Kyoto is a popular tourist destination, but Japan often gets a reputation as being expensive – so is it hard to budget? One of the simple solutions to the budget problem is to sprinkle your itinerary with some free sightseeing spots!
So here are 10 places in Kyoto where you can do just that, and experience some history and tradition along the way.
1. Imadegawa: Rich Nature and Historic Buildings at the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
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Kyoto Gyoen is the location where the Emperor resided for over a thousand years after the Heian period. It is a vast national park spanning 0.7km from east to west and 1.3km north to south.
In addition to historic buildings, such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Kyoto State Guest House, there are also many restaurants, souvenir shops, and areas where you can take a break for free.
In the spring, you can enjoy the plum and cherry blossoms. It is also a famous spot for the major festivals of Kyoto, including the Aoi Matsuri and the Jidai Matsuri.
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
3, Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Imadegawa
2. Kitaoji: Walk Along the Nature-Rich River Path, Kamogawa Nakaragi Path
The Kamogawa Nakaragi Path is a promenade along the Kamo River that runs from Kitaoji Dori to Kitayama Dori. It’s a comfortable walking path where you can enjoy the lush greenery and babbling river near the Kyoto Botanical Garden. There are about 70 weeping cherry trees are planted along the road, and you can enjoy walking through a beautiful cherry blossom tunnel in the spring.
Nakaragi Road
Shimogamohangicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Kitaoji
3. Arashiyama: Soak in the Kyoto Atmosphere at Bamboo Forest Road
The Bamboo Forest Road is located a short walk north of the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, a famous spot in Arashiyama. It is a popular attraction for many who visit Arashiyama. Take in the beautiful, photogenic scenery as you are surrounded by the deep green nature.
This place does get crowded with tourists during the day, so if you want to spend your time more peacefully, we recommend visiting in the morning. The Bamboo Forest is also beautifully illuminated during the Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatoro Festival, held in December every year.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Saga Ogurayama Tabuchiyama Town, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Torokkoarashiyama
075-213-1717
4. Higashiyama: Ninenzaka, A Historical and Scenic Road
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Ninenzaka is the name of the road leading through Sanneizaka to Kiyomizu-dera. The surrounding area is designated as a National Preservation District for Important Traditional Buildings, and its stone-paved streets are lined with beautiful structures.
It is a lively place with souvenir shops and cafes. You will also find plenty of unique Japanese goods, including silk crafts and kanzashi hair accessories. It's a place you can enjoy, even just by walking around.
Ninen-zaka
3, Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Gionshijo
5. Imadegawa: Enjoy a Gorgeous Kimono Show at Nishijin Textile Center
At the Nishijin Textile Center, you can see all kinds of exhibits about Nishijin silks and fabrics, a traditional craft of Kyoto. In addition to hand-weaving demonstrations by traditional craftsmen…
