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Offered languages
- English
- English
Japan’s ancient capital echoes with the footsteps of the samurai, geisha, and kabuki performers who walked these cobblestone streets centuries ago.
On this walking tour of Kyoto, you’ll stroll along the Kamo River to hear about the heart-stopping events that happened on its shores.
Starting at the historic Shijo Bridge, which has watched over Japan’s ancient capital since the Shogun era, you’ll discover how bridges evolved from footpaths to modern transport routes. You’ll hear tales of intrigue from the Gion District’s teahouses, including a famous Winter revenge plot.
As you make your way along the river and back towards the tour’s starting point, you’ll follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who walked from Edo (now Tokyo) to Kyoto, bringing rice crackers with them. You’ll also walk along the famous Shijo street toward Yasaka Jinga, where the pilgrims would end their 12-day journey.
By the end of this tour, you’ll have enriched your knowledge of Kyoto’s history.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at Shijoo Bridge in Kyoto. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
Starting at the historic Shijo Bridge, which has watched over Japan’s ancient capital since the Shogun era, you’ll discover how bridges evolved from footpaths to modern transport routes. You’ll hear tales of intrigue from the Gion District’s teahouses, including a famous Winter revenge plot.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Next to the Kamo River, you'll pass by the statue of Izumo no Okuni and hear about the sword-wielding woman who scandalized society on the river’s outdoor stage.
Admission ticket free -
Minamiza Theater (Pass by)
On this tour, you'll have an opportunity to rub shoulders with the cultured patrons of the Minamiza Kabuki Theater as they gather for the latest performance.
Admission ticket free -
Tatsumi Bridge (Pass by)
On this self-guided tour, you’ll step across the exquisite stone Tatsumi footbridge, lined with sakura trees that gloriously blossom in the Spring.
Admission ticket free -
Shirakawa Canal (Pass by)
On this tour you'll cross over the Shirakawa Canal and hear about the history tied to the land around it.
Admission ticket free -
Kamo River (Pass by)
On this walking tour of Kyoto, you’ll stroll along the Kamo River to hear about the heart-stopping events that happened on its shores.
Admission ticket free -
Sanjō Ōhashi Bridge (Pass by)
On this self-guided tour, you'll have a chance to cross the Sanjo Bridge and search for the pylon that bears traces of a sword fight in the waning days of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
On this self-guided tour, you'll have a chance to silently step into the Dainichinyorai graveyard where dozens of women of the Toyotomi clan were murdered so that another male claimant to the dynasty wouldn’t be produced.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
On this self-guided tour, you'll have a chance to tip your hat as Charlie Chaplin did when he visited the Pontocho Kaburenjo performance house in the 1930s.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This self-guided audio tour ends close to the Pontocho Park. You'll pass the park on your way to the tour's end point and as you do, you'll hear its history.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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