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Kyoto - 10 Free Things To Do In The Historical City
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Kyoto is famous for its historical buildings, shrines, temples, and geishas roaming the streets. Many people think that it is expensive to enjoy the ancient capital, but you can actually do many things for free and save your money for souvenirs and delicious food.
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Tokyo,Japan
Kyoto - Enjoy the Historical Town on a Budget
Picture from The 12 Best Sightseeing Destinations In Kyoto
Kyoto is on the must-visit list of most people coming to Japan. The historical city offers everything one can imagine when thinking of Japan: geishas, historical buildings, shrines and temples, and traditional arts and crafts.
Because of the city's popularity, many hotels, restaurants, and souvenirs might be a little pricier. To help you save some money during the visit, we gathered ten things to do in Kyoto for free.
1. Meet Geishas and Maikos in Gion
Picture from The World Of Maiko And Geiko - How To Meet Them
Gion is the most famous geisha district in Japan. Here you can meet real geishas and maikos (geisha apprentices). Usually, they prepare, practice, or work inside the different buildings. However, if you are lucky, you can see them on the streets of Gion when they are going to work.
Geishas are a part of the Japanese culture and the artistry and detail in their appearance are breathtaking. Seeing them in real life is truly special.
Picture from Kyoto's Gion Area - A Walking Tour
It is forbidden to take pictures of maikos and geishas unless specifically allowed by them. Unfortunately, many visitors have broken these rules and Gion has now a very strict no photo policy in many areas. If you take any kind of photos in Gion, you might be fined, so it is best to leave the phone or camera in your bag during the visit. Just savor the moment.
Even if you don't meet any geishas in Gion, the district is lined with old buildings and traditional shops. It almost feels like traveling back in time.
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2. See the Nishijin Textile Center Kimono Show
Nishijin is Kyoto's traditional weaving district. The Nishijin Textile Center teaches the beauty of traditional weaving techniques through exhibitions, historical archives, and presentations.
A free kimono show is exhibited on the 3rd floor of the Nishijin Textile Center every hour. Every kimono presented in the show is woven in the original Nishijin technique.
As of 2020, the kimono show is held every day at 10:30, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00.
3. Visit the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts
Fureaikan is better known under its English name "Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts". It is an incredible place to learn about Kyoto's fascinating historical crafts.
Traditional lacquerware, textiles, woodworking, metalwork, and basketry are all featured in this museum. The entrance of the museum is free.
There are craft demos and workshops on offer. If you would like to join a workshop it costs a small fee, the demos are usually free to watch.
Please note that the museum is currently closed because of renovations until March 13, 2020.
4. Tour the Kyoto Imperial Palace
Photo by Pixta
Before the capital moved to Tokyo in 1868, the Kyoto Imperial Palace used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. It is surrounded by the beautiful Kyoto Imperial Park.
For a long time, only guided tours were available to explore the palace. However, in recent years the grounds were made available to be entered and explored for free.
If you want to enjoy a more in-depth experience it is still possible to sing up for a guided tour beforehand. The tours are available in multiple languages.
5. Explore the Famous Fushimi Inari Shrine
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is possibly the most famous shrine in Japan. It worships Inari, the god of rice and prosperity.
The shrine is located at the base of a mountain. The trail up the mountain is covered in over 10,000 gates and it includes many smaller shrines on the way. It takes approximately two hours to walk all the way up.
Besides walking through the famous gates, the hike also offers a breathtaking view over Kyoto. There are plenty of places to rest on your way to the top where you can just enjoy the view.
6. Take a Stroll in the Bamboo Grove of Arashiyama
Located in western Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a popular nature spot to visit. The main path is lined with full-grown bamboo stalks filtering the sunlight glistening through them and illuminating the area with a mystical glow.
Bamboo groves exist all over Japan but Arashiyama is amongst the most popular ones. It might get very crowded during the day, so it is advised to visit before the sun rises and visitors start to flood the area.
While the forest is located outside the center, it is easily accessed from Kyoto Station.
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7. Enjoy the Seasons on the Philosopher's Walk
Picture from The Philosopher's Walk In Kyoto - Enjoy It Every Season!
The Philosopher's Walk, or Tetsugaku no Michi, continues for about two kilometers along the Lake Biwa Canal. The path's name stems from Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most famous philosophers, who is said to have practiced meditation while walking it on his daily commute to Kyoto University.
Along the path are approximately 500 sakura trees as well as a variety of Japanese maple trees. This makes the area especially popular in spring and autumn. However, the Philosopher's Walk is popular well-visited no matter the season.
8. Savor the Flavors of Kyoto's Nishiki Market
Picture from Kyoto's Kitchen Nishiki Market - Top 10 Things To Try And Where To Go
Nishiki Market is also known as "Kyoto's Kitchen". It is Kyoto’s largest traditional food market.
If you search for inspiration, souvenirs or interesting snacks, Nishiki is the place to visit. Many vendors will let you sample food and beverages so it is easy to get an overall idea of the "taste of Kyoto".
Picture from Kyoto's Kitchen Nishiki Market - Top 10 Things To Try And Where To Go
You don't have to spend money at Nishiki Market but it would be a shame not to buy anything. Most of the shops offer snack-sized delights and many of the restaurants serve traditional food for a fair price.
9. Join Kyoto's Three Big Summer Festivals
Picture from Kyoto's Gion Matsuri - Highlights Of Japan's Greatest Festival
Kyoto hosts some of the most famous festivals in Japan. The Aoi Festival, Gion Festival, and Jidai Festival, in particular, are also known as the “three big Kyoto festivals”.
The Aoi Festival that takes place every year in May is the oldest of the three, dating back over 1,500 years.
The Gion Festival is the most famous amongst the three. It is said that the festival dates back over 1,000 years. The festivities last a whole month from the beginning until the end of July.
The Jidai Festival held every year on October 22. Dating back to the later half of the 19th century it is rather new compared to the others. A large part of the parade displays traditional costumes and equipment from the time Kyoto used to be the capital of Japan.
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10. Kyoto Station - Modern Architecture and Great Views
Visiting a station might not sound very exciting. However, Kyoto Station is very unique and definitely worth a visit.
Kyoto station is a surprisingly modern building for a city that prides itself on its historical value. It is fifteen stories high and offers a great view over Kyoto from the eleventh-floor skywalk. The fifteenth-floor even offers a sky garden with a fountain that is lid up in the evenings.
Besides these two free sights, there are many opportunities to eat, shop and explore in the modern building. If you change trains here, make sure to take some time to explore the station building before resuming your travels.
Free Time Travel in Kyoto
Hopefully, this article convinced you to give Kyoto a try even if you are on a limited budget. Visiting this historical town doesn't have to be expensive. There is so much to do and see for free while still making priceless memories.
Written by
Tokyo,Japan
I was born and raised in Berlin, Germany and am living in Tokyo, Japan since 2008. I am native in German and English.
I am a cat-mom to three rescue cats and I have a deep love for 90s rock music, kickboxing, history, chocolate and cookie dough, anything pistachio flavored, cats and bats, dragons and vampires and all things creepy-cute.
My favorite book author is Anne Rice. My favorite band is LUNA SEA.
My most recommended Japanese movie is 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence', featuring David Bowie and Ryuichi Sakamoto.
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