Kamo River’s Timeless Tales: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Kyoto

Duration1h 15m - 1h 30m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

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

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Food and drink
Transportation

What to expect

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.
Statue of Izumo no Okuni
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.
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.
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.
Pass by

On this tour you'll cross over the Shirakawa Canal and hear about the history tied to the land around it.
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.
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.
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.
Pontocho Kaburenjo
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.
Pontocho Park
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.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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.

End point

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.

Additional information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.