Kyoto Walking Tour

In the heart of Kyoto lies the vibrant Sanjo Bridge area, bustling with rich history, restaurants, and shops. This district is conveniently located near Pontocho, one of Kyoto’s renowned geisha quarters. Take a leisurely stroll through its alleys to immerse yourself in the timeless allure of traditional Kyoto and gain insight into the captivating world of geisha culture and history.

The Shijo Bridge area is a well-known and bustling district of Kyoto, situated south of the Sanjo Bridge. Here, we’ll stroll across the Shijo Bridge, a beloved meeting spot for locals, delve into the history of Kabuki theater and its founders, and discover century-old restaurants rich with heritage.

Geisha district Gion is Kyoto’s largest and most vivid geisha district. Its history dated to the Middle Ages when restaurants and tea houses for pilgrims began to open around Yasaka Shrine. The picturesque streets of the district are filled with traditional houses with wooden facades, running rickshaws, geisha, and their apprentices (maiko), who still live in Gion and entertain guests every night with their dancing, talking, and table games.

Kennin-ji Temple is the oldest Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, built in 1202 by the founder of the Rinzai School, Monk Eisai. Located in the south of Geisha District Gion, the complex occupies a vast area and is an example of a classic Zen Buddhist temple. The dry gardens surround the main hall. There is also a tea ceremony garden and a small tea house. Prominent artists painted the sliding doors fusuma. You can move from the main hall to the Dharma Hall, where the ceiling is decorated with a breathtaking picture of two dragons. It was the temple’s 800th anniversary present.

The Yasaka Pagoda, also known as Hokan-ji Temple, is a five-story pagoda located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama District. It is a timeless symbol of the city, steeped in cultural significance. Built centuries ago, it remains a cherished landmark, attracting visitors with its graceful architecture and tranquil ambiance.

According to the legend, Yasaka-jinja Shrine was founded in 656 (almost a century and a half before Kyoto) and has long been loved by the citizens. When epidemics ravaged the country in 869, the emperor ordered a grand procession to the temple, and the deity Gozu Tenno stopped the disease. It was the beginning of Japan’s oldest and most colorful festival, Gion Matsuri. In Yasaka-jinja, you can pray to deities of family, beauty, and wealth and stroll through Maruyama Park to enjoy live music and see the rickshaws running around.