima
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Hotel temple, Visits & meals
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