Best Free Things to Do in Kyoto

THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Kyoto

Best Free Things to Do in Kyoto

Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
Traveller rating
Neighbourhoods
Good for
192 results sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Showing results 1-30 of 192

What travellers are saying

  • craice
    Hockley, UK816 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What an amazing site to see.
    We’ve already been to a few shrines in Japan but will always be amazed to see this one. With so many gates leading to the summit of the mountain.
    Be prepared for a long walk up the hill. There are a few places to stop along the way to take some impressive photos.
    Once again you’ve really got to get here as early as you can if you want to get pictures without anyone in them as the crowds start to arrive very early or wait a while for people to move along.
    Well worth the visit.
    Written 11 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • craice
    Hockley, UK816 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice to have a stroll through the bamboo, we thought we’d got here early, 09:30, but the crowds were already starting to show.
    Difficult to get pictures without anyone in them as there was so many people coming here to have a look. Would recommend getting here as early as you can.
    Written 11 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CanuckJames
    Nishinomiya, Japan1,774 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is the heart of the entertainment district in Kyoto. You can't avoid this place. It is noisy, overcrowded, and expensive but a must-see.

    This is where Hankyu & Keihan railway networks start, the two major department stores are here, the core where tea houses and restaurants all congregate.
    Written 23 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • stuart w
    Airdrie, UK10,850 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lively part of town and plenty of choice for food, gifts and just about everything else. Busy tourist spot as well but you will find something for everyone. About 20 minutes walk from main station or take subway , 2 stops
    Written 5 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Journey54472466811
    Hawaii5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had the impression that the cultural assets were well protected. The cobblestone pavement is slippery when wet, so be careful on rainy days.
    Written 4 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pushkar Sinha
    New Delhi, India801 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It’s a picturesque walk along a canal. Fall leaves color is a delight to watch. You can sit and enjoy the serene beauty around.
    Written 17 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tony E
    Switzerland603 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So much of Japan is of cultural and historical significance that it was a refreshing change to visit a modern, bang-up-to-date site which is equally impressive. The station is gigantic, built in black and gray granite and topped by a glass canopy above the concourse. There is a huge shopping centre, lots of restaurants and a long, multi-level elevator. The glass tunnel above the concourse offers a dizzying view of the whole edifice.
    Written 4 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CanuckJames
    Nishinomiya, Japan1,774 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This smaller entertainment district runs parallel to the Kamo River, directly north of the bigger Gion district. A narrow road that used to house the red light district is now filled with tiny tea houses, bars of all types, izakayas, and other types of night entertainment. During the day, this area is pretty boring but after dark, it's worth a stroll.

    One notable place is Bee's Knees, one of Asia's best bars.

    Be aware that there are still a few places that operate 'the world's oldest profession' along this district.
    Written 23 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ZN9999
    Mollymook, Australia479 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the best gardens I have seen in Japan. We went in May and expected to see more spring flowers than we did. They were a little early this year. Some Irises were out.

    But the spring growth on all the trees was superb and the pines were tortured within an inch of their life. Very impression garden and also quite spacious.

    We took the english guided tour which was very informative. While we had to book a fews weeks/months on advance. The process for that was easy and the day we had was bright and sunny.

    Getting there was easy a 15-20m flat walk from the nearest rail station. The walk itself was also very interesting. Take a little longer than you need to enjoy that also.
    Written 1 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kendra B
    Boulder, CO445 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    You cannot go inside, the walking tour was interesting but this is something I would skip if limited for time in kyoto. Has small garden, walking around exterior ifs interesting, but it is far from most other things to do in kyoto
    Written 21 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 649001
    Springfield363 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    There is a nice stroll through bamboo forest. The forest is open 24 hours. It is free. Tenryu-ji temple and Monkey Park are nearby.
    Allow at least 1 hour.
    Written 20 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CanuckJames
    Nishinomiya, Japan1,774 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I don't get it! Compared to all the other shrines and temples in Kyoto, this place is underwhelming but it is still a must go if you are going to Kyoto.

    It is convienently located, a short walk from the Gion district. This is an active religious site so be careful to show respect to the worshippers. Just north of the temple, there is a huge open park.

    I hate the commercialism inside the temple, with all the food carts pushing their wares.

    As for the shrine and the other outbuildings, they are unique but the same as other shrines.

    Go once to say you were there but don't lose sleep if you miss it.
    Written 15 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Fani A
    Tsukuba, Japan167 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Every time I visit Kyoto, I always visit here.
    Kifune shrine has super nice atmosphere because it is located in the mountainous with many greenery, close to the river and I love the whole atmosphere.
    Many cute cafes too.

    near this shrine there is a Kifune Cosmetic which it has many local perfumes and smells so good!. They also serve cafe latte, and some teas.

    This is a place where i want to walk slowly, take some photographs in a quiet places, sit and enjoy the nature and traditional architecture.
    Written 9 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • rudy_setiawan
    Batam Center, Indonesia332 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We saw this temple when we took can on the way to Ninja & Samurai museum, it looks very grand from outside and not crowded so we decided to visit the temple once we are done with the museum. It is quite near to the JR kyoto station therefore can walk easily from there. The temple consist of few buildings and it has very nice surrounding especially if you visit during spring time. Our visit is in February so its Winter but still feel very nice. It is not crowded so you can relaxly walk around.
    Recommended for those who has limited time in Kyoto and want to see temple near to the station.
    Written 7 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LolaGo1
    Washington DC, DC6,618 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    On my first day in Kyoto, I walked to the Kyoto Station to catch the buses for the attractions I was visiting. On my way back to the hotel, I got lost and came accross this attraction. There is a small red Shrine on the right side of street, before crossing the bridge.

    Down by river, I noted some people having picnic. The weather was perfect, with some breeze. Took some pictures here and proceede with my walk around here.
    Written 27 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
All Kyoto HotelsKyoto Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Kyoto
All things to do in Kyoto
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday homesTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire