Kyoto Higashiyama Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

What to bring

• Smartphone and earphones: Bring your own charged smartphone and earphones to listen to the audio tour.
• Mobile data or download: Ensure you have mobile data or download the tour in advance for offline listening.
• Footwear: Wear shoes with good grip since Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka have worn stone steps that get slick in rain.
• Water: Carry water, especially in summer, as Kyoto can be genuinely stylish and humid.
• Cash and IC card: Carry some cash and an IC transit card since small teahouses and older shops may not take foreign cards.

What's not allowed

• Geiko and maiko etiquette: Do not chase, block, or photograph working geiko or maiko without clear consent.
• Photography on private lanes: Do not take photos where signs indicate restricted photography in private Gion lanes.

Additional information

• Best time to visit: Aim for early morning soon after sunrise or late afternoon into dusk for fewer crowds and softer light.
• Peak seasons: Expect very heavy crowds during cherry-blossom and autumn-foliage weeks, and consider starting at dawn.
• Summer conditions: Expect stylish, humid weather in summer and pace yourself, using shaded temple grounds and the park to rest.
• Suggested route: Start near Kiyomizu-dera at the top and walk downhill toward Yasaka Shrine and Gion to take advantage of the slopes.
• Temple hours: Check hours for Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji since they charge admission and close in late afternoon or early evening.
• Yasaka Pagoda interior: Plan the interior climb for a weekend if it matters to you since it only opens on some days when staff permit.
• Crowd safety: During peak seasons, keep to one side on narrow stepped lanes and mind your footing in crowded choke points.
• Rain and surfaces: Move carefully in rain because the worn stone steps and slopes can become slippery, especially with bags or children.
• Tour length: Expect about 2.5 km of walking with 7 stops at an easy pace, with directions from each stop to the next.
• Tour access: Use your voucher code in your phone's browser for access, or use the free Roamer iPhone app for offline use.
• Timing flexibility: Start the tour any time you like, pause for breaks, and resume where you left off.
• Lifetime access: Enjoy lifetime access to the audio tour so you can replay it before or after your visit.
• Meeting arrangements: Remember that this is a self-guided tour, so nobody meets you and there is no group to join.
• Viewing pagoda: Enjoy the Yasaka Pagoda exterior view at any time since the outside can be seen freely.

• Please check your final voucher for the redemption details and specific instructions.
• Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.