Free things to do in kyoto
Kyoto is an awesome place to visit, packed with history and cool stuff to see, but it can also be easy to spend a lot of money there. Here are some free things you can do in Kyoto to save money for the other experiences Japan has to offer.
Here is our list of free things to do in Kyoto:
Early hike up Fushimi Inari-Taisha
This shrine with thousands of orange gates is a very instagrammable place, but it gets crowded. To avoid the crowds, aim to get there before 7 am. The crowds start to pick up around 8 am, and by 9 am it can be quite busy. The hike itself takes about 2-3 hours to complete if you walk the entire loop, but you can turn around at any point. Even just walking through the first few gates at sunrise is a magical experience.
Walk the Philosopher's Path
This scenic canal path is especially beautiful in fall foliage, with the best viewing typically in mid-November. The path is about 2 kilometers long (1.2 miles), and it takes a leisurely hour or so to walk the whole thing. You can also rent a rickshaw if you'd rather sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Sample the yummy food at Nishiki Market
While some may argue that the market itself is not free at all and it is becoming a tourist trap. You can still enjoy walking around, take some pictures, grab some lunch ideas.
This market is nicknamed "Kyoto's Kitchen" for a reason. It has tons of restaurants and shops where you can sample some local specialties for free (think pickles, tea, and fish). Just go in the morning to score the most free samples.
Learn about crafts at the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts
This free museum is one of our favourite of free things to do in Kyoto. It opens from 10AM to 6PM and is a great place to see how cool Japanese crafts and how the wood carving and fan making happens. If you go on a weekend you might be able to catch some demostrations.
Spot a geisha in Gion District.
Geisha are the Kyoto version of entertainers, you can see them in their kimonos in the Gion district. Head there around sunset when the lanterns are lit for the best chance of seeing one. Be respectful, avoid taking photos without permission.
Hanami party under the cherry blossoms
During spring, celebrate with the locals by having a picnic under the beautiful cherry blossoms in Maruyama Park. Chilling under the cherry blossoms is free and enjoyable, but you can also spend in some cheap eats from a convenience store and enjoy the scenery.
Chill by the Kamo River
This is a great spot in general, to just rest from moving around all day or to escape for a few minutes from the summer heat. Sunsets here are amazing.
Yasaka Shrine at night
This glowing shrine looks extra magical after dark. If you're there in July, you might even catch the Gion Matsuri festival with its giant parade floats.
Feel like a samurai surrounded by bamboo in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
This is a very famous place and it is a must-see, but it gets crowded. As always go super early to avoid the crowds and get some nice pictures. Experience the peaceful sound of the wind in the bamboo. Afterwards, take a walk along the Katsura River for more nature vibes.
Free picnic in the Imperial Palace ground
You can't go inside the buildings, but the park surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace is a perfect spot for a relaxing picnic. Bring your favourite snacks and enjoy the surroundings!
Explore the Higashiyama district
This historic area at the foot of the mountains has beautiful shrines, temples, and traditional wooden houses. Don't miss the famous Yasaka and Sannenzaka stairs.
Hike from Takao to Hozukyo:
This scenic path along the river is a great way to stretch your legs and see some nature. You can even make it a day trip and hike all the way to Kuya-no-Taki waterfall.
Free Shrines to visit while in Kyoto
Shimogamo-jinja shrine
This ancient shrine is said to be so sacred that any lies will be revealed. Go ahead and enjoy it.
Kamigamo-jinja shrine
Yet another cute shinto shrine with interesting sand pyramids in front. These are believed to be a purifying spot.
