Like this post? Help us by sharing it!
Call me cheap, but I’m currently planning a long awaited holiday to New York and have been googling free things to do in the Big Apple. Which got me thinking… we all know Japan has a widespread reputation for being expensive. But in reality there is so much to see and do that won’t cost you much or often anything at all. That’s why I’m introducing…
The Big List of Stuff to Do for Free in Kyoto!
I lived there for two years, so I should know 🙂
By the way, I am not going to include any free stuff that you can only get if you buy something else. Such as free drinks if you buy a really expensive meal. Or a free tea ceremony if you have already paid the entrance fee into the garden. Those kind of “free” lists really annoy me…
1. Take in some Temples and Shrines
There are many stunning temples and shrines that do not cost a penny to look around. The sister shrines of Shimogamo and Kamigamo are two of my favourites, as is Fushimi Inari. Thousands and thousands of red shrine gates line up in tunnels across the mountain at Fushimi Inari. This temple never seems to be busy, so you’ll often have the place to yourself.
2. Get a Volunteer Guide
Kyoto is a big city and sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. Or you’ve seen pictures of certain temples, but you’re looking at the map and can’t work out where they might be hiding. A local guide is an invaluable resource if you only have a short time in Kyoto. Best of all, there are lots of volunteer guides in Kyoto who offer their services for free! Have a look at the list of contacts on the Japan National Tourist Organisation website.
3. Forget Kyoto Tower
I hate Kyoto Tower, which is a long rant that I will have another time. Anyway, save yourself from this expensive, tacky tourist trap, and climb to the top of Kyoto Station instead. The architecture is so much more impressive and the free skywalk gives you a great panorama inside the station and across the city. Plus on the west side of the station, you’ll find the ‘happy terrace’. Enough said.
4. Learn some Nihongo
If you’d like a crash course in Japanese, check out ‘Klexon’ (Kyoto Language EXchange salON). This non-profit organisation runs free language exchange meetings on Tuesday nights. If you happen to be in Kyoto then, why not drop in? Beginners are very welcome and you’ll be paired up with a Kyotoite who can teach you the basics.
5. Party with the Locals
Kyoto bars are small, often with room for just four or five customers. Which is why in summer time huge crowds of Kyoto youngsters gather by the Kamo River at Sanjo bridge. Without paying a single yen, hear local bands play, watch fire dancers perform and mingle with the locals.
Parts two and three coming soon!