Kyoto is a city that can be described in many words. Known as a cultural capital, Kyoto is considered the home of sake, traditional tea ceremonies, and the birthplace of samurai culture.

kinkakuji temple

Kinkakuji temple, Sean Pavone

When you visit Japan, you must visit Kyoto. It is one of the most culturally significant cities in the world. It’s a fascinating city, where old meets new.

The people of Kyoto are welcoming and friendly. This really is one of the greatest cities on earth. When a tourist asks, where should I visit in Kyoto? There is only one answer, as many places as you can.

In Kyoto, there are many historical places to visit. Including Shugakuin Imperial Villa and Sento Imperial Palace,

 

Kyoto Free Walking Tour

The best way to see Kyoto is on foot. There are many walking tours in Kyoto. The city has so much to offer that many tours cater to a specific niche.

You can visit many temples and tea houses. You can visit historical landmarks. You can even visit famous restaurants and sushi bars.

Perhaps the best tour in Kyoto is. The Kyoto Free Walking Tour. They have five-star reviews on Trip Advisor, and it’s 100% free. If you would like to join all you have to do is visit their Facebook page and hit the attend button.

The guides are fantastic fun and will tell you many local stories as you walk through the districts of downtown Kyoto. This is great fun for all the family. The walking tour lasts about 2 hours.

The Kyoto Free Walking Tour tries to give you a general overview of the city. It is perhaps the best way to start your Kyoto expedition. The guides speak a number of languages. The tour will give you a good understanding of Kyoto and help you plan a more detailed itinerary.

After your free two-hour walking tour, you will probably be ready for a cup of traditional Japanese tea. This will give you the chance to visit the number one tea house in Kyoto Maikoya. This is a five-star rated tea house with Trip Advisor and is the perfect place to relax after many hours walking in Kyoto.

 

Kunaicho Walking Tour

This is another free walking tour. This time the journey is less general and lasts about 50 minutes. Your trip will take you around the incredible Kyoto imperial palace. This is one of the most impressive buildings in Kyoto.

The tour is free and not to be missed. The Kunaicho Walking Tour is one of the most impressive in Kyoto. If you love history, this tour is perfect, as you will learn about imperial Japan.

You will learn all about the history of the palace, and its fantastic gardens, where rituals are still performed to this day. The tour gives a fascinating insight into Kyoto’s past and present-day royalty.

You do not need to reserve a place on this tour. Tour groups leave every few hours. You can also join longer tours that will include Katsura Imperial Villa, Shugakuin Imperial Villa, and Sento Imperial Palace, These tours will need to be booked in advance HERE.

 

Kyoto Free Guide

If you think many tour guides are just going through the motions and doing their job. Why not try the Kyoto Free Guide. This is an initiative set up by the local Kyoto community. All tour guides are native to Kyoto and volunteer their time for free. Your tour guide will be passionate about showing you their beautiful city.

Tours are free, but guests are expected to respect their guide. This means covering any admission charges and transportation costs. It is also respectful to buy them lunch.

You can go anywhere you choose, and your guides are incredibly knowledgable. The best thing about this tour is the information you receive. You will hear local stories and get fantastic recommendations on places to eat and socialize.

If you would like to reserve a place, you will need to email in advance. You can do this through the Kyoto Free Guide Website.

 

The Good Samaritan Club

Offering a similar service to The Kyoto Free Guide. The Good Samaritan Club will meet you at your hotel and take you out on your Kyoto tour.

All tour guides are local students. Many of them are excited to practice their English language skills and are incredibly enthusiastic about the places you visit.

You can arrange in advance the type of tour you would like, and the places you want to visit. This tour is extremely popular, and you will need to book many weeks in advance.

If you are visiting Kyoto alone, The Good Samaritan Club is the perfect choice for selecting a tour companion. As the tour guides work for free, it is expected you cover their costs. The Good Samaritan Club have tour guides who can visit temples and attractions such as the five-star rated samurai experience museum. You can even take dinner with your tour guide at a sushi restaurant.

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