This article introduces spots in Kyoto that you can enjoy for free. They are perfect for large group trips as you can enjoy them without worrying about the cost. It is also useful when you have unplanned time or when your travel plans change, so please check it out.
*It is recommended to check the official website for the facility’s regular closing days and hours of operation before going!
To learn more about Kyoto, click here.
Kyoto Imperial Palace / Kyoto Gyoen National Garden (京都御所 / 京都御苑)
The Kyoto Imperial Palace, the residence of Japan’s emperors for more than 500 years, is an essential part of Japanese history, and has been open to the public year-round since 2016, with no application or entrance fee required.
The Kyoto Gyoen National Garden surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace are also a great place to stroll and enjoy the abundant greenery. The Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is so vast that just circling it is a good workout. You can see many people who live in the area enjoying daily strolls, jogging, and cycling around the garden
Official website: https://kyoto-gosho.kunaicho.go.jp/en
[Closed days] Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday)/New Year’s Holidays (December 28 to January 4) *Please see the official website for details.
[Access] 5 minutes on foot from Imadegawa Station on the Subway Karasuma Line
Bamboo Forest（竹林の小径）
One of the most popular walking spots in Arashiyama and Sagano is the bamboo grove path. Tens of thousands of bamboos grow along the 400-meter-long path, providing a typically Japanese landscape. It is also famous as a photo spot, but it is always crowded these days due to the increasing number of tourists. We recommend that you visit early in the morning if you want to take pictures of beautiful scenery.
For an even more special experience, a paid rickshaw ride is recommended. There is a small path dedicated to rickshaws, so you can enjoy the calm atmosphere and avoid the crowds for a stroll and photo shoot.
Official website: https://kyoto-gosho.kunaicho.go.jp/en
[Access] 10 min. walk from Arashiyama Station of Keifuku Railway
SKY WAY at Kyoto Station Building（京都駅ビル空中経路）
This 185-meter-long aerial corridor is located on the 10th floor of the Kyoto Station building. It connects the west and east sides of the Kyoto Station building and is a hidden spot with a spectacular view of the Kyoto cityscape. It is basically uncrowded, so it is recommended for those who want to take their time to admire the city view.
At night, you can enjoy the colorful aerial pathway. You can also see Kyoto Tower illuminated.
[Opening Hours] 10:00~22:00
[Access] Kyoto Station
Nishijin Textile Center（西陣織会館）
Nishijin textile is a traditional textile produced mainly in Kyoto. It is known as a high-class textile because it is made through many processes by craftsmen.
At the Nishijin Textile Center, visitors can easily experience the fascination of Nishijin textiles through exhibits explaining the history of Nishijin textiles and demonstrations by craftspeople. There are also hands-on courses such as wearing kimono and weaving by hand, which require a fee and reservations, so please be sure to check them out.
Official website: https://nishijin.or.jp/eng/
[Opening Hours] 10:00 – 16:00
[Closed days] Mondays / Year-end and New Year’s holidays: Dec. 29 – Jan. 3
[Access] 10 minutes on foot from Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Line
Nineizaka (二寧坂/二年坂)
Nineizaka is a street in front of Sanneizaka that leads to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The surrounding area is designated as a national Important Preservation District for Traditional Buildings, and the streets have a charming atmosphere.
With cafes and stores lining both sides of the cobblestone-paved street, this is a place where one can feel the Kyoto-like atmosphere just by walking around. Recently, a Starbucks Coffee shop, housed in a renovated machiya (a traditional Kyoto townhouse), opened on this street, attracting a lot of attention for the long lines of people waiting in line.
Official website: https://2nenzaka.ne.jp/en/
[Access] 15 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station
Kifune-jinja Shrine (貴船神社)
Kifune-jinja Shrine is the representative shrine of the Kibune area. Kifune-jinja Shrine , with its impressive vermilion lanterns lining the stone stairway to the shrine, is dedicated to the god of water. Surrounded by greenery, the shrine grounds are cooler than the city center even in summer, making it a popular spot for summer retreats.
The charm of this area is that you can enjoy a different atmosphere from that of the daytime when the lights are illuminated at night for a limited time. The lights are illuminated according to the season, such as Tanabata decorations in summer and autumn leaves in fall. Please check the official website for information on lighting periods and visiting hours.
[Opening hours] 6:00 – 18:00 (until 20:00 from May to November)
[Access] About 5 minutes walk from “Kibune” bus stop.
Otabe Main buildings（おたべ本館）
This store has a factory of “Otabe,” a famous confectionary in Kyoto. “Otabe” is a Japanese confectionery called nama-yatsuhashi, which is made by wrapping sweet bean paste in a moist dough. Nama-yatsuhashi and yatsuhashi are popular as souvenirs of Kyoto, and a variety of products are sold.
Visitors can take a free factory tour of the Otabe Main buildings, with no reservations required. You can observe the production process of Otabe and enjoy tasting the products. The store also sells limited-edition products only available here, which are recommended as souvenirs.
In addition, although there is a fee, you can make your own Otabe with your children. Reservations are recommended for those who want to be sure of participation. For details, please visit the official website.
Official website: https://www.otabe.kyoto.jp/
[Opening hours] 9:00~18:00 Open all year round
[Access] 10 minutes walk from Kintetsu Jujo Station
Yasaka-jinja Shrine (八坂神社)
Yasaka Shrine, also known as “Gion-san,” is the symbol of Gion and beloved by the people of Kyoto. From the west tower gate facing Shijo Dori, you can see the lively Gion shopping district.
In addition to the magnificent main hall, it is recommended to visit several other shrines on the grounds of the shrine, including Utsukushigozensha Shrine, which is said to be blessed with beauty, Okuninushisha Shrine, which enshrines Okuninushinokami, the dity of Izumo Taisha, famous for marriage, and ebisusya Shrine, which is blessed with prosperity for business.
Official website: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/en/
[Opening Hours] 24 hours a day
[Access] 5 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station on Keihan Railway / 8 minutes walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station on Hankyu Railway
The shrine is also the site of the Gion Festival, one of the three major festivals in Japan, which takes place over a month in July each year. The festival is extremely crowded with both domestic and international tourists, but for those who want to take their time to watch the festival, there are paid seats available.
Gion Festival official website: https://kyoto.travel/en/see-and-do/gion2024.html
