• Shijoo Bridge - Begin at the historic Shijo Bridge, a sentinel over Japan’s ancient capital since the Shogun era, and explore the transformation of bridges from simple footpaths to modern transport routes. Discover intriguing stories from the Gion District’s teahouses, including a renowned Winter revenge plot.
• Statue of Izumo no Okuni - Near the Kamo River, encounter the statue of Izumo no Okuni and learn about the sword-wielding woman who shocked society on the river’s outdoor stage.
• Minamiza: The Kabuki Theater of Kyoto - This tour offers a chance to mingle with the cultured patrons of the Minamiza Kabuki Theater as they gather for the latest show.
• Tatsumi Bridge - On this self-guided tour, cross the beautiful stone Tatsumi footbridge, adorned with sakura trees that bloom magnificently in the Spring.
• Shirakawa Lane - This tour takes you across the Shirakawa Canal, where you’ll uncover the history linked to the surrounding land.
• Kamo River - During this walking tour of Kyoto, stroll along the Kamo River and hear about the dramatic events that unfolded on its banks.
• Sanjō Ōhashi Bridge - On this self-guided tour, cross the Sanjo Bridge and search for the pylon marked by a sword fight from the final days of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
• Dainichinyorai - On this self-guided tour, quietly enter the Dainichinyorai graveyard, where many women of the Toyotomi clan were killed to prevent another male heir to the dynasty.
• Pontocho Kaburenjo - On this self-guided tour, tip your hat as Charlie Chaplin did when visiting the Pontocho Kaburenjo performance house in the 1930s.
• Pontocho Park - This self-guided audio tour concludes near Pontocho Park. As you pass by on your way to the tour’s endpoint, you’ll learn about its history.

• 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
• Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
• Food and drink
• Transportation

Japan’s ancient capital resonates with the presence of samurai, geisha, and kabuki performers who once graced these cobblestone streets centuries ago.

During this walking tour of Kyoto, participants will meander along the Kamo River, learning about the dramatic events that unfolded on its banks.

Commencing at the historic Shijo Bridge, a sentinel of Japan’s ancient capital since the Shogun era, participants will explore the transformation of bridges from simple footpaths to modern transport routes. Intriguing stories from the Gion District’s teahouses, including a renowned Winter revenge plot, will be shared.

As the tour progresses along the river and returns to the starting point, participants will trace the steps of pilgrims who journeyed from Edo (now Tokyo) to Kyoto, carrying rice crackers. The tour will also proceed along the renowned Shijo street towards Yasaka Jinga, marking the end of the pilgrims’ 12-day journey.

By the conclusion of this tour, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s rich history.

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