Free Tour of Kyoto
The Kamogawa river, Gion, Chion-in and the Higashiyama hills
Reserve your free spotQuick answer
Yes, it is free: no ticket, you tip the guide at the end. Free Tour of Kyoto meets at Sanjo Station, lasts about 2h30 and is guided in English; rated 9.4/10 from 190 reviews on Civitatis.
Start times vary by date and are confirmed when you book.
A walk of around two and a half hours with an English-speaking guide through the old centre of Kyoto. It starts at Sanjo Station, follows the Kamogawa river while the guide covers the city's years as capital, then crosses Gion with its Machi-ya wooden houses. It continues to Chion-in Temple and the Hisashi-yama area, with stories of emperors and shoguns, and ends in front of the Yasaka Pagoda.
Tour highlights
- Sanjo Station
- Kamogawa river
- Gion
- Machi-ya wooden houses
- Chion-in Temple
- Yasaka Pagoda
Good to know before you go
- Meeting point is Sanjo Station, exit 6. Be punctual.
- Groups are capped at 6 people, even across separate bookings.
- The order of stops can change. Not wheelchair accessible.
Meeting point
After the tour
This tour is free — there's no charge to join. At the end, tip your guide whatever you feel the experience was worth. 100% of tips go directly to them.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Free Tour of Kyoto really free?
Yes — there is no ticket and no upfront cost. You reserve a free spot, join the tour, and at the end tip your guide whatever you feel it was worth. Most travelers tip the equivalent of €10–20 per person, but the amount is entirely up to you.
Where does the Free Tour of Kyoto start?
The tour meets at Sanjo Station (Sanjo Station). The exact meeting point and how to spot your guide are confirmed in your Civitatis booking.
How long is the tour, and what languages is it in?
It lasts around 2h30 and is guided in English. One booking covers up to 6 people; larger parties need a private tour. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
